After NewJeans, Two Former Members Of Successful Chinese Girl Group Are Suing Their Agency - FULL Deets Inside

The entertainment industry seems to be facing a wave of lawsuits as more idols step forward to challenge unfair contracts. After NewJeans’ legal battles made headlines, two former members of the successful

Chinese girl group SNH48 - Wang Yi and Zhou Shiyu - have now taken legal action against their agency, Shanghai STAR48 Culture Media Group Co., Ltd. (also known as SIBA Media). Both artists have accused the company of mistreatment and contractual violations, shedding light on troubling practices within the idol industry.

SNH48's Wang Yi and Zhou Shiyu take the legal route

Wang Yi, who was part of SNH48 for eight years, announced her departure from the group in May. On May 5, she publicly confirmed her exit from SIBA Media, citing years of neglect despite her hard work and achievements. Calling out her agency for being “heartless,” Wang revealed that her repeated efforts were met with indifference.“I ranked second - again and again - and still they ignored me. The reward for trying to be better was endless touring and cold shoulders,” said Wang, adding that she had decided to sue the company for their treatment.Just a month later, in June, another SNH48 member, Zhou Shiyu, followed a similar path. After seven years under the agency, Zhou announced that she had officially cut ties with SIBA Media, accusing them of unfair treatment, withheld wages, and poor communication.She shared that she had already hired legal representation to handle her contract termination, stating that her rights had been repeatedly denied by the company.Zhou also opened up about a particularly disappointing experience during her solo birthday stage on March 15, which she said was poorly organised and emotionally draining. “Even after getting results, I still couldn’t earn the basic respect,” she expressed, saying she felt 'invisible'.

More about the lawsuits

According to public court filings, both Zhou and Wang’s lawsuits revolve around contract disputes with SIBA Media. Zhou’s case will be heard first on November 19 at 3:30 p.m. local time at the People’s Court of Hongkou District in Shanghai, followed by Wang’s hearing on November 24 at 9:00 a.m. at the same venue.The controversies surrounding these cases echo a growing conversation about artist rights and agency accountability in the Asian entertainment industry - a battle that, like in K-pop, continues to unfold in the Chinese idol world as well.