By rifanmuazin 
The landscape of the global music industry has been increasingly defined by the "survival show" phenomenon, a format that has birthed some of the most influential groups in modern K-pop and C-pop history. As established acts like I.O.I and WANNA ONE continue to make headlines through highly anticipated reunions and special performances at events such as KCON, the attention of the public often shifts toward the many talented individuals who did not make the final debut lineups. Recently, Gu Yizhou, a former contestant on the 2021 Mnet survival program Girls Planet 999, has recaptured the spotlight, not only through a new musical debut but also through a flourishing, albeit unconventional, secondary career as a digital artist within the ACG (Anime, Comic, and Games) community.
The Genesis of a Viral Moment: Girls Planet 999 and the C-Group
To understand the current resurgence of interest in Gu Yizhou, one must look back to the summer of 2021. Girls Planet 999 was a high-stakes survival program produced by Mnet, designed to form a new multinational girl group from 99 contestants divided into three groups based on their nationality: K-Group (Korean), C-Group (Chinese, including those from Hong Kong and Taiwan), and J-Group (Japanese). The show ultimately produced the group Kep1er, which has since seen significant success in both Korea and Japan.
Among the 33 contestants of the C-Group, Gu Yizhou stood out early in the competition, though perhaps not for the traditional reasons associated with idol training. While many trainees focused on polished choreography or high-note vocal displays during their introductory PR (Public Relations) videos, Gu Yizhou opted for a more theatrical and eccentric approach. In her self-introduction video, she performed a dramatic scene from a musical, incorporating a rap that would eventually go viral among international fans. Her "Cinderella" rap, characterized by the lyrics "She was lazy, she was crazy," became a meme within the K-pop community, praised for its campy energy and Gu’s unabashed confidence.
Beyond her performance, Gu Yizhou used her PR time to showcase a deeply personal hobby: her artwork. She displayed several detailed illustrations inspired by her favorite animated programs, a move that hinted at a creative depth beyond the standard idol trainee mold. While she was eventually eliminated from the competition, her unique personality left a lasting impression on the "Planet Guardians" (the show’s voters).
The Post-Survival Show Transition: From Mnet to Great Dance Crew
Following her departure from Girls Planet 999, Gu Yizhou returned to China, where the idol industry was undergoing a period of significant transition. Due to regulatory changes in the Chinese entertainment sector regarding large-scale survival shows, many trainees found themselves seeking alternative platforms to maintain their visibility.
In 2022, Gu Yizhou appeared as a contestant on Great Dance Crew, a competitive dance reality show aired on the Chinese streaming platform Youku. The show featured prominent mentors such as Alec Su, Wang Feifei (formerly of miss A), and Cheng Xiao (of WJSN). While Gu Yizhou demonstrated growth in her performance capabilities, she was once again eliminated before the final round. Despite these setbacks on mainstream television, her persistent presence in the industry indicated a commitment to her career as a performer.
The 2024 Debut: Rebranding as Yowa in Carol
The most recent development in Gu Yizhou’s career came in 2024, marking a definitive shift in her professional trajectory. She has officially debuted as a member of a group titled Carol (夜色特调Carol), operating under the stage name Yowa. Unlike the mainstream "idol" groups typically associated with the Mnet system, Carol is frequently described as an "underground" or "chika" (cellar) idol group.
The underground idol scene, which originated in Japan and has recently seen a surge in popularity in major Chinese cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou, operates on a different business model than mainstream pop. These groups focus heavily on live performances in small venues and close-knit fan interactions. For Gu Yizhou, this transition to Carol represents a pivot toward a niche, yet highly dedicated, market. The group’s aesthetic and musical direction lean into the "subculture" or ACG-influenced style, which aligns perfectly with her long-standing personal interests.
Dual Identity: The Intersection of Idol and Artist
What has truly sparked the recent viral discourse on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Weibo is the discovery of Gu Yizhou’s thriving career as a digital artist. Under her alias Yowa, she has become a recognized figure in the fanart community, particularly for her work centered on the Chinese donghua (animation) series Link Click (Shiguang Dailiren).
Link Click is a critically acclaimed series that has garnered a massive global following since its release in 2021. Gu Yizhou’s artwork often focuses on the "Yaoi" or BL (Boys’ Love) subgenre, a popular niche within the fan community that explores romantic or homoerotic relationships between male characters. Her illustrations, which she had actually previewed during her Girls Planet 999 PR video, have matured significantly in quality and detail.
Netizens recently connected the dots between the "viral rap girl" from the survival show and the prolific artist on Weibo. This dual identity is rare in the idol industry, where trainees are often discouraged from engaging in fan-driven subcultures or expressing personal creative interests that might deviate from a curated public image. Gu Yizhou’s willingness to openly participate in fandom culture as both a creator and a performer has earned her a new level of respect and fascination from the public.
Timeline of Key Career Milestones
The following chronology highlights the evolution of Gu Yizhou’s public career:
- August 2021: Participates in Mnet’s Girls Planet 999 as a C-Group trainee. Her PR video goes viral for its "Cinderella" rap and the introduction of her digital art.
- Late 2021: Eliminated from Girls Planet 999, returning to China to continue her training.
- April 2022: Appears on Great Dance Crew on Youku, showcasing her dance skills to a domestic Chinese audience.
- 2022–2023: Remains active on social media (Weibo), building a reputation as a high-quality fan artist under the name Yowa, specifically within the Link Click fandom.
- Early 2024: Officially debuts in the group Carol (夜色特调Carol). The group releases music and begins performing in the underground idol circuit.
- July 2024: International fans rediscover her artistic profile, leading to a new wave of viral social media posts celebrating her longevity and diverse talents.
Analysis of the "Post-Survival Show" Career Path
The case of Gu Yizhou provides a fascinating look at the "middle ground" of the idol industry. In the traditional narrative, a trainee either debuts in a major group or fades into obscurity. However, the rise of niche markets—such as underground idols and the digital creator economy—offers a third path.
Industry analysts suggest that for trainees like Gu Yizhou, who may not fit the rigid "standard" of a major K-pop agency, these alternative routes provide more creative freedom. By leaning into her identity as an artist and a fan of ACG culture, Gu Yizhou has cultivated a brand that is more authentic and resilient than many short-lived mainstream acts. Her success in the Link Click fandom provides her with a level of job security and community support that is independent of her success as a singer.
Furthermore, her story reflects the increasing globalization of subcultures. A Chinese trainee on a Korean show drawing fanart for a Chinese animation that is then celebrated by fans on a Western social media platform illustrates the interconnected nature of modern entertainment.
Public Reaction and Cultural Impact
The reaction to Gu Yizhou’s "rediscovery" has been overwhelmingly positive. On X, fans expressed amazement that she has remained active in the industry for five years since the filming of her initial survival show. One user noted, "GP999 being over for years now and Gu Yizhou REMAINS famous!" referencing her ability to stay relevant through her art and new musical ventures.
Another common sentiment among netizens is the appreciation for her "multipotentiality." In an era where idols are often criticized for being "manufactured," Gu Yizhou’s visible passion for drawing and her involvement in the "underground" scene suggest a person who is in control of her own narrative. Her "underground" status, rather than being seen as a step down from the "mainstream," is viewed by many as a badge of authenticity.
Conclusion: A New Blueprint for Aspiring Idols
Gu Yizhou’s journey from a viral meme on Girls Planet 999 to a respected artist and member of Carol serves as an inspiring example for aspiring performers. It demonstrates that the end of a survival show is not the end of a career, but rather a starting point for self-discovery.
As the entertainment industry continues to fragment into specialized niches, the most successful individuals will likely be those who, like Gu Yizhou, can bridge the gap between different creative worlds. Whether she is performing on a stage in a cellar club or posting a new illustration for her thousands of followers on Weibo, Yowa (Gu Yizhou) has proven that she is much more than just a contestant on a reality show—she is a multifaceted creator who has defined success on her own terms.
