Zhoumi is facing backlash after reports claim he was appointed director of SM Entertainment’s China branch.
The news went viral among Chinese fans, many questioning his qualifications for the high-level role.
Zhoumi debuted in 2008 as a member of Super Junior-M, Super Junior’s Chinese subunit. He later joined SM’s project group, SM the Ballad, and released his solo mini album Rewind in 2014.
He’s been active as a singer, variety host, and actor. In 2016, SM set up “Zhoumi Studio” to manage his Chinese promotions.
Despite his career, fans are skeptical about the director position. Many criticized SM’s decision to appoint Zhoumi over veteran artists.
“This is a director position for the Chinese market, but did he even do anything for the industry?”
— Fan via Threads“Does he have dirt on their senior management?”
— Fan via Threads“He got plastic surgery to look like Kangta, and he even managed to be a director like Kangta. If SM doesn’t want to give Leeteuk the director position no matter what, give it to Siwon. He looks like Kangta too, and he’s all natural~”
— Fan via Threads
A major point of contention is why Leeteuk, longtime Super Junior leader, wasn’t chosen despite his decades of dedication to SM.
“Why did they give it to him, not Leeteuk…”
— Fan via Threads“What’s the problem with you, SM? Leeteuk worked so hard for you for 20 plus years. He gave it his all for your artists. At the end, you made someone else a director. I don’t even have a single clue as to what this person has done to contribute to the agency.”
— Fan via Threads
SM Entertainment has not confirmed Zhoumi’s appointment or addressed the backlash as of now.
