Reports claiming former EXO member Kris Wu (Wu Yifan) died in prison have resurfaced across Chinese-language online communities, prompting Chinese authorities to issue a swift denial. The rumours, which include sensational allegations of gang violence and a hunger strike, have sparked confusion and alarm among global fans.

Police deny death claims amid viral posts

Speculation surrounding Wu’s alleged death intensified after a netizen – who claimed to have been imprisoned in the same facility – uploaded a post on Weibo alleging that guards had quietly confirmed Wu’s passing. The post stated: "A few days ago, a prison guard secretly said something to me, and then Kris suddenly died," adding further, "He was molested by a local gang, and he was killed because he failed to meet the leader's demands."

Another unverified claim accused Wu of dying during a prolonged hunger strike.

These posts circulated alongside an image of a supposed inmate with a guard, though authorities later confirmed the photo was fabricated. According to Chinese police, the face of the original inmate had been replaced with Wu’s, using material from an unrelated news report.

South Korean media outlets MHN and Sports Chosun quoted the Jiangsu Provincial Police Department, reporting that Wu is alive and currently serving his term. Officials warned against spreading misinformation, stating: “Do not disseminate unverified information. You may face legal penalties.”

Rumours gain traction across Taiwan and Hong Kong

Taiwanese outlet Sanli News, followed by MK Sports, helped amplify the story, leading to widespread chatter across Taiwanese and Hong Kong-based online forums. Some netizens repeated unverified claims that Wu had been gang-raped, violently assaulted, or targeted due to conflicts with high-ranking inmates. Other posts claimed he died after rejecting the demands of a prison gang leader.

In another set of posts, anonymous users repeated allegations of a hunger strike gone wrong, while some forums resurfaced old rumours that Wu had once appeared on a supposed “execution list” criticised by Canadian authorities – claims that have never been substantiated.

Within mainland China, however, the reaction remained largely sceptical. Many users pointed out that this is not the first time rumours of Wu’s death have circulated. Chinese media noted this is the third such incident since his imprisonment. Authorities reiterated that Wu’s prison location and conditions remain undisclosed, limiting opportunities for accurate reporting and enabling repeated waves of misinformation.

From global stardom to a lengthy prison term

Born in Guangzhou and later becoming a Canadian citizen, Wu rose to international fame after debuting with EXO in 2012. He left the group in 2014 following a legal dispute with SM Entertainment and subsequently built a successful career in China as a singer and actor.

His public image collapsed in 2021 after allegations emerged accusing him of sexual misconduct involving minors. Multiple victims came forward, leading to a high-profile investigation.

On 25 November 2022, the Chaoyang District People’s Court in Beijing sentenced Wu to 13 years in prison – 11 years and six months for rape, and one year and 10 months for organising group lewd acts. According to Chosun Biz, he is expected to be deported to Canada after completing his sentence, where local laws could require him to undergo sex-drive suppression treatment (so-called chemical castration) for sex offenders.

Wu’s downfall from top star to convicted offender remains one of the most controversial cases in Chinese entertainment. Over four years of custody, unverified reports and fabricated stories regarding his death have emerged multiple times, forming what some observers describe as a recurring pattern.