Profile of BOY STORY

BOY STORY, a dynamic Chinese hip-hop boy group formed by JYP Entertainment, made a grand debut on September 21, 2018. With their strong presence in both the Chinese and international music scenes, the group has rapidly gained recognition for its impressive talent, hard work, and distinct style. The six members of BOY STORY—Jia Hanyu, Li Zihao, He Xinlong, Yu Zeyu, Gou Mingrui, and Ren Shuyang—are not just musicians but symbols of youth energy, determination, and a new wave of Chinese pop culture. Their journey to stardom has been filled with remarkable milestones and achievements, making them one of the most promising boy bands of their generation.

The Beginning: Building the Foundation

The origins of BOY STORY can be traced back to 2017 when the group began a year-long pre-debut project known as the “Real Project.” During this period, they trained rigorously, honing their skills in singing, dancing, and songwriting. Their efforts culminated in the release of their debut single, “HOW OLD R U,” on September 1, 2017. The single, marked by its powerful beats and synchronized choreography, was an instant hit, resonating deeply with their target audience of young music lovers.

In addition to the release of their debut single, BOY STORY also took to the stage, showcasing their skills live for the first time during the National Youth Music Concert in Hong Kong on October 2, 2017. Their performance, which included the song “BURN” alongside their debut track, generated considerable buzz and helped solidify their presence in the Chinese music industry. Not long after, BOY STORY won the Best Hip-Hop Newcomer Group award at the Asian Music Awards in November 2017, proving that their hard work was beginning to pay off.

The Official Debut and Early Success

2018 marked the official debut of BOY STORY as a hip-hop boy group. On January 19, 2018, they won the FEIA Awards for Most Stylish and Energetic Group, a recognition that highlighted not only their musical abilities but also their image and personality. Their distinctive blend of hip-hop and youthful energy quickly captured the attention of fans, and they began to develop a loyal following, known as “BOSS.”

Their debut track, “Enough,” released on September 21, 2018, was the group’s first official single as a fully-fledged boy band. The song was an expression of their personal struggles and the power of perseverance, with lyrics that emphasized confidence and overcoming obstacles. It was accompanied by a stunning performance during their debut Showcase Tour, which showcased their flawless dance moves and tight-knit group dynamic.

Throughout 2018, BOY STORY continued to release a series of hit singles, including “Can’t Stop” and “JUMP UP.” “Can’t Stop” quickly became a fan favorite, with its catchy melody and engaging choreography, achieving top rankings on multiple music charts in China. The music video for the song amassed over 5 million views within the first 12 hours of its release, further solidifying BOY STORY’s rising popularity.

The Growth Period: Expanding Their Horizons

As BOY STORY settled into their new roles as one of China’s most exciting boy bands, they embarked on the “IDOL 2.0 Growing Project” in 2019. This project focused on their personal development and growing artistic capabilities, helping them explore new music genres, refine their songwriting skills, and elevate their performance quality. The group’s maturity was evident in their 2019 single “Oh My Gosh,” which blended hip-hop with a fresh pop sound, marking a significant evolution in their musical style.

The group’s talents were not confined to China alone. BOY STORY began to take their talents abroad, performing at the KCON 2019 Thailand event in October 2019, where they earned significant praise for their high-energy performances and ability to connect with international audiences. Their ability to perform in Chinese while reaching global audiences became one of the standout features of BOY STORY, symbolizing the potential for Chinese idols to make an impact on the global stage.

Their creative side also blossomed with the release of their self-produced “I=U=WE:序” (The Sequence), an album in which the members took part in the songwriting and composing process. The track “If…” released as a prelude to the album, highlighted their growth as artists. The album showcased their unique sound and the diverse influences that shaped their music, combining hip-hop with electronic and pop elements.

Rising to Prominence: The I=U=WE Trilogy

In 2020, BOY STORY took another step forward in their musical journey with the release of the “I=U=WE” album trilogy. The first installment, “I=U=WE: 我”, dropped on November 27, 2020, and was a highly anticipated release. The album featured a mix of emotional ballads and upbeat tracks, further solidifying BOY STORY’s reputation as a versatile group. The songs in this album touched on themes of identity, self-expression, and unity, all resonating with their growing fanbase.

The second part of the trilogy, “I=U=WE: 你”, was released in August 2021 and continued to explore themes of connection and self-realization. Each part of the trilogy contributed to a larger narrative about the relationship between the members, their fans, and the world around them. The group’s ability to weave together complex themes with catchy beats and relatable lyrics was a testament to their maturity as artists.

Breaking New Ground: Expanding Reach and Experimenting with Sound

As BOY STORY’s success continued to grow, so did their ambition. In 2022, the group participated in several high-profile events, including the “China Beat: Dancing Youth” performance for the May 4th Youth Day special stage and the popular variety show “For Our Glory”. These appearances demonstrated their expanding influence in Chinese pop culture and their growing versatility as performers.

By 2023, BOY STORY had become a household name in China, and they began to venture into even more diverse musical territories. The release of their single “What’s Poppin” in April 2023 showcased a more experimental side to their sound, blending modern trap beats with traditional hip-hop. Later that year, they dropped their second EP, “Z.I.P,” which was praised for its fresh sounds and innovative production.

In 2024, BOY STORY released their third EP, “极” (Extreme), which included the track “Alpha.” The EP further explored their evolving sound, incorporating bold, futuristic elements with their signature energetic style. With the release of this album, BOY STORY continued to push boundaries, capturing the attention of both old fans and new listeners worldwide.

Conclusion: BOY STORY’s Legacy

From their humble beginnings in 2017 to their meteoric rise as a key player in the global music scene, BOY STORY has proven that hard work, dedication, and innovation are the cornerstones of their success. With their unique blend of hip-hop, pop, and youthful energy, the six members of BOY STORY have inspired millions of fans both in China and abroad. As they continue to evolve and expand their musical horizons, BOY STORY remains a powerful force in the entertainment industry, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of Chinese idols.

Their journey is a testament to the strength of perseverance and the power of unity. With their loyal fans—BOSS—supporting them every step of the way, BOY STORY is set to reach even greater heights in the years to come, becoming a symbol of hope, creativity, and self-expression for fans around the world.