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| Siba Media Denies Settlement with Ju Jingyi, Says Legal Fight Is Far from Over as Veil of Shadows Broadcast Schedule Is Cancelled. (Credits: Weibo) |
Siba Media has shut down speculation of a quiet settlement with former SNH48 member Kiku Ju Jingyi., making it clear the contract dispute remains unresolved and firmly in the legal arena. In a statement released on 26 March, the Chinese entertainment company denied any form of negotiation or agreement with representatives tied to the artist, directly countering online claims that the long-running conflict had been settled behind closed doors.
The agency stressed that no discussions had taken place with Ju Jingyi’s personal studio, management team, drama promotion units, or any associated organisations. According to the company, the matter is still under formal legal review, and any reports suggesting otherwise are inaccurate and misleading.
It also warned that such rumours risk creating confusion among the public, media outlets, and industry stakeholders.
At the centre of the dispute is a contract disagreement that has gradually escalated into one of the most closely watched legal clashes in China’s entertainment sector.
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| Siba Media Confirms Ongoing Legal Battle with Ju Jingyi |
Ju Jingyi previously filed a lawsuit against Siba Media, with court proceedings reportedly scheduled at the Hongkou District People’s Court in Shanghai on 18 March. The key issue lies in the validity and duration of her management agreement.
The artist publicly announced her departure from Siba Media in June 2024, maintaining that her original contract had already expired. However, the company disputes this claim, pointing to an alleged supplementary agreement signed in 2018 that would extend her contract until 2033.
If upheld, this would bind her to nearly two decades under one agency, a duration increasingly viewed as excessive by modern industry standards.
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Ju Jingyi’s side has firmly rejected the existence of such an agreement. Her studio insists she neither saw nor signed any additional contract, arguing that her professional obligations ended under the original terms.
The legal process has already included two rounds of signature authentication, yet neither has been able to confirm the legitimacy of the disputed document.
This uncertainty has weakened the agency’s position and raised broader concerns about contract management practices.
The fallout has not been limited to the two parties involved. Several brands and collaborators linked to Ju Jingyi were briefly drawn into related legal actions, adding pressure across the industry.
While some of these cases have since been withdrawn, the initial move created unease among partners and highlighted the wider impact of unresolved contractual disputes.
A significant portion of fans has rallied behind Ju Jingyi, framing the situation as a stand against opaque and restrictive agreements. Others, however, have questioned the narrative after Siba Media disclosed figures suggesting she earned up to 139 million RMB.
For some observers, the financial disclosure felt like a diversion from the central issue of contract legitimacy rather than a genuine clarification.
The case has also reignited scrutiny of the so-called “idol factory” model, where long-term contracts, strict control, and uneven revenue distribution are often standard. Industry analysts note that after deductions, many performers receive only a fraction of their earnings, while additional agreements can extend commitments without full transparency.
The dispute involving Ju Jingyi is increasingly seen as a test case that could influence how such contracts are viewed moving forward.
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Despite the ongoing legal tension, Ju Jingyi has maintained a steady presence in the public eye. Brand partnerships, photoshoots, and appearances continue without visible disruption, reinforcing a carefully managed professional image.
For fans, this consistency has become a defining point, suggesting a clear separation between her legal challenges and career responsibilities.
Siba Media also hinted that rumours of a settlement may have been circulated to ease approval processes for the drama Veil of Shadows.
With the dispute still active, industry insiders now expect delays, and the previously speculated April 2026 release window appears increasingly unlikely.
Adding to the scheduling shake-up, Veil of Shadows has now reportedly been withdrawn, with Light to the Night starring Pan Yueming and Wang Hedi moved forward and expected to premiere on April via Youku, while the drama’s producer posted on Weibo in a tone that suggested frustration, hinting the sudden change pushed the series ahead abruptly and disrupted its original release plans.
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What happens next rests with the court. The decision will determine whether the disputed agreement holds legal weight or becomes a cautionary example of flawed contract practices.
Either way, the outcome is set to carry implications far beyond one artist or one agency, potentially reshaping expectations across the industry.
The spotlight remains firmly on both sides. Is this a turning point for artist rights, or simply another prolonged dispute with no clear winner?