Chuang 2021 – Episode 1 Impressions & Favourite Trainees

Chuang 2021, also known as Produce Camp 2021, is a Chinese trainee survival competition. This year is different because they are aiming to form an international group. That being said, a handful of the trainees are from overseas. This year, they will form an 11-member boy group. Episode 1 is nearly five hours with two parts.

You can watch it on the official WeTV website, app, and official YouTube channels. You can vote daily on the WeTV app.

A bit of information about me: I’ve watched Chuang 2019 and Chuang 2020.

There have never been so many international trainees. I thought it was cool that everyone had an earpiece and listened to interpretations in real-time. I wonder if this was just for the first episode, or if it will continue like that for the rest of the show. I don’t think it is realistic to have the live interpretations for the entirety of the show (i.e. during practices) so it will be interesting to see how the trainees interact with one another.

I also thought the cultural exchanges were interesting. Chinese trainee shows are generally quite positive and wholesome, despite it being a survival show. I can’t wait to see the friendships that blossom. Episode 1 already showed us some beautiful moments (*ahem* Santa and Liu Yu hahaha).

Mentors are also very important in a show. Personally, I really like Zhou Shen, Nene, and Zhou Zhennan.

On a side note: I’m also watching Youth With You Season 3 on the IQ website. I might write a reaction post.

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Okay, here are my favourite Chuang 2021 trainees thus far (not in order):

Santa – From Japan; 3x House Dance World Champion. He got 100% of the votes from the mentors and trainees in the first episode. There is no doubt at all about his dancing skills. I want to hear more of his singing or rap, especially in Chinese. I love his attitude.

Liu Yu – He looks beautiful in hanfu, but most of all, I love how much he respects the hanfu. He said that when he is wearing it, he has to be composed and not act super excited.

Mika – From Hawaii; half Japanese and half American. He is a member of Intersection, which sang songs for the anime, Fruits Basket and Black Clover. I definitely see Mika in the final lineup. He acts very respectful and his voice is so beautiful.

Lin Mo – I love his voice. Although Lin Mo was the most popular trainee prior to the show, he still needs to work hard because the trainees are so talented this year.

Zhou Keyu – He speaks English very well, which is an asset. I think he’s an all-rounder. One of my favourites. I think he will make it to the final lineup.

Kazuma – Half Japanese and half American; also a member of Intersection. He sings Chinese songs very well. It’s very clear.

NINE – From Thailand. So adorable! NINE is one of my favourites for sure. I cannot believe that he and Patrick learned Chinese in three months. As a Chinese speaker, I can understand both of them. They must be very intelligent because they learned a hard language, sing, and dance so quickly. I’ve actually watched 2 Moons, but not season 2. I will watch it now for NINE. Hahaha.

Oscar – One of my favourites. He can also speak English. I think he will make it to the final lineup and become one of the main rappers.

I also like Rikimaru, Wu Yuheng, Patrick, AMU, Yu Yang, Zeng Hanjiang, and Bo Yuan. I think Zeng Hanjiang is more suitable to be a solo artist, though… but we shall see.

Many of the Japanese, American, and European trainees haven’t performed yet. My list will probably change as the show progresses. I don’t have a bias yet, but my top three right now are Oscar, NINE, and Zhou Keyu.

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