In 2020, the survival show Youth With You 2 became a cultural phenomenon across Asia. With BLACKPINK’s Lisa as a mentor and a cast of stunning, talented trainees—like Esther Yu (Yu Shuxin), Liu Yuxin, and Zhao Xiaotang—the show dominated headlines. Among them, Kong Xueer emerged as a visual standout, even dubbed “the red-haired goddess.”
From Near-TWICE Member to C-List Idol
Born in 1996 in Guangdong, Kong Xueer once trained under JYP Entertainment alongside big names like Tzuyu and Somi. Despite completing her trainee period, she wasn’t selected for the final TWICE lineup. Returning to China in 2014, she debuted with the girl group LadyBees, serving as main dancer and visual. But due to a lack of promotional resources, the group disbanded, and her dreams crumbled once again.
In 2020, she re-entered the spotlight through Youth With You 2. Her elegant visuals and top-tier dance skills gained her massive attention. One performance clip went viral, earning her the nickname “Red-Haired Beauty.” She eventually ranked 8th, debuting in the project group THE9.
THE9 saw commercial success with albums SphinX and MatriX, but disbanded just over a year later. Kong attempted a solo music career with songs like Who Are You, Honey Trap, and Catch Me, but none charted well. She pivoted to acting, playing supporting roles in dramas, where her performance was deemed “pleasant but forgettable.”
Frozen in the “Snow White” Image
Chinese media praised her with titles like “Real-Life Snow White” due to her porcelain skin and delicate frame. But the very image that made her popular also became a trap—her sweet and icy persona restricted her versatility.
Though she appeared on red carpets and social media, her actual career achievements dwindled. Without major sponsorships, leading roles, or hits, her public influence visibly declined after 2022.
Millions in Debt and a Career in Limbo
In a stunning twist, Kong Xueer became embroiled in a legal battle with her former agency, Shanghai Wanyi Culture Media Co. Ltd., during her Youth With You 2 days. Accused of contract violations, she was sued for over ¥1 million CNY (approx. $140,000 USD). The court ruled against her, forcing her to pay back ¥930,000 CNY in damages—plus legal fees.
At the time, her income was modest—only tens of thousands of yuan per small gig. After training costs and deductions, she reportedly sank into debt. Since then, she’s largely avoided variety shows and stuck to low-profile film roles and fashion shoots.
Still Beautiful, Still Forgotten
Despite her idol-worthy visuals and decade-long perseverance, Kong Xueer remains a textbook case of a “never-quite-made-it” idol. While Liu Yuxin and Esther Yu continue to enjoy mainstream success, Kong remains a peripheral figure, lacking strong media backing or breakout roles.
Netizens have dubbed her part of “Tier 17” celebs—a label for those with decent skills and good reputations but little exposure or influence.
Her story reflects a broader reality for post-survival show idols in China: looks, training, and debut opportunities are no longer enough. In a hypercompetitive market, only a select few survive the crash.
Sources: kenh14
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