Fans power China's lucrative idol economy, boosting stars on social media and buying merchandise that they promote at shops like this. But many fans say they derive pleasure from seeing their idols flourish and have found a sense of community from the shared online space. "Chinese youth lack other types of idols," said Fang Kecheng, communications professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. China's broadcast regulator last month banned performers with "lapsed morals" and "incorrect political views" as well as what it termed "sissy men" — an androgynous aesthetic popularized by Korean boy bands, and imitated by male Chinese idols like Xiao. Chinese entertainers wanting mainstream success have little choice but to agree with the state, whose disapproval can ultimately sink their careers.

Source: Manila Times October 06, 2021 16:26 UTC