Letters | Zheng Shuang pay scandal shows China’s entertainment industry needs better regulation

However, this is only the tip of the iceberg of China’s entertainment industry. As the impact of celebrities is today multiplied massively by social media, it is imperative for society to regulate the entertainment industry and ensure that its development is on the right track. This will involve the concerted efforts of the government, celebrities and fans.

First, the government needs to play an active role: on the one hand, it should guide the behaviour of overenthusiastic fans, some of whom are underage and may spend huge amounts of money on supporting their idols or push their friends to do so, putting tremendous financial pressure on their parents.

On the other hand, the government needs to set up relevant laws to regulate the profit-driven capitalists behind celebrities. The colossal gap between the income of celebrities and others is of concern.

The fundamental solution in the long run is educating the celebrities themselves and improving their ethics, so that they take responsibility as public figures and role models, and watch what they say and do.

Last but not least, the fans should also be educated and guided properly by their parents, teachers and the government so that they do not lose their minds when following their idols.