Citing Sinchew, Znews reported that the images emerged while Zhao was still undergoing treatment and recovering from a health decline. The photos prompted mixed reactions online, some criticized her choice of footwear as inappropriate, while others supported the actress.

“She does not take good care of herself, yet she’s always a hot topic,” a social media user commented.

“Get well soon, looking forward to her new movie,” another user expressed.

“Walk more to strengthen your legs,” another advised.

In Dec. 2024, footage of Zhao being wheeled into a hospital circulated widely. Her team subsequently announced that she had been dealing with health issues before her hospitalization and had paused all work- activities to focus on her recovery.

Zhao admitted to suffering from depression, with symptoms beginning years earlier. She had initially ignored her psychological problems, considering herself weak, influenced by comments from others warning her not to “overdo it.”

The actress made her first public appearance since her hospitalization in late January at an event in Chengdu, China.

Zhao, 28, started her acting career in 2017 and has become famous through roles in popular drama series such as “The Romance of Tiger and Rose,” “Dating in the Kitchen,” “Love Better Than Immortality,” “Love Like the Galaxy,” and “Hidden Love.”