Mainland Chinese actor Deng Lun, who disappeared from the spotlight for four years due to a tax evasion scandal in 2022, recently made a comeback by gracing the cover of the Spanish art magazine “METAL.” In this feature, he shared insights into the psychological changes he underwent during his time away, sparking high interest among fans.
Previously, Deng Lun had quoted lyrics from the song “Chasing Dreams with a Childlike Heart,” saying, “I never chose to give up on my dreams, even on days of hardship.” In his interview with “METAL” magazine, he expressed that he still holds onto this belief. Despite the long silence, his mindset has become more carefree, interpreting “impermanence” as “hope” rather than loss.
In the images revealed in the magazine, Deng Lun’s handsome appearance remains unchanged from a few years ago, still possessing his trademark “sharp-edged profile.” What caught attention was the unconventional photography techniques used, with the deliberate inclusion of shadows, reflections, neon lights, and high-contrast lighting, maintaining a sense of shadow and granularity, even intentionally reducing the recognizability of the subject in some shots, conveying emotions through gaze, posture, and body lines.
Some media outlets have interpreted Deng Lun’s recent photo exposure as a reemergence in the international fashion scene. However, as of now, there has been no official announcement regarding his return to the mainland entertainment industry, leaving his comeback status pending further confirmation. Fans flooded the comments section, praising his timeless charm and thanking him for not giving up.
Born in 1992, Deng Lun rose to fame for his roles in several hit TV series and was a prominent figure in various variety shows, enjoying substantial commercial value.
Initially gaining popularity with “Ashes of Love,” his portrayal of “Xufeng” opposite Yang Zi became a phenomenon back then. Subsequent works such as “Thousand and One Nights” and “Sweet Dreams” maintained significant attention, solidifying his status as a highly acclaimed leading male actor.
Moreover, Deng Lun was not just an actor but also a frequent guest on popular variety shows like “Great Escape,” “Keep Running,” and “Detective Diaries,” significantly boosting his exposure. Many viewers became fans of his because of his appearances on these shows.
Before the incident, Deng Lun held endorsements from at least 16 brands across luxury, beauty, electronics, food sectors, including international brands like BVLGARI, Roger Vivier, L’Oréal Paris, and more. He even ranked 21st on the 2019 Forbes China Celebrity List, surpassing some established artists at that time.
With his increasing popularity, Deng Lun was caught in the crosshairs of the authorities in 2021 for old tax issues under the new tax law, resulting in a penalty of over 106 million yuan. Despite voluntarily paying back ten million yuan in back taxes after a self-audit, he faced further penalties and brand endorsements termination, with his social media accounts disappearing within hours.
According to Chinese media reports, Deng Lun joined the ranks of celebrities such as Fan Bingbing, Zheng Shuang, and internet sensation Viya who were fined significant sums for tax violations, reflecting a crackdown by authorities on tax evasion in the entertainment industry.
Some netizens drew connections to Yu Menglong’s unjust death last September, speculating that many disappeared celebrities may not have truly fallen due to tax evasion, suggesting it as a mere excuse. They expressed relief that Deng Lun, a once highly valuable celebrity, is safe and alive, emphasizing that leaving the industry voluntarily is better than facing persecution.