Zhang Yixing's New Girl Group Sparks Debate on Aesthetics and K-Pop Beauty Standards
The highly anticipated debut of a new female group under Chinese actor-singer Zhang Yixing's management label has stirred a mixed reaction among netizens, with opinions split on the group's overall looks, or "color value." As the release date for Zhang's new single, "Run Back To You," featuring Lauv, approaches on February 23, images of the unnamed girl group have been circulating on Weibo, garnering mixed opinions on their appearance and potential success.
17 February 2024
The group's first set of images, which feature the band members facing the camera, were posted on Chinese social media platform Weibo and quickly went viral, sparking debates over aesthetics, talent, and the pressure on idol groups to conform to specific standards of beauty. One Weibo user commented, "I can't say they're good-looking, but I also can't say they're plain." Another user expressed anticipation for the group's debut but acknowledged the members' similarities in appearance, stating, "Their looks are quite striking, but they all look alike."
In an interview, Zhang Yixing had previously alluded to the group's formation, stating, "I'm preparing to debut a girl group, and we have been working hard to ensure that we deliver a high-quality performance." Coming from the member WeiShenV of the popular South Korean boy band NCT, Zhang's experience in the K-pop industry has undoubtedly influenced his approach to the management and image of his girl group.
Known for their meticulously planned debuts, K-pop acts often pay close attention to their visual presentation. However, the pressure to conform to specific beauty standards has raised concerns about the negative impact this may have on the mental health of artists. Chinese entertainment company Yuehua Entertainment's CEO, Wang Sicong, has expressed his frustration with the focus on appearances, stating, "The entertainment industry's primary focus should be on talent, We cannot allow the public's obsession with looks to damage the artists who work tirelessly within the industry."
The yet-to-be-named girl group under Zhang Yixing's label, which has been compared to the "Four Holy Beasts" of the entertainment industry, are expected to follow in the footsteps of other female K-pop groups such as BLACKPINK and TWICE. However, while some Weibo users have expressed anticipation for the group's debut, others have noted the lack of a clear "center" in the images, referring to the member traditionally considered the most visually striking or talented. This absence could signal an intentional departure from the traditional K-pop aesthetic or suggest that the group's talents lie primarily in their musical abilities.
On February 23, the release of Zhang Yixing's new single "Run Back To You" featuring Lauv will coincide with the introduction of his new girl group, bringing attention to not only the group's debut but also the future direction of Zhang's management label. With the focus shifting from solo artists to the formation of a group under his label, fans and critics alike eagerly await the impact this move will have on the evolving landscape of Chinese pop culture.
In conclusion, the upcoming debut of Zhang Yixing's girl group has ignited a discussion on the role of aesthetics in the entertainment industry, with opinions divided on the group's visual presentation. As the K-pop industry continues to grow in popularity and influence, the pressure to conform to specific beauty standards remains a topic of concern, with industry insiders advocating for a shift towards an emphasis on talent and artistic merit. The debut of this Chinese girl group will provide an opportunity to evaluate whether the industry is evolving to prioritize individuality, talent, and creativity over conformity to a narrow, pre-determined aesthetic.