How a K-pop pioneer navigated legal battles and visa restrictions to reach stardom
In short: Before becoming a major Chinese film star, Han Geng faced significant hurdles as a K-pop idol. Restricted by visa laws that limited his television appearances, he once performed wearing a mask to hide his identity. His eventual departure from his agency sparked a landmark legal dispute over contract fairness.
Born in 1984 in Mudanjiang, Han Geng began his professional training at age 12 at the Central University for Nationalities in Beijing. There, he mastered 56 traditional ethnic dances, alongside ballet and martial arts. His path to international fame began in 2001 when he auditioned for S.M. Entertainment, eventually debuting in 2005 as a member of the K-pop group Super Junior. As a Chinese national working in Korea, Han faced severe professional limitations. Due to visa regulations, he was restricted to performing on only three television stations, forcing him to wear a mask during early stage appearances to conceal his identity until his bandmate Kim Heechul publicly revealed him.
The professional strain extended beyond visa issues. In 2009, Han filed for contract termination from S.M. Entertainment, citing the 13-year duration of his agreement and unfavorable profit distribution. He also disclosed that the company's refusal to grant him a single day off in over two years had led to health complications, including gastritis and kidney disease. The legal battle concluded in 2011 when both parties reached a settlement, officially ending their contractual relationship.
Following his return to China, Han successfully pivoted from music to acting. His filmography grew to include major roles in hits like So Young and the Ex-Files franchise. Beyond entertainment, he became a notable figure in business, launching his own phone and eyewear brands and becoming the first Chinese artist to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange as a shareholder. Today, he is recognized for his versatility, having transitioned from a dance prodigy and idol to a seasoned actor and producer.
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