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| Legal Drama Brews: Zhou Shiyu and Wang Yi vs SNH48’s Management Company |
Two former SNH48 idols, Zhou Shiyu and Wang Yi, have officially filed lawsuits against their former management agency Shanghai STAR48 Culture Media Group Co., Ltd., commonly known as Siba Media.
According to public court filings, both cases centre on contractual disputes that followed their departures from the group earlier this year.
Zhou Shiyu’s hearing is scheduled for 19 November 2025 at 3:30 PM, while Wang Yi’s case will take place on 24 November 2025 at 9:00 AM, both at the People’s Court of Hongkou District, Shanghai.
These upcoming trials mark another chapter in the growing tension between the agency and several former members who have publicly expressed frustration over management issues and post-termination conflicts.
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Zhou Shiyu, who had spent seven years as part of SNH48, shocked fans in June 2025 when she announced that she had terminated her contract with the company.
In a heartfelt statement at the time, she described the move as “the hardest but most necessary decision” of her career.
She recalled years of dedication that were met with poor communication, unfair treatment, and a lack of recognition for her efforts.
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One of her biggest grievances reportedly involved being placed on an unannounced hiatus, something she claimed happened without her approval or prior discussion.
On top of that, Zhou Shiyu said she struggled with declining health, reaching a point where her doctor advised surgery after routine treatments stopped helping.
During her recovery, she attempted to reconnect with Siba Media to discuss her future but received no clear response.
When the situation failed to improve — and with certain financial entitlements allegedly withheld, including bonuses from her third-place finish in SNH48’s 2024 General Election — Zhou Shiyu decided to take legal action.
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She has since appointed legal representation to handle the matter and stated that she simply wants a fair resolution and respect for her rights as an artist.
Despite the emotional weight of her departure, Zhou ended her message with gratitude:
“This may be the end of my story with SNH48, but it’s not the end of my dream.”
Meanwhile, fellow ex-member Wang Yi also ended her contract with the agency earlier this year.
Her statement at the time hinted at years of mental and physical strain, as she spoke about anxiety, exhaustion, and feeling trapped in a system that prioritised output over wellbeing.
While she kept her words measured, fans interpreted her departure as a quiet act of defiance.
ICYMI: Wang Yi Declares War on SIBA.
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With her name now appearing alongside Zhou Shiyu’s in the court registry, it’s clear that both idols are seeking formal closure rather than allowing the conflict to linger privately.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first sign of turbulence at Star48. Earlier filings reportedly showed the company involved in multiple contract-related disputes with former artists, hinting at larger structural issues within the management system.
Fans have long suspected that some SNH48 members were caught in restrictive or outdated agreements that limited their freedom even after leaving the group.
The November hearings could become a test case for how the industry handles artist-agency relationships going forward.
On social media, fans have rallied behind both Zhou Shiyu and Wang Yi, praising them for their courage to stand up for themselves.
Others have expressed concern that such cases might discourage younger idols from pursuing their dreams if the system doesn’t change.
Some netizens even drew comparisons with Japan’s long-standing idol-management models, noting that China’s idol industry is still navigating how to balance commercial interests with artists’ wellbeing.
Both hearings are set for late November 2025, and while outcomes might not be immediate, they could influence future policy around artist rights and contract termination.
For now, Zhou Shiyu remains focused on her recovery, while Wang Yi has kept a low profile.
Neither has hinted at a return to entertainment — yet both remain fondly remembered by SNH48 fans for their years of dedication and sincerity.
As it stands from the 2024 SNH48 General Election Top 3:
Yuan Yiqi – currently suspending activities under Siba
Wang Yi – has left and is suing Siba
Zhou Shiyu – has left and is suing Siba