The Battle for ‘Taiwan’s Top Model’ Begins After Lin Chi-ling Steps Away? Which of These Contenders Will Take the Crown: Abby Fung, Kelly Chen, Wang Ziyun, or Zhou Weitong?

Lately, have you felt like the entertainment scene has been a little quiet? Especially regarding the title of “Taiwan’s Top Model”. Ever since our beloved sister Lin Chi-ling announced she was stepping away to focus on her family, it seems like no one has dared to claim the throne. But honestly, can the scene be without a leading figure? This quiet battle for the next top model successor has actually been brewing beneath the surface for a while. As a gossip-loving friend who’s always shuttling between the two sides of the strait, I’ve been hearing plenty of chatter about who’s got the best chance to pick up the baton.

When you talk about “Little Lin Chi-ling”, the first person that comes to mind is definitely Abby Fung. This sweetheart of Taiwan, when she first debuted, was hailed as the “Little Lin Chi-ling” because of her uncanny resemblance in looks and voice, and she was incredibly popular. But honestly, Abby Fung’s path over the years doesn’t seem to be aimed at becoming a supermodel queen. She’s become much lower-key after getting married. Although she looks fantastic, compared to her peak years, she seems more like a happy wife now. I doubt she’d want to take on the hefty crown of “Top Model”, it’s probably a hot potato she’d rather pass on.

Another name that often comes up is Jimmy Lin’s wife, Kelly Chen. Kelly herself has a background in modelling, and after marrying into the Lin family, her style and aura have become increasingly impressive. She definitely has the potential and the presence. But the thing is, she’s already “Mrs. Lin” and a mother of three boys, with her life clearly centred around her family. We often see her sharing snippets of her daily life with her kids or accompanying her husband at races. She looks stunning, but there’s less of that “industry” vibe. Would she come out of her shell to compete for this title? I reckon she’d just smile and continue being the stylish wife she is.

Recently, one name that’s been getting a lot of buzz in both China and Taiwan is Wang Ziyun. She might be less familiar to Hong Kong audiences, but she’s quite established in the Taiwanese modelling world. She’s not just pretty; her physique is incredibly well-maintained. The professionalism and confidence she brings to the runway are very typical of a “hardworking” top model. Her style isn’t about being sweet; it’s about a “high-end feel” and “versatility”. If we’re talking pure ability, she’s definitely the dark horse, the type who quietly works hard and is just waiting for the right opportunity to break out.

Then there’s Zhou Weitong. Although she’s been focusing on her career in China in recent years, her name hasn’t disappeared from forums in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Known as “China’s version of Lin Chi-ling”, Zhou Weitong’s credentials are undeniable. In terms of height, looks, and her ability to generate buzz, she’s top-tier. However, her style leans more towards being sexy and bold, which is a bit different from Lin Chi-ling’s elegant, intelligent, and flawless goddess image. Using her as a successor might attract a different audience, but to achieve the status of a national sweetheart, it still feels like something’s missing.

After all that, let’s quickly summarise the pros and cons of these contenders:

• Abby Fung: Pro – Carries the strongest “Little Lin Chi-ling” halo. Con – Has semi-retired after marriage, her ambitions lie elsewhere.
• Kelly Chen: Pro – Possesses top-tier elegance and connections. Con – Family commitments are a priority, no real need to seek more fame.
• Wang Ziyun: Pro – Has the strongest foundation as a professional model with solid skills. Con – Her current recognition isn’t yet at the “national” level.
• Zhou Weitong: Pro – High buzz factor, incredible physique and daring attitude. Con – Her style is a bit too one-dimensional, making it hard to appeal to everyone.

So, at the end of the day, the “Taiwan’s Top Model” title might not be that no one is qualified, but rather, we might be heading into a situation where there’s “no one” for it. What made Lin Chi-ling special was that she turned the title into a cultural symbol. She wasn’t just a runway model; she was a host, an actress, and a philanthropist. Her approachability and high emotional intelligence are the hardest parts to replicate.

I actually think the ultimate winner of this “battle” might not be any of the above, but rather the entertainment industry as a whole. Instead of waiting for someone to perfectly copy Lin Chi-ling 2.0, perhaps we should see who can create their own era. For instance, if Wang Ziyun focuses on the international fashion stage, or Abby Fung makes a surprise comeback in a hit drama, or even Kelly Chen breaks the mould and becomes a designer – these are all new possibilities. The definition of a “top model” might just be rewritten by them.

So, dear readers, who is your pick for the “next top model”? Is it Abby Fung’s sweetness, Kelly Chen’s elegance, Wang Ziyun’s professionalism, or Zhou Weitong’s boldness? Or maybe, we don’t actually need the next Lin Chi-ling, because the legacy she’s left behind is already enough for us to cherish for a very, very long time.