Zhang Zhehan from ‘Word of Honor’ Faced Cyberbullying in August! Directs a Documentary to Share His Thoughts

The singer-songwriter Zhang Zhehan, who won both the “Most Popular New Artist” award at the 2024 Hito Music Awards and was named one of the “Top 100 Artists of the Year” at the KKBOX Music Awards, released his new English single “90s” on the 5th. The song, a retro-themed electronic dance track, takes listeners on a nostalgic journey. “I want to invite my fans to enjoy a free and romantic trip through time with me!” he shared. At the same time, Zhang continues to rack up honors, as the documentary he personally directed, August, achieved dual recognition. It not only won the “ARFF International Film Festival Amsterdam Global Award” but also the Best Screenplay Award at the Red Movie Awards 2024 Summer Edition. Zhang expressed his surprise and pride at the news, saying he feels deeply honored. Through the lens of August, he faithfully documented his cycling journey in Tibet, accompanied by heartfelt narration, making it an emotional piece.

Riding the wave of his immense popularity, Zhang Zhehan’s new English single “90s” offers a fresh vibe with its retro electronic beats, setting a unique tone from the very first note. The inspiration behind the song comes from reflecting on the passage of time. Zhang shared emotionally, “Growing up is a one-way street. The past can’t be reversed or relived, but beautiful music can capture every moment and make it last forever, letting listeners feel the beauty the creator intended to share.

In the early stages of producing the song, Zhang Zhehan wasn’t entirely satisfied with his first recording. He initially thought that fast-paced songs would be easier to manage compared to slow songs, where subtle vocal details are more exposed. However, when it came time to record, he realized the challenge was much greater than anticipated. The real test was how to seamlessly blend the atmosphere and rhythm of the song with his voice, which turned out to be the most important aspect of “90s”. After some reflection and thoughtful consideration, he fully immersed himself in the process, and it was only by incorporating his understanding and expression that he could finally complete this new track.

Moreover, the theme of “time” runs throughout the song, and Zhang Zhehan’s journey—from starting as an actor to becoming a singer-songwriter, and now a director who tells stories through film—has shaped him into a more refined version of himself. Each step along the way has been a source of growth, allowing fans who admire Zhang Zhehan to see more dimensions of his talent.

Zhang Zhehan, who has traveled through many lands and experienced a rich life journey, has achieved significant success over the past few years. His documentary “August” won the Best Screenplay Award at the Red Movie Awards 2024 Summer Edition and the Global Award at the ARFF International Film Festival Amsterdam, providing him with immense encouragement. “August” chronicles Zhang’s self-healing journey after he faced an online storm in August 2021, which turned his acting career upside down. When the stage and limelights faded, and his career and life were shattered by false information and malicious distortions online, Zhang chose to embark on a new journey toward the real world in August two years later, in a way he truly loves.

On his cycling journey from Shangri-La to Lhasa, he encountered snow-capped mountains and glaciers, met lush greenery and livestock, and came across many ordinary yet moving faces. He listened to the voices of nature, the stories of strangers, and also to the pain and love within his own heart.

A graduate of the Shanghai Theatre Academy’s Acting program, the talented Zhang Zhehan wears many hats as a musician, singer-songwriter, actor, and director, making him a versatile artist. Over the past two years, he has traveled throughout Asia, connecting with many overseas fans. He held personal concerts in Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur, and this year, during the Lunar New Year, he celebrated the holiday with 15,000 fans at his “Primordial Theater” concert in Hong Kong! With a packed and fulfilling schedule, he recently announced that he will be heading to Korea for the “Primordial Theater 2.0” tour on November 16, where he will meet even more overseas fans.