The hard-to-clean stains of stars
Many Chinese stars fall into the temptation of using it drug. This scandal landed them in prison, destroying their reputation and the career they had built a lifetime.
The Chinese entertainment industry has been shaken many times by scandals where celebrities were arrested and investigated for using banned substances.
Mr. Ly Hien Huy, Deputy Director of the China Anti-Narcotics Office, said: “Artists use drugs has become a social issue, attracting widespread attention. As far as I know, they mainly use meth, marijuana, and heroin.”
The arrest of actors Kha Chan Dong and Phung To Danh caused a stir for a while.
In August 2014, actor Kha Chan Dong and Phung To Danh (son of star Jackie Chan) were arrested for drug use. Through initial testimony, Phung To Danh admitted it drug addiction 8 years, and Kha Chan Dong 2 years. Notably, both told Beijing police a list of 120 famous people involved in using banned substances. The information shocked public opinion and was published by a series of media channels.
Among them, actor C, who has a close relationship with Phung To Danh, is said to be a famous star in showbiz in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Another star named C was revealed to be a veteran male singer in the Chinese music industry.
Just from March 2014 to December 2015, a series of famous “stars” in the Chinese entertainment industry were accused of drug addiction, including: Ly Dai Mat, Truong Nguyen, Ninh Tai Than, Truong Dieu Duong, Truong Mac, Vuong Hoc Binh… Some people were arrested and sentenced to prison, then released and arrested again like male singer Doan Tuong Kiet.
Cao Ho and Mac Thieu Thong – two strong male stars of the screen were also arrested on drug-related charges.
Cao Ho - an actor famous for a series of historical roles, especially Hu Truc in Th
On April 15, 2011, Beijing police arrested a group of people using narcotics, including Mac Thieu Thong. During the trial, he declared that he was not addicted to drugs, but respected his friends so he tried smoking.
Tieu Thuc Than relapsed into drug addiction many times.
The most scandalous actress for using banned substances is Tieu Thuc Than. In 2006, she was arrested for the first time for drug possession and use. A year later, the actress relapsed, was arrested a second time and received a 4-year suspended prison sentence and 140 hours of community service. In 2011, she was arrested for the third time and sentenced to 1 year and 7 months in prison.
Pay the price for fatal mistakes
Chinese showbiz is famous for its harshness and high rejection rate. Management agencies and audiences do not accept artists who commit errors related to the use of banned substances. For that reason, many stars have their reputations and careers ruined just because of “fatal mistakes”.
Kha Chan Dong used to be a shining name in showbiz, but was boycotted by many brands and his role in the movie was canceled.
“That stain made me constantly think about many things. It was like an ear slap I received when I was too young,” he recalled during his return to filming in 2020.
Ton Hung held a press conference and bowed his head to apologize after being released from prison. However, the actor was not forgiven.
Ton Hung went from having the second highest salary in Hong Kong with the title “Flower King”, for many years he had to work as a DJ at bars, perform at fairs, and busk with a meager income. The scandal turned a one-time amateur into a blacklisted artist who no longer had the opportunity to work in the arts.
With no more acting opportunities, Cao Ho was forced to leave the city and return to his hometown to work as a farmer. Mac Thieu Thong, in his twilight years, bitterly admitted many times that he wanted to escape because of impulsive mistakes in the past.
Female star Tieu Thuc Than is currently in a miserable situation, surrounded by illness. She faced death because duodenal cancer metastasized to her liver. In an interview, the actor said this could be “retribution” he had to receive for his time of debauchery.
Faced with the situation of artists with chaotic personal lives, the Chinese Ministry of Culture has decided to sanction a number of individuals and groups; Associations also call on famous people to discipline themselves, comply with social ethics and issue sanctions such as banning performances, banning the release of works…
Director Zhang Yimou said: “I saw with my own eyes some actors gathering to smoke marijuana during breaks. Artists who are addicted to drugs are very bad. I strongly approve of the management agency strongly punishing drug use in the entertainment industry.”
Many people expressed regret over the stories of stars who had no way back because of mistakes. However, the majority believe that the above punishment is necessary for artists who do not consciously keep to themselves. They destroy their own future and career, even though it’s too late to regret it.
* The article title has been edited
What are the long-term impacts of drug-related scandals on artists’ careers in the Chinese entertainment industry?
Tars like Tieu Thuc Than also faced severe repercussions from their drug-related activities, with their careers significantly impacted. Despite attempts at rehabilitation and public apologies, the stigma attached to their actions can linger, often leading to ostracization from the industry and the public.
The Chinese entertainment industry has seen a troubling trend where drug use among artists not only reflects personal struggles but also raises serious concerns about the broader implications for society. The rising number of drug-related scandals has resulted in calls for stricter regulations and greater awareness of the issue. As public figures, artists wield significant influence; thus, their actions can set precedents for their fans and followers.
Consequently, many stars who experienced the fallout from their drug use have expressed feelings of regret and disappointment at the opportunities lost. Their stories serve as cautionary tales for upcoming artists, highlighting the importance of making responsible choices in the pursuit of fame and success. These incidents also underscore the need for ongoing discussions about mental health, addiction, and the pressures faced by those in the spotlight.
the issues surrounding drug use in the entertainment industry in China reflect both individual struggles and a broader societal challenge. The repercussions for those involved can be devastating, impacting careers and lives for years to come. As awareness grows, the hope is that there will be more support for those struggling with addiction as well as a shift in how society addresses and understands these complex issues.