C POP Stars, Chinese Boy Group
Profile of Nine Percent
Group Name: Nine Percent (百分九少年)
Formation Date: April 6, 2018
Disbandment Date: October 6, 2019
Country of Origin: China
Genres: C-pop, Mandopop
Labels: iQiyi (temporary management)
Associated Shows: Idol Producer
Members:
- Cai Xukun (蔡徐坤) – Leader, Main Rapper, Vocalist
- Chen Linong (陈立农) – Lead Vocalist
- Fan Chengcheng (范丞丞) – Lead Rapper, Vocalist
- Justin (Huang Minghao) (黄明昊) – Lead Rapper, Dancer
- Lin Yanjun (林彦俊) – Lead Vocalist, Visual
- Zhu Zhengting (朱正廷) – Main Dancer, Lead Vocalist
- Wang Ziyi (王子异) – Lead Dancer, Rapper
- Xiao Gui (Lil Ghost) (小鬼-王琳凯) – Rapper, Dancer
- You Zhangjing (尤长靖) – Main Vocalist
Introduction
Nine Percent (百分九少年) was a Chinese boy group formed through the survival show Idol Producer, which aired on iQiyi in early 2018. The group, consisting of nine talented young men selected from over 100 contestants, became a symbol of the new wave of Chinese pop (C-pop) groups and youth culture in China. They were active for a brief period of 18 months, from their official formation on April 6, 2018, until their disbandment on October 6, 2019.
Despite their relatively short time together, Nine Percent achieved widespread success in China, gaining millions of fans and significantly influencing the rise of idol culture in the country. Their impact on Chinese pop music and entertainment is still felt today, as many of the members continue to enjoy successful solo careers.
Formation through Idol Producer
Idol Producer, a reality survival show, was instrumental in the creation of Nine Percent. The show, which aired on iQiyi from January 19 to April 6, 2018, was a Chinese adaptation of the popular South Korean survival show Produce 101. Over the course of the show, 100 male trainees from various entertainment agencies across China competed in a series of challenges, performances, and evaluations, with the goal of debuting in the final nine-member group.
The show’s final episode aired live on April 6, 2018, with the top nine contestants, determined by audience votes, officially forming the boy group Nine Percent. Cai Xukun, the show’s most popular contestant, was voted as the center and leader of the group, while other members such as Chen Linong, Fan Chengcheng, and Justin rounded out the lineup. Their debut immediately generated immense buzz, as the show had gained a massive following throughout its broadcast.
The name “Nine Percent” was derived from the concept that the nine finalists represented the top 9% of the 100 original contestants, symbolizing their elite status as the best of the best.
Members of Nine Percent
1. Cai Xukun (蔡徐坤)
As the leader and most popular member of Nine Percent, Cai Xukun was the center of attention from the beginning. Born on August 2, 1998, Cai had already gained some recognition through his previous participation in a South Korean survival show, Super Idol. He is known for his versatile skills in singing, rapping, dancing, and songwriting. After the disbandment of Nine Percent, Cai went on to become one of China’s most successful solo artists and has been involved in producing his own music.
2. Chen Linong (陈立农)
Born on October 3, 2000, in Taiwan, Chen Linong became a fan favorite on Idol Producer due to his boyish charm and strong vocal abilities. As the group’s lead vocalist, he brought warmth and emotional depth to Nine Percent’s songs. After the group disbanded, Chen Linong pursued a solo music career and also took on acting roles in TV dramas.
3. Fan Chengcheng (范丞丞)
Fan Chengcheng, born on June 16, 2000, in Qingdao, China, gained significant attention as the younger brother of famous Chinese actress Fan Bingbing. However, his talent soon spoke for itself, as he excelled in rapping and dancing. After Nine Percent’s disbandment, Fan Chengcheng continued to thrive as both a solo artist and actor.
4. Justin (Huang Minghao) (黄明昊)
Justin, born on February 19, 2002, in Wenzhou, China, was one of the youngest members of Nine Percent. Known for his energetic dance moves and sharp rapping skills, Justin was also a former contestant on the South Korean survival show Produce 101 Season 2. After Nine Percent, he joined the group NEXT and pursued a solo career.
5. Lin Yanjun (林彦俊)
Born on August 24, 1995, in Taiwan, Lin Yanjun was known for his mature visuals and smooth vocals. He often played the role of the group’s visual, bringing a sophisticated charm to Nine Percent’s performances. After the group’s disbandment, he focused on his solo music career, releasing multiple singles.
6. Zhu Zhengting (朱正廷)
Zhu Zhengting, born on March 18, 1996, in Anhui, China, was one of the group’s best dancers. He trained at the Shanghai Theatre Academy in traditional Chinese dance, which helped him develop his dynamic and elegant performance style. After Nine Percent, Zhu Zhengting rejoined NEXT and continued his solo endeavors.
7. Wang Ziyi (王子异)
Born on July 13, 1996, in Shanxi, China, Wang Ziyi stood out for his cool, composed demeanor and his skills as a dancer and rapper. His stylish visuals and reserved personality made him a unique presence in the group. Wang Ziyi has since pursued a solo music career and remained active in the entertainment industry.
8. Xiao Gui (Lil Ghost) (王琳凯)
Born on May 20, 1999, in Shanghai, China, Xiao Gui, also known as Lil Ghost, was known for his vibrant energy and skills as a rapper. He brought an edgy, street-style flair to the group and was praised for his creativity. Following Nine Percent, Lil Ghost pursued solo work as a rapper and collaborated with other artists in China’s hip-hop scene.
9. You Zhangjing (尤长靖)
You Zhangjing, born on September 19, 1994, in Malaysia, was the main vocalist of Nine Percent. He is known for his powerful and emotional singing, which helped elevate many of the group’s ballads and softer songs. After the group disbanded, You Zhangjing continued his solo music career and released well-received singles.
Debut and Early Success: To the Nines
Nine Percent debuted with their first studio album, To the Nines (百分九少年) in November 2018. The album featured a mix of upbeat, dance-oriented tracks as well as ballads that showcased the members’ vocal abilities. Songs like “Rule Breaker” (创新者) and “I Need a Doctor” (需要你) became hits, and the group quickly gained commercial success.
To the Nines was met with enthusiastic responses from fans and critics alike, and it debuted at the top of several Chinese music charts. The album’s success marked Nine Percent as one of the most prominent boy groups in China at the time. Despite facing the challenges of being a temporary group, Nine Percent was able to dominate the Chinese music scene during their active period.
Impact on C-pop and Idol Culture
Nine Percent was a key driver in the rise of idol culture in China. They played a crucial role in popularizing the concept of “idols” as seen in South Korea and Japan, where fans form deep emotional connections with their favorite members. The group’s members were not only known for their talents but also for their interactions with fans, social media presence, and appearances on variety shows, all of which helped cultivate a strong fan-idol relationship.
Their formation through a reality survival show mirrored the K-pop industry’s idol-making process, which had already gained traction in China. Nine Percent’s massive success following Idol Producer showed the viability of this model in the Chinese market, leading to the creation of numerous other idol groups and reality competition shows.
With their stunning visuals, high-level performances, and carefully crafted public personas, Nine Percent helped redefine what it meant to be a pop idol in China. Their influence can still be seen in the many idol groups that have emerged in the years since their disbandment.
Disbandment and Legacy
As a temporary group, Nine Percent was always intended to disband after 18 months. On October 6, 2019, the group officially disbanded, marking the end of an era for their devoted fans. A farewell concert was held in Guangzhou, where the members expressed their gratitude to their fans and each other for the journey they had shared.
Despite the short time they were active, Nine Percent left a significant legacy in the Chinese music industry. Their success inspired a wave of new idol groups, and the members themselves have gone on to become influential solo artists, actors, and entertainers. Each member of Nine Percent has pursued their own path, continuing to shape the future of C-pop and idol culture in China.
Nine Percent’s impact on Chinese pop culture and the music industry remains undeniable. Their rise to fame and the immense popularity they garnered in such a short period are testament to the power of youth-driven pop culture and the evolving landscape of Chinese entertainment.