Luo Zheng recently surprised many by revealing that he has less than RMB 5,000 in his savings despite having worked in the industry for nearly 10 years.
The Chinese actor, who rose to fame through the show, “Idol Producer,” recently went on the show, “C-Ent and Their Agents” (translated title) where he and his agent spoke about his career. He admitted that he was very young when he signed with his former agency, and did not carefully read the contract before signing his long-term deal.
Luo Zheng revealed that his monthly salary was about RMB 2,500 when he first signed the contract. After participating in “Idol Producer,” his popularity increased, and his monthly salary rose to RMB 5,000.
However, during the years when his popularity was at its peak, he actually received a mere RMB 20,000 in bonuses. It turned out that his former company deducted all expenses under the pretext of “training costs.”
Luo said that he only realised this after he filed a lawsuit. He said even the costs of the practice room, water dispenser, and light bulb changes, as well as travel and accommodation expenses for staff visiting the set and his assistants’ salaries, were all borne by him.
“At that time, I thought I might as well become a security guard,” he said.
Luo said that he was asked to pay a penalty of up to RMB 50 million when he wanted to terminate his contract, and that he was glad to have met his current agent, who helped him with the situation.
The actor revealed that he had paid off the main debt in January 2024, but he still has to pay the legal fees owed from the contract termination lawsuit in instalments.
