Rumors have emerged that Kris (Wu Yifan), a former member of the group EXO who was serving a 13-year sentence for raping a minor, has died.
Taiwan media Sanli News reported on the 13th (local time) that rumors are circulating that Kris died in prison while serving his sentence.
According to the report, a person claiming to be a cellmate said, "(Kris) was killed because he failed to satisfy the demands of the gang leader." There was also a claim that Kris died after long-term hunger striking weakened his body.
Meanwhile, there are also claims that Kris was killed because he refused a secret rule of powerful figures and was involved with the daughter of a leader among the high-ranking circle.
In addition, there are rumors that Kris was gang-raped in prison but was killed because he failed to satisfy the gang leader.
There was also attention when it was claimed that Kris was included on the list after the Canadian government in March criticized China for executing four criminals with Canadian citizenship.
But Chinese media said of these claims, "Kris's death rumors have been raised three times. The police also issued an official rebuttal of the rumors through social media," they said.
Kris debuted as a member of EXO-M in 2013 and received much love. However, he abruptly left EXO in 2014 and filed a lawsuit with SM Entertainment to confirm the nullity of his exclusive contract, and he worked in China as a singer and actor.
Later, Kris became embroiled in controversy in 2021 over allegations of sexual assault of a minor. At the time, a netizen published messages exchanged with Kris on social media and alleged his violent behavior. Kris's side said the messages were forged and that they would respond legally, but it was later reported that, in addition to the initial accuser, several other victims emerged, prolonging the fallout.
Local reports say Kris forced sexual relations on three intoxicated women at his home between November and December 2020, and earlier on July 1, 2018, he called two other women and compelled them to perform obscene acts.
Ultimately, in November 2022 the Chaoyang District People's Court in Beijing sentenced Kris to 11 years and 6 months for rape and 1 year and 10 months for group obscenity, for a total sentence of 13 years. Kris appealed the decision but the appeal was dismissed. Under China's two-tier system, the 13-year sentence was thus confirmed.
Kris is expected to be deported to Canada after serving his sentence. Canada administers chemical castration (drug treatment for sexual impulses) to sex offenders, so there has been interest in whether Kris would face such punishment.
[Photo] OSEN DB.
[OSEN]