Overseasidol.com — The news that Chinese actor and singer Li Mingde may return to the stage has sparked heated debate online.
On September 19, Jimu News reporters contacted a bar in Shangqiu, Henan Province, as customers and learned that Li Mingde is scheduled to perform on September 27.
According to bar staff, the performance will last about one hour, with Li singing seven songs.
Tickets cost 200 yuan for standing entry, while table reservations reach over 10,000 yuan.
Customers who reserve tables will also have the chance to take photos and get autographs from Li Mingde.
When asked about the event, the Shangqiu Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism said it had not received any notification.
The Suiyang District Cultural Tourism Bureau added that they had reported the matter to higher authorities and were still investigating.
Legal experts noted that under the 2021 Self-Discipline Management Measures for Performing Artists issued by the China Association of Performing Arts, Li Mingde is considered a “tainted artist”.
Normally, such performers face bans ranging from one year to permanent.
If he intends to comeback, he should apply for a review at least three months before the ban ends.
However, lawyers pointed out that bars are usually not members of the association and may not be bound by its rules.
Still, they must comply with the Regulations on the Administration of Commercial Performances.
If the bar failed to hire a licensed performance agency and obtain official approval, hosting the concert would be considered illegal.
It was previously reported that Li Mingde had been sentenced to six months in prison for vandalizing a car.
As is well known, China strictly prohibits the return of “tainted” artists to television and showbiz industry.
