He is seeing a surge in popularity for his current role.
Amid the alleged content bans in China, a BL series is currently rising in popularity both domestically and abroad.
Revenged Love tells the story of Wu Suo Wei, a modest man whose wealthy ex-girlfriend continually belittles him. While trying to build himself up, he crosses paths with Chi Cheng, a spoiled heir currently dating his ex, and decides to seduce him as revenge. Zi Yu plays Wu Suo Wei, while Tian Xu Ning plays Chi Cheng.
Though he may appear to be a newcomer, Zi Yu is a former idol who pursued acting after his departure from his group.
Recently, the circumstances behind his departure have resurfaced.
ZI Yu, who participated in the survival shows We Are Young and Youth With You 3, debuted as a member of Guanghe Shaonian in 2021.
In December 2022, fans were alarmed when they spotted bruises on his face and neck at the airport and in other videos. The following month, Zi Yu claimed that he had been told to leave the group and had been physically assaulted by another member, Zheng Xingyuan.
In a statement posted, Zi Yu claimed that he was attempting to terminate his contract with the company as a result.
I, Zi Yu, signed an “Artist Contract” with Beijing Huakai Banxia Cultural Media Co., Ltd. on May 28, 2019, with a contract term of 12 years.
Since signing the contract, I have diligently fulfilled my duties, consistently respecting the Company’s decisions and conscientiously completing all tasks assigned to me. Under no circumstances have I ever neglected or evaded my work responsibilities.
On the evening of December 8, 2022, while participating in a group dance training session in Hangzhou, I was physically assaulted by fellow artist Zheng Xingyuan, who is also signed with the Company.
On December 31, 2022, I initiated communication with the Company regarding the termination of the contract. During the negotiation period, I continued to carry out the work assigned by the Company in a responsible manner. However, on January 8, 2023, the Company, without sufficient prior communication or consultation, instructed me to pack up my personal belongings and move them to Hangzhou by January 14, 2023.
After multiple rounds of negotiation, the Company and I were unable to reach an agreement regarding contract termination. I have since filed a lawsuit with the court seeking legal termination of the contract and will spare no effort to sever all contractual ties with the Company.
Hereby, I make this statement.— Zi Yu
With his rise in popularity, this has resurfaced, along with Zheng Xingyuan’s recent response.
In a recent livestream, Zheng Xingyuan made several claims, including that he was also injured and being framed by Zi Yu’s team. He also claimed that the two were friends and seemed to imply that Zi Yu photoshopped photos of his injury.
Guanghe Shaonian disbanded quietly not long after, but Zheng Xingyuan has been active as an individual since then.
