Japan’s largest idol group, AKB48, has a Chinese sister group operating under a similar model called SNH48. Among its 112 members, singer Tang Anqi stood out after joining the group in 2013. Born in 1992, the idol ranked 28th in the group’s general election and became one of the key faces in SNH48’s music releases and stage performances.
However, tragedy struck on March 3, 2016. The incident occurred at a café inside Baoshan Wanda Plaza shopping mall in China. A passerby reportedly noticed the fire and immediately raised the alarm. Firefighters arrived quickly but were unable to rescue Tang Anqi from the devastating blaze before she suffered severe injuries.
According to QQ, the fire was believed to have started after Tang Anqi accidentally caused it herself. Café employees recalled that around 7 PM, the SNH48 member arrived with a friend and appeared to be in a poor emotional state. Witnesses said the pair seemed tense and were speaking aggressively. During an emotional moment, Tang Anqi allegedly used a lighter, and the flame accidentally caught her clothing and socks, causing her body to ignite.
She suffered severe burns across more than 80% of her body. Wrapped in bandages with only her mouth and nose exposed, Tang Anqi was left in critical condition and underwent numerous surgeries. Several conspiracy theories later emerged, including claims that her friend brought kerosene to threaten her and accidentally spilled it, or that a fan of another SNH48 member had staged the incident. However, the official conclusion remained that Tang Anqi had accidentally caused the fire herself.
Fans and many employees from her agency quickly donated blood to help her recovery. On March 20, 2016, Tang Anqi regained consciousness and shared an update about her condition. By June 2017, the singer revealed that she had completed her initial treatment and would leave Shanghai to continue rehabilitation at an undisclosed location.
Tang Anqi quietly disappeared from the entertainment industry to focus entirely on her recovery. Then, on January 17, 2025, she made a surprising return by beginning a career as a VTuber under the stage name Melody. VTubers are virtual YouTubers who create online content using digital avatars instead of showing their real faces, relying on motion-tracking technology to interact with audiences.
At first, Tang Anqi did not reveal that she was the person behind Melody. However, fans eventually figured it out, and the singer no longer kept her identity secret. In January 2026, Melody held her first online concert, where she performed several SNH48 songs and opened up about her current life.
Fans expressed overwhelming joy at seeing Tang Anqi return in a new role, viewing her comeback as a powerful symbol of resilience and rebirth after unimaginable hardship.
Sources: K14
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