Pop singer Man Wenjun apologizes for drug offenses in a TV show.

Drug scandal-hit pop singer Man Wenjun appeared on Monday in a legal TV show to apologize for his offenses.

Looking a little tired, 40-year-old Man told the audience of Beijing Television's program "Fa Zhi Jin Xing Shi" ("Law Enforcement in Progress") that he would try to be a good person before singing good songs.

"I want to say that I did the wrong thing and I apologize for it," said Man, who was taken into custody at a Beijing pub on May 19, after police acted on a tip-off for illegal drug use that involved Man himself and some ten others.

"For all the criticizing voices, I want to say thank you. I hope to start all over again with your help... Sorry again."

Earlier, Man had spoken publicly for the first time since his arrest, saying he would reflect on his behaviour and eventually give an explanation of the events.

He admitted his mistake and asked for another chance to redeem himself and won't disappoint his fans again. The singer noted that at present his only wish is to spend time with family members.

Man, who was reportedly celebrating his wife's birthday when the police raided their pub party, was released on June 3. His wife, Li Li, is still being held for supplying drugs.

Man shot to fame in 1996 with the hit single "I Understand You All the Time", and was the image ambassador for at least two charity organizations before the scandal.

The singer's infamous involvement in the drug-use case greatly smeared his sound reputation, which also led to the immediate withdrawal of his role as spokesperson for a children's charity project in China.

He also has to face significant economic losses as scheduled performances for various commercials and ads which would add up to more than a million yuan have all been cancelled.

Talking about possible economic losses resulting from his arrest, Song Ke, the boss of Taihe Rye Music, the singer's entertainment company, says these issues are yet to be dealt with.

(CRI June 8, 2009)