China has responded to reports that it is trying to recruit Taiwanese TWICE member Tzuyu for its entertainment industry, allegedly in exchange for her making political statements supporting Beijing’s position on Taiwan.
At a regular press conference on Wednesday, 2 September, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Zhang Han said she was not aware of the specific situation described by a reporter.
However, Zhang went on to say that China welcomes Taiwanese artistes who want to develop their careers there and supports cross-strait cultural exchanges.
She also reiterated Beijing’s position that it would not tolerate entertainers who make money in China while supporting what it regards as “Taiwan independence” activities.
In other words, the Taiwan Affairs Office did not confirm the reported attempt to recruit Tzuyu or the alleged offer made to her.
Report Claims Political Support Was Sought in Exchange for Resources
The controversy began with an investigation published by Taiwan’s Mirror Media on 31 August.
Citing unnamed sources, the publication reported that China’s Taiwan-related authorities had identified Tzuyu as someone they hoped to attract to the Chinese entertainment market as her future with South Korean agency JYP Entertainment remains under discussion.
Mirror Media alleged that veteran entertainment manager Chao Shao-wei had been used as a point of contact with Tzuyu’s family.
According to the publication’s sources, Tzuyu could receive help gaining access to Chinese broadcasters, concerts and other entertainment opportunities if she publicly backed positions such as “one China” and the idea that Taiwanese people are Chinese.
However, Chao disputed the political part of the report.
He told Mirror Media through a friend that there was no signed cooperation agreement with Tzuyu and that discussions had not progressed because her family was still negotiating with JYP.
When asked whether political considerations were involved in his contact with Tzuyu’s side, he said they were not.
Tzuyu’s JYP Future Has Not Been Finalised Publicly
Reports about the alleged Chinese approach come as Tzuyu’s contract situation attracts considerable attention.
On 14 July, South Korean media reported that the 27-year-old would leave JYP after 11 years while remaining part of TWICE.
JYP did not confirm the report. The company told Hankook Ilbo that contract renewal discussions with TWICE members were still taking place and that it would announce the outcome once decisions were finalised.
Mirror Media subsequently reported on 31 August that Tzuyu’s mother was still negotiating with JYP and that no final conclusion had been reached.
Taiwan’s Culture Minister Li Yuan, meanwhile, said artistes were free to choose where they wanted to work, but urged those considering China to be aware of possible political and “united front” conditions.
Tzuyu Was at the Centre of a Similar Political Storm in 2016
The allegations are particularly sensitive because Tzuyu was previously caught in a major China-Taiwan controversy shortly after TWICE’s debut.
In 2015, the then-16-year-old held a Republic of China flag during a South Korean television programme. The act later triggered criticism in China after she was accused of supporting Taiwanese independence.
Tzuyu subsequently appeared in a video apologising and stating that there was only one China. JYP suspended her activities in China during the controversy.
JYP later denied that it had forced Tzuyu to make the apology, saying an individual’s political beliefs could not be compelled by the company.
Ten years later, her political identity and access to the Chinese entertainment market have once again become part of the discussion surrounding her career, although the Taiwan Affairs Office has not confirmed the latest recruitment allegations.
