Teen pop sensations Wang Junkai, Wang Yuan and Yi Yangqianxi form the Chinese pop boyband “The Fighting Boys,” or “TF Boys,” which has captured the hearts of young fans across the country and holds a commercial value of around $43 billion. A new force of influence in the Mando-pop scene, they have routinely toppled the national billboard charts, garnered a 200 million-strong Weibo following and struck brand ambassador deals with the likes of L’Oréal, Lancôme, H&M and Fila.
In 2010, the three boys joined the Time Fengjun Music and Entertainment company. After their cover of the song “Onion” by singer Zongwei Yang went viral, they were cast into the spotlight and amassed a large follower base encompassing children and young adults. The following years, the group released a series of albums, with musical themes surrounding love yet suggestively touching upon pro-nationalist themes. Six years in the making, Junkai, Yuan and Yangqianxi’s social influence was recognised by global brands which partnered with each member individually. While group leader Junkai’s endorsements include Swatch and Lancôme, Yangqianxi’s partnerships include Adidas and Bottega Veneta, as well as investments from Jack Ma in his advertisement website. Yuan, who struck partnerships with L’Oréal Paris and H&M among others, was featured in Time Magazine’s list of “30 Most Influential Teens” in 2017. The trio has also been featured on the cover of Vogue, GQ, Elle and T Magazine.
Alongside their music, the band has partaken in multiple charitable endeavours, such as the “Happy Smiles” foundation, the “QQ Red Scarf Project,” fundraisers for the 2017 Juizhaigou earthquake victims, with Wan Junkai founding the Kindle Blue Foundation and becoming a UN Environment National Goodwill ambassador. The band’s merchandise rings in over an estimated $17 million monthly, as Junkai, Yuan and Yangqianxi have appeared on television series, commercials, web dramas, feature films and are regularly promoted by the Chinese government, with appearances on the Communist Youth League’s Weibo account and a nomination as China’s official 2020 Mars Mission ambassadors.
The group has received V Chart awards, ERC Chinese Top Ten Awards, Top Chinese Music Awards, QQ Music Awards Weibo night and more for their albums since 2014.
