Chinese Netizens Decry Sensationalism in Entertainment News as BTS Dating Rumor Sparks Outrage

A chorus of comments captures the anger most vividly. One user scolded, “It makes me so angry, news media now has no lower limit to gain traffic?” while another asked, “Isn’t news supposed to be truthful? Has it all become like this?” Such remarks point to a broader distrust of platforms like Tencent News, which many accuse of prioritising clickbait over journalistic integrity. The sentiment is amplified when public figures—particularly athletes such as national hurdler Sun Ying Sha—are dragged into frivolous stories. A frustrated netizen urged, “Please don’t use national athletes as tools to attract attention, accumulate some virtue,” underscoring the public’s desire for respect rather than exploitation.

Privacy concerns also surface when legal disputes and rumors swirl around celebrities. The case of internet personality Yang Kun suing an impersonator, or the lingering gossip about singers SJC and FCX, blurs the line between legitimate public interest and intrusive speculation. When a paparazzo called out former TV host Xiao S (Dee Hsu) for digging up old controversies, a user responded, “The person is gone, why keep shouting about old things? Can’t everyone just be at peace?” The plea reflects a growing appetite for more considerate, less invasive coverage.

Even the most casual entertainment updates are not immune to scrutiny. Some users sarcastically suggested Tencent rename itself “Tencent Entertainment,” a jab at the platform’s perceived drift away from serious journalism. Others lament the futility of reporting mechanisms, noting that repeated complaints “report many times is useless.” The cumulative effect is a palpable frustration with an industry that seems to reward unchecked sensationalism rather than accountability.

Amid this backdrop, one story has surged to the forefront of the conversation: renewed dating rumors between BTS member Park Ji‑min (朴智旻) and South Korean actress Song Da‑eun (宋多恩). On August 28, 2025, Song posted a TikTok clip in which she waited by an elevator door; when the doors opened, Park appeared, looking startled. The video, which appeared to capture the pair in what seemed to be Park’s private residence, ignited a fresh wave of speculation. Fans and detractors alike accused Song of “riding on coattails,” a term used to describe attempts at gaining traffic by leveraging high‑profile connections. The episode, already steeped in long‑standing rumors, gained new momentum precisely because it was self‑produced and posted directly by the actress, sidestepping the traditional gatekeepers of entertainment news.

The reaction to this incident mirrors the larger trends uncovered in the Weibo data. Negative sentiment dominates, colored by anger, disappointment, and sharp criticism of media practices. Neutral posts—such as agency statements about the inability to confirm private lives—still attract disparaging commentary. Positive tones are scarce, limited mostly to personal greetings or expressions of enthusiasm, like “very happy to interview teacher Tingyu.” The most engaged discussions arise around scandals, legal battles, or outright media misconduct, underscoring how controversy fuels social‑media traffic.

Beyond the immediate flashpoints, entertainment news in China functions as a potent cultural force. Its relentless coverage of celebrity lifestyles shapes fashion choices, consumer aspirations, and even the values of younger generations. The phenomenon of parasocial attachment—where audiences develop one‑sided relationships with public figures—means that the narratives presented in “娱乐新闻” can subtly dictate norms around beauty, success, and happiness. Yet this influence can also perpetuate unrealistic standards, encourage materialism, and reduce complex societal issues to shallow spectacles.

The industry itself thrives on this appetite for constant updates, spawning a sprawling ecosystem of online platforms, traditional outlets, paparazzi agencies, and independent content creators. While this generates employment opportunities, it also cultivates fierce competition and ethical dilemmas, as journalists race to secure exclusive footage or sensational headlines. Revenue streams tied to advertising, subscriptions, and celebrity endorsements link the fortunes of media firms directly to the popularity—or the scandals—of their subjects. A single controversy can pivot a celebrity’s career trajectory and, by extension, affect the profitability of associated brands and products.

Politically, entertainment news operates within a tightly regulated environment. The Chinese government maintains oversight over all media, including the entertainment sector, shaping narratives, censoring deemed undesirable content, and sometimes leveraging celebrity scandals to divert public attention from broader policy debates. The concept of “discourse power” illustrates how media, even ostensibly light‑hearted outlets, can be wielded to align public opinion with state objectives. Meanwhile, the rise of fervent fan communities—mobilized through the same platforms that spread gossip—poses both an opportunity and a challenge for officials who must monitor collective behavior that could be co‑opted for social unrest.

In sum, China’s “娱乐新闻” is far more than a stream of celebrity tidbits. It reflects a complex interplay of public sentiment, media economics, cultural influence, and political oversight. The prevailing mood among netizens—a blend of disillusionment, demand for authenticity, and fatigue with sensationalist excess—signals a tipping point. As the industry continues to evolve, its capacity to reshape societal values and political discourse will hinge on whether it can balance the allure of sensational stories with a commitment to truthful, respectful reporting.