Former EXO Member Kris's Death Rumors Circulating Online, Chinese Authorities Deny

Rumors surrounding the death of former EXO member Kris Wu have been rapidly spreading across Chinese social media platforms, sparking controversy while he is currently serving a 13-year prison sentence for statutory rape.

Chinese media outlets widely reported on anonymous posts circulating on Weibo on the 13th. One post claimed the author was an inmate in the same prison as Kris, alleging that he died after being beaten for refusing sexual demands from prison gang members.

Another rumor suggested his death was due to deteriorating health from a hunger strike. Several photos, purportedly showing Kris in a prison uniform being interrogated, were also circulated online. However, these images were later confirmed to be digitally manipulated, with another person's face superimposed onto Kris's.

In response to the baseless rumors, Chinese public security authorities have issued an official statement refuting the claims. Authorities in Jiangsu Province designated the allegations as 'false information' and warned of legal consequences for spreading unverified rumors.

Korean netizens reacting to the news expressed shock and disbelief. Comments included, 'Is this for real? It seems too fabricated to be true,' and 'Glad it's confirmed as fake, but this kind of rumor is so harmful.'