Chinese rapper NINEONE is facing brutal online scrutiny after ticket prices for her latest concert tour dropped to shockingly low levels, fueling accusations that the former survival show may be entering her “flop era”.
On May 13, Chinese social media exploded after fans discovered that tickets for NINEONE’s Chongqing stop Self 2.0 tours were sold for just 40 yuan (about $5.50). The unusually low price immediately sent the rapper to the top of Weibo’s Hot Search chart.
While some fans defended the move as a “gift” for supporters, many netizens saw it as a clear sign of poor ticket sales and declining popularity.
The controversy became even more embarrassing because only the lowest-priced tickets reportedly sold out quickly, largely driven by curiosity and students looking for low-cost entertainment, while higher-tier tickets reportedly required discounts of 20-30% just to move inventory.
And this isn’t the first red flag.
Earlier this year, a scheduled concert in Hangzhou was suddenly canceled with the vague explanation of “force majeure”. However, Chinese netizens quickly speculated that the real reason was poor ticket sales.
Although the venue only had about 3,000 seats, even the lowest-priced tickets, between 380 and 580 yuan (about $52 to $80), had difficulty selling. Critics claimed that the organizers simply could not recoup their production costs.
The backlash intensified when fans complained they only received ticket refunds, while transportation and hotel costs for out-of-town attendees were ignored.
Following the cancellation, NINEONE published an emotional 2,000-word letter reflecting on the criticism it has received over the years, including labels like “stupid” AND “male centered”. He also expressed exhaustion from constantly trying to prove himself.
But the timing backfired.
Instead of sympathy, many Chinese netizens accused her of using emotional marketing to salvage her business reputation after plummeting ticket sales.
The fall seems especially dramatic considering that NINEONE was once seen as one of the brightest stars Youth with you 2 – the same season with Lisa as a mentor.
Back then, he gained enormous popularity for balancing a fierce rapper image with a surprisingly caring personality towards trainees. Although he narrowly missed out on debuting in the final lineup, many believed he had one of the strongest post-show careers.
However, public opinion has reportedly begun to turn after several controversial remarks and scandals.
One of the biggest controversies erupted when NINEONE publicly suggested that women should empathize with the financial pressure men face when buying homes and cars. The comments were heavily criticized online for appearing derogatory towards women, causing a significant backlash among his predominantly female fans.
Observers now point out the irony that, while he has apparently alienated female supporters – the primary consumers of concert culture in C-entertainment – the male audiences he appeared to champion generally do not contribute heavily to idol ticket sales.
Her image took another hit in late 2025, when she became embroiled in dating rumors involving director Che Che. Although his ex-wife later confirmed the divorce, NINEONE’s public complaints about not being defended by others drew criticism, with many accusing her of playing the victim.
Now, with canceled concerts, massive ticket discounts and growing online ridicule, many netizens believe NINEONE’s career is facing its most difficult period yet – in stark contrast to the explosive momentum it once enjoyed Youth with you 2.
Sources: Sina, Weibo
