Unverified rumors of Kris Wu’s death in prison are rapidly spreading across Chinese social media, igniting widespread confusion and concern. Wu, who first gained prominence as a member of EXO before pursuing an acting and music career in China, is currently serving a sentence for sex crimes involving minors.
Reports from the Hong Kong outlet South China Morning Post on the 18th noted a surge of speculation online, with some users claiming he was killed for resisting prison gang demands and others suggesting malnutrition or retaliation linked to another celebrity’s death. Similar unconfirmed rumors also circulated in April, alleging he died in a prison altercation.
The Beijing Chaoyang Public Security Bureau, which oversees his case, has not issued any statements regarding the latest claims. Many Chinese netizens have expressed frustration over the spread of baseless information, emphasizing that prison environments operate under strict protocols and that such scenarios are implausible.
Under Chinese law, individuals who disseminate false rumors can face up to 10 days of detention and fines of up to 500 CNY, with milder cases resulting in shorter detention or smaller penalties.
Wu, who debuted with EXO in 2012 before transitioning to a successful solo career, saw his public image collapse in 2021 when a Beijing court sentenced him to 13 years in prison followed by deportation, prompting major brands to cut ties with him.
