A shocking scandal has shaken the Chinese entertainment industry after Evan Lin (Lin Yanjun), former member of the popular boy group Nine Percent, was accused by fans of gambling and misusing money donated by his fandom.
Born in 1995, Evan Lin gained fame through the hit survival show Idol Producer, where he debuted as one of the standout members of Nine Percent. Known for his striking visuals and versatility, he later pursued acting, appearing in dramas such as Fall in Love and Crush. However, in 2022, his once-promising career came to an abrupt halt following explosive allegations of gambling addiction and financial exploitation.
During a viral livestream, the leader of his official fan club publicly accused the singer of using fan donations for personal indulgence instead of career development. Fans had reportedly contributed millions of yuan to support his projects and his company’s operations, believing the funds would help further his artistic career.
According to the revelations, Evan Lin allegedly diverted these contributions to fund his girlfriend’s luxurious lifestyle and gambling habits. The controversy reached a boiling point when fans discovered he had taken 200,000 yuan ( approximately $27,000 USD) originally meant for professional purposes to gamble with his girlfriend in Dezhou, China, where he reportedly lost the entire amount.
Further claims stated that Lin used fan money to rent hotel rooms for private gambling events, host extravagant casino-themed birthday parties aboard luxury yachts, and maintain a lavish lifestyle. Photos of Evan Lin allegedly sitting at gambling tables soon flooded Chinese social media, igniting public outrage.
One fan leader declared during the livestream which drew over 50 million concurrent viewers that: “The image of a cultured, poetic artist he shows is fake. What’s real is him living off fans’ money, sitting at gambling tables, burning through our hard-earned cash. He claimed poor health and asked for donations to ‘rest,’ but in truth, he was spending that time in casinos.”
Amid mounting evidence and public criticism, Evan Lin issued an apology for disappointing his fans and neglecting his career, but denied involvement in illegal gambling. His statement failed to convince the public. Soon after, his fan club announced its disbandment, and major entertainment platforms reportedly blacklisted his name. His five-year entertainment career effectively ended overnight.
Following the scandal, reports emerged that Evan Lin had left China and moved to South Korea, where he now lives quietly, studying Korean and attempting to rebuild his life away from the spotlight. Witnesses describe him as visibly changed with long hair, a pale appearance, and always hiding behind masks and hats to avoid recognition.
Once celebrated as one of China’s brightest young idols, Evan Lin’s downfall remains a cautionary tale about fame, integrity, and the fragile relationship between celebrities and their fans.
Sources: K14
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