TF Boy’s Jackson Yee says he’s bowing out of his National Theatre spot. The 21-year-old star is smack in the middle of a very public outcry over his appointment into the state-run theatre together with two other young celebs.
Acceptance into a state-run organisation means financial security and benefits. Which is why securing a spot is said to be hard to come by with intense competition for those vying to get in. However with three celebrities included on the list of new recruits – Hu Xianxu and IXFORM member Luo Yizhou were also named, people are now angrily questioning whether these stars managed to get in through the backdoor or were given special treatment. At the very least, applicants must be unemployed to be considered eligible. How is it then that these young stars even qualified? That’s the question foremost in a lot of people’s minds.
Fully Compliant With All the Requirements
Despite the National Theatre’s own statement saying no one was given any special privileges, people still want answers. So finally, after sitting on the matter as it continued to brew, Jackson Yee issued a statement announcing his withdrawal.
“Since joining the industry, I’ve always hoped to have a positive impact on everyone. But this time, my actions have offended and dissatisfied everyone. It has also affected the National Theatre, something I never wanted to happen. In order not to trouble anyone anymore, after careful deliberation, I have decided to give up joining the National Theatre. “
Moreover, the idol also asserted that he went through the process just like any other applicant. “During the process, I never negotiated or discussed anything involving a “pre-reserved slot” with the teachers of the National Theatre nor did I go through any so-called “short-cuts” to get in” he said.
Likewise, Hu Xianxu also said on social media that he did everything fully by the books and that he never enjoyed or exercised any special privileges during the recruitment process. To lend credence to this, he even shared notices he received from the organisation such as emails, text messages, recordings from his online interview as well as train tickets (for face to face interviews), health declaration codes even just to prove he went through every step to secure a spot. Meanwhile, Luo Yizhou has not made any statement.
Anonymity
I like how Jackson Yee decides to withdraw from the position and still gets criticized. Hu Xianxu comes out with evidence and doesn’t withdraw, and also still gets criticized. Also Luo Yizhou being part of IXFORM is basically unemployed since that group has zero work lol. You can’t please every body I guess!
Irina
The problem with the prince lies with his fans and defenders, who keep on deleting the posts of the people who questioned about them, as well the cyber-bullying that his fans employed toward such people (exposing the user’s real name and info, and directed other fans to harass them). They also look down on those people, just because they are ‘commoners’.
In HXX’s case, it was revealed that the station he supposedly went to for that day had actually closed down earlier, which they announced via their douyin account. So yeah, he made up those evidence.
I wouldn’t really call LYZ unemployed. He did some filming for TV and show (but got pulled out from the latter after this incident).
Lussy
Irina, I get your point. But it is also necessary to accept when it comes to Jackson Yee and Zhao Li Ying, their actions are usually questioned, regardless of whether they are transparent or not. Both have aggressive and irrational fanatics and netizens do not learn to separate them from their fandom, even knowing that the two cannot control every individual in their fan base.
Melissa
It’s ironic that you talk about negativity when you are doing the same here. You love dragging celebrities who weren’t even mentioned in the topic. You remind me of the pathetic people who drag Zhao Li Ying every minute. Celebrities bring out the worst in you guys.
Loa
You have made it clear that you have severe mental problems that you should take care of before your life ends up reaching a scale of misery where your parents will regret not abandoning you.
Irina has shit for brains
You are like the toxic fans. You leave hostile comments and rumors. Hypocrite.
oatmeal
Considering the high unemployment rate and competition everywhere, it shouldn’t be a surprise how some people reacted to this. Even scholarship grantees are scrutinized sometimes.
Why did the organization include an unemployed status as a requirement? Was it because they wanted to produce opportunities for unemployed people who were in dire need of help? Who do they consider in dire need of help? What makes an applicant qualified?
They should revise their definition of unemployed to make their terms clear to everyone. Do they consider unemployed stars who are still earning from endorsements unemployed? Stars of that calibre are in a better state than regular unemployed people without endorsements. Regular people might need the assistance more. If their original goal was to help unemployed people in desperate need of a job, why were these stars considered?
dee
Unemployment requirement is important in entertainment industry as people mostly work on multiple projects and in various formats under different contracts, sometimes they are even registered as employees of agency etc All that for production to reduce costs. On the other side being employed by two different employers is not legally possible specially if one is state owned (but for private companies as well) due to social contributions and pension payments. In China that is particularly strict requirements. Hence it had to be made clear so that applicants can terminate all contracts that might look like being employed for another company due to on going project. In this industry that is technicality so that Theater do not end in potential legal trouble. It is not matter of giving chance to the unemployed. Getting this position is super hard and it rarely happens that all positions are field. This year out of 10 positions 3 were not even filled. It ia among most prestigious position you can get and super hard to win.
Tina
Thanks for this explanation. It clears up a lot of misunderstanding regarding unemployment in that it’s not the traditional sense of someone who is in need of a job, but that someone can’t be employed by anyone else once they join. Very interesting.
Zihan
People are angry for valid reasons, but then direct that anger towards the NTCC rather than these new graduates. It’s not like they’re the first celebrities to have careers outside of NTCC. They also made assumptions that they received special treatment, but half the qualified applicants actually had online interviews due to covid restrictions just the same as YYQX and HXX. NTCC has a reputation of being the best in the nation. It’s a prestigious position, it’s no surprise that these top CAD graduates would want to apply. If they do not meet the basic requirements, then that’s the NTCC’s responsibility to determine and disqualify if necessary. As Dee noted below, the unemployed requirement is more for legal reasons, and not about giving opportunities to the desperate. Something like the NTCC is purely merit based.
Nonny
Don’t know the other 2 but Jackson should’ve never went for that slot. He’s one of the most popular young actors working right now. For him it was about ego and prestige, he didn’t need it. And the gp is as mad about his placement as they are about how his team handled the whole “scandal”. Their dirty tactics were front and center. That humble boy next door who came from nothing and worked his way up? All down the drain now.
dee
Actually he was really good person for a job. This was rare learning opportunity for him and as he became so popular at such young age (he was only 18 when he filmed The longest day in Chang’An) he needs to learn a lot and master his art/trade in rigorous environment as this one, working hard with the best. This was the opportunity for him and the Theater, and now it is ruined as GP are jealous of his success/money and talent has lost opportunity to be shaped up by hard work and top experts in his profession. Don’t be mistaken this position is so hard to get, whoever lands it has to be someone, the dream
of a boy from a village coming and getting it just like that is, well, just a dream today and always. Whoever gets it worked hard for many years to qualify only. This time is easy to take sides as he is famous and rich so why would he want now to learn more, he has it all.
summertime0
His career has been doing great for the past few years. He shouldn’t have signed up. He would’ve been fine without it. A very poor decision on his and his team’s part.
Anon
I believe that they all have gone through the proper process and were qualified on merits. There is absolutely no reason for someone like Jackson Yee and Hu XianXu (don’t know the other one) to employ underhand tactics as they are proven very capable performers already. From a performance perspective, they are surely on top of the pack.
And therein lies the dilemma. Since they are already successful in their field, people would naturally ask why they should be on the payroll. But if the purpose was not about giving a helping hand, but to recruit the best and which might come with conditions since they are basically civil servants now (eg. can only act in their approved projects, cannot be under any agencies, cannot set up your own agencies etc etc ), then I don’t see what’s the problem. If there are conditions and I am pretty sure there are, then they all have to comply with them. Meaning to give up stuff they already have.
Many people complained a lot without first finding out and understanding the details first. If it seems unfair, then they should review the process and the selection criteria. Not fabricate stories about the successful candidates.
Tina
I also don’t believe that they cheated and lied their way in, but that people misunderstood what the requirements are (based on yours and Dee’s explanation). They’re well known enough that they don’t have to resort to such tactics; they’ll be perfectly fine financially without being admitted to the National Theater and can easily get bookings and endorsements, so it obviously wasn’t about that.
What I don’t get it is, as an artist, especially a successful one, what would be the advantage of joining an organization that basically chooses what projects you can work in. Doesn’t that potentially limit the actor’s range, since I’m assuming the State is a lot more strict in their approval of projects. Is it about prestige, then?
Alice
NTCC is a renown institution in China for having some of the best productions and best actors. It is very difficult to get in and many dream of getting in. It is a merit-based position. They have and have had many famous celebrities that worked for them. These new CAD graduates are not the first celebrities. I can see how they want to be in the best productions, work with the best actors, to also challenge themselves and grow their skills. Maybe they don’t want to do idol dramas all year long? For people passionate in acting, this is a huge achievement and opportunity to work with the best in the nation.
Una
NTCC does not produce idol dramas or frivolous dramas. They are not beholden to private capital control to produce money spinning, often silly dramas. NTCC’s productions include live theatres, TV dramas and film productions. For a serious artiste, the range of opportunities for artistic expression is actually much greater.
If I were the NTCC, I would grab these 2 young artistes, who already have proven performances and a big following to boost the viewership of my productions. Heck, I won’t even need to be bribed to get them in.
Tina
Thank you for the explanation. As a non-Chinese person who casually watches C-dramas, I don’t know much about China’s entertainment industry other than what is shared on these international sites, so thank you and everyone else for explaining everything so well.
That’s truly a shame to hear for Jackson Yee, then. Other than his music, I’ve only seen him in a couple of productions and thought he was a good actor. What a lost opportunity and achievement to train with the best in the industry.
LuDi
You are right. System is actually outdated. They were never after salary, but it got the attention in the press as it appealed to GP or someone hyped the GP, we all know how these bot accounts/algorithms work.
Roll
Other than the stipend, what are the other benefits of membership? Do they get exclusive access to roles? What’s the criteria for joining?
Moo
@roll it is a dream come true for an actor to be aprt of NTCC. They would work with best teams and improve their skills tremendously. They would have to give up a lot of lucrative endorsements and commercial gigs as well. They would sacrifice more many than the salary they would get but would move away from fresh meat and idol actors toward real actors. That is major benefit for them.
Roll
Thanks! Your reply and the answers above give a pretty good picture of the organisation’s prestige. I’ve looked up the list of actors and wow, many prominent names and familiar faces…
Irina
What a bunch of green tea men. One resorted to plagiarism for his post, and the other tried make up his so-called evidence to prove that he is ‘innocent’. The last one is probably protected by his military family background, so he probably won’t say anything. I have to say, the three of you had it coming really.
Lol
Trashta, he got criticized and forced to apologize. The military background is nowhere in comparison with mistress background.
Irina
The trio has stronger background than ZLY actually. But not even that will help protect them the moment they look down and step on the general public.
And I don’t recall ZLY being forced to apologise? That ZLY?
Jia
How does Luo Yizhou have a stronger backing than ZLY? If he had such a strong background, why wouldn’t they fix the situation with IXFORM, who basically have had no work since they debut as a group? Luo Yizhou is basically a nobody in the entertainment industry right now with a decent fan base only because of YWY3. If you mean “military background” as his time in the PLA Art Academy as a student, I think that’s kind of an exaggeration. Yang Yang was also in the same department. He is nowhere near the level of ZLY’s influence or even Yang Yang.
Soraya
Irina, your brain is empty and evidently wallowing in hay.
oolong
Lol Stupid webtoon fan. Stop using that cringey T word. You seem trashy like the character you’re using as an insult.
LOL
You must be a Jackson Yee anti. In Yang Mi’s article that wasn’t even about him, you had to drag them both down. Hope something changes in your life so you don’t continue being such a negative loser. Have a nice life! LOL
Irina
Double-standard much? I bet you are one of those who keep on dragging ZLY down on this site. And aren’t you a negative loser yourself, since you keep on attacking those who disagree with you. Hmm?
Soraya
And how are you better? You are ignorant and blind to get different perspectives on the subject, which cannot be perceived from only one side.
Loren
Why do you drag actors who have nothing to do with the topic? Do you do it to ease the pain that Li Ying haters leave you with? If you act like them, you have no right to complain.
Camila
You really are a loser. You have exposed your pathetic mentality yourself, no one forced you to do it.
Loa
You have made it clear that you have severe mental problems that you should take care of before your life ends up reaching a scale of misery where your parents will regret not abandoning you.
Loa
I can’t take you seriously with the incredible level of primate you are. Caveman with technology. ha ha ha! You talk about toxicity, while creating pathetic rumors. Pure bullshit in your brain.
Irina
Your hypocrisy is impressive, Irina. Congratulations on being one of the most idiotic users of this site. You are a negative loser who likes to create rumors about celebrities who are more successful than their faves. You are scum and as such, you don’t deserve respect. Don’t cry when you get what you give.
Soraya
You need to improve your comprehension skills. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that you have a truncated elementary school education. No, no. Don’t tell me you currently have a college education, because that would be scary to read.
ANON
It’s just bad timing and insensitive to the current economy and Gaokao season. If there wasn’t a hot search topic on Webio the public wouldn’t have had a clue and once the publicity period ends after 15 days (July 15) of the initial acceptance all three and the other 7 would entered the national theater without a hitch. However, the search went online on July 6th and became a hot topic when the public start questioning how all three can get in at once. The national theater excludes the written test this year, however, at China’s Three Session in March/April 2022 the director said there will be a written test. Quite a contrary decision by the theater. The topic didn’t gain steam until someone from the China News Daily, who always spoke up for Yee, wrote a demeaning article about hometown writer and comparing actors to scientists. I think if there is a set criterion for non-celebrity and celebrity then the public wouldn’t have been so outspoken about their admittance.
ANON
Continue….
Also, Yee was scolded because after the publicity period if someone withdraw their position will not be filled and they will not be penalized. Conversely, if he had withdrawn during publicity period, he will be ban from applying again for 6 years or longer (can’t recall the exact word of the theater’s policy) then other candidates on the rooster can be reviewed again and potentially enter. Yeah, so you can see why the public was angry. Here we have compliance issue from the theater, the celebrities’ eligibility (labor contracts with sponsoring products/services) and above all privilege. Looks like the theater will have to address these issues and more to quell public outcry before next year’s batch of recruitment. The theater annually does receive over 150 million yuan of public money.
Ughr
But this year there were 3 positions that were not filled, left empty as candidates were simply not good enough. It is only public being petty. Even if he withdrew during initial period no one would step in. Everyone is behaving like he stole someone’s spot while on the other side 90%of applicants failed and only 7 out if total 10 positions were filled, and one of the unfilled positions was in acting dpt.
ANON
Then, that is an issue the theater will have to deal with. This whole thing started because many are questioning whether there are privilege and backdoor tactics involved. As a public entity the theater is to announced testing results but they did not. The process was non-transparent. We all know a celebrity with a little bit of work will have an advantage over someone that has none. If there are two tracks, I don’t believe there would be an issue with the three of them getting in. The national theater doesn’t think its selection criteria is wrong but we can see from the backlash many do no agree.
ughr
I agree, you’re right. It’s NTCC fault. First process is outdated, the second they have horrible social media PR and that is again another proof they need modernization. But transparency, you got me there, I have to admit I chuckled a bit, where have you seen transparency in China? Literally whole mentality is everything but transparency, I don’t think that will change, silence is seen as a strength and valid strategy. I don’t see any institution succumbing to public pressure. That will mean that whole management has to step down as they downgraded the institution. It is not going to happen. Jackson will take all the blame, and nothing will change except may be repelling publicly visible candidates.
ANON
I wouldn’t say the theater is all at fault nor the celebrities completely innocent. At this point, we’ll wait and see if there are any changes to the criteria next year or in management like you mention. It is one of the highest institution in China and this “scandal” is a big deal, especially to their image.
Observer
I have so much admiration for ZLY.
People should stop over thinking her actions. If all these conspiracies are true then she should be a genious. And that she can receive so much hate means that she is really good at what she does. Every actor in the world has their inspiring stories of humble beginnings and that’s what draws more fans th them.
Better Observer
I have so much admiration for Jackson.
People should stop over thinking his actions. If all these conspiracies are true then he should be a genious. And that he can receive so much hate means that he is really good at what he does. Every actor in the world has their inspiring stories of humble beginnings and that’s what draws more fans th them.
Anonymous
I really enjoy her dramas. Don’t really care for all the gossips. Some people actually enjoys them.