Former EXO member Kris is having difficulties in finding a new star label in China because of his “scarlet letter,” Sports DongA reported Monday.“Five months have passed since Kris flew to China after filing for the nullification of his exclusive contract with S.M. Entertainment … But he has not been able to find a local star agency,” the Korean online tabloid reported.Kris’s inability to find a star label in China could be a lesson for Luhan, Sports DongA added, citing a Korean entertainment source under condition of anonymity.

The tabloid reported that Kris met with China’s two giant star management companies -- Yuehua and Huai Brothers -- but has not yet received a positive response. It added that these Chinese firms would not be willing to risk their ties with the Korean entertainment industry, as they have made many investments and also business collaborations. Yuehua is a strategic partner of Korea’s Pledis Entertianment and has invested in a film project with Jang Tae-yoo, a Korean producer who directed the popular K-drama “My Love From the Star.” Huai Brothers is also deeply engaged with Starhaus Entertainment, a Korean star agency of hallyu star Lee Min-ho, and invested a fortune on Korean film “Mr. Go.” By Chung Joo-won and news report ()