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| Sun Zhenni Enters New Chapter as Independent Artist with Self-Owned Company (Photo: Weibo/Sun ZhenNi) |
Sun Zhenni has officially stepped into a new phase of her career. The actress and former idol has confirmed her departure from Siba Media (STAR48) and launched a fully self-owned personal management & studio, marking her transition from the 48 idol system to becoming an independent artist.
The move has been quietly building momentum since early February 2026, when reports surfaced that Sun Zhenni had registered a studio under sole proprietorship. Fans quickly noticed another telling sign: her social media profile was updated, and any reference to Siba Media was removed.
Shortly after, congratulations began pouring in, with many verified fan accounts referencing her graduation from the “48 system” — the idol ecosystem that shaped her early career.
As known, Sun Zhenni rose to prominence through the SNH48 system under Siba Media. She was previously a member of SNH48 Team HII before being transferred in May 2023 to the company’s film and television division. That shift was already seen as a hint that her career path was evolving beyond idol group activities.
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Around the same period, several other members were also reported to have ended their contracts or stepped away, sparking discussions about possible restructuring within Siba Media.
While no official large-scale statement was issued, the pattern did not go unnoticed by fans closely watching the company’s internal changes.
Now, by establishing her own studio under a sole ownership structure, Sun Zhenni gains significantly more control over her career decisions.
From selecting film and drama projects to negotiating commercial collaborations and shaping her personal brand strategy, the independent model allows her to move with greater flexibility and autonomy.
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In recent years, more Chinese entertainers have chosen this route, especially those transitioning from idol systems into mainstream acting. Independence often signals confidence, industry maturity, and a desire to redefine one’s public image beyond group branding.
Fan responses have been loud and emotional, particularly because the studio was reportedly established on Valentine’s Day — a date many found symbolic. One viral comment read: “On Valentine’s Day she opened her own studio — Sun Zhenni is truly independent now.”
Another praised her journey, saying they had watched her growth from idol stages to screen performances and felt proud of how far she has come.
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Supportive fans see this as a natural upgrade in her career trajectory. They highlight her acting potential and express excitement for her upcoming projects, hoping her pending dramas will air soon.
However, not all reactions were purely celebratory. Some long-time 48 system supporters admitted feeling sentimental. For them, her departure marks the end of an era tied to group activities and shared idol memories.A smaller group of netizens questioned whether independence will bring more opportunities or greater pressure, as self-management can mean higher expectations and responsibility.
Even so, the overall sentiment leans positive. Many believe that Sun Zhenni’s steady shift toward film and television since 2023 already prepared her for this step.
Becoming independent does not just mean leaving a company — it means redefining positioning. Sun Zhenni is no longer framed primarily as a 48 system idol; she is now branding herself as an actress with full agency over her path.
Industry observers note that independent studios often allow artists to negotiate better contracts, choose stronger scripts, and align themselves with more diverse production teams. If managed well, this transition could expand her influence beyond her original fanbase.
With several projects reportedly in the pipeline, anticipation is building around her upcoming dramas. Fans are eager to see whether this new chapter will bring more mature roles and stronger screen presence.
Do you think going independent will elevate her career further, or do idol-system roots still matter in today’s entertainment landscape? Share your thoughts — is this the best move of her career so far?