Controversial Influencer Yu Wenliang Calls for Group Money-Making, Netizens React with Mixed Emotions
Influencer Yu Wenliang Calls for Group Money-Making, Netizens React with Mixed Emotions
11 November 2023
Yu Wenliang, a newly emerged web celebrity, has sparked controversy after openly live streaming and admitting his desire to form a group for money-making. His actions have garnered mixed reactions from netizens on Chinese social media platform Weibo, with some praising his approach while others criticize him for promoting materialistic attitudes and lack of originality.
In recent live streams, Yu Wenliang has been seen calling out to others to join him in forming a group focused on making money. He admits that he cannot resist the temptation of money and believes that it is an integral part of ordinary people's lives. His statements have garnered criticism from some Weibo netizens who are unimpressed by his apparent lack of substance and focus on financial gain, calling him out for being a "money-grabbing" influencer.
One Weibo user tweeted, "I really don't understand why a messy, unshaven, unwashed hair guy who seems to have no skincare routine becomes a millionaire in this industry because of too many small sisters and gangsters… The Weibo video of the Twitter-like literature." This user's sentiment is echoed by others who feel that Yu Wenliang's rise to fame seems unearned and undeserved.
However, not all netizens share this view. Some users have come to his defense, defending him on the grounds of free enterprise and capitalism, saying "He's not really in the same category as Winter Swim Odd Pigeon! I feel like he owes a lot of people who trust him, do you still like him?" These supporters argue that there is nothing inherently wrong with making money and that Yu Wenliang should be allowed to pursue his own business ventures if it brings success.
Another user expressed uncertainty about investing in Yu's potential new venture, stating "Would you buy shares if it is? Anyways, we are all common people who don't work hard for a few coins." This netizen raises the question of whether or not it would be worthwhile to support an influencer whose primary motivation seems to be financial gain.
In response to these criticisms, Yu Wenliang clarified that his spirit is not about money-grabbing but rather being promoted by others and sharing daily life experiences online before him. He also pointed out that several celebrities, including Wu Yanzu, Ngah Tien-yau, Au Kwun-hong, Leung Choi-wan, Lam Cheung, and Kam Cheong-wu, have grown beards for a reasonable reason, implying that his actions are not unprecedented or without merit.
However, netizens continue to express their discontent with Yu's approach, saying "Although but ordinary people also don't have so rotten apples, do they?" This statement suggests a general distrust of Yu Wenliang's intentions and his potential impact on the wider community.
As the debate continues to unfold on Weibo, it's clear that netizens hold mixed opinions about Yu Wenliang's rise to fame. While some see it as an inspiring rags-to-riches story, others view it with suspicion and skepticism. Only time will tell how this situation will evolve and whether or not Yu Wenliang's actions will have a lasting impact on his career and reputation in the world of Chinese web celebrity culture.