On August 2nd, 27-year-old Zhao Lusi posted on social media about her ongoing conflict with Yinhe Kuyu Media, her management company. Lusi revealed her struggles with depression last year, which required over six months of recovery. Her illness led to the cancellation of several endorsement contracts. While the company initially promised to cover the financial losses, Lusi now faces a demand for over two million CNY (approximately 7.2 billion VND) in compensation.
Lusi featured in Elle China's August issue. Video: Elle
The actress claims Yinhe Kuyu Media is hindering her career growth. Despite wanting to terminate her contract, she is bound to the agreement until 2027. "I'm in a bad place, and I'm not exactly saving face," she wrote, "But you don't need to blacklist me, I'm done anyway."
Lusi hasn't filmed in eight months. Her troubles began in 12/2024 during the filming of "The Beloved" with Peng Guan Ying. Due to her physical and mental health issues, she was hospitalized, leading to the production's dissolution.
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Zhao Lusi on the set of "The Beloved" in late 2024. Photo: QQ |
Zhao Lusi on the set of "The Beloved" in late 2024. Photo: QQ
Lusi subsequently revealed her ongoing battle with depression since 2021, describing sensations of insects crawling on her skin and constant tingling. At one point, her weight dropped below 38 kg due to her physical and mental exhaustion. Despite medication and injections, her condition didn't improve.
Despite her health struggles, Lusi maintained a demanding work schedule, fearing criticism and accusations of laziness or unprofessionalism. She kept her suffering private, worried about disappointing her family, friends, and fans. This led to dissociative disorder, a mental health condition involving disconnections between thoughts, feelings, surroundings, behavior, and identity.
After seeking professional help and choosing to speak openly about her illness, Lusi's perspective on depression shifted. She found solace in music, painting, opening a pastry shop, and engaging in charitable activities to support vulnerable communities. These pursuits aided her mental health recovery. In an interview with Global Times in January, she reported improvement after four months of treatment.
Last year, Yinhe Kuyu Media representatives stated they were working closely with Lusi to address her challenges. "We sincerely apologize for any shortcomings in our work and are currently reviewing our practices," the representative said.
At 27, Zhao Lusi is one of China's most prominent actresses, known for her roles in "Oh! My Emperor," "The Romance of Tiger and Rose," and "Love Like the Galaxy." Early in her career, she earned the nickname "Costume Doll" for her sweet on-screen persona.
Nhu Anh (Sina)
