Chinese pop idol Lu Han has been banned from social media for swearing and giving the middle finger whilst drunk during a live-streaming session. - Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo
BEIJING: Chinese singer, actor and former South Korean boy band EXO member Lu Han was banned from accepting new followers on major social media platforms, allegedly because he behaved inappropriately during a live-stream.
Users on the platforms discovered that they were unable to follow Lu on Jan 6, because his account had “violated laws and regulations or community norms”.
The 34-year-old star immediately apologised via his studio’s account for “setting bad examples during live-streams”, and promised to “discipline himself and eliminate bad influences”.
Lu, who dyed his hair red and wore multiple studs in his eyebrows, lower lip and ears, reportedly drank, swore, angrily attacked critics and even gave the middle finger to a provocative viewer during a live-stream on Nov 29, last year.
Lu had 75 million followers on three platforms combined.
Born in Beijing, Lu was scouted by SM Entertainment while studying Applied Music at the Seoul Institute of the Arts.
In 2012, he debuted as a member of the South Korean-Chinese boy band EXO, together with Huang Zitao, and Kris Wu, who was sentenced to 13 years in prison for rape in 2022.
Lu became a top star in China after he quit EXO and returned to his home country in 2014.
He starred in several films such as 20 Once Again, The Witness, and the reality show Running Man China.
Lu’s bizarre behaviour during the November live-stream caused an online stir.
Many found his sudden transition from a “little fresh meat”, a Chinese term used to describe handsome young man, to a “middle-aged slob”.
However, some fans defended him saying they admired his “outspoken and manly” characters
It is unknown why Lu was punished more than a month after the live-stream was broadcast.
Some said Lu began to “flop” after he announced a romantic relationship with Chinese actress Guan Xiaotong in 2017. They reportedly still remain together.
It is considered a taboo for K-pop idols to engage in public romantic relationships. Lu’s announcement was considered daring.
The love confession caused so much traffic that caused a major social media platform to break down.
Unlike many banned stars who had their profile and work removed from the internet, Lu still remained visible and continued promotional work.
“As a pop idol, Lu Han should set a good example for many of his fans who are still kids,” said one online observer.
“Celebrities should know that it is wrong to attract traffic by provoking the audience,” said another. - South China Morning Post
