From K-pop Idol to the Pinnacle of Chinese Entertainment
In 2012, EXO, the group that heralded the third generation of K-pop, officially debuted. The group launched with 12 members: 8 Koreans and 4 Chinese. SM Entertainment’s initial strategy was to “expand” EXO in the domestic market and the highly promising Chinese market. The 4 Chinese members included Kris Wu (Wu Yifan), Luhan, Tao (Huang Zitao), and Lay (Zhang Yixing).
With its musical prowess and a lineup of members more beautiful than flowers, EXO quickly rose to fame, leading the Hallyu wave. Among the members, Kris Wu stood out with his rap and dance skills. His cold, god-like appearance captivated fangirls. In the early days, Kris Wu was one of the most fan-attracting members.
Amid EXO’s immense popularity with the national hits “Growl” and “Overdose,” three Chinese members—Kris, Luhan, and Tao—filed lawsuits against SM in 2014 and returned to China. Although they lost the lawsuits and had to compensate SM, their return to their “homeland” also paved the way for their careers to flourish, particularly for Kris Wu.
Capitalizing on the existing allure of being a K-pop idol, Kris Wu actively participated in various entertainment activities, from music and films to reality shows and fashion. After a few idol dramas, Kris Wu elevated his reputation to the level of a “top-tier” star in the Chinese entertainment industry.
The former EXO member was dubbed one of the “Four Major Traffic Stars,” alongside Luhan, Li Yifeng, and Yang Yang. At his peak, Kris Wu had over 50 million fans on Weibo.
With his growing fame, Kris Wu secured numerous lucrative contracts and consistently made it to the list of China’s top 10 celebrities by Forbes for several consecutive years. According to Forbes in 2017, Kris Wu’s annual income reached 150 million yuan (over 500 billion VND).
Kris Wu also expanded his music career internationally, frequently performing in the United States.
A Sexual Scandal Turns a Top Star into a Convicted Criminal
However, Kris Wu’s glory didn’t last forever. In July 2021, the entertainment industry was rocked by Kris Wu’s sexual scandal. The top idol was accused by internet celebrity Du Meizhu of promiscuity, sexual assault of minors, and slandering colleagues.
Kris Wu faced an unprecedented wave of boycotts, and his assets were frozen. Facing legal troubles, Kris Wu was sentenced to 11 years and 6 months for rape and an additional 1 year and 10 months for other crimes, along with deportation from China.
Dissatisfied with the verdict, Kris Wu filed an appeal. However, in November 2023, the Beijing No. 3 Intermediate People’s Court rejected Kris Wu’s appeal and upheld the original sentence. Currently, the once “traffic star” is still serving his sentence.
After entering prison, information about Kris Wu continues to draw significant public attention. In October 2023, a Chinese program updated the public on Kris Wu’s life in prison, revealing that the former EXO member had returned to composing music and even participated in talent competitions within the prison.
Kris Wu’s case has led to deep public reflection. Behind the glamour, the superficial life filled with wealth and fame, many artists have lost control of themselves. Kris Wu has paid a heavy price for his actions. Stars must realize the importance of self-management, setting an example for the public by respecting the law, their work, and their audience. Only then can their artistic careers continue to flourish.
