“Green Night,” directed by Han Shuai, features Fan in the lead role as a Chinese woman teaming up with a South Korean woman to confront oppressive circumstances. The film, which debuted in Berlin before its U.S. streaming release, has been described by Fan as a narrative focused on female empowerment and solidarity. At the Busan International Film Festival, she noted that her own experiences influenced her character.

Despite the lack of a formal release in mainland China, the film has reportedly garnered interest online, with thousands of views on platforms like Douban. Fan reflected on her hiatus, expressing that it allowed her time for self-reflection and personal growth. In her 2018 public apology, she conveyed feelings of shame and guilt over her previous actions, acknowledging the serious error of judgment she made.

Once under intense scrutiny, Fan has since channeled her creativity into her beauty brand while seeking to reclaim her presence in cinema. As audiences eagerly anticipate “Green Night,” it remains to be seen how her narrative of redemption further evolves within the entertainment landscape.

Jin Yu Young reports from Seoul and covers South Korea and global breaking news. Claire Fu focuses on China’s business and societal issues, and is based in Seoul.