Recently, Zhao Lusi’s split with Galaxy Cool Entertainment has stirred up online discussion, bringing back familiar questions: why do so many rising stars choose to part ways with their original agencies once they hit it big? Is it the company that can’t keep them, or the artist who forgets their roots?
It’s hard not to recall the past fallout between Li Xueqin and her former partner Lao Xie. In the entertainment world, the relationship between artist and company can be a delicate dance—and one that often shifts dramatically with fame.
🔍From Shared Goals to Diverging Paths
Lao Xie once commented on Zhao Lusi’s situation: “They never had the same ideal from the start.” Brutally honest, but it rings true.
When an artist is new, they crave exposure and acting opportunities. The company, in turn, looks for return on investment and scalable star-making. At this stage, they work in harmony toward common goals.
But once the artist becomes a top-tier celebrity, their priorities change. They want more control: picking scripts, building a personal brand. Meanwhile, the company may still be operating under the old rules—wanting a piece of every deal. The artist wants freedom; the agency seeks stability. One looks to the future, the other focuses on now. Different directions, different roads.
⚖️When Control Shifts: Loyalty or Business?
When fame flips the power dynamic, tension surfaces. No longer reliant on their agency for every opportunity, the artist gains bargaining power. Instead of the company choosing roles for the artist, it’s now the artist choosing whether to work with the company.
The company may think, “We made you famous—you should listen to us.” But the artist might say, “I earned my success—why should I be restricted?”
Early contracts often overlook the possibility that an unknown might one day become a household name. That oversight becomes a ticking time bomb.
📌Breaking the Contract Isn’t the Problem—Unresolved Details Are
Lao Xie emphasizes this: leaving isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it should be handled carefully. Legal responsibilities and financial matters must be sorted out before anything goes public. Otherwise, rash statements could backfire when the contract terms come into play.
Make sure every cent is accounted for, and every document reviewed before signing off. Emotion won’t protect you—legal clarity will.
🧩Parting Ways Can Be Wise—If Done Right
Ultimately, the artist-agency relationship is like a business partnership. When it works, both sides win. When it doesn’t, a respectful parting is the best outcome.
The key? Keep to the rules, read people clearly, and don’t let something that once created mutual success become mutual damage.
The entertainment industry is a small world. Who knows when paths might cross again?
