Once hailed as one of the brightest faces of China’s idol boom, SNH48 alum Zeng Yanfen (also known by fans as Ruri) has re-emerged years after quietly leaving the spotlight — this time with revelations that have reignited debate about the industry’s darker underbelly.

Born in 1991, Zeng Yanfen joined SNH48 in 2013 as part of the group’s second generation under Team NII. In the highly competitive ecosystem of large-scale idol groups, she quickly distinguished herself through a candid personality, sharp wit, and unusually close interaction with fans. At her peak, she ranked 9th in the 2015 general election, surged to 4th place in 2016, and maintained a solid 6th rank in 2017 — numbers that cemented her status as a core member of Team NII.

During this period, Zeng Yanfen served as center for Happy Wonder World and participated in key tracks such as Princess’s Cloak and Dawn in Naples. To many fans, *she was not just another idol, but the spirit of Team NII — energetic, approachable, and emblematic of SNH48’s golden era*.

That trajectory came to an abrupt halt in late 2017 when Zeng Yanfen announced a sudden hiatus, citing health reasons. At the time, the explanation left fans confused. She was still popular, visible, and backed by a loyal fanbase. Years later, the former idol would clarify that the pause was far from a personal choice, but the result of prolonged conflicts with management company Siba Media.

Between 2017 and 2020, Zeng Yanfen remained largely inactive, occasionally hinting at opaque management practices and intense psychological pressure faced by young idols. Her remarks were often dismissed as emotional venting within an industry known for discouraging dissent. In 2020, she officially graduated from SNH48, ending her idol career with little fanfare — a quiet exit for someone once seen as a pillar of the group.

After leaving, Zeng Yanfen pursued acting and worked as a freelance artist. While her mainstream visibility declined, she continued to be remembered by fans as a defining figure of Team NII’s early days — a symbol of both brilliance and regret.

The turning point came in late 2025, when disputes between actress Ju Jingyi and Siba Media erupted into public view. According to iFeng, Ju Jingyi filed a lawsuit accusing her former agency of forging signatures, unilaterally extending contracts to 20 years, concealing income, and systematically exploiting artists.

In a move that stunned observers, Zeng Yanfen publicly voiced support for Ju Jingyi — and went further. She alleged the existence of “private banquets” where idols were pressured to attend sensitive gatherings, including forced drinking sessions. Most shockingly, she claimed that underage individuals were sometimes involved. Zeng Yanfen referenced a past legal case in which Siba Media reportedly lost a lawsuit related to similar accusations, noting that the whistleblower at the time suffered severe online harassment and depression after being labeled “mentally unstable.”

Siba Media swiftly denied the allegations, accusing Zeng Yanfen of fabrication and malicious exaggeration, and threatening legal action for defamation. The company stated that her claims “smeared the reputation of all members.” Zeng Yanfen’s response was brief but cutting: “Since when did telling the truth become fabrication?” She added that she has evidence prepared and is ready to face any legal consequences.

Now far removed from idol stages and chart rankings, Zeng Yanfen appears resolute in her choice. By her own admission, she no longer has a career to protect — only the truth to tell. To many longtime fans, her actions align with the blunt, upright personality that once defined Ruri during her SNH48 days.