Trapped On An Idol Survival Show — Where Is Lelush Now?

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For many K-Pop trainees, survival shows like Mnet‘s Produce 101 are the best shot they have at achieving their dream of debuting.

i-o-iI.O.I debuted from the first season of Produce 101

1641780858-fgyqbjvuuaeqz6pWanna One debuted from the second season of Produce 101

And while survival shows are always grueling, the trainees work hard for the chance to achieve their dreams.

Your browser does not support video.LE SSERAFIM‘s Sakura 

Unfortunately for Lelush (利路修), a Russian model who had never planned on debuting as an idol, China’s Produce Camp 2021 (also known as CHUANG 2021) was his worst nightmare.

bogatcio_272260829_607256027037774_2600498237261807471_nLelush | @bogatcio/Instagram

Lelush was born in Vladivostok, Russia, and eventually moved to Shenyang, China, in 2015, where he became fluent in Mandarin.

Japanese entertainment company King Holdings initially reached out to Lelush to ask him to serve as a translator for two Japanese trainees they sent to Produce Camp 2021.

But given Lelush’s visuals, the producers of Produce Camp 2021 asked Lelush if he would be interested in competing in the show himself. Lelush had no interest in becoming an idol and no background in performing, so he initially rejected their offer. But because the producers kept asking, he eventually agreed to compete on the show as one of King Holdings’ trainees.

lelush-570x800

Lelush wasn’t the only unexpected trainee, as Produce Camp 2021‘s lineup also included David, another translator, and Cao Zuo, who initially applied to be a dance mentor on the show.

david-564x800David

cao-zuo-547x800Cao Zuo

Given Lelush’s lack of any vocal or dance training, competing on the show was incredibly difficult. Lelush was initially placed in Produce Camp 2021‘s “F Class” (trainees were placed in classes A-F depending on their skills, with the most skilled trainees moving to A). Still, he started the program optimistic, suggesting he wanted “to challenge [himself].”

I actually came here to challenge myself. So I will keep working hard.

-Lelush

But as the show continued, the practice sessions became more exhausting, and the model quickly realized that he wanted to leave the show. Unfortunately, given the contract he’d signed, Lelush couldn’t simply leave the show; he needed to place low enough in the rankings to be kicked off. So he began to implore the public not to vote for him and showed his dislike of the competition during broadcasts.

Being in a boy group isn’t my dream. I don’t want founders to vote for me.

-Lelush

Your browser does not support video.| CHUANG2021/YouTube 

Lelush did everything from visibly slacking off in practice…

Your browser does not support video.| CHUANG2021/YouTube 

To showing boring reactions in attempts to have fans vote for other trainees.

Your browser does not support video.| CHUANG2021/YouTube 

He even tried to plead with fans to stop voting for him.

Don’t love me, you won’t end up well.

-Lelush

Your browser does not support video.| CHUANG2021/YouTube 

But ironically, Lelush’s clearly apathetic attitude towards the show only earned him more favor from fans. The more Lelush showed his desire to be voted off, the more fans liked him. In fact, Lelush was one of the highest-ranked competitors up until the final episode of the show.

Screen Shot 2022-07-18 at 9.57.23 AMLelush’s Produce Camp 2021 ranking per episode | Produce Camp Wiki

Although Lelush competed in the final episode, fans seemed to finally take pity on the model, and his ranking dropped, preventing him from making the debut lineup, much to his relief.

I believe that they’ll respect my choice not to be in a boy group. I believe they know how far to go [with voting]. And I know how much you want to see me. That’s why I came to the final. But being in the show is different from being in a boy group.

-Lelush

Your browser does not support video.| CHUANG2021/YouTube 

Lelush’s ironic success in Produce Camp 2021 is primarily attributed to China’s “Sang culture.”

‘Sang culture’ is a popular shorthand for both a melancholic listlessness at the futility of one’s current state of affairs and a bleak acceptance that life will be no better.

-Emily Feng on NPR’s “All Things Considered”

“Sang culture” is widely considered a response to “China’s achievement-oriented culture.”

Slouching it’s way into the public eye about five years ago, it emerged as a disillusioned rejection of China’s achievement-oriented culture epitomised in recent years by the Chinese Communist Party’s ‘positive energy’ propoganda slogan.

-BBC News

Lelush’s despairing attitude especially struck a nerve with Chinese youths struggling to get through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lelush’s slacker ethos was particualrly relevant for a 2021 Chinese audience, whose ‘sense of powerlessness has been further heightened during the pandemic.’

-BBC News

The model went viral for his constantly defeated attitude during the show, which only encouraged viewers to keep voting for him. Lelush quickly became a viral celebrity, inspiring many memes.

_118316039_lelush5“So tired”

_118316036_lelush3“Save me”

_118316012_lelush1“Happy to get off work”

Fans also notably loved Lelush because while he entertained them, he also showed that he had a kind heart. Although Lelush purposely tried to slack off when it only affected him, he clearly made an effort when performing with other trainees, not wanting to affect their results.

I will still complete the dance in three days. Because I respect my teammates.

-Lelush

Your browser does not support video.| CHUANG2021/YouTube 

He also tried to encourage his fellow trainees, assuring them that he knew he didn’t deserve the success he achieved.

I want to say to those who will leave that the reason why I’m here is not because I’m better than you. Because you are all great. So, I hope you will be well in the future.

-Lelush

Your browser does not support video.| CHUANG2021/YouTube 

Since Lelush was not forced to make his debut as an idol, he has gone on to continue his modeling career, seemingly happy with his life. In an interview with CGTN, he explained that he feels “more like an influencer.

I think I’m more like an influencer than an idol.

-Lelush

Screen Shot 2022-07-18 at 11.26.26 AM| CGTN

And Lelush even admitted that he never wanted to become a celebrity due to the difficulties of fame.

But I never wanted to become famous. Because it is not that comfortable to be on the spot. It has good sides and bad sides. I have always understood this.

-Lelush

Screen Shot 2022-07-18 at 11.26.15 AM| CGTN

Although he does admit that he really enjoys the memes his fans make of him.

…There are so many funny memes. My fans are very humorous. I like that they do some funny pictures and some funny videos. I am okay with that, if they find it funny. It can make them more happy.

-Lelush

Screen Shot 2022-07-18 at 11.26.46 AM| CGTN

Lelush currently has almost seven hundred thousand followers on his Instagram, where he uploads content for famous brands like Prada

bogatcio_288929191_997298184320087_789258274371898435_n (1)| @bogatcio/Instagram

bogatcio_242961057_288932459417413_6784968573748074477_n| @bogatcio/Instagram

GRAZIA

bogatcio_232771387_559580641882603_409418029787357736_n| @bogatcio/Instagram

And Gucci.

bogatcio_220484707_358592295648318_625833753309959872_n| @bogatcio/Instagram

His fans are still hopeful to see more content from him, and there are possibilities of him filming some variety shows.

You can watch Lelush perform on Produce Camp 2021 here.

You can watch his interview with CGTN here.

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