Top Star in China Caught in Prostitution Scandal... Entertainment Association Publishes 'Celebrities' Responsibilities'

"An Incident That Had a Malicious Impact on Society Overall"
Several Celebrities Expelled Last Year for 'Private Life Scandals'
Some Observe Signs of a 'Cultural Reform Movement' in the Entertainment Industry

China's top celebrity Li Yifeng has admitted to prostitution charges, and the China TV Artists Association has released the "Basic Responsibilities of Celebrities." Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Juri] As China's top celebrity Li Yifeng admitted to prostitution charges, the China TV Artists Association has released the 'Basic Responsibilities of Celebrities.'

On the 13th, according to the Chinese state media Guancha Wang, the China TV Artists Association described the Li Yifeng case, who was arrested in flagrante delicto and criminally detained, as "an incident that has had a malicious impact on society as a whole."

The association strongly condemned, stating, "In an era where the profession of celebrities exerts unprecedented strong influence, those working in this field must fulfill their responsibilities."

The China TV Artists Association is one of the three major associations, along with the China Film Association and the China Musicians Association, that exert strong influence over the entire Chinese entertainment industry.

The association also warned, "Celebrities must reflect on their actions, distance themselves from immoral people, and fulfill their responsibilities as famous actors and public figures," adding, "In our era, where every word of public figures has a significant impact, celebrities must recognize that their every move greatly influences society. They must comply with Chinese laws more exemplary than anyone else and demonstrate excellent conduct."

Furthermore, it emphasized, "Celebrities should cherish their social image even more," and "Remember that all honor and glory can easily vanish in an instant if not maintained by oneself. All glory will collapse overnight if laws and regulations are violated."

Additionally, the association addressed current and former celebrities, saying, "To many entertainment industry workers, maintain your dignity and act fairly and cleanly," and added, "Please recognize the tremendous influence celebrities have on society in this era and fulfill that responsibility."

Meanwhile, Li Yifeng was recently detained after being caught by the police for repeatedly soliciting prostitution. It is reported that Li Yifeng admitted to the charges during the police investigation.

Some speculate that with the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party approaching, where President Xi Jinping’s extended rule will be decided, the Li Yifeng incident may trigger a political rectification movement in the Chinese entertainment industry. Authorities have been conducting a rigorous rectification campaign since last year, expelling entertainers who committed illegal acts or caused moral scandals.

In China, over the past three years, actors Fan Bingbing, Zheng Shuang, Zhao Wei, and Wu Yifan (Kris) from EXO have been expelled from the entertainment industry due to tax evasion and private life scandals.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.