On April 8, Jin Zihan, who also goes by Aria, officially announced her retirement from the Chinese entertainment industry. She wrote on social media, “I will return to my own life. I hope everyone can understand my decision.” The message was brief, but its impact was immediate—she quickly trended number one on the hot search. While some netizens didn’t know who she was, the 26-year-old singer-actress’s decision didn’t surprise fans who had long speculated that she was leaving C-ent.
Jin Zihan first gained attention in 2020 through the idol survival show Youth With You Season 2, where she showcased strong visuals and dance skills. She ranked 11th by the end of the show—just two spots short of debuting in THE9. In 2021, she debuted as a member of the C-pop girl group NAME before going on hiatus in 2023.
Jin Zihan’s agency, Yuehua Entertainment, and its CEO Du Hua shared her statement, wishing her all the best in the future. But many fans believe it was the company’s poor management that ultimately pushed her to this decision. Even before joining the survival show, Jin Zihan had gone to South Korea and trained to be an idol as part of SM Rookies alongside Xu Yiyang who’s now married to Tao and Ningning, who is now a member of K-pop group Aespa. For longtime fans, her exit feels bittersweet—but in the end, most just want her to be happy with the path she’s chosen.
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