Video clips of similar incidents have begun to circulate.
Koreaboo
An actress recently passed away in a fatal accident on set — at least, that’s what the rumors claim.
The rumors reportedly went viral on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform, after a blogger known as Suibianzhuichui posted about the actress’s alleged death. They also claimed that an actor for the same production is now in a coma. The rumors soon spread to other platforms, alarming netizens and prompting at least one media outlet to reach out to Hengdian police.
According to the rumors, the actress was shooting a duanju, a Chinese “short drama.” These types of shows, also known as microdramas, are specifically made to be watched on mobile devices. They are shot vertically and released on platforms such as TikTok, rather than on television. Their short production cycles have raised concerns about the working conditions for actors, especially those who film in heavy period costumes during the summer.
A director of short dramas interviewed by Chinese media said that he had seen the rumors but couldn’t verify them. An actor who lives in the area also commented, saying, “I don’t know whether this is true or not.” Likewise, Hengdian police have stated that they have not received any reports concerning the unnamed actress.
However, the rumors have prompted netizens to share similar incidents that highlight the industry’s brutal working conditions, such as a costumed actor collapsing, allegedly from heatstroke. In the clip, staff members fanned him and gave him water to help him cool down. Another video shows a different costumed actor being carried away to receive first aid.
