 |
| Tax Issue Involving Ding Zhen’s Studio Draws Mixed Reactions from Fans (Photo: Weibo) |
C-Pop singer Ding Zhen is trending again, but this time not for scenic photos or cultural campaigns. The young Chinese public figure found himself at the centre of online chatter after records showed that his personal studio had been listed with tax arrears in a public corporate database, quickly catching the attention of netizens across Chinese social media.
According to company risk information that circulated online, Sichuan Xiaomashaonian Culture Media Studio, a studio personally owned by Ding Zhen, was recorded as having two tax arrears notices with a combined amount exceeding 34,000 yuan. The unpaid items reportedly involved urban construction and maintenance tax as well as value-added tax.
The studio itself was established in June 2021 with a registered capital of 3 million yuan.
Its business scope includes commercial performances, artist management, and radio and television programme production, making it an important platform supporting Ding Zhen’s expanding professional activities beyond his viral fame.
As the topic gained traction and discussion intensified, Ding Zhen’s studio wasted no time in responding. The management team released an official clarification, explaining that the delay in tax payment stemmed from an oversight by an external finance staff member hired to handle tax administration matters.
In the statement, the studio emphasised that once the issue was identified, they immediately contacted the local tax authorities and settled all outstanding taxes along with late payment charges on the same day.
 |
The management described the incident as an unintentional operational error and firmly stated that there was no intention to avoid tax obligations.
Reactions from fans and netizens were notably mixed.
Many supporters expressed relief after reading the clarification, pointing out that the amount involved was relatively small and praising the studio for addressing the matter quickly and transparently.
Some fans also highlighted Ding Zhen’s image as a cultural ambassador, urging the public not to overinterpret an administrative mistake.
On the other hand, a number of netizens took a more cautious stance, arguing that public figures and their studios should maintain higher standards of financial management. Others saw the incident as a reminder of how closely celebrity business operations are scrutinised, especially in the current climate where compliance and accountability are under the spotlight.
While the situation appears to have been resolved promptly, the discussion around it shows how even minor administrative issues can spark widespread debate when it involves a well-known name. What do you think about the studio’s explanation, and should public figures be held to stricter expectations when it comes to business management? Join the conversation and share your thoughts.