THE9

THE9 was a Chinese project girl group that captured attention during its brief but intense run from August 2020 to December 2021. Formed through the iQIYI survival show Youth With You 2, the nine members were chosen from over 100 trainees based on viewer votes. The group's music blended Mandopop with dance, hip-hop, and electronic elements, and their debut single "SphinX" quickly climbed digital charts in China.

Though the group has disbanded, their influence lingers. Liu Yuxin made history as an androgynous-presenting female idol winning first place, sparking conversations about gender norms in Chinese idol culture. Esther Yu and Xu Jiaqi have since become prominent actresses, while Liu Yuxin and others continue to release solo music. For fans, THE9 remains a symbol of the excitement and brevity of project groups, a "fever dream" as some have described it. [edit]

THE9's story begins with Youth With You 2, a survival show that aired on iQIYI in early 2020. Over 100 female trainees competed for a spot in the final group, enduring grueling evaluations, dance battles, and public voting. The show became a cultural event in China, with fans passionately supporting their favorites through social media campaigns and streaming parties.

The finale on May 30, 2020, revealed the nine members in order of rank: Liu Yuxin took first place and the center position, followed by Esther Yu, Xu Jiaqi, Yu Yan, Xie Keyin, An Qi, Zhao Xiaotang, Kong Xueer, and Lu Keran. Liu Yuxin's victory was groundbreaking, she was one of the first female idols with a short, boyish haircut and androgynous style to win such a show, challenging conventional beauty standards in Chinese pop.

Several members already had experience before the show. Xu Jiaqi had been a member of SNH48, a massive Chinese girl group, and Esther Yu was already a well-known actress. This mix of seasoned performers and fresh faces created a dynamic lineup. The group officially debuted on August 10, 2020, with the single "SphinX," accompanied by a dance performance video that quickly amassed over 1.5 million views on YouTube. [edit]

THE9's sound was rooted in Mandopop but never stayed in one lane. Their debut single "SphinX" featured a driving beat and sharp choreography, blending dance-pop with hip-hop swagger. The follow-up "Not Me" leaned into a more playful, synth-heavy vibe, while their final single "RefleXtion" showcased a more mature, introspective tone. Production was polished, with heavy use of electronic textures and trap-influenced rhythms, typical of contemporary C-pop.

Vocally, the group was versatile. Yu Yan's powerful main vocal anchored ballads, while Liu Yuxin and Xie Keyin brought rap verses that added an edge. The choreography was always a centerpiece, with intricate formations and synchronized moves that highlighted each member's strengths. Though they never released a full album, their singles and performance videos demonstrated a clear artistic vision that evolved over their short career. [edit]

THE9's impact on Chinese pop culture was significant, even with their brief existence. The group's formation through Youth With You 2 underscored the power of survival shows in shaping the entertainment industry, a trend that continues today. Liu Yuxin's rise to center challenged traditional gender norms in idol culture, opening doors for more diverse expressions of femininity.

After disbandment, members pursued varied paths. Esther Yu became a leading actress in dramas like Love Between Fairy and Devil, while Xu Jiaqi also found success in acting and music. Liu Yuxin released solo music and headlined her own concerts. The group's disbandment itself was a cultural moment, with fans organizing tribute projects and reflecting on the intense, fleeting nature of project groups. THE9 proved that even a short-lived group could leave a lasting impression on both the industry and its audience. [edit]

THE9's fandom, known as NINECHASE, was passionate and organized despite the group's short lifespan. Fans coordinated streaming parties for new releases, ensuring "SphinX" topped charts upon debut. They also engaged in charity projects, donating in the members' names to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. After disbandment, NINECHASE remained active, supporting individual members' solo careers and keeping the group's memory alive through fan-made content and reunion campaigns. The fandom's dedication was a testament to the strong bond formed during those intense 18 months. [edit]

Lu Keran was only 18 at debut, making her the youngest member, while Xu Jiaqi was the oldest at 24. Several members had pre-debut careers: Xu Jiaqi was in SNH48, and Esther Yu was already a popular actress. The group's name "THE9" simply represents the nine winners from a pool of over 100 trainees. Their official YouTube dance video for "SphinX" has over 1.5 million views. Despite their short time together, THE9 became one of the most commercially successful project groups in Chinese entertainment, with members landing numerous brand endorsements. [edit]