{"id":113008,"date":"2026-06-04T17:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/?p=113008"},"modified":"2026-06-04T13:00:14","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T11:00:14","slug":"shen-yun-cult","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/shen-yun-cult\/","title":{"rendered":"Truth Behind Shen Yun: Artistic Movement or a Dangerous Cult"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:62.59765625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:61.03515625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:40.33203125%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:56.333333333333%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:56.34765625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have heard of Shen Yun, odds are, you know it for the spectacular dance performances that celebrate Chinese culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, behind the colorful backdrops, the organization is actually swimming in controversy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There have been <strong>federal investigations<\/strong>, lawsuits, horrific allegations, and the group also seems to be connected to the religious cult <strong>Falun Gong<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, what&rsquo;s actually going on, and how is the Chinese Communist Party involved?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. What Is Shen Yun?<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-113023\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-4-1024x641.jpg\" alt=\"shen yun performance\" class=\"wp-image-113023\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-4-1024x641.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-4-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-4-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-4-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-4-960x600.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-4-1080x676.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-4.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-4-170x106.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"641\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20641'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='641'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"shen yun performance\" class=\"wp-image-113023 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-4.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-4-1024x641.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-4-1024x641.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-4-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-4-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-4-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-4-960x600.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-4-1080x676.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-4.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-4-170x106.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com\/advancelocal\/KSDBRJ2QEZF2LABI746JLXSROY.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shen Yun is a dance and music troupe <strong>based in New York<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The group tours around the world, putting on incredible performances that display traditional Chinese culture, specifically, <strong>pre-communist China<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Publicly, their goal is to revive ancient art forms and share Chinese history with a global audience.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shen Yun is an absolutely massive group! It has eight touring companies and about 80 performers per show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The performances are colorful and lively, with elaborate backdrops of ancient temples and cityscapes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The performances also include bilingual hosts, giving the audience a chance to learn some Chinese phrases.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All of this has made the group extremely <strong>popular and rich<\/strong>, but sadly, it also seems to be terribly corrupt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Spirituality of the Falun Gong<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-113024\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-3-1024x625.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-113024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-3-1024x625.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-3-300x183.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-3-768x469.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-3-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-3-960x586.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-3-1080x659.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-3-170x104.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"625\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20625'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='625'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-113024 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-3.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-3-1024x625.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-3-1024x625.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-3-300x183.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-3-768x469.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-3-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-3-960x586.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-3-1080x659.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-3-170x104.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.columbia.edu\/cu\/falundafa\/img\/2_toronto_falun_gong_exercises_6.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; columbia.edu<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shen Yun is closely linked to Falun Gong, a spiritual practice that originated in 1992 and has been systematically banned in China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was founded by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Li-Hongzhi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Li Hongzhi<\/a>, and it combines meditation and breathing exercises with spiritual teachings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Falun Gong is known to be extremely anti-Communist, and this is where the trouble begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Communism is notorious for harsh<strong> censorship<\/strong> and rejection of criticism, and, as mentioned, the CCP has banned the movement in China, claiming it&rsquo;s heretical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This makes it very hard to figure out whether the group is truly dangerous and corrupt, or if all of these allegations came as a result of propaganda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By working with groups like Shen Yun, Falun Gong has gained practitioners all over the world. However, even in places like Sweden, they&rsquo;re being <strong>persecuted and banned<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. The New York Times Expos&eacute;<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-113022\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"413\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-1024x413.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-113022\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-1024x413.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-300x121.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-768x309.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-2048x825.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-18x7.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-960x387.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-1080x435.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-170x68.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"413\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20413'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='413'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-113022 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-scaled.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-1024x413.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-1024x413.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-300x121.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-768x309.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-2048x825.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-18x7.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-960x387.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-1080x435.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-scaled.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-5-170x68.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacslo.org\/assets\/img\/ShenYun24-1-WebEventsMainImage-90ce0a61c2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; pacslo<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">En <strong>2024<\/strong>, the New York Times published an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2024\/08\/19\/nyregion\/the-dark-side-of-shen-yun.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">expos&eacute;<\/a> revealing troubling details about Shen Yun.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The report claimed performers were discouraged from seeking medical treatment when injured because of their religious beliefs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Allegedly, they had to <strong>perform <\/strong>despite the<strong> injuries<\/strong> and were emotionally manipulated by leaders who kept them under tight control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Financial coercion<\/strong> was also mentioned; if a performer tried to quit, they would be forced to pay back the organization for education, lodging, and food costs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A former performer even filed a lawsuit accusing the group of child <strong>trafficking<\/strong> and abuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Naturally, all of these raised serious questions about Shen Yun&rsquo;s ethics and practices, and federal agencies began investigating its operations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. The Cult-Like Tactics<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-113025\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-113025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-2-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-2-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-2-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-2-170x113.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-113025 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-2.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-2.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-2-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-2-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-2-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-2-170x113.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freepik.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Freepik<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many former members claim that Shen Yun and Falun Gong both use cult tactics to keep followers in line.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They isolate members, discourage contact with outsiders, and actively <strong>instill fear<\/strong> in their followers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are also claims that Li Hongzhi is omniscient and can read minds, which adds to the sense of control, coercing people into obedience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Much like with most other cults, the followers are allegedly taught that leaving Falun Gong will lead to <strong>eternal damnation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As for Shen Yun, performers are also told that they&rsquo;re part of a divine mission to save humanity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Demanding loyalty and discouraging any questions about authority is a textbook cult tactic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. The $51 Million Revenue<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-104112\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego.jpg\" alt=\"dinero\" class=\"wp-image-104112\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20676'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='676'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"dinero\" class=\"wp-image-104112 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/money-ego-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">En <strong>2023<\/strong>, Shen Yun&rsquo;s revenue topped $51 million, which, you have to admit, is impressive for a cultural organization.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, there are allegations that much of that money comes from the performers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They&rsquo;re forced to pay for all of their working expenses themselves, like lodging and food they consume during training and performance, which should typically be covered by the employer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Este <strong>manufactures debt<\/strong>, making it very hard for them to leave, while also making sure that all the money they&rsquo;re paid finds its way back to the organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aside from the financial side of things, performers are afraid to leave because of the possibility of <strong>being blacklisted<\/strong> from future work in the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The touring and productions also require a lot of funding, which raises even more questions about where the money is coming from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. The Political and Religious Agenda<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-113026\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-113026\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-6.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-6-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-6-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-6-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-6-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-6-170x113.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-113026 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-6.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-6.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-6.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-6-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-6-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-6-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-6-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-6-170x113.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.freepik.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; Freepik<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shen Yun and Falun Gong are deeply political movements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They openly criticize the CCP and promote <strong>traditional Chinese values<\/strong>, which the current government isn&rsquo;t aligned with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many see Shen Yun as a tool for political activism, which, personally, I see nothing wrong with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the same group that rejects communism for not respecting human rights, allegedly abuses its own performers financially, medically, mentally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This anti-Communist stance has gained the organization both <strong>supporters and enemies<\/strong> from all over the world.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Critics argue that the political agenda often overshadows the art.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The religious beliefs of Falun Gong, with allegedly extreme beliefs and apocalyptic warnings, further complicate things.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. The Future Is Uncertain<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-113027\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"577\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-1024x577.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-113027\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"577\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20577'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='577'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-113027 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-1024x577.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/shen-yun-group-1-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/speculativecity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/sjm-l-shenyun-12281-2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; speculativecity<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite all the allegations, <strong>Shen Yun proceeds<\/strong> with its massive show.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">En <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shenyun.org\/videos\/latest-videos\/play\/lnveySWKnmM\/shen-yun-2026-official-trailer.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2026 world tour<\/a> is happening despite the backlash and attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some people believe that the organization is a cultural treasure, a group of devoted patriots who want to preserve their culture and keep it separate from the Communist ideology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Others are more concerned about the <strong>performers&rsquo; safety<\/strong> and working conditions, and also the questionable tactics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There have also been attempts at organized attacks on both these groups, which complicates everything even further.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, do you think Shen Yun is a target of political propaganda or an actual cult?<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you have heard of Shen Yun, odds are, you know it for the spectacular dance performances that celebrate Chinese culture. However, behind the colorful &hellip;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":113027,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"syndication_tool_enabled":true,"syndication_tool_title":"","syndication_tool_excerpt":"","syndication_tool_featured_image":0,"syndication_tool_publish_date":"","syndication_tool_schema_types":["article"],"syndication_tool_backlink_enable":false,"syndication_tool_ai_disclosure_enable":false,"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"Article","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[100],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-113008","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-spirituality"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/113008","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=113008"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/113008\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":113421,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/113008\/revisions\/113421"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/113027"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=113008"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=113008"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=113008"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}