Actor Zhang Zhenhuan quits Mediacorp to pursue career in his homeland China
Sichuan-born Mediacorp actor Zhang Zhenhuan announced on Friday (30 Nov) that he will return to his home country of China to pursue his career after his contract with the national broadcaster ends this month.
34-year-old Zhang said in a press statement, “I’m deeply grateful for the company’s commitment to cultivating and honing my talent. I hope to be given opportunities to work with Mediacorp again on future projects. I would also like to extend my personal and heartfelt thanks to my fans for their support and encouragement over the past decade.”
The baby-faced actor has acted on Mandarin-language television in Singapore for 10 years. He was talent-spotted by Channel U variety show U Are The One in 2008 when he was a civil engineering student at the National University of Singapore.
Zhang won Best Supporting Actor at the Star Awards in 2016 for his role in The Dream Makers 2. He also made it to the Star Awards’ Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes in 2014, 2016 and 2017.
Channel 8 actors have of late taken to leaving for China to further their careers, which is understandable given the bigger and more lucrative market.
Tay Ping Hui left Mediacorp in March this year and signed with Chinese entertainment company Perfect World Pictures. Lawrence Wong, who recently starred in China’s mega-hit drama Story of Yanxi Palace, said his salary for a drama series in China was equivalent to what an actor makes in Singapore in two years. Julie Tan also announced her departure from Mediacorp last year.
Related stories:
Tay Ping Hui leaves Mediacorp, signs with Chinese entertainment company
Yanxi Palace star Lawrence Wong sending hearts aflutter in China
Actress Jeanette Aw leaves Mediacorp and Hype Records
Actress Jayley Woo quits as full-time artist at Mediacorp
TIMELINE: Singapore celebrities who have left Mediacorp since 2011
