Popular Chinese actor and singer Zhang Zhehan, who rose to fame with the TV drama “Word of Honor,” faced a complete ban in August 2021 after photos of him near the Yasukuni Shrine in Japan surfaced. Zhang, who has been expanding his career overseas in recent years, recently revealed the truth behind the “Yasukuni Shrine photo incident” at a concert in Seoul, South Korea.
Zhang Zhehan, who is both an actor and a singer, concluded his “Hunhuang Theatre 2.0” concert held overseas in Seoul, South Korea. The concert featured newly arranged dance performances, several new song debuts, and upgraded stage designs and costumes. After performing the song “Going Off,” Zhang Zhehan stated, “The song I just performed, called ‘Over’ in Chinese, carries the meaning of conclusion. Today, I also want to put an end to some things.”
He removed the microphone at the piano, walked to the center of the stage, and after a moment of contemplation, said, “For three years, I have not had the opportunity to explain the events of that year to everyone. But now, I want to tell everyone that in 2018 during cherry blossom season, I strolled along the Chidorigafuchi Trail admiring cherry blossoms. I passed by a garden without knowing what was behind me. Three years later, seeing the news, when I wanted to explain, I had already lost all avenues for explanation.”
Zhang Zhehan emphasized, “I am a native Chinese, and I have never and will never visit or worship at the Yasukuni Shrine. I deeply love my motherland. It is everyone’s trust and support that has brought me to where I am today. Thank you all.” He then bowed deeply to the audience and led them in singing “Chinese People.” This gesture was seen by many as seeking “forgiveness,” hoping to return to the Chinese entertainment industry.
According to earlier reports from mainland media, Zhang Zhehan attended a wedding held by a Chinese-Japanese friend in Japan in 2019 and took photos in front of the Yasukuni Shrine. Unfortunately, a batch of old photos resurfaced in August 2021, leading to online backlash. He was accused by some of being a “pro-Japan,” “pro-Japanese,” and “insulting Chinese.”
Despite statements from Zhang Zhehan’s friends on Instagram emphasizing that the Meiji Shrine is a common wedding venue for many Japanese people, and his own apology, Chinese state media such as CCTV and People’s Daily launched a full-scale attack on him, criticizing him as “ignorant” and for “hurting national feelings,” warning him to “pay a heavy price.” Within just two days, Zhang Zhehan was dropped by 27 commercial endorsement brands, and his participation in film and TV projects and variety shows were halted. Moreover, his personal Weibo account, studio Weibo account, TikTok, Oasis, and other accounts were all shut down, leading to an overnight complete ban on him.
Some netizens lamented, “It’s a ‘Cultural Revolution-style’ ideological control,” and “A single photo can ruin a person; it’s terrifying!”