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| Fans Praise Li Yitong and Siba Media for a Rare “Ideal Farewell” (Photo: iQIYI) |
Something massively rare just happened. A Siba Media talent, Li Yitong, has left the company peacefully — no drama, no clashes, no lawsuits. But still… she didn’t leave for free.
Former SNH48 member Li Yitong (李艺彤) has officially closed a major chapter of her career. On 23 December 2025, which also marked her 30th birthday, the singer-actress confirmed that her contract with Shanghai Siba Media (STAR48) had ended and would not be renewed.
The announcement dropped right at midnight, carrying both a sense of finality and quiet excitement.
In her message, Li Yitong described the moment as a “full stop and a new beginning”, reflecting on how everyone has their own dreams and paths to walk.
After 12 years under the same company, she chose to move forward on her own terms.
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Just one minute later, Siba Media reposted her statement and responded publicly with warm wishes. The agency not only confirmed the contract conclusion but also openly acknowledged that Li Yitong has now fully signed with HiXi Media (Beijing Haixi Media).
The tone on both sides was notably calm and gracious, quickly earning praise from fans.
A Clean Break — With a Real Cost Behind the Scenes
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While the separation appeared smooth on the surface, it was not entirely without complexity.
Li Yitong’s filming-related sub-contract, which was originally structured to run for around 20 years, was actually terminated five to seven years earlier than scheduled.
Industry sources revealed that this early termination was resolved through a buyout jointly paid by Li Yitong and HiXi Media, ensuring that all contractual matters were settled properly.
Importantly, there were no disputes, public disagreements, or drawn-out negotiations — just a quiet, professional resolution.
This detail only strengthened public respect for how the transition was handled. Many netizens pointed out that early exits in the industry often come with noise and tension, making Li Yitong’s case stand out as unusually orderly.
but... Siba Media still holds Li Yitong’s name trademarks and has registered multiple trademarks under her name.
Another point drawing attention is the name trademark situation surrounding Li Yitong. Public intellectual property records show that Siba Media has already registered multiple trademarks under “Li Yitong”, covering a wide range of international classifications including education, entertainment, medical, and even horticulture-related categories, with all of these trademarks currently listed as active and registered.
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This means that while Li Yitong has moved on professionally, certain commercial uses of her name remain under Siba’s trademark portfolio. On the other side, her new agency, HiXi Media’s parent company — Haixi West Coast (Beijing) Culture Media Group Co., Ltd., founded in November 2011 with a registered capital of 10 million RMB — is no stranger to name trademark management either.
The company operates across television production, artist management, and cultural exchange activities, and is jointly backed by several cultural investment firms.
Notably, its intellectual property records show successful registrations of multiple artist name trademarks, including well-known figures like Gong Jun and Wong Cho-lam, suggesting that Li Yitong’s future branding and commercial positioning is likely to be handled with similar long-term planning and legal clarity.
Online reactions quickly framed the situation as a rare example of an “ideal farewell” between an artist and their agency. No statements back and forth. No emotional framing. No legal wording. Just mutual acknowledgement and goodwill.
Li Yitong’s journey from a nervous newcomer to a central figure within the SNH48 system remains deeply tied to her years at Siba.
Her growth — from early stage performances to broader acting and music opportunities — is widely seen as part of that shared history.
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At the same time, the door does not appear to be firmly shut. Fans noted the respectful language used by both sides, suggesting that while contracts end, professional ties and shared memories remain.
What’s Next With HiXi Media?
HiXi Media is known for managing established figures across acting, variety, and mainstream entertainment, which has naturally raised expectations for Li Yitong’s next phase. With idol training behind her and industry experience firmly in place, many believe this move signals a more focused push into long-term acting and solo career development.
For Li Yitong, turning 30 with a new agency, a clean slate, and public support feels less like an ending and more like a carefully planned reset. Sometimes, the loudest statement is a quiet one — and this farewell said everything it needed to.