Former Boys II Planet trainee Chuei Liyu, who faced strong backlash during his time on the Mnet survival show, has made a surprising comeback with a successful solo debut, proving the critics wrong.
Liyu, a Taiwanese intern at FNC Entertainment, was one of the most polarizing figures on the show. Netizens accused him of lacking talent and claimed that his top rankings were solely due to his appearance and Mnet’s favoritism. Many viewers believed he took screen time away from more talented contestants and was unprepared to debut.
Despite failing to make the final ALD1 lineup, Chuei Liyu moved quickly. Within two months of the finale, he released his first solo album, “Sweet Dream,” featuring the standout track “UxYOUxU.”
The single went to number one on the Bugs Real-Time Chart soon after release and maintained positions on major Korean music charts:
- Melon Hot100: on the charts for over 100 days
- Genie weekly and monthly
- YouTube Shorts Korea
- Weekly and real-time bugs
The album sold over 110,000 copies in its first week, an impressive feat for a non-debut trainee. Liyu further captivated fans by selling out fan meetings across Asia, with four in South Korea, three in Taipei and one in Macau.
Beyond music, Liyu has worked to dispel accusations of being “talentless” by performing live at various radio broadcasts and live shows, demonstrating improved vocal abilities. His consistent efforts have earned him growing respect in the industry.
She has also seen a surge in fashion-related opportunities, appearing in nine different Korean fashion magazines and campaigns, including Marie Claire, W Korea, Cosmopolitan, and digital shoots for Elle Korea, GQ Korea and Esquire.
Fans praised FNC Entertainment for its strategic promotion and strong post-show support, expressing surprise at seeing more Liyu after the show ended than during its broadcast. Many now view Liyu’s journey as a powerful redemptive arc in K-pop’s highly competitive survival entertainment culture.
With momentum on her side, Chuei Liyu is steadily building a solo career rooted in perseverance, fan engagement, and a clear desire to grow beyond her previous controversies.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
