TWICE’s Tzuyu Reportedly Offered Major China Career Push But With One Controversial Condition

TWICE member Tzuyu has become the center of renewed political attention after reports claimed she was offered major entertainment opportunities in China on the condition that she publicly support Beijing’s “One China” position.

Taiwanese media reported that veteran entertainment figure Chao Shao-wei (Zhao Xiaowei) had been in contact with Tzuyu’s family regarding possible future activities in China as the K-pop star considers her next career move. However, no agreement has been signed, and Chao has denied that political considerations were involved in his contact with the family.

Was Tzuyu Asked to Support ‘One China’?

According to reports originating in Taiwan, Chinese entertainment resources could potentially be made available to Tzuyu if she publicly endorsed positions including “One China” and the idea that Taiwanese people are Chinese.

The reported incentives included access to television appearances, large-scale concerts and other entertainment opportunities in mainland China. The claims have not been independently confirmed, and there has been no public statement from Tzuyu agreeing to such conditions.

Chao, who was identified in reports as an intermediary, said there is no formal cooperation agreement with Tzuyu. He also denied that political factors were behind his discussions with her family.

Tzuyu’s Future With JYP Entertainment Remains Unclear

The reports come at a particularly sensitive moment in Tzuyu’s career.

Her future with JYP Entertainment has already been the subject of speculation. In July, reports claimed that she might leave the agency after more than a decade while continuing her activities with TWICE.

JYP responded at the time by saying that contract renewal discussions were still underway and that no final decision had been announced.

That uncertainty has now fueled further interest in whether Tzuyu could expand her activities in Taiwan, China or elsewhere if her management situation changes.

Tzuyu Tells Fans Not to Worry

Amid the speculation, Tzuyu addressed fans through the Bubble messaging platform.

Rather than commenting directly on the political allegations, she acknowledged that many rumors were circulating about her future and asked fans not to worry too much.

She also thanked them for patiently waiting for news about her next activities and said their support gives her strength to continue moving forward.

Taiwan Officials Respond to Reports Surrounding Tzuyu

The story has also drawn attention from Taiwanese officials.

Taiwanese representatives warned entertainers to be cautious when opportunities in China come with political expectations, describing such pressure as part of a broader concern over Beijing’s influence efforts.

Taiwan’s culture minister said artists are free to pursue opportunities wherever they choose, while also urging them to remain aware of potential political conditions attached to working in China.

The issue is especially sensitive because Tzuyu has previously found herself caught in cross-strait politics.

Tzuyu’s 2016 Taiwan Flag Controversy Resurfaces

Tzuyu, who was born in Taiwan, became embroiled in a major controversy shortly after TWICE’s debut after appearing on a Korean program holding a Taiwanese flag.

The incident triggered backlash in China, and Tzuyu later appeared in an apology video in which she stated that there is “one China.”

The episode became one of the most widely discussed examples of how political tensions between China and Taiwan can affect entertainers working across Asian markets. The latest reports have therefore revived memories of that controversy as fans wait to learn what Tzuyu will do next.

What Happens Next for Tzuyu?

For now, several important details remain unresolved.

There is no confirmed contract between Tzuyu and a Chinese entertainment company, no confirmed announcement that she will begin activities in China, and no indication from Tzuyu herself that she intends to make the reported political statements.

Her negotiations with JYP Entertainment also remain an important factor in determining her next move.

With Tzuyu asking fans not to worry and no final career decision publicly announced, attention is likely to remain focused on whether the TWICE member stays with JYP and where she chooses to develop her individual career next.

Editor’s Insight

The controversy surrounding Tzuyu is rooted in the complicated political relationship between Taiwan and China.

The two sides have been governed separately since 1949, when the Chinese Civil War ended with the Communist Party taking control of mainland China and the defeated Nationalist government retreating to Taiwan. Today, Taiwan officially the Republic of China has its own democratically elected government, military, laws and currency. The People’s Republic of China has never governed Taiwan, but Beijing claims the island as part of its territory under its “One China” principle and says eventual “reunification” is necessary. China has also not ruled out the use of force to achieve that goal.

Taiwan has produced several recognizable K-pop idols besides Tzuyu. One of the biggest is Shuhua of i-dle, who was born in Taoyuan, Taiwan and debuted with the group in 2018. YangYang of WayV and NCT was also born in Taiwan and later spent part of his youth in Germany before joining SM Entertainment.