Zhao Lusi, one of China’s most popular actresses, is set to resume her activities on January 25 at a low-key commercial event in Chengdu, her hometown.
However, her return has not been met with enthusiasm from fans but with concerns about her health.
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In the promotional video, Zhao Lusi appears visibly fragile, with a thin face and pale complexion, suggesting she has not yet fully recovered from her illness. Doctors have indicated that the actress needs at least two to three months of rest and treatment, yet her return comes just one month after falling ill, which many deem premature.
According to the *China Times*, Zhao Lusi seems to have no choice but to fulfill her contractual obligations, even at the expense of her health. The return event will be small, with only 100 fans with tickets in attendance, in stark contrast to her usual events, which draw thousands of people to public venues.
The actress, who currently holds around 25 contracts with various brands, is constantly required to attend events, photoshoots, and commercial filming. According to *QQ*, any prolonged pause in her schedule could result in significant financial penalties for her agency, Galaxy Cool Entertainment, due to commitments to commercial partners.
Zhao Lusi is bound by a 10-year contract with Galaxy Cool Entertainment, signed in 2016. The agreement stipulates a hefty penalty of up to 450 million TWD ($14.4 million) in the event of unilateral termination. Despite her attempts to expose issues and leverage public opinion to gain freedom from her contract, the agency has remained firm.
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“Await her return” was the agency’s official response, reaffirming its stance not to release Zhao Lusi from her contract. If she chooses to protest or “strike,” the actress could face a career freeze during the remaining two years of her contract—a significant risk in the competitive Chinese entertainment industry.
Struggles with Mental Health
Since 2019, Zhao Lusi has been battling depression caused by various traumas, including bullying by teachers during childhood, issues with her agency, the loss of loved ones, and the pressure of an exhausting work schedule. Although she endured in silence for years, her health deteriorated to the point of a breakdown at the end of 2024.
She has been reluctant to publicly discuss her mental condition, fearing accusations of using depression for publicity. Now, even in her weakened state, Zhao Lusi appears compelled to prioritize her professional obligations to avoid further issues with her agency.
Source: Kbizoom / globaltimes. This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team