From Trainee to Star: Former SM Entertainment Member Expelled for Misconduct Becomes Leading Actor
Yu Zhi hit with sexting scandal back in 2016, now a rising actor under the name Yu Shi.
The controversy began when explicit photos and sexting messages allegedly sent by Yu Zhi surfaced online. Screenshots showed communications dated as far back as 2013, during his time on a Chinese survival show.
At the time, he was an SM Entertainment trainee expected to join NCT’s Chinese sub-unit. But public backlash, especially from Chinese fans, forced his exit from the idol path.
Soon after, Yu Zhi rebranded as Yu Shi and launched an acting career in 2018. His breakthrough came with the fantasy war film Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms.
He also took lead roles in Chinese dramas and films like To the Wonder, Born to Fly, and Operation Hadal.
As his profile grows, fans have resurrected talk about his past scandal, stirring fresh debate about his career and image.
Yu Shi has worked to clean up his image. After learning horseback riding for Creation of the Gods, he won two awards at The National Horseback Archery Elite Competition.
