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| Zhao Lusi’s Livestream Exposes the Dark Reality of China’s “Star Factory” Entertainment System (Sohu/Xiaohongshu) |
A recent report by Sohu has exposed the harsh reality behind the glossy facade of China’s entertainment world, with actress Zhao Lusi a.k.a Rosy Zhao emerging as a key example. Best known for her role in romantic dramas, Lusi’s personal experiences have become a lens through which the pressure and demands of the industry are being scrutinised.
In a candid livestream on Xiaohongshu, Zhao Lusi opened up about the less glamorous side of her career.
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She shared a range of personal struggles, from dealing with invasive rumours about plastic surgery to the emotional weight of her father’s cancer diagnosis and the loss of her grandfather.
She even recalled a bizarre incident on set where crew members hired a “specialist” to perform a ritual to drive away spirits. In one particularly revealing moment, Zhao Lusi also discussed her first paycheck, a modest 2,500 yuan (around USD 340).
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But Zhao Lusi’s story is not unique. According to the report, China’s so-called "star factory" system—designed to churn out celebrities rapidly through intense promotion and media exposure—often places unprepared young actors in the public eye. The industry pushes these stars into non-stop work, relentlessly chasing fame while keeping them glued to social media.
Veteran actors and producers shared their frustrations about the exhausting schedules and the pressure to stay relevant. One young actor revealed that after finishing a project, his next job would start the very next day.
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“If you take too long a break, the audience forgets you,” he explained. This mentality perpetuates the so-called “black and red” cycle, where stars are as infamous for their scandals and controversies as they are for their successes. In fact, some agencies deliberately fuel these controversies to keep their stars in the headlines.
A rising costume drama actress echoed the sentiment, revealing that while the public believes they’re living glamorous lives, the reality is far different. “We work 16-hour days, sometimes eating while changing costumes,” she said.
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The increasing commercialisation of Chinese entertainment has led to shifting audience expectations, as paid subscription services allow viewers to demand more. “A failed drama can ruin a reputation years in the making,” said producer Yuanyuan.
This desire for quick fame and fortune often leads to neglect in honing acting skills. Zhao Lusi, for instance, reportedly commands hefty advertising fees, reaching 20 million yuan (around USD 2.7 million). Yet, the financial rewards don’t always align with the depth of talent.
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Rosy’s ongoing dispute with her agency, Galaxy Cool Entertainment, has highlighted the fragile nature of celebrity in this system. Legal negotiations have stalled, and she has turned to social media to rally support, keeping her name in the headlines.
While effective in maintaining her public image, it also underscores how unstable the position of a celebrity can be when constantly vying for attention in an industry more focused on short-term gains than long-term career development.
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But what about the stars who feel trapped by the system? One seasoned actor admitted that it’s no longer possible to rest for a year after a successful project.
“If you disappear for just three months, people assume you’re finished,” producer said.
#ZhaoLusi just exposed what her agency did when she first got sick late last year
— Jodi (@itsmejodiiii) August 4, 2025
"They didn’t take me to a doctor. They locked me in a hotel and performed an exorcism. Said I was cursed."
This is insane. #JusticeForZhaoLusi pic.twitter.com/W9mLMlesG9
As the “star factory” continues to churn out fresh faces, questions about the cost of fame and the sustainability of such a fast-paced system remain. For now, it seems that celebrities like Zhao Lusi will continue to shine under the spotlight, yet be relentlessly pursued by the shadows lurking behind the scenes