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| “Filmed, Aired, But Not Paid”: Yu Qingbin Speaks Up Over Outstanding Fees (Photo: Sohu) |
Chinese actor Yu Qingbin, 41, has drawn public attention after openly speaking out about unpaid acting fees linked to two short drama projects he completed earlier this year.
Earlier this week, Yu Qingbin shared a video on social media addressing the issue directly, calmly but firmly explaining that he has yet to receive full payment for two productions that have already been released online.
According to Yu Qingbin, the situation began in early September, when he came across a short drama casting notice in a work-related group.
Through an assistant director, he was put in touch with a producer and later agreed to join the project. While a work contract was briefly signed, he said it was immediately taken back by the producer, citing the need for an official company stamp. The document was never returned, even after filming wrapped.
Yu Qingbin revealed that he only filmed for three days and never held a copy of the contract. After the shoot, he received only an initial payment, with the remaining balance left unsettled.
Not long after, the same producer invited him to join a second short drama. Once again, there was no formal contract, and this time, no payment at all. The combined unpaid fees for both projects reportedly total 16,000 yuan.
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Despite both dramas having already aired, Yu said repeated attempts to follow up were met with shifting explanations. Initially, the producer claimed that platform funds had not yet been released.
Later, the reason changed to “internal company issues”. Eventually, the producer became unreachable, with calls unanswered and messages ignored.
Yu Qingbin also shared that he is not alone in this situation. Several crew members from the same productions are reportedly facing similar payment issues, with their own attempts to recover fees going unanswered.
Through an intermediary, he managed to contact the producer’s parent company.
The company stated that payment for the first drama had already been transferred to the producer, while funding for the second project had not yet been issued. This has raised questions about where the money ultimately went.
Drawing from industry norms, Yu Qingbin pointed out that short drama fees are usually settled within one month of filming. A delay exceeding three months, he stressed, is far from normal.
Yu Qingbin confirmed that he is now preparing to consult a lawyer and file a formal complaint through official channels in Hengdian, hoping to resolve the matter through proper procedures.
In the video circulating online, Yu Qingbin appears speaking directly to the camera with a serious expression, explaining the situation clearly and expressing disappointment that his professional efforts have not been properly recognised.
Yu Qingbin is no stranger to public discussion. Previously known for roles in dramas such as Love Everlasting and New Xiao Shi Yi Lang, he made headlines earlier this year after sharing that he had taken on delivery work to support himself during a slowdown in acting opportunities.
While some questioned his motives at the time, Yu Qing Bin later clarified that his goal was never online fame, but simply maintaining a stable life while continuing to pursue acting.