BonBon Girls 303

BonBon Girls 303 stands as a unique chapter in modern C-pop history. This project group existed solely for a two-year contract term starting from their formation on July 4, 2020, until their scheduled disbandment on July 4, 2022. Despite the temporary nature of their existence, they became one of the most successful groups to emerge from a survival show in China.

Their sound blended energetic pop with hip-hop elements, perfectly matching the "hard candy" concept that defined their image. Fans connected deeply with their message of resilience and self-empowerment. The group maintained a strong presence on social media platforms like Weibo and Douyin, where they accumulated millions of followers shortly after debuting.

Today, the members have moved on to individual careers in acting, solo singing, and variety shows. Zhao Yue has established herself as a leading actress, while others like Wang Yijin continue performing. The group remains a symbol of the peak era for Chinese idol survival programs before regulatory changes reshaped the market. [edit]

The journey began during the summer of 2020 when Tencent Video launched Produce Camp 2020, also known as Chuang 2020. Seven trainees survived a grueling three-month competition involving vocal training, dance practice, and public voting. The final lineup was decided on July 4, 2020, during the live finale broadcast. Curley Gao emerged as the leader, while Zhao Yue secured the top spot as the first-place winner and center.

Among the finalists was Liu Xiening, formerly a member of the South Korean group Gugudan. Her inclusion brought international experience to the team. Nene, a former Thai idol, added a unique cross-cultural dynamic. The other members included Wang Yijin, who had previously trained at SM Entertainment, and visual standout Chen Zhuoxuan.

Immediately following the finale, the group underwent intensive preparation before their official debut on August 11, 2020. Their contract explicitly stated a two-year duration, meaning fans knew the exact date of their disbandment from day one. This transparency created a unique bond where supporters celebrated every moment without the uncertainty of indefinite hiatuses. [edit]

Their musical identity centered on the "hard candy" metaphor, sweet melodies wrapped in tough, rhythmic beats. The debut single The Law of Hard Candy featured heavy hip-hop instrumentation paired with catchy pop hooks. This style allowed them to showcase both rap skills and powerful vocals across different tracks.

As they progressed, their sound matured. The second EP Super Girls introduced more electronic dance music elements and sophisticated R&B influences. These tracks emphasized female empowerment themes, with lyrics focusing on self-growth and confidence. Later releases incorporated experimental sounds and ballads that highlighted individual member strengths while maintaining group cohesion.

Production quality remained high throughout their career. Collaborations with top producers ensured their tracks sounded polished and competitive against established agencies. Their choreography matched the intensity of the music, often featuring synchronized formations that maximized visual impact during performances. [edit]

BonBon Girls 303 revitalized interest in the survival show format right before government crackdowns on idol culture took effect. Their success proved that project groups could still generate massive engagement despite regulatory headwinds. The group's ability to sell over one million digital copies of their debut EP set a new benchmark for C-pop sales.

Fashion trends shifted under their influence. The pastel colors mixed with edgy streetwear aesthetic popularized by the group became a staple for young Chinese consumers. Members frequently appeared in magazine spreads that highlighted this distinct look, further cementing their status as style icons.

Cross-border connections played a role too. With members from Thailand and previous K-pop experience, the group served as a bridge between Asian entertainment markets. Their activities helped normalize collaborations between Chinese and Southeast Asian idols, paving the way for future projects. [edit]

Fans call themselves "Hard Candy" and use pink as their official fan color. The lightstick design features a hard candy motif, often resembling a lollipop or a piece of candy with the group logo. This imagery reinforced the sweet yet tough theme central to the group's identity.

Digital campaigns were a major part of fandom activity. Supporters organized massive streaming efforts to boost chart positions on QQ Music and NetEase Cloud Music. They also created "candy rain" trends on social media, flooding timelines with coordinated posts to celebrate milestones.

Lightstick events and fan meetings drew huge crowds. Even though the group disbanded in 2022, fans continue to honor their legacy through anniversary celebrations and tribute videos. The community remains active, sharing memories and discussing each member's post-group achievements. [edit]

Liu Xiening was the only member with prior international debut experience, having been part of the South Korean group Gugudan before joining BonBon Girls 303., The group sold over one million digital copies of their debut EP within hours of release, setting a record for fastest-selling albums in China at the time., Nene Zheng Naixin later transitioned into acting and confirmed a relationship with Thai actor Bright Vachirawit in April 2024., Several members served as mentors for the 2024 season of Chuang Asia, passing their survival show experience to the next generation., The group's disbandment marked the end of the Produce series era in China, signaling a shift toward long-term agency groups.[edit]