From K-pop Idol to the Pinnacle of Chinese Entertainment
In 2012, EXO, the group that marked the beginning of the third generation of K-pop, made their official debut. The group originally consisted of 12 members, with 8 being Korean and 4 being Chinese. SM Entertainment’s initial plan was to “expand”EXO’s presence in both the domestic and rapidly growing Chinese markets. The 4 Chinese members were Kris Wu (Wu Yifan), Luhan, Tao (Huang Zitao), and Lay (Zhang Yixing).
Known for their exceptional musical talent and a group of members that exuded beauty, EXO became an overnight sensation, spearheading the Hallyu craze. Among the members, Kris Wu stood out with his impressive rapping and dancing abilities. His cool and god-like appearance captivated the hearts of fangirls, making him one of the most popular members in the early days.
Despite EXO’s widespread success with hits such as “Growl”and “Overdose,”three of its Chinese members—Kris, Luhan, and Tao—filed lawsuits against SM in 2014 and subsequently left the group to return to China. Despite ultimately losing the lawsuits and being required to compensate SM, their decision to go back to their home country opened up new opportunities for their individual careers, especially for Kris Wu.
Taking advantage of the already established appeal of being a K-pop sensation, Kris Wu enthusiastically engaged in a wide range of entertainment ventures, including music, film, reality TV, and fashion. Through his involvement in several idol dramas, Kris Wu quickly rose to become a highly regarded figure in the Chinese entertainment scene.
Kris Wu, one of the former members of EXO, was recognized as one of the “Four Major Traffic Stars” along with Luhan, Li Yifeng, and Yang Yang. During the height of his popularity, he amassed a following of over 50 million fans on Weibo.
Despite his increasing fame, Kris Wu continued to secure multiple lucrative contracts and consistently ranked among China’s top 10 celebrities according to Forbes for several consecutive years. In 2017, Forbes reported that Kris Wu’s annual income reached an impressive 150 million yuan (equivalent to over 500 billion VND).
In addition, Kris Wu has broadened his music career on an international scale, regularly showcasing his talents in the United States.
A Sexual Scandal Turns a Top Star into a Convicted Criminal
Despite his initial success, Kris Wu’s reign eventually came to an end. In July 2021, the entertainment world was shaken by allegations of sexual misconduct made against Kris Wu by internet celebrity Du Meizhu. He was accused of engaging in promiscuous behavior, sexually assaulting minors, and defaming his colleagues.
Despite facing an unprecedented wave of boycotts and having his assets frozen, Kris Wu was sentenced to 11 years and 6 months in prison for rape and an additional 1 year and 10 months for other crimes. He also faced deportation from China due to these legal troubles.
Despite being dissatisfied with the verdict, Kris Wu decided to file an appeal. However, in November 2023, the Beijing No. 3 Intermediate People’s Court denied Kris Wu’s appeal and upheld the initial sentence. As of now, the former “traffic star”remains in custody, serving his sentence.
Despite being in prison, Kris Wu’s updates continue to capture the interest of the public. In October 2023, a Chinese program provided an update on his life behind bars, disclosing that the former EXO member had resumed composing music and even participated in talent competitions within the prison.
Kris Wu’s situation has sparked a profound contemplation among the public. Despite the glitz and glamour, the lavish lifestyle and widespread fame, numerous artists have succumbed to losing their self-control. As a result of his actions, Kris Wu has faced severe consequences. It is crucial for celebrities to understand the significance of self-discipline and serve as role models for the public by abiding by the law, valuing their profession, and respecting their fans. Only then can they sustain a successful artistic career.
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