Former Idol Exposes Agency’s Dark Side, Stands Up For Girl Group Star
A former member of a popular girl group is speaking out against the group’s agency on behalf of herself and other idols.
From 2013 to 2020, Zeng YanFen was a member of SNH48. This Chinese girl group was formed in 2012 as the second international sister group of J-Pop’s AKB48. Within the past year, multiple members, including Wang Yi and Zhou Shiyu, have cut ties with Shanghai STAR48 Culture Media Group Co., Ltd. (also known as SIBA Media).
Zeng recently defended former member Ju Jingyi, who is currently embroiled in a contract dispute, stating that Ju had never seen the agreement that she supposedly signed. SIBA Media filed a lawsuit, claiming that Ju’s contract is valid until 2033, while Ju’s team stated that her contract was already terminated in 2024. Her team also claimed that SIBA Media forged Ju’s signature.
Zeng also criticized SIBA Media for deviating from AKB48’s principles–mutual respect between idols, management, and fans–since it split from AKB48 in 2016. Now SIBA Media is allegedly exerting too much control over its idols by claiming the SNH48 members’ portrait rights even after the members leave the group, offering extremely long contracts, and more.
I still hope the company remembers the early days. When members were earning just 1,800 yuan (approximately $255 USD) a month, they worked tirelessly — performing, handing out flyers, pushing through injuries and exhaustion. If they want to leave, please allow them to do so properly.
— Zheng YanFen
According to Zeng, SIBA Media has been disrespecting SNH48, as well as disrespecting fans who support the group financially. For example, she claimed that she was once scolded and steeply fined, despite only having modest earnings at the time, for signing a fan’s bag. She also alleged that the company has mistreated fans who waited in line for hours in the blazing heat for handshake events.
Zeng also called out SIBA Media for the unhealthy, unsupportive working environment she endured, and for false accusations made against her. Because of the accusations, Zeng said SIBA Media stopped paying her, restricted access to her social media, and put pressure on her to leave the group.
“There is no such thing as a 20-year contract,” Zeng said. “Any extension must be clearly explained and signed by both parties. Xiao Ju (Ju Jingyi) never saw that agreement — how is that fair to young girls?” She directly contacted SIBA Media’s founder to advocate for Ju, hoping SIBA Media would allow Ju to leave freely.
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Now, SIBA Media has reportedly turned on Zeng, threatening legal action against her and other internet users who spread false information on China’s Weibo and Xiaohongshu platforms.
