Wang Sulong

The recent copyright dispute between singers Wang Sulong (汪苏泷) and Zhang Bichen (张碧晨) over the song Nian Lun (年轮) has reignited an older, more complex debate: allegations that the popular television soundtrack plagiarized the classic game theme Die Lian (蝶恋). This renewed scrutiny places two beloved musical pieces from different eras of Chinese entertainment under an uncomfortable spotlight, forcing fans and professionals alike to confront difficult questions about inspiration, originality, and the fine line between homage and theft in music composition. The controversy transcends a simple copyright clash, touching upon industry practices, legal definitions, and listener perception in the digital age. The Resurfaced Controversy Allegations that Nian Lun copied Die Lian are not new. First voiced in 2015 when Nian Lun served as the haunting insert song for the massively popular drama The Journey of Flower (花千骨), the claims initially gained little traction. However, the spotlight returned fiercely following the highly publicized dispute between Wang Sulong and Zhang Bichen regarding the official vocal rights to Nian Lun. This clash propelled the song back into trending topics, inadvertently dragging the old plagiarism accusations along with it. The catalyst for the renewed debate was a fan-made comparison video circulating online. This video…

The story of Zhang Bichen (张碧晨), China’s audacious songstress, reads like a blockbuster script. From her meteoric rise on Sing! China (中国好声音) to headline-grabbing personal controversies, Zhang’s career is a masterclass in fearless ambition. Her refusal to back down—whether confronting industry giants or navigating personal storms—has cemented her reputation as pop’s unwavering rebel. This relentless spirit, however, now threatens to eclipse her musical legacy. Korean Dreams, Solo Struggles Born in 1989 to a Tianjin businessman and a museum curator, Zhang’s early love for music clashed with her parents’ pragmatism. She studied French locally, abandoning plans for Beijing’s Central Academy of Drama. But fate intervened when a Sino-Korean singing contest offered an unexpected lifeline. Defying her family, Zhang boarded a plane alone to become a K-pop trainee—a grueling gamble in an industry notorious for its cutthroat competition. Her time in Seoul was marked by punishing rehearsals and isolation. Yet the resilience forged there became her trademark. In 2014, she returned to China and stunned audiences on Sing! China, winning Season 3 with her haunting rendition of Where Did the Time Go? Overnight, the former trainee became a star, her voice echoing through households nationwide. The victory was more than a breakthrough—it…

The collaboration between Chinese singers Zhang Bichen (张碧晨) and Wang Sulong (汪苏泷) once symbolized musical harmony, with their joint performances like the 2024 concert duet on Nian Lun (年轮) captivating fans nationwide. However, a recent dispute over song rights has cast a shadow over this partnership, sparked by online controversies and leading to Wang Sulong's studio withdrawing permissions. Musical Milestones Wang Sulong's compositions for Zhang Bichen, including Nian Lun, Next Second, and Fantasy Zhu Xian Online (梦幻诛仙), played pivotal roles in her rise to fame. Nian Lun introduced her to a broader audience in 2015, establishing her as a fresh voice in pop music. Next Second showcased her versatility, expanding her stylistic range beyond ballads into upbeat genres. Fantasy Zhu Xian Online deepened her association with traditional Chinese elements, cementing her image as a cultural icon. These tracks not only boosted Zhang's career but also reflected Sulong's generosity, as he often provided them without charge and publicly endorsed her interpretations. The bond between the artists extended beyond professional support, fostering a rare trust in the entertainment industry. Their chemistry was evident in live events, like the memorable 2024 concert where Zhang joined as a guest, creating moments fans cherished as…