Cutting ties with Cai Xukun? Jin Zihan sparks heated discussion after suddenly sharing a blocking screenshot.

(Beijing, 30th)
Chinese entertainer Jin Zihan rose to wider recognition after appearing on the 2020 idol survival show Youth With You 2, where her popularity quickly grew. However, in April last year she abruptly announced her withdrawal from the entertainment industry, later appearing with a shaved head and a noticeably slimmer figure—sparking concern and curiosity among observers.

She has now drawn renewed attention after posting a screenshot on social media showing that she had blocked Cai Xukun’s account. Soon after, she uploaded another post reading: “Can one give kindness to others in the same way?” accompanied by a middle-finger emoji, which many interpreted as suggestive or pointed.

She also shared Doja Cat’s track “DISRESPECTFUL.” Because the song includes lines implying accusations such as “you’re a liar,” the post further fueled speculation about what she may have been trying to imply.

In response, Cai Xukun’s studio issued a statement yesterday (29th), stressing that the two only had professional contact during the filming of the program and did not provide additional comments on Jin’s posts. The studio also promoted Cai’s upcoming new album, opting for a relatively low-key approach to the controversy.

The pair’s connection dates back to Youth With You 2 in 2020, when Cai served as a mentor and Jin competed as a trainee, finishing 11th and narrowly missing debut. After the show, they reportedly had little to no public interaction. Jin’s sudden online actions have reignited discussion, with many netizens also turning their attention to her recent circumstances.