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Fan Chengcheng

Fan Chengcheng (范丞丞; born June 16, 2000) is a Chinese singer, rapper, and actor signed to Yuehua Entertainment. He gained prominence as a contestant on the 2018 survival program Idol Producer, finishing third overall and debuting shortly thereafter as a member of the temporary boy group Nine Percent, which promoted until its disbandment in 2019. Following the group's end, Fan pursued a solo career, releasing music as an independent artist while also acting in television dramas and joining the Yuehua-affiliated group NEXT (formerly NEX7). His career has included soundtrack contributions and variety show appearances, though he has faced criticism for inconsistent acting performances in roles since his debut. As the younger brother of actress Fan Bingbing, Fan's early rise drew scrutiny amid her 2018 tax evasion scandal, with unconfirmed rumors suggesting temporary impacts on his promotions. More recently, in 2025, his team publicly condemned extreme stalker fans (sasaengs) for dangerous behaviors, including an attempted vehicular assault on staff that led to arrests.

Early life

Family background and upbringing

Fan Chengcheng was born on June 16, 2000, in , Province, . He is the younger brother of actress , born in 1981, making him part of a pair both involved in the entertainment field. His parents, Fan Tao and Zhang Chuanmei, both had careers in the performing arts that shaped the family's environment. Fan Tao worked as a pop singer, participating in regional competitions, while Zhang Chuanmei performed as a dancer and . This background immersed Chengcheng in artistic influences from childhood, with family members' professional activities providing early familiarity with performance and exposure, though the family reportedly lacked extensive industry connections at the outset of Bingbing's career. Such dynamics have drawn later commentary on potential advantages from familial ties in China's competitive entertainment sector, where critiques often highlight inherited visibility over merit alone.

Education and early interests

Fan Chengcheng was born on June 16, 2000, in , Province, , but grew up primarily in , where he attended Beijing Huijia , a twelve-year institution covering primary through high school in the city's suburbs. Details on his academic performance remain limited in public records, with emphasis instead placed on extracurricular pursuits fostered by his family. At age 15, around 2015, he briefly studied abroad at Royal Russell School in the , focusing on general alongside personal interests such as . From a young age, Fan developed foundational artistic skills through family-guided activities rather than formal institutional training. He began practicing at four years old, a hobby sustained into his teens and supported by his parents—a singer father and dancer mother—who arranged private lessons in music, , and related disciplines to nurture his talents. Additional early pursuits included and , reflecting a broad exposure to performative and physical hobbies encouraged at home. By , these evolved into self-directed interests in and rudimentary , often showcased informally during family events, such as a public appearance at age seven alongside relatives. Basketball also emerged as a consistent passion, with overseas study providing opportunities to deepen this skill. These pre-professional engagements laid groundwork for later performance abilities, distinct from structured agency training.

Career

Pre-debut activities and Idol Producer participation

Fan Chengcheng joined as a prior to 2018, undergoing preparation that included a brief period of K-pop-influenced training in . Limited details exist on his early activities, though his familial connection to actress provided initial public visibility upon entering the industry. In January 2018, Fan participated in the survival program , which aired from January 19 to April 6 and featured 100 male trainees competing for spots in a temporary boy group. Representing Yuehua, he performed in group evaluations and individual showcases, emphasizing rap skills, such as in covers of tracks like CNBLUE's "Can't Stop" and original rap demonstrations. Judges and viewers noted his rap strengths but critiqued vocal stability, stage presence, and errors like flubbing rap lines during early episodes, attributing some issues to inexperience under pressure. Fan advanced through eliminations, culminating in a third-place final on April 6, 2018, with 15,517,014 viewer votes, qualifying him for the nine-member project group . This outcome reflected strong fan support amid competition dynamics favoring charisma and performance consistency, though critiques highlighted areas for growth beyond rap proficiency.

Nine Percent tenure and group dissolution

Fan Chengcheng joined the nine-member boy group upon its formation on April 6, 2018, following his third-place finish in the iQIYI survival show . As a rapper, lead dancer, and vocalist, he participated in the group's ensemble promotions from mid-2018 to 2019, including the debut studio album released on November 20, 2018, which featured tracks like "Rule Breaker" emphasizing collective performance over individual showcases. The group's activities encompassed appearances, award events such as the 2018 on January 11, 2019, and limited touring, though scheduling conflicts among members from different agencies constrained full-scale tours and led to a second album structured around individual solo tracks rather than unified group efforts. Nine Percent's structure as a temporary project group, designed for an 18-month promotion period under 's format, culminated in its dissolution on October 6, 2019, marked by a in on October 12 attended by over 10,000 fans. This aligned with contractual terms from the survival show, where members returned to their respective agencies post-term, reflecting a common model in that prioritizes short-term hype over long-term cohesion. By 2019, the C-pop market showed a preference for permanent groups like , which sustained careers beyond initial buzz, exposing limitations of temporary formations amid fragmented agency loyalties and regulatory scrutiny on youth-focused content. Post-dissolution, Fan Chengcheng faced fanbase retention challenges typical of disbanded project groups, with some supporters expressing grief equivalent to "crying like rainfall" while others fragmented toward solo pursuits. Early indicators of his solo pivot included leveraging his Idol Producer visibility and family connections, though group-era ensemble focus had diluted personalized spotlight, complicating transitions in a competitive landscape favoring established permanency.

Solo debut and music releases

Fan Chengcheng released his debut solo digital single "I'm Here" on November 22, 2018, under , where he contributed to the composition and lyrics alongside producer O.V. The track, structured as a three-song EP in some distributions, emphasized his skills with introspective themes of , achieving sales of approximately 2.8 million units in . In 2019, he followed with the EP Like a Fan, which highlighted his evolving style blending rap verses with melodic hooks, though commercial metrics remained modest relative to top-tier contemporaries, with streams primarily driven by his existing from survival show exposure. The release underscored Yuehua's training emphasis on polished, youth-oriented production, often critiqued for formulaic beats prioritizing accessibility over innovation. Subsequent singles like "Can't Slow Down," an English-language track dropped on May 22, 2020, shifted toward R&B-infused with upbeat rhythms and stylized visuals, peaking on Music's weekly charts in its release period. This output reflected a gradual fusion of genres but drew observations of agency-driven consistency in sound, limiting broader critical acclaim amid a saturated market.

NEXT group involvement

Following the dissolution of Nine Percent on October 6, 2019, Fan Chengcheng returned to his affiliated boy group NEXT (previously known as NEX7) in late December 2019, having been absent during much of the group's early promotions due to his temporary commitments elsewhere. In NEXT, a seven-member act under comprising , Huang Xinchun (Justin), , Ding Zeren, Li Quanzhe, and Fan himself, he served primarily as lead rapper and supporting vocalist, leveraging his skills in rap delivery and stage presence honed from prior show experience. The group had rebranded from NEX7 to NEXT in November 2019 with the EP Next Begins, a release that excluded Fan owing to overlapping solo obligations, marking an early sign of scheduling tensions within the ensemble. Post-return, NEXT's collective output remained sparse, with no additional full albums or extensive tours materialized between 2020 and 2022; the ensemble managed occasional performances and fan engagements but grappled with low visibility in China's saturated market, overshadowed by higher-profile acts and shifting industry priorities toward individual artists. Fan's contributions focused on verses and vocal harmonies in select group tracks and live sets, though the unit's trajectory leaned increasingly toward members' solo pursuits in acting, variety shows, and . Fan parted ways with in April upon contract expiration, opting not to renew and instead launching an independent operation; this move disrupted NEXT's lineup, as the other six members renewed their agreements, yet the group saw no resurgence in joint activities thereafter.

Acting debut and television roles

Fan Chengcheng made his acting debut in the 2021 fantasy drama (also known as Spirit Realm), where he portrayed the protagonist Qin Lie, a young man with the Soul Suppressing Orb navigating a world. Aired on , the 45-episode series paired him opposite as Ling Yushi, emphasizing themes of and conflict in a setting. The production received a 8.1/10 rating on from limited viewer votes, with some audience notes highlighting his physical presence in action sequences. In the same year, he appeared in the youth-oriented series Wisher on , taking a supporting role amid elements, though details on his character remain secondary to the . By 2022, Chengcheng starred in Time Seems to Have Forgotten, a 34-episode romance drama on , where he played a lead in a narrative exploring memory and relationships, marking his shift toward more contemporary genres. His role in the 2023 coming-of-age series Once and Forever (35 episodes, aired July 10–25 on CCTV, , and ) featured him as Yang Cheng, a key figure in a story of 1980s friends pursuing careers and romance. The drama earned a 7/10 IMDb rating, with feedback noting his charismatic portrayal of youthful ambition despite critiques of limited emotional depth in dramatic scenes. In 2024, Chengcheng led in the youth romance Stories of Youth and Love (also Love Endures or 199 Love), playing Jiang Yi opposite Yang Zi as Zhuang Yuan in a tale of high school sweethearts reuniting after years apart, aired on JSTV and starting January 20. The 40-episode series, which began filming in December 2022, focused on nostalgic 1990s-era love and growth, receiving a 5.6/10 IMDb score from over 300 ratings, with viewers praising his on-screen chemistry and natural charm while pointing to occasional stiffness in conveying vulnerability. Upcoming projects include a main role in the TBA drama The Acme of Perfection (40 episodes), anticipated in genres blending romance and fantasy, though production details and air dates remain unconfirmed as of 2025.

Film roles and variety show appearances

Fan Chengcheng's roles have primarily consisted of supporting parts in Chinese productions since 2021, with a progression from minor appearances to more prominent supporting characters. In 2021, he portrayed , a minor role, in the thriller Door Lock, marking one of his early cinematic endeavors following his music career focus. By 2023, he took on the character Wan Yifan in (also known as No Zuo No Die), a comedy-drama involving youthful misadventures, and in Amazing Night. These roles highlighted his versatility in ensemble casts but remained secondary to lead performers. In 2024, Fan expanded his film presence with supporting roles in action and drama genres, including Li Xiaohai, a rookie racer, in the racing sequel Pegasus 2, which grossed over 3.3 billion RMB at the and featured him alongside stars like . He also played Yu Qing in the Walk the Line, a lead antagonist role emphasizing moral ambiguity in underground dealings. Additionally, in Sweep Black: Never Give Up, he contributed to the ensemble portraying justice pursuits against , with director Wu Qian sharing insights on his character's intensity during the June 2024 premiere. Upcoming projects include Wandering Life (2025) as Huang Yuanda, a scheming family member in a rural . Regarding variety show appearances, Fan has engaged in high-profile Chinese reality programs post-2020, often leveraging his idol background for comedic and competitive segments that enhance fan engagement without overshadowing scripted acting. He joined Keep Running (奔跑吧) in multiple 2024–2025 episodes, including Season 9 tasks involving team relays and physical challenges, where his energetic participation, such as pulling carts and ocean drifts, drew attention for physical comedy. In Ace vs Ace (王牌对王牌) Seasons 7–9 (2022–2025), he featured in celebrity showdowns, contributing to humorous skits and games that averaged millions of views per episode on Zhejiang TV. His 2024 stint on Chinese New Rap (新说唱2024) showcased rap battles and mentorship, aligning with his musical roots while exposing creative tensions in competitive formats. These outings have sustained his visibility amid limited film breakthroughs, emphasizing relatable persona over dramatic depth.

Recent projects and agency transitions (2023–present)

In April 2023, Fan Chengcheng's contract with expired, leading to a mutual decision not to renew, marking his departure from the agency that had managed him since his pre-debut days. Following this transition, he has operated more independently, focusing on selective acting roles and high-profile endorsements without publicly announcing affiliation with a new management company as of October 2025. In acting, Fan starred in the 2024 romance drama Love Endures opposite Yang Zi, which premiered on January 20, 2024, and achieved strong initial viewership ratings amid in the Chinese entertainment market. He also appeared in a supporting role as Li Xiaohai in the action-comedy film Pegasus 2, released on February 10, 2024, continuing his involvement in commercial blockbusters. These projects emphasized his shift toward mature lead and supporting roles in urban romances and high-stakes films, navigating a saturated C-ent landscape where established idols increasingly pivot to for sustained relevance. Fan expanded his fashion presence as a for in , a role announced in early 2023, attending the brand's Spring/Summer 2026 womenswear show during on October 3, 2025. There, he joined fellow ambassador , with whom he has expressed interest in future collaborations, such as a romantic film, though no joint acting project has materialized. This event underscored his international visibility, photographed in attire by Collier Schorr for the brand's promotions.

Music output

Extended plays and albums

Fan Chengcheng released his debut solo , Like a Fan, on June 16, 2019. The three-track project, produced under , features "Dip Out", "Finesse", and "Straight" (featuring After Journey), blending elements with rap verses reflective of his style from survival show performances. His follow-up EP, Emerging, arrived on June 16, 2020, again timed to his birthday. This release includes the "Excessive Breathing" (Guòdù Hūxī), emphasizing introspective lyrics and electronic amid his transition from group activities. Subsequent EPs such as Emerging: the Remix (2021) and Yi? (咦？, 2021) extended his solo catalog, incorporating remixed tracks and experimental arrangements, though specific tracklists and production credits remain less documented in public sales data. Collectively, Fan's extended plays have contributed to over 5.6 million album-equivalent units sold in , per digital platform metrics, with no full-length studio albums released to date.

Singles and collaborations

Fan Chengcheng's standalone singles emphasize elements, often exploring themes of self-assertion and urban youth experiences. His debut solo single, "I'm Here" (我在), was released on November 22, 2018, marking his initial foray into individual ry post-Nine Percent formation. In 2020, he issued "Can't Slow Down," an English-language track with trap-influenced production and lyrics centered on relentless drive, released on May 22 via his label. The music video amassed over 500,000 views shortly after launch, reflecting modest international streaming interest amid domestic scene competition.
TitleRelease DatePeak Metrics/Notes
"I'm Here"November 22, 2018Debut -oriented single; focused on personal presence and ambition.
"Can't Slow Down"May 22, 2020English ; MV views exceeded 500,000 on .
"秘密" (Secret)2021Introspective on hidden emotions.
Notable collaborations include "I Don't Gotta Know" with , an R&B-rap blend released December 4, 2020, which charted on Chinese digital platforms and was described as a for its catchy hooks despite mixed critiques on vocal . "GTA" featuring Danko followed on June 25, 2021, as a high-energy from his EMERGING: the Remix project, emphasizing street bravado themes with aggressive beats. In 2023, "We Don't Play" with Masiwei emerged as a viral rap track on March 23, spawning challenges and highlighting boastful lyrics on success and hustle, though reception noted formulaic production common in collabs. These works generally prioritize rhythmic flow over lyrical depth, aligning with Fan's rapper identity but facing critiques for derivative beats in peer-reviewed music analyses absent broader innovation.

Soundtrack contributions

Fan Chengcheng provided vocal contributions to the soundtrack of the 2021 Chinese fantasy drama (灵域), which aired on starting in January 2021. He performed the theme song "Zui Mo" (醉墨), released as part of the official OST album on platforms including and . The track, featuring orchestral elements and lyrics evoking themes of and introspection aligned with the series' genre, debuted via an official on January 28, 2021. Additionally, Fan Chengcheng collaborated with actress-singer Cheng Xiao on the ending theme "Yao Wang" (遥望), also included in the The World of Fantasy OST album released in 2021. This duet, emphasizing longing and ethereal vocals, served as the series' closing track and was promoted through official videos tying into the drama's narrative of spiritual realms and alliances. The OST album, comprising 10 tracks by various artists including the band Disturbed Band and singer Xia Han Yu, totaled approximately 36 minutes in length. No further soundtrack singles by Fan Chengcheng for or projects have been documented in major music databases as of October 2025, with his OST work limited to this series amid his acting role as Qin Lie.

Public image and endorsements

Fashion and brand ambassadorships

Fan Chengcheng was appointed as a for in in March 2021, alongside musician , targeting Gen Z consumers with the brand's streetwear-infused aesthetic under then-creative director Matthew Williams. His ambassadorship continued actively into 2025, including attendance at the Fall/Winter 2025 show in on March 9, 2025, where he wore designs by creative director . In October 2025, he appeared at the Spring/Summer 2026 runway show during , further promoting the collection through social media and event presence. Givenchy featured Fan Chengcheng in campaign imagery photographed by Collier Schorr, capturing him at the Summer 2026 fashion show in outfits from the era, shared via the brand's official on October 8, 2025. This collaboration extended to Beauty, with his appointment as ambassador announced in March 2024, emphasizing products like Prisme Libre makeup. Earlier endorsements include Jewelry, where he became the brand spokesman in July 2019, aligning with the label's inspirational motifs for younger audiences. He has also represented youth-oriented brands such as Innisfree as region spokesperson and Cogi for sunscreen products, both announced in March 2021.

Magazine features and media presence

Fan Chengcheng featured on the moving cover of VOGUE+ magazine's September 2024 issue, themed "The Next New Term," showcasing his evolving style and presence in fashion media. In October 2025, he conducted a mutual confession-style interview with actress for VOGUE+, held during prior to the Spring/Summer 2026 womenswear show, where he expressed interest in collaborating with her on a romantic drama project. Earlier magazine appearances include sharing the July 2020 cover of KIND magazine with singer , emphasizing his rap persona and international collaborations. He posed for the 2020 issue of The New York Times Travel Magazine, highlighting his appeal in and contexts. Additionally, System Magazine Issue 13 featured him in attire alongside models Nini and , focusing on high-fashion editorials. Profiles in these publications frequently trace his career ascent from ranking third on the 2018 survival program , which propelled him into the temporary boy group , to establishing independence post-2019 disbandment. They also note his sibling connection to actress , framing it as an early media entry point while underscoring his self-made trajectory in music and acting. His digital footprint amplifies this coverage, with Instagram account @real_fanchengcheng maintaining over 1 million followers as of 2025, facilitating broad audience engagement through shared editorial content and personal updates. Contemporary features depict a maturation in media narratives, transitioning from his initial idol-rapper image rooted in survival show fame to recognition as a versatile and model, with emphasis on roles diversifying beyond group performances. This shift aligns with style shoots prioritizing mature aesthetics over youthful , reflecting sustained relevance in print and digital outlets.

Personal life

Family relationships

Fan Chengcheng was born on November 16, 1998, in , , to parents Fan Tao, a former pop singer who performed in regional competitions, and Zhang Chuanmei, an actress and dancer. Both parents had careers in the industry, which provided early exposure to for their children and likely facilitated Chengcheng's entry into music and acting through established industry connections. Chengcheng maintains a close relationship with his older sister, actress Fan Bingbing, who is 19 years his senior; she has publicly supported his career endeavors, including endorsing his participation in talent competitions and music releases. The siblings have appeared together in family photos shared on social media, highlighting their familial bond, though they have not collaborated on joint professional projects. Fan Bingbing has described their dynamic as harmonious, with mutual respect evident in public statements where Chengcheng acknowledges her guidance in navigating the industry. This sibling connection has amplified his visibility, drawing on the family's entertainment heritage without direct nepotistic attributions in verified family comments.

Health and lifestyle

Fan Chengcheng possesses four tattoos, including Albrecht Dürer's "Praying Hands" sketch on his left hand, Chinese script on his inner right upper arm translating to "you are the brightest star in the sky," a butterfly on his arm dedicated to his role in the 2021 film Wisher, and a flower gun design on his left forearm. He engages in basketball as a regular hobby, contributing to physical maintenance aligned with his idol persona, and has practiced piano since age four. Culinary preferences include hotpot, oden, shredded pork with garlic sauce, cabbage, pork, and corn-pork dumplings, while he avoids fish and mutton. Fan Chengcheng has not disclosed any major health conditions, reporting only minor illnesses, such as those prompting his absence from a 2018 Thailand event. His lifestyle as an entertainer features extensive travel, exemplified by attendance at Paris Fashion Week from October 2–4, 2025, alongside domestic brand activities. He owns an Akita dog named Chong Chong, reflecting personal interests shared via profiles.

Controversies and criticisms

Association with Fan Bingbing's tax evasion scandal

In July 2018, Fan Bingbing faced allegations of involving approximately CN¥883 million (equivalent to about US$129 million) in unpaid taxes and fines, stemming from practices like using contracts for roles. As her younger brother, Fan Chengcheng encountered spillover effects, including unverified reports of joint with his sister during the period. Rumors also circulated of a family-wide travel ban, potentially limiting his international activities amid the scandal's peak. These developments fueled speculation about Chengcheng's direct involvement or familial complicity, given his entry into the industry under his sister's in China's tightly regulated media sector, where often invites heightened scrutiny. Reports emerged of temporary career disruptions, such as his absence from Nine Percent's scheduled event in in 2018 and whispers of removals from endorsements and appearances, though his agency did not issue formal denials and public sightings suggested continuity. At a fan meeting on September 12, 2018, Chengcheng broke down in tears, voicing concerns over his future while affirming his commitment to music and family protection, reflecting the emotional toll amid fears of stalled projects like overseas tours. Despite initial apprehensions of a lasting hit to his nascent career—launched via his sixth-place finish on the 2018 survival show and debut—Chengcheng experienced no long-term blacklisting akin to his sister's. He secured endorsements such as spokesman for Greater China in September 2019 and campaigns in May 2020, leveraging group momentum for recovery, though perceptions of unearned privilege tied to persisted in public discourse. No evidence emerged of personal tax violations by Chengcheng, with impacts largely confined to guilt-by-association rumors in a industry wary of regulatory reprisals.

Criticisms of acting abilities

Fan Chengcheng has faced ongoing criticism for his acting since his debut in roles such as the 2020 drama , where reviewers noted a lack of emotional depth and stiff delivery that failed to convey character complexity. These critiques persisted into later projects, with observers attributing the issues to limited dramatic range despite his youthful energy suiting lighter scenes. The most prominent backlash occurred with his portrayal of the adult Zhuang Tunnan in the 2024 period drama Romance in the Alley, where netizens and critics widely described his performance as wooden, emotionless, and disruptive to the narrative immersion, often characterized by blank stares and unnatural expressions that clashed with the ensemble's more nuanced acting. Specific complaints highlighted inadequate emotional transitions, such as failing to capture the character's maturation from a spirited youth to a resilient , leading to descriptions of his role as a "defeat" for the otherwise well-received production. This drew comparisons to his strengths in music, where rap performances exhibit charisma and rhythm, but translate poorly to the subtleties required in dramatic or historical contexts like Romance in the Alley. In response to the feedback during a November 2024 live stream, Fan Chengcheng acknowledged the mixed reception, expressing personal disappointment and committing to targeted improvements in technique, though skeptics questioned the pace of progress given similar patterns over years. Supporters often defend him by citing his relative inexperience at age 24 and potential for growth through more roles, yet public discourse, including online forums and review aggregates, consistently rates his acting lower than peers in comparable youth-oriented dramas, with no verifiable uptick in acclaim across projects.

Sasaeng fan incidents and safety concerns

In July 2025, Fan Chengcheng's management reported an incident where four vehicles driven by tailed him from an airport to an event venue, prompting a public statement from his broker condemning the behavior as a violation of public order and safety. The broker detailed the persistent tracking, emphasizing that such actions endangered the artist and staff, and vowed not to tolerate further disruptions. A more severe episode occurred on August 17, 2025, when Fan arrived at Xiaoshan Airport in the early morning and was pursued by sasaeng fans in from the airport to a nearby parking lot. Staff members intervened multiple times to urge the fans to disperse, but after briefly complying, three women in one —wearing masks and filming aggressively while laughing—reversed and accelerated toward the staff in an apparent attempt to collide with them. Video captured the fans' defiant shouting and reckless maneuvering, which narrowly avoided injury but highlighted the physical risks posed by such obsession. The involved individuals were detained by at the scene and taken for questioning, with reports indicating potential arrests for endangering public safety. Fan Chengcheng's studio issued immediate statements denouncing the sasaeng actions as intolerable, stressing the threats to personnel and calling for fans to prioritize rational support over invasive pursuits. The agency affirmed its intent to pursue legal remedies, framing the incidents as criminal rather than mere enthusiasm, in line with laws against stalking and dangerous driving. These events underscore the disconnect in , where extreme behaviors are sometimes culturally normalized as devotion but result in verifiable harms, including disrupted schedules and heightened security needs for artists.