China in Turmoil Over Star Pianist Lewindy's Prostitution Scandal

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] China is in an uproar over the prostitution scandal involving star pianist Li Windi (39).

Li Windi, a Chopin Competition winner, was administratively detained by the police on prostitution charges, which was revealed on the 21st. Since then, some state-run media have been posting commentaries related to the issue.

The Communist Party's official newspaper, People's Daily, through its online commentary platform Renmin Wangping (Weibo), posted, "Yellow (a metaphor for obscenity) cannot be tolerated on the black and white keys," adding, "Any blemish can damage a beautiful melody and cast a shadow over the hard-earned path of art."

It continued, "Wrong is wrong, and illegal is illegal. It cannot be whitewashed, and no excuses can be found," emphasizing, "As a celebrity, one must keep oneself pure and strictly restrain oneself, not crossing norms and 'boundaries,' and refrain from acts that violate morality and law."

It further stated, "We hope Li Windi truly reflects on this and that there will be no second Li Windi."

Global Times also published a commentary on its online edition on the night of the 21st, stating, "Stars must resist the other temptations that money and popularity bring in the long term," and "Becoming a star should be regarded as an 'ascetic practice' of fighting desires."

Recently, top stars in China's cultural and artistic circles such as Kris (Chinese name Wu Yifan - sex crimes), Zhao Wei (tax evasion), and Zheng Shuang (tax evasion) have committed various illegal acts, causing a great shock to China's cultural sector. The emergence of Li Windi's issue has further amplified the impact.

Meanwhile, the China Musicians Association issued a statement on the 21st announcing the cancellation of Li Windi's membership. Li Windi's alma mater, Sichuan Conservatory of Music, removed the signboard of the 'Li Windi Piano Studio.'