Li Ronghao (李荣浩) publicly accuses Shan Yichun (单依纯) of unauthorized performance of "Li Bai"

What happened

Li Ronghao (李荣浩) used blunt language on Weibo to accuse rising singer Shan Yichun (单依纯) of performing his signature song "Li Bai" at a paid concert without authorization. It has been reported that Shan's team contacted the China Music Copyright Association (中国音著协) to request permission for the Shenzhen show, and that Li's copyright company replied by email politely declining; the song was nevertheless performed. Li named names and pointed to responsibility—directness that is uncommon in China's music industry.

Legal and musical context

Under China’s Copyright Law, the exclusive performance right belongs to the copyright holder; commercial, ticketed concerts generally require explicit permission. Television shows often secure different bundles of rights—performance, adaptation and broadcasting—through production partners, so a licensed TV cover does not automatically clear a live, ticketed concert. Li argued the core melody and chords remained intact and that the live arrangement did not constitute a convincing re-creation; legally, however, even modest, original changes can meet the threshold for an "adaptation" and therefore require prior authorization.

Fallout and why this matters

Li framed his grievance not only as a rights dispute but as a breach of industry trust: he recalled promoting Shan in the past and suggested the issue went beyond copyright into professional courtesy. Shan issued an apology on Weibo, saying she would investigate with her team; it has been reported that liability in large tours often implicates organizers and legal teams as well as the performer. Who ultimately bears responsibility—the artist, the promoter, or the tour's legal department? That question will matter if the dispute escalates legally.

Bigger picture

The episode is a reminder that China’s music market is professionalizing and tightening its approach to intellectual property as domestic creators seek stronger protections and global cultural leverage. For fast-rising performers, the lesson is clear: stage success and larger commercial platforms bring greater scrutiny of rights and contract compliance. Li’s public rebuke is as much an industry warning as it is a personal grievance—respect the rules, or risk public fallout.