Chinese actress Zhao Lusi, global girl group VCHA's KG, and the so-called 'slave contracts'

Note: Reader discretion is advised as the text contains descriptions of self harm.  

If there is one name that has been consistently ranking on China's trending topics list for the past few days, it is Zhao Lusi. 

The world-famous Zhao Lusi (Love Like the Galaxy, Hidden Love, The Story of Pearl Girl), one of China and Asian entertainment's most beloved actresses, has recently found herself at the center of a heated controversy. From shocking revelations about her declining health to allegations of abuse, the Chinese actress's story has become quite a sensation. Follow us as we delve into the timeline of events surrounding Zhao Lusi, the reactions of netizens, and the larger and systemic issues of the entertainment industry.

Timeline of events and netizens' perspective on Zhao Lusi

On December 27, Zhao Lusi's agency posted a statement on its official Weibo account stating that the Chinese actress had sought medical assistance. This happened after a photo purportedly showing Zhao Lusi in a wheelchair, seemingly extremely weak and frail, quickly went viral.

They mentioned in their statement "Zhao Lusi has always stayed true to her original intent of being an actress, cherishing every opportunity to perform and approaching each project with dedication. Moving forward, we will prioritize her health and suspend all upcoming work."

A few days later, an individual claiming to be Zhao Lusi's close friend, revealed, allegedly with her consent, that she had been physically assaulted by her supervisor/person in charge of her in the past. 

On December 31, Zhu Rui, another friend of Zhao Lusi, who also worked with her in The Story of Pearl Girl, released a statement clarifying that the bullying came from her previous person in charge and emphasized that she has a good relationship with her current supervisor.

At the same time, a clip of Zhao Lusi from a variety show resurfaced, where she says that there was a time when she really didn't want to act anymore and didn't want to continue in the entertainment industry. She said she had told those around her that she truly wasn't happy. Zhao Lusi also shared that her mom was the first to pull out the contract to check how much they would have to pay if she quit.

Maybe that's why she said her The Story of Pearl Girl character Duanwu, when it comes to workplace commitments, is not "worth learning from at all. I mean, it's unnecessary...  I think we should protect ourselves first, and make ourselves happy first... You won't actually feel that 'I have everything, and I feel satisfied. Ah, my wishes have come true!' You won't. You will think, 'If only things were like they used to be.' I think in the workplace, what matters is feeling comfortable and achieving what you want (Staying true to your original intentions). That's enough." 

Then on January 1, Zhao Lusi posted a long statement on her Weibo explaining all that she's been going through. She started with, "I fully support the idea that you can choose the career you aspire to at any time because you always have the right to escape the tiring and difficult circumstances you are in. If you want to stop, you can stop at any time. You are free, and you can also be brave." The Chinese actress disclosed she's been experiencing symptoms of depression since 2019, and by 2021, she "began feeling sensations like insects crawling on my body and needles pricking on my skin, accompanied by allergies." Her health further worsened in 2023 when she "experienced pneumonia, emphysema, pityriasis rosea, urticaria, night sweats that woke me up, sudden deafness due to neurological issues." Then in 2024, she "began experiencing frequent dry heaving, dizziness, joint pain, neck pain, and other obvious somatic symptoms, along with worsening allergies." Not to forget, after Zhao's photo in a wheelchair went viral, her close friend revealed she has been diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder caused by damage to parts of the brain, and was having difficulty even walking. The actress also revealed she's been physically and mentally abused in the past. 

However, in her post, Zhao explicitly mentioned "I understand very well that I don't have the right to want everything or to expect my friends, parents, company, and everyone around me to be perfect. They've never hurt me and have done their best to protect me."

Despite her saying that, to Chinese netizens, the whole situation sounds like Zhao is trying to quit but her agency is making itself clear that "terminating the contract is out of the question," as on January 1, Zhao Lusi's management company, Galaxy Cool Entertainment Media said in their statement: "Galaxy Cool Entertainment has always resolutely stood with Ms. Zhao Lusi to face the difficulties and actively resolve the issues that have arisen. We fully accept the rational feedback and suggestions from all parties and deeply reflect on the shortcomings in our work, and sincerely apologize. Since Galaxy Cool Entertainment is responsible for Ms. Zhao Lusi's management, our goal has always remained the same: to prioritize Ms. Zhao Lusi's physical and mental well-being. Both Lusi and we have no disagreements regarding work plans and have always strived for reasonable arrangements and coordination of related work based on full mutual consensus. We will not tolerate baseless accusations and malicious slander, and we extend our sincere apologies to those who have been unjustly harmed. Once again, we sincerely apologize for occupying public resources [public attention] and, on behalf of Lusi, express gratitude for everyone's concern. Finally, we hope everyone can give Lusi some time and space to rest and wait for her return."

Now, the recent events involving Zhao Lusi were both surprising and expected to Chinese netizens. From their perspective, Zhao Lusi attempted to terminate her "slave contract," citing health concerns, but Galaxy Cool Entertainment was completely unyielding. In the end, Zhao Lusi seems to have lost this battle in the court of public opinion.

Now the question arises, why is it so difficult for celebrities to terminate their contracts or quit the industry?

The tragic lives of stars who make people smile

When it comes to celebrities in the entertainment industry, what often comes to mind are the glamorous red carpets, frequent appearances on trending lists, and all the fame and fortune one can imagine. But what people might not know is that many of them can't even steer the wheel of their own careers.

Zhao Lusi's example, evidently speaking, is not the only one of its kind but is highly representative of similar things celebrities, especially Asian celebrities, have faced in the past.

The actress spoke out publicly, saying that her mental and physical health has been deteriorating since 2019. Despite seeking help, her condition worsened. On the surface, to Chinese netizens, it seemed she hoped to leverage empathy from the public to pressure her agency and create conditions for terminating her contract.

However, the problem with a celebrity engaging in this kind of battle involving the public opinion is that it's always like wielding a double-edged sword, especially in Asian countries. On one hand, it can indeed generate significant attention; but on the other hand, without solid evidence to back the claims, the situation can backfire.

In her Weibo post, Zhao Lusi also disclosed her weight once dropped to just almost 37 Kg (a change reflected in her appearance, which concerned many fans as the actress was beloved for her previous healthy appearance), but she has gained to reach 41 Kg "under her parents' strict supervision"; and a doctor's note saying she's been diagnosed with "Dissociative Disorder with Anxiety Condition.
•Treatment: BMI < 18.5, malnutrition identified. Referral to the Nutrition Department recommended.
•Anxiety therapy: 10 sessions.
•Psychological counseling: 10 sessions.
•Eat regularly and manage emotions.
•Prescribed medication: 1/4 dose as directed," and included a message on the pic, "Brief is Life but Love is Long."  

Whether Zhao Lusi is disclosing these details to ease her fans' concerns or if this is her call to help is entirely subjective, but what's indisputable is that her revelations lack substantial evidence for the public or the authorities to pressurize her agency.

(Zhao Lusi's December 10 post on Instagram)

Galaxy Cool Entertainment responded swiftly, asserting that they prioritize their artist's well-being. From the Chinese netizens' perspective, in simple terms, the company’s message to Lusi was loud and clear: "With the contract in hand, don't even think about running away."

This controversy has cast a shadow over Zhao Lusi's career. Failing to terminate the contract not only means she must continue fulfilling it, but she may also be deprived of "resources" and this could also change how the market perceives her. In the face of capital power, a lone artist fighting the system is weak and vulnerable.

This was, however, not the case with KG, a 17-year-old member of JYP Entertainment's girl group VCHA, who quit the group and filed a lawsuit (currently ongoing) against JYP Entertainment (which also houses K-pop groups such as 2PM, TWICE, ITZY, Stray Kids) for charges of "child labor exploitation, child neglect and abuse, unfair business practices, and for breach and rescission of an unconscionable contract for the services of a minor."  

The Los Angeles-based singer alleges the group endured numerous distressing experiences at the hands of JYP USA staff including "physical, emotional and mental distress, overtime work without compensation, restrictions on food and water, confusing contract terms, and experiencing a suicide attempt by a VCHA member with little action done by those staff members in charge."

"I filed a lawsuit because I have decided to terminate my contract with JYP Entertainment and exit VCHA after experiencing incidents of abuse and mistreatment by certain staff members," KG shared in a post via her Instagram Story. "I feel it was not a good environment for my mental health and apologize if my leave disappoints any of you. I am not in support of the working and living conditions that led a member to attempt suicide. Nor do I support an environment that encourages eating disorders and has caused members to self harm."

"I made this decision back in May and am still waiting for release from my contract," she continues. "I am worried for the girls who remain in VCHA, my friends, who I truly love and care for. I also realized if I remain at JYP Entertainment, I will not be able to become the artist l aspire to be, as I really enjoy songwriting and production. I have accumulated a massive amount of company debt, while being paid very little for the intense work and extreme limitations on our personal lives. Although such incidents occurred, there were also beautiful moments."

Jeremiah D. Graham, the attorney representing KG's case through JD Graham Legal, said in a counsel statement: "The heart of this case is a response to JYP USA Inc.'s insistence that they can control KG's career and life, and prevent her from working under the threat of liquidated damages if she so much as publishes a personal post on social media. She has been involuntarily silenced for too long. KG's rights as a young artist in the entertainment industry must be upheld. The lawsuit alleges that JYP USA Inc.'s actions violated California's robust labor, employment, and contract protections for minors. By seeking both monetary and injunctive relief, KG aims to safeguard her future career, preserve her creative autonomy, and ensure that no other emerging talent suffers under similar conditions. We trust that the Court will uphold the principles of fairness and accountability upon which California's entertainment and labor laws are founded." 

It is important to note that KG was able to take JYP to court as she was bringing her plight to the US authorities. 

Disputes between celebrities and their agencies over contract termination are nothing new in the industry. From instances of stars like Lu Han, Kris Wu, Z.Tao, and Han Geng, each case has unfolded like a "drama." Particularly, the repeated clashes over contracts among members of idol groups have made it clear why stars are often at a disadvantage in such disputes, especially if they are well-established in the industry. 

Now, why are contract terminations always so complicated? It's because most celebrity contracts are "deals signed on mutual agreement." These contracts often span over a decade, with the agency holding full control over "resource allocation," and the penalties for breach of contract can be substantial. While the entertainment agencies offer these young people a path from obscurity to the spotlight, they simultaneously "shackle" them to unfair contracts, leaving little room for autonomy.

Even after reaching top-tier status, celebrities often remain the weaker party in their battles when it comes to money matters. This is why, in almost every contract termination case, the artist has to pay a significant price and rarely walks away unscathed. But can celebrities truly avoid signing such contracts? Impossible. Once the contract is signed, no matter how deep the conflict with the company becomes, they often have no choice but to grit their teeth and carry on.

Under the grinding pressure to "rise to the top," mental health issues are frequently dismissed as "personal problems." Agencies are unwilling to bear the cost of psychological treatment and, worse, choose to conceal artists' health issues to maintain their "clean image" and avoid jeopardizing investment evaluations of their projects, as in these countries mental health issues are seen as taboo.

Zhao Lusi's situation also brings to mind the tragic fates of Korean celebrities Sulli and Goo Ha Ra, who also struggled with mental health issues. And let's not forget Yoo Ah In, who also came out in the open about his depression.

Lusi's alleged attempt to escape has clearly failed. This does not imply her health issues were fabricated but rather highlights that public opinion alone is insufficient to overcome the challenges of these disputes.

The actress's public statements came across as emotional. And without irrefutable evidence, Zhao is at a disadvantage. While public opinion can pressurize agencies, the law ultimately holds the power to resolving such disputes.

Since Galaxy Cool Entertainment has made it clear that they are "waiting for her return," Zhao Lusi is unlikely to escape, if that's what she's aiming for, anytime soon. This raises the important question of whether she can still work with a sound mind, as the failure to terminate her contract means she is likely to face "restrictive measures" from the company in terms of resources.

References: Baidu, Weibo, Luzhong Morning Post, Yangcheng Evening Post, Jiupai News, Forbes