EXO's Chen Graces Cover of Rayli Fashion and Beauty, Sparking Excitement on Chinese Social Media
In a recent development that has ignited a significant wave of enthusiasm on Chinese social media, the renowned fashion and beauty magazine "瑞丽服饰美容" (Rayli Fashion and Beauty) has announced that Kim Jong-dae, popularly known as Chen, will be featured on the cover of its June 2024 issue. This marks Chen’s first solo cover appearance in a prominent Chinese magazine, a milestone that is being celebrated by his dedicated fanbase on Weibo, collectively under the hashtag #金钟大中国首封# (Chen's First Chinese Cover).
19 May 2024
Chen, a member of the globally successful K-pop group EXO, has garnered widespread admiration not only for his musical talents but also for his charismatic presence. This upcoming magazine feature is seen as a significant achievement both for Chen and his fans, further cementing his popularity within China. The teaser for the magazine cover describes a vivid summer scene characterized by lush greenery and an inviting atmosphere, metaphorically described as a "door" that leads to one's most desired encounter with Chen himself.
The magazine "瑞丽服饰美容," established in 1995, is a central cultural enterprise and one of the leading fashion publications in China, well-known for its comprehensive coverage and significant distribution reach. The publication is highly regarded for its focus on contemporary fashion trends and beauty, aiming to highlight Oriental aesthetics and fashion. The magazine’s decision to feature Chen underscores his status as a hotly demanded celebrity, bringing a blend of high fashion and popular culture to its readership.
Weibo users have shown overwhelming support for this announcement, with many expressing their admiration for Chen and excitement about the forthcoming issue. One user enthused, "书香染指，辰音盈耳，在岁月的光影里，一同描绘了时间的的脉络。" Translating to, "The scent of books and the sound of Chen’s voice trace the patterns of time together in the light and shadows of the years," this comment reflects the deep emotional connection fans have with Chen's artistry.
Another user highlighted Chen's linguistic skills, "中文说的不错呀," which translates to, "His Chinese is quite good." The announcement has also sparked discussions about the broader cultural and economic impacts of such features. "瑞丽服饰美容" continues to maintain a balanced approach by combining traditional distribution channels with data-driven, targeted investments, primarily focusing on leading cities while gradually expanding to smaller urban areas. This strategy ensures that high-impact features like Chen’s cover are widely distributed and accessible, enhancing the magazine's influence across various demographics. The visual descriptions accompanying the tweets emphasize a serene and inviting summer landscape, painted with nature's greens and complemented by soft breezes, setting an ideal backdrop for Chen's feature. This aligns with the magazine’s aspiration to offer a seasonal and aesthetically pleasing narrative to its readers, capturing the essence of summer through both visual and narrative elements.