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| Zhou Shiyu Leaves SNH48 After 7 Years of Silence, Snubs, and Withheld Wages |
Zhou Shiyu, a long-standing member of China’s top idol group SNH48, has officially called it quits. After seven years in the spotlight, the idol dropped a heartfelt, no-nonsense statement on Weibo, announcing her departure from Siba Media, the agency behind SNH48, citing serious issues ranging from poor communication to unfair treatment and even withheld earnings.
And she’s not just walking away quietly—Zhou has already hired legal representation to settle her contract termination and claim the rights she says were denied.
“A long farewell that started with tears”
In her emotional and strikingly honest post dated 7 June 2025, Zhou opened up about the darker side of her journey—one that, in her words, may have started ending the moment she cried alone in a windowless room after yet another disappointment.
“I stubbornly tried to prove myself,” she wrote, reflecting on her years of dedication and pushing through the pain in hopes of finally being recognised. But it all came crashing down earlier this year during what was meant to be a joyous milestone—her birthday stage event.
It was Zhou’s first-ever solo birthday celebration after seven years of blood, sweat, and glitter. Yet instead of a celebration, she says she was met with repeated organisational blunders, complete lack of care, and the feeling of being invisible—even after everything she’d achieved.
“Even after getting results, I still couldn’t earn the basic respect,” she revealed, calling the night of 15 March the final straw.
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Health crisis and forced hiatus
Behind the scenes, Zhou had also been struggling with her health. Years of pushing through minor issues finally reached breaking point, and doctors recently told her she’d need surgery—medication no longer cutting it.
Oddly enough, she described the diagnosis as “a relief,” finally giving her a reason to stop and breathe.
But even while recovering, she says she tried to reopen dialogue with the agency. Instead, they slapped her on the “hiatus” list without warning, blocked her from leaving the official Pocket48 app, and held back part of her salary—specifically the reward she earned as 3rd place winner in the SNH48 GROUP Youth Ceremony 2024.
With all channels shut and no proper response, Zhou decided to go legal.
“I’m sorry it ended this way”
Zhou also took time to address her fans directly, apologising for the “imperfect” farewell and thanking them for sticking by her side through thick and thin.
“You’ve probably been tired too... watching me powerless while you worried and supported me,” she said. “I’ll carry the courage you’ve given me to face whatever’s next.”
Though this chapter’s closed, Zhou hasn’t given up on her dreams. She’s taking a break to recover physically and emotionally, but made it clear she still hopes to return to the stage—stronger, freer, and on her own terms.
What's next?
Zhou’s exit marks yet another idol breaking away from the tight grip of agency systems that often leave performers voiceless. Her transparency—especially around legal action and withheld pay—is rare in the idol scene, where most exits are dressed up with polite words and vague promises.
While Siba Media has yet to release a public statement, fans are already rallying behind Zhou online, using hashtags like #WeStandWithShiyu and #JusticeForZhouShiyu to show support.
Whatever’s next for her, one thing’s for sure—Zhou Shiyu’s not fading quietly into the background. She’s walking out the door with her head high and her truth told.