Fan Bingbing is set to make her acting comeback this Friday with the release of "Green Night," her first film since a major tax scandal led to a career downturn six years ago. Once China's most beloved actress, Fan was thriving in 2018 when she unexpectedly disappeared from the public eye. Her reappearance came with an apology following a punishment from Chinese authorities who penalized her nearly $70 million for tax evasion related to unreported earnings.

The scandal marked a low point for the former megastar, but instead of a complete retreat from public life, Fan pivoted to the beauty industry, launching her brand - Fan Beauty. Now, she returns to acting playing a pivotal role in "Green Night," directed by Han Shuai and set in South Korea. The film, which explores themes of female empowerment and solidarity, has received attention on the festival circuit, making its debut in Berlin last year before its wide release.

In her role, Fan portrays a Chinese woman who teams up with a South Korean partner to fight against social oppression. At a recent film festival in Busan, she expressed that her character reflects some of her personal experiences during the past few years. Speaking about her time away from the industry, Fan shared that it has given her an opportunity to reflect and rediscover herself.

While "Green Night" is yet to be released in mainland China, it has generated interest among local audiences, many of whom are accessing it through unofficial online platforms. As Fan Bingbing steps back into the limelight, she hopes to reconnect with her fans and navigate the challenges ahead in an industry still shaped by strict governmental oversight.

Jin Yu Young is reporting on cinema and cultural developments from South Korea, while Claire Fu focuses on social and business dynamics in China.