Meet the Actor Behind Asher King in the Vertical Drama ‘If Loving You Is a Sin, Then I’ll Go to Hell’

Ben Armstrong’s portrayal of Asher King in “If Loving You Is a Sin, Then I’ll Go to Hell” brings raw emotion and intensity to a drama that’s redefining digital storytelling.

The vertical drama “If Loving You Is a Sin, Then I’ll Go to Hell” has taken the internet by storm, drawing millions of viewers into its world of passion, danger, and redemption. At the heart of this digital phenomenon is Asher King — a conflicted yet magnetic character who has become a favorite among fans. But behind Asher’s intensity and charm stands a rising star: Ben Armstrong, whose performance has helped propel this drama to viral success.

Asher King: The Red Snakes’ Devoted and Doomed Lover

In “If Loving You Is a Sin, Then I’ll Go to Hell,” Asher is a member of the Red Snakes, a notorious gang feared by law enforcement for their reckless behavior and violent tendencies. Recognized by their red scarves adorned with white asymmetrical dots, the Red Snakes operate by a strict code of loyalty and secrecy — a symbol of the unbreakable brotherhood that binds them.

Asher joins the gang alongside his brother Jax, and later, Claudia, one of the story’s antagonists and a notorious bully, becomes part of the group. 

Their camaraderie, however, comes with a price: the gang’s oath forbids members from forming romantic relationships with outsiders. This rule becomes a central source of conflict when Asher falls in love with Ellie Jones, the daughter of Pastor Jones, a man determined to keep his daughter away from what he calls “the Red Snake devil.”

A Forbidden Love That Defies the Rules

The romance between Asher and Ellie forms the emotional backbone of “If Loving You Is a Sin, Then I’ll Go to Hell.” Despite the risks, Asher’s devotion to Ellie pushes him to challenge the gang’s sacred code. When he gifts her a red scarf — the very emblem of the Red Snakes — it becomes a bold declaration of love and defiance.

However, the gesture doesn’t go unnoticed. Pastor Jones recognizes the scarf and its dark association with the gang, setting off a chain of events that threaten to tear the young lovers apart. Asher must now tread carefully; he knows Pastor Jones wields both social and spiritual authority, and his disapproval could destroy everything Asher has built.

Despite the dangers, Asher’s love remains unwavering. His character arc mirrors a struggle for redemption — a young man torn between the loyalty he owes his gang and the love that promises him a second chance at happiness. 

By the end, Asher and Ellie’s story culminates in a hopeful vision of marriage and family, underscoring the drama’s theme: love, no matter how forbidden, can still lead to salvation.

Ben Armstrong: The Rising Star Behind Asher King

Ben Armstrong, who brings Asher King to life, is fast becoming one of the standout names in the world of vertical dramas. Born on November 24, 2001, in Kirkland, Washington, USA, Armstrong has steadily built his career through emotionally resonant roles that connect with audiences across digital platforms.

In “If Loving You Is a Sin, Then I’ll Go to Hell,” Armstrong’s portrayal of Asher captures both the rebellious charisma and emotional vulnerability of the character. His charming smile and expressive eyes have become trademarks that fans adore, but it’s his ability to embody complex emotions that truly makes his performance memorable.

This project marks Armstrong’s first appearance in a vertical drama. Fans can also watch him on “Fake Dating My Rich Nemesis,” “A Girl’s Guide to Queen Bee Takedown,” and “The Long Lost Heiress In The House.” He’s also starred in the short films “Operation Hope” (2024) and “The Clubhouse” (2024). 

His role in “If Loving You Is a Sin, Then I’ll Go to Hell” demonstrates not just his versatility, but also his skill in building genuine on-screen chemistry — especially with Hannah Lowery, who plays Ellie Jones. Together, the pair bring the story’s central romance to life, balancing the show’s moments of tension and tenderness with effortless connection.

Vertical Dramas: The “TV for the TikTok Generation”

The rise of “If Loving You Is a Sin, Then I’ll Go to Hell” can’t be separated from the growing popularity of vertical dramas, a format that’s revolutionizing how audiences consume entertainment. Originally emerging from China, this new storytelling style — often described as “TV for the TikTok generation” — delivers short, fast-paced episodes shot in a vertical format tailored for smartphones.

Unlike traditional television shows or streaming series, vertical dramas consist of minute-long episodes packed with cliffhangers, melodrama, and instantly gripping plotlines. They appeal to younger audiences accustomed to scrolling through content quickly, giving them emotional intensity in bite-sized doses.

The format has exploded in popularity worldwide. Market analysts predict the vertical drama industry could be worth $14 billion by 2027, signaling a major shift in the entertainment landscape. 

Audiences are drawn to familiar storytelling tropes — from “enemies to lovers” and “secret billionaires” to “forbidden romances” and even “werewolves” — all wrapped in high-stakes drama and addictive narratives.

ReelShort: A New Player Redefining Mobile Entertainment

Among the many platforms producing vertical dramas, ReelShort has emerged as a leader. Backed by Chinese investors but headquartered in California, the app has quickly become a cultural force. 

In November 2024, it even surpassed TikTok as the most popular entertainment app in Apple’s U.S. App Store — a major milestone that highlights just how fast the medium is growing.

Since its launch in 2022, ReelShort has been downloaded over 30 million times. Its secret lies in combining binge-worthy stories with a gamified viewing model. 

Users can watch a few episodes for free, but to continue, they must purchase digital “coins” — mirroring the reward systems seen in mobile gaming. This model has proven extremely effective, keeping viewers hooked while driving steady revenue for creators and performers alike.

For actors like Ben Armstrong, ReelShort has provided a unique opportunity. With tight budgets and fast turnaround times, vertical dramas often feature lesser-known actors rather than A-list celebrities. 

Far from being a limitation, this opens the door for emerging talent to showcase their abilities to a massive global audience. Armstrong’s growing fanbase is proof that these compact productions can build real careers — one minute-long episode at a time.

The Allure of Modern Digital Storytelling

The success of “If Loving You Is a Sin, Then I’ll Go to Hell” reflects more than just a viral trend — it represents a shift in how audiences connect with stories. The combination of intense emotional drama, accessible mobile viewing, and relatable young characters has made vertical dramas an undeniable force in entertainment.

For many viewers, these bite-sized shows scratch the same itch as reading a page-turning romance novel or watching a binge-worthy series. They deliver all the hallmarks of traditional storytelling — suspense, desire, moral conflict — but reimagined for the fast-paced rhythm of modern digital life.

And within this world, Ben Armstrong stands out as one of its most promising faces. His portrayal of Asher King doesn’t just entertain; it humanizes the archetype of the “bad boy” lover, revealing the tenderness beneath the tough exterior. 

Through Armstrong’s nuanced performance, Asher’s journey becomes more than a story about gang rivalry or forbidden love — it becomes a testament to the power of redemption, sacrifice, and sincerity.

What’s Next for Ben Armstrong?

As the buzz around “If Loving You Is a Sin, Then I’ll Go to Hell” continues to grow, fans are already speculating about Armstrong’s next projects. With his mix of natural charisma and emotional depth, he’s well-positioned to become one of the defining actors of the vertical drama era. 

His performances in “Operation Hope” and “The Clubhouse” have already proven his range — from action to heartfelt romance — and his role as Asher King cements his place as a name to watch.

In a rapidly evolving entertainment industry, where short-form storytelling and mobile-first platforms dominate, actors like Armstrong are redefining what stardom looks like. They’re not just adapting to new media — they’re shaping its future.

“If Loving You Is a Sin, Then I’ll Go to Hell” offers more than addictive drama — it encapsulates the transformation of storytelling itself. 

With its vertical format, emotionally charged plot, and standout performances, the series exemplifies the new frontier of digital entertainment. And at its center, Ben Armstrong’s portrayal of Asher King shines as a reminder that genuine talent will always find its audience, no matter the screen size.