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| A Clean Break and a Bold Move, Zhao Jiarui Signals Her Actress Ambitions (Photo: Baidu) |
Zhao Jiarui is officially turning the page, and fans can feel the shift already. The former SNH48 member has confirmed a major career move that signals a clear change of direction, swapping the idol spotlight for a more focused path in acting. The announcement has quickly become a hot topic online, not just because of the agency she joined, but because of how smoothly and confidently this transition unfolded.
On 22 January 2026, Haixi Media released an official statement on Weibo announcing that Zhao Jiarui had joined the company and would be carrying out her professional activities as an actress going forward. The agency directly tagged Jiarui’s personal account, leaving no ambiguity about her new status in the industry.
For long-time followers, this marked a defining moment, especially after years of watching her grow through stage performances and group activities.
This signing caught extra attention as Zhao Jiarui is now under the same agency as Li Yitong, another former SNH48 member who successfully transitioned into acting earlier on.
The shared background alone was enough to spark excitement, with fans already imagining potential collaborations, drama casting rumours, and a smoother path for Jiarui to settle into screen roles.
Haixi Media itself has built a reputation for actively expanding its artist roster, particularly by welcoming talents with diverse entertainment backgrounds. Former girl group members moving into acting is not new, but Jiarui’s timing and agency choice feel carefully considered, suggesting a long-term plan rather than a rushed switch.
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In her own message, Zhao Jiarui explained that her previous contract had officially ended and that she chose not to renew it. She described the moment as both a conclusion and a beginning, sharing that everyone has their own dreams and their own road to walk. The post resonated quickly, drawing widespread attention and discussion across social platforms.
Notably, just one minute after the announcement went public, her former agency and group associates responded by reposting an official congratulatory statement.
They not only offered their best wishes but also openly confirmed that Zhao Jiarui had completed a full signing with Beijing Haixi Media. The response was calm, supportive, and transparent, a rarity that many viewers were quick to point out.
What stood out most was the absence of any dispute. There were no contract penalties, no public disagreements, and no legal drama attached to the departure. Many netizens described it as an “ideal farewell”, praising both sides for handling the transition with professionalism and mutual respect, something often missing in entertainment industry exits.
Online reactions have been mixed but largely positive. Supportive fans expressed pride in Jiarui’s courage to start fresh, calling this the right time for her to redefine herself.
Others took a more cautious stance, hoping she would be given solid scripts rather than rushed exposure. Some industry watchers noted that Haixi Media’s strong artist lineup could offer both opportunity and pressure, making Jiarui’s next project choices especially crucial.
With Beijing Haixi Media also home to several well-known figures, expectations around Zhao Jiarui’s next move are already building. Whether she starts with supporting roles or jumps straight into leading projects, one thing is clear, this is a carefully watched new chapter.
What kind of actress do you think Zhao Jiarui will become, and what roles would suit her best?