Chinese actor Xu Peng announces retirement at 29

Chinese actor Xu Peng. Photo from Xu's Weibo

According to Yahoo! Life Singapore, Xu shared his decision in a Weibo post, revealing the personal struggles that led to it, particularly his frustration with the "unspoken rules" of the entertainment industry. Despite his efforts to stay true to his values, Xu said he often faced setbacks, including being replaced shortly after being cast for roles.

"I will feel lost, but not sad, because I know that this is the norm. This is how the industry is," Xu wrote. "There are thousands of colleagues experiencing the same thing, but I just don’t understand why there are so many force majeure situations."

Reflecting on his life, Xu noted that he had spent the past years away from home, moving forward with his career.

"I have been wandering outside for 11 years," he wrote, adding that returning to his hometown and starting something new would bring him more peace and happiness.

"Life is not only about the road ahead," Xu continued. "Roll down the window and look at the scenery along the way. You will gain different beauty."

Xu Peng, a graduate of the Central Academy of Drama, made his acting debut in 2018 with the drama "Beautiful Youth Swimming Team." He is also known for his roles in "Who Rules the World," "The Legend of Zhuohua," and "A Journey to Love."