Former Boys II Planet trainee Chuei Liyu , who faced intense backlash during his time on the Mnet survival show, has made a surprising comeback with a successful solo debut, proving critics wrong.
Liyu, a Taiwanese trainee under FNC Entertainment , was one of the most polarizing figures on the show. Netizens accused him of lacking talent and claimed his early high rankings were due solely to his looks and favoritism from Mnet. Many viewers believed he took screentime away from more talented contestants and was unprepared for debut.
Despite not making it into the final lineup of ALD1 , 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 shot to #1 on Bugs’ real-time chart immediately after release and maintained positions across major Korean music charts:
- Melon Hot100 : Charted for over 100 days
- Genie Weekly & Monthly
- YouTube Shorts Korea
- Bugs Weekly and Real-Time
The album sold over 110,000 copies in its first week , an impressive feat for a non-debuting 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 “untalented” by performing live on various radio broadcasts and live performance stages , showcasing improved vocal abilities. His consistent efforts have earned him increasing respect in the industry.
He’s 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 features for Elle Korea , GQ Korea , and Esquire .
Fans have praised FNC Entertainment for its strategic promotion and strong post-show support, expressing surprise at seeing more of Liyu after the show ended than during its broadcast. Many now regard Liyu’s journey as a powerful redemption arc in K-pop’s highly competitive survival show culture.
With momentum on his side, Chuei Liyu is steadily building a solo career rooted in perseverance, fan engagement, and a clear desire to grow beyond his earlier controversies.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
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