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| Ex-SNH48 Li Yitong’s Studio Rejects ‘Short Drama’ Claims as Set Dispute Sparks Wider Debate. (Credits: Weibo) |
Chinese actress and former SNH48 member Li Yitong (Faka) has moved to shut down mounting speculation around her latest project, after online chatter framed her upcoming role as part of a so-called “short drama” trend. In a firm clarification, her studio stated the production is in fact a mid-scale series backed by major industry players, pushing back against narratives that questioned her career choices at a pivotal stage of her transition from idol to full-time actress.
According to the agency, the project is being developed with the involvement of Shenzhen Media Group, Shenzhen TV and Shenzhen Film Studio, positioning it as a priority production rather than a low-tier or experimental format.
The statement stressed that the team approached the offer with careful evaluation, weighing script quality, character fit and the production team’s track record before confirming Li Yitong’s participation.
The clarification appears aimed at stabilising perceptions after days of speculation that cast doubt on the project’s scale and her role within it.
However, the conversation has quickly shifted beyond format labels to wider concerns about on-set treatment and industry practices.
Reports circulating across Chinese social platforms allege that Li Yitong had initially secured a leading role in the drama With Wolves, only for her positioning to be quietly altered during production launch preparations.
Claims suggest promotional materials were adjusted and her prominence reduced, fuelling debate over transparency and contractual clarity in casting.
The situation intensified following emotional footage from the project’s launch event, where Li Yitong appeared visibly overwhelmed and addressed fans with an apology.
Despite being at the centre of the controversy, she reportedly urged supporters to remain calm and avoid targeting the production team, even offering to cover fan support expenses.
The moment has since become a flashpoint online, with many questioning why the actress felt compelled to apologise amid circumstances widely perceived as unfavourable to her.
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Fan communities reacted swiftly, with organised support groups issuing detailed statements criticising both the production team and the handling of the situation by her management.
Some accused the studio of failing to act decisively, citing delayed responses and a lack of visible advocacy for their artist. Others, however, urged restraint, noting that incomplete information and heightened emotions risk distorting the full picture.
Among general netizens, reactions remain sharply divided. A section of viewers expressed sympathy for Li Yitong, highlighting her reputation for professionalism and quiet persistence since her SNH48 days. Others took a more cautious stance, arguing that industry disputes are often complex and not always fully reflected in viral narratives.
The phrase translating loosely to “Li Yitong is being treated unfairly” trended widely, underscoring the scale of public attention, but it has also prompted calls for a more measured reading of events.
The episode has reignited discussion around shifting production formats in China’s television landscape, where shorter and mid-length series are increasingly common, but still carry varying perceptions of prestige.
For actors navigating this evolving space, the balance between opportunity, visibility and long-term positioning remains delicate, particularly for those like Li Yitong seeking to solidify a post-idol acting identity.
What remains clear is that the immediate issue is no longer just about whether a project qualifies as a “short drama”, but about how roles are communicated, credited and protected in an increasingly competitive industry.
The response from Li Yitong’s studio signals an attempt to reframe the narrative around professional decision-making, yet the broader conversation shows little sign of fading.
Audiences are watching not only how the production proceeds, but how both the agency and the wider industry respond to growing calls for clearer standards. What do you make of the situation—misunderstanding, mismanagement, or something deeper within the system?