Recently, Yu Zheng, founder of Huanyu Entertainment, revealed in an interview that actress Bai Lu had renewed her contract for two years, whereas the company’s artists usually choose to renew two years in advance.
This statement quickly sparked heated discussions online, with many speculating about the future of Bai Lu, Xu Kai, and other top-tier artists under the company.
Huanyu Entertainment is one of China’s leading film production and talent management companies, having nurtured numerous popular actors. Bai Lu and Xu Kai have both gained massive popularity through hit dramas. However, Bai Lu’s renewal term—only two years—is notably shorter than the industry’s usual five-to-eight-year contracts, leading some to believe she might be keeping her options open. Meanwhile, Xu Kai’s career trajectory in recent years appears to have plateaued, prompting public questions about the company’s resource allocation and talent development strategies.
The relationship between artists and management agencies has always been delicate. While agencies provide platforms and resources, established stars often desire greater autonomy. In recent years, cases like Yang Mi, Zhao Liying, and Yang Zi choosing not to renew and instead establishing their own studios have reshaped the industry landscape.
For Huanyu, the challenge lies in striking a balance—protecting the company’s interests while granting artists more freedom. With the rise of short video and self-media platforms, artists now have more ways to directly connect with fans, reducing reliance on traditional agencies. In the future, cooperation models between artists and companies are likely to become more flexible and diversified.
