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In an extraordinary twist of fate that captures the imagination of social media users worldwide, a 46-year-old former forklift driver from Wuhan has become an internet sensation due to his striking resemblance to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Mr. Liu, as he is known, first gained attention in August 2023 when a friend pointed out his uncanny similarity to the Ukrainian leader. The resemblance is remarkable - from their facial features and beard style to their height and even age. Videos of Liu, often wearing a black T-shirt with "Made in China" printed on it, have gone viral across Chinese social media platforms, earning him the nickname "Forklift Zelenskyy" and attracting over 30,000 followers.
"I had no idea I looked like Zelenskyy until a classmate mentioned it," Liu told reporters with a gentle smile. "I've checked my family history - there's definitely no blood relation. It's purely coincidental." The similarity is so striking that some netizens jokingly suggest they might be "long-lost twins" or versions of each other from "parallel universes."
Rather than simply capitalizing on his newfound fame, Liu has chosen to use his platform meaningfully. While he initially grew his beard to match Zelenskyy's appearance and created humorous content playing on their similarity, he has since expanded his content to showcase his hometown of Wuhan's culture and history. "I want more people to understand our hero city," he explained.
A man of diverse interests, Liu has traveled extensively across Europe, Asia, and Africa. He speaks some English and French and is currently teaching himself Russian and Ukrainian. Having left his forklift driving career behind, he is now an entrepreneur in the automotive and creative exhibition industries.
The phenomenon has sparked discussions about genetic coincidences and identity in the digital age. Netizens' comments range from playful - "Has Zelenskyy taken up food delivery as a side job?" - to thoughtful reflections on the nature of viral fame and authentic self-expression.
Liu maintains a grounded perspective despite his sudden fame. "Many people follow me because I look like Zelenskyy, but I want to be known for who I am - just an ordinary Chinese person," he said during a livestream. His videos now feature local street food tours, cultural insights, and glimpses into his entrepreneurial journey, earning him genuine appreciation from followers who initially came for the resemblance but stayed for his authentic content.
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