Chinese Social Media Star Faces Major Tax Penalty
A popular content creator from China, known online as Bai Bing, has been hit with significant financial penalties over tax violations. The influencer, who has amassed around 40 million followers on the video platform Douyin, must now pay approximately 18.91 million yuan in total dues.
Background and Rise to Fame
Born in a rural area of Jilin Province in 1993, this internet personality had a challenging early life. After leaving school at age 14, he worked various jobs including factory work, hairstyling, and motorcycle racing. A serious back injury ended his racing career, leading him to pivot toward online content creation starting in 2018.
His unique approach to food content—eating expensive dishes in an unrefined manner—quickly gained attention. Videos showed him dining at upscale restaurants, consuming premium ingredients like king crab and wagyu beef, but eating with his hands and displaying exaggerated table manners. Some viewers nicknamed him after a well-known Korean actor due to perceived similarities in appearance.
Financial Success and Lavish Lifestyle
His popularity translated into substantial income. Reports indicate he earned around 1.32 million yuan per advertisement and approximately 2 million yuan for individual live broadcasts. He purchased luxury vehicles worth tens of millions and acquired an expensive penthouse property in Shanghai valued at about 45 million yuan.
Tax Violations Uncovered
According to official findings, the creator failed to properly pay personal income and value-added taxes over a three-year period beginning in 2021. The unpaid amount totaled approximately 9.11 million yuan, with penalties and late fees pushing the final sum to nearly double that figure.
Investigators discovered he used shell companies and complex financial channels to obscure income flow. Money was routed through employment agencies and multiple intermediary entities before reaching personal accounts. Additionally, personal luxury purchases—including designer bags and jewelry—were reportedly disguised as business expenses for himself and family members.
By paying the outstanding balance promptly, he avoided criminal prosecution. However, his public image has suffered considerable damage. This case follows similar high-profile enforcement actions against other Chinese entertainment figures in recent years who faced penalties ranging from hundreds of millions to over a billion yuan.
The influencer has issued a public apology, acknowledging failure to fulfill social responsibilities expected of public figures.