Chinese actor Luo Zheng has unexpectedly become one of the hottest topics on social media not because of a new drama, but because of his financial situation.
The conversation began after Luo Zheng accidentally exposed the balance of his bank account, showing he had just 4,800 yuan (around $660 USD) available. The actor also revealed that he spent nearly 10 years repaying a massive contractual penalty after a breach of contract earlier in his career. According to him, he finally cleared the debt in January 2024, ending a long financial burden that had weighed on his career.
As Luo Zheng’s financial situation became a trending topic, fans began sharing stories highlighting just how modest his daily life appears to be. Unlike many celebrities who are greeted by fans at airports after flying between schedules, Luo Zheng reportedly travels by subway. One fan shared that after meeting him at a subway station, they took a taxi home while the actor rented a public bicycle to complete the rest of his journey.
During a recent livestream, viewers also noticed that Luo Zheng lives in a small apartment. At one point, he casually opened his refrigerator and finished drinking a half-empty bottle of green tea instead of opening a new one. The contrast between his wealthy CEO-like appearance and his simple lifestyle quickly became a source of amusement online.
The viral discussion intensified after Luo Zheng’s manager made a lighthearted joke during an interaction with fans. When someone asked whether she was dating the actor, she laughed and replied: “Who would date someone who only has 4,800 yuan?” She then jokingly added that she still had to return to her own home in the city after work, further poking fun at Luo Zheng’s financial situation.
In another fan meeting, someone asked Luo Zheng to write a message wishing them “money flows in like water.” The actor smiled and admitted he wished the same for himself before joking: “If you manage to sell my autograph, remember to send me a share.”
According to fans, one of his most recent financial updates even showed that he received a tax refund, suggesting his annual income had fallen below the taxable threshold.
The actor’s series of humorous yet bittersweet stories quickly spread across Chinese social media. Many users described Luo Zheng as perhaps the “poorest handsome CEO” in Chinese dramas, noting the irony that he frequently plays wealthy male leads on screen while living a remarkably modest life off camera. Rather than criticizing him, many fans expressed admiration for his perseverance and hoped he would eventually receive better opportunities.
Born in 1995, Luo Zheng first entered the entertainment industry as an idol trainee. He appeared on the survival program Idol Producer in 2018 before transitioning into acting despite having no formal training.
Over the years, he has starred in numerous low-budget romance dramas, often playing the male lead. However, most of these projects received limited attention, preventing him from achieving mainstream success.
At one point, Luo Zheng’s appearance also became the subject of online criticism, with some viewers unfairly labeling him “the least handsome romantic drama male lead.” Despite the criticism and his ongoing financial struggles, the actor has continued pursuing his acting career without giving up.
While Luo Zheng’s bank balance has become an unexpected viral topic, many fans believe his honesty and down-to-earth personality have only made him more relatable.
After years of quietly working through debt and continuing to act despite limited success, supporters are now hoping the actor’s viral story will lead to bigger roles and a much healthier bank account in the future.
Sources: K14