Zhou Keyu
Zhou Keyu (Chinese: 周柯宇; born May 17, 2002), also known professionally as Daniel Zhou, is a Chinese-American singer, dancer, and actor. Born in the United States and raised in Beijing, he has established a career in the Chinese entertainment industry under Jaywalk Studio.[1][2] Zhou debuted in 2019 as a member of the five-member boy group BEST (新悦少年), which released its digital single "Best" and focused on youth-oriented pop music.[1] He rose to prominence in 2021 by participating in the Tencent Video survival show CHUANG 2021 (Produce Camp 2021), China's first international boy band selection program, where he ranked 10th and joined the multinational group INTO1.[2][1] INTO1, consisting of five Chinese members and six international trainees from the US (including Zhou), Japan, and Thailand, debuted with the EP The Storm Center and promoted for two years, releasing additional EPs like Go Further and Into The Clouds, as well as singles such as "Hit The Punchline" and "Echoes of Ancient Shu" that incorporated elements of Chinese culture, including lion dance and ancient artifacts.[2][3] The group achieved significant online engagement, with the show garnering over 4.77 billion views on Tencent platforms, and held a graduation concert in Shanghai before disbanding on April 24, 2023.[2][3] Following INTO1's disbandment, Zhou transitioned to a solo career, releasing his debut studio album If I May (为你我可以) on May 17, 2023, which included tracks like "Stay" and "The Sun of Dusk."[4] In acting, he has appeared in several Chinese television series, portraying Yi Yang in the romance drama Only for Love (2023) and Cong Song in the family series Always Home (2025), among other recent projects.[5]Early life
Family and childhood
Zhou Keyu was born on May 17, 2002, in the United States to parents of Chinese descent, granting him American citizenship and exposure to dual cultural influences from an early age.[1][6] He grew up with two older brothers, who provided significant care and support during his formative years, shaping a close-knit family dynamic despite the parents' divorce. His older brother played a protective role, shielding him from details of the divorce and family challenges.[1][6][7] The family, originally from a wealthy background, relocated to Beijing, China, when Keyu was a child, where he adapted to a new environment blending Western and Chinese pop culture influences that sparked his initial interests in music and dance.[1][8] His family encouraged these artistic pursuits.[6] This period laid the groundwork for his later entry into formal training under Jaywalk Studio in 2018.[1]Education and early interests
Zhou Keyu developed strong English proficiency from his early exposure to the language during his infancy in the United States.[9] Following his family's relocation to Beijing, which provided access to the city's dynamic arts scene, he enrolled in the International Department of Beijing No. 55 High School.[10] He graduated from the program in 2019.[11] The school's curriculum offered a balanced education with a particular emphasis on arts and international studies, fostering Zhou's emerging artistic inclinations. Complementing this were extracurricular dance classes, where he honed his skills alongside academic pursuits. His English fluency, rooted in his U.S. background, further supported his engagement with global influences in the arts.[12] From adolescence, Zhou Keyu nurtured a keen interest in dance, self-teaching routines inspired by K-pop and C-pop performers through video tutorials. He actively participated in school performances, using these opportunities to refine and display his abilities on stage. These experiences solidified his passion for entertainment, leading him to prioritize artistic development over traditional academics. At age 16 in 2018, Zhou forwent college attendance, opting instead for full-time professional training to accelerate his entry into the industry. This decision marked the culmination of his early interests, shifting focus from formal education to a dedicated career path in performance.Career
2018–2020: Training and debut with BEST
In December 2018, at the age of 16, Zhou Keyu joined Jaywalk Studio (later rebranded as Jaywalk Newjoy) as one of 14 A-class trainees, marking his entry into the entertainment industry through a structured trainee program focused on developing vocal, dance, and performance skills.[6] The subsequent two-year training regimen was intensive and multifaceted, encompassing foundational courses in singing and choreography, skill enhancement workshops, physical conditioning to build endurance and stage presence, language instruction in Mandarin and English to support broader market appeal, and targeted preparations for survival-style competition shows. Zhou Keyu demonstrated strong potential during this period, consistently ranking highly in internal evaluations that assessed progress in talent development and group compatibility.[13] Through Jaywalk Newjoy's A+ Training Camp selection process in 2019, Zhou Keyu was chosen as a member of the five-piece boy group BEST alongside Feng Chuxuan, Jiang Yiming, Lu Huanyu, and Zhao Zefan, forming a non-limited group designed for flexible operations. The group officially debuted on December 12, 2019, at a press conference in Beijing, coinciding with the release of their debut mini-album To Be The Best, which featured the lead single "BEST" and highlighted Zhou Keyu's roles as lead rapper and lead dancer.[14] Post-debut, BEST engaged in a series of promotional activities across China, including regional tours to showcase their music, interactive fan meetings to connect with supporters, and guest spots on minor variety programs, which gradually elevated Zhou Keyu's profile within the C-pop scene. A notable early highlight was their performance of "Get Healthy" on CCTV's "Dragon Boat Festival Peace and Health" special in June 2020.[14]2021–2022: Produce Camp 2021, INTO1 debut, and initial acting roles
In 2021, Zhou Keyu participated in the survival show Produce Camp 2021 (also known as Chuang 2021), a Tencent Video program that assembled 90 male trainees from various agencies to form an 11-member boy group through viewer votes. Representing Jaywalk Studio as trainee #22, he showcased skills in rapping, dancing, and vocals across multiple performance stages and evaluations, consistently placing in the top ranks during eliminations. In the finale on April 24, 2021, he secured 10th place with 13,279,523 votes, earning a debut position in the group INTO1.[15] INTO1, a multinational boy group comprising members from China, Japan, and Thailand, officially debuted under Wajijiwa Entertainment on July 16, 2021, with their debut mini-album The Storm Center, featuring the title track "The Storm Center" and the group formation song "INTO1." Zhou served as the main rapper, lead dancer, and sub-vocalist, contributing to the group's dynamic performances that blended pop, hip-hop, and multicultural elements to appeal to an international audience. The group quickly built a global fanbase through promotional activities, including music releases, variety show appearances, and tours across China, with fan meetings and concerts extending to Japan and Thailand, fostering cross-cultural engagement until activities gradually scaled back ahead of their disbandment in April 2023.[16][17] Parallel to his group activities, Zhou ventured into acting with his debut lead role in the 2021 web drama Remember My Boy (我曾记得那男孩), portraying Zhou Jingmang, a studious high school student navigating friendship and personal growth amid youthful challenges; the series aired from February 22, 2021, on platforms like Youku and iQiyi. He followed this with a supporting bit part as a rock drum set player in the romance drama First Romance, which was filmed in 2020 and premiered in 2021, marking his early foray into ensemble casts. These roles highlighted his versatility beyond music, earning initial industry recognition, including nominations for Breakthrough Idol of the Year at events like the Weibo Music Awards in 2022 as part of INTO1's rising profile.[18][19]2023–present: Solo music expansion, major acting projects, and public controversies
Following the conclusion of major group activities with INTO1, Zhou Keyu shifted focus toward establishing a solo music career, releasing his debut studio album IF I MAY (为你我可以) on May 17, 2023, through Jaywalk NewJoy and Wisdom Big Dog Music Entertainment. The 12-track project showcased a blend of pop and R&B influences, with Zhou contributing to the creative process, including songwriting credits on tracks like "Walking On Clouds."[20][21] Key singles from the album, such as "Stay" and the title track "If I May," highlighted his versatile vocal style and personal storytelling, marking a departure from group dynamics toward individual artistic expression. To promote the release, Zhou launched his first solo concert tour, the If I May Tour, commencing in Guangzhou and Chengdu in 2023, which further solidified his presence as an independent performer.[8] In parallel, Zhou expanded his acting portfolio with prominent lead roles across genres, beginning with the romantic drama Only for Love (2023), where he portrayed a central character in a high-profile ensemble cast. This was followed by the time-spanning romance A Moment but Forever (2025), and in 2025, he starred in the family-oriented series Always Home and the action-thriller Sniper Butterfly, earning praise for his nuanced performances in both intimate emotional narratives and high-stakes sequences.[22][23] His acting work received positive reception for bridging his idol background with dramatic depth, contributing to growing domestic viewership. Looking ahead, Zhou has been announced for lead roles in upcoming projects, including the historical drama Shadows of Desire (2026) opposite Zhao Qing and the youth ensemble Never-Ending Summer (2026).[24][25] Zhou's period also saw public scrutiny, notably in May 2025 when he addressed a controversy involving his management team's decisions on career trajectory and scheduling, responding transparently on social media to fan concerns about overwork and project selections. This incident sparked online debates and calls for a brief hiatus, but Zhou emphasized his commitment to balanced growth, leading to no formal break and sustained professional momentum through ongoing endorsements. In June 2025, Zhou was involved in another incident when photos surfaced of him smoking publicly with an alleged companion, prompting discussions on personal habits; his team issued a statement denying rumors and requesting respect for privacy.[26] Demonstrating resilience, he continued affiliations with his original group BEST for occasional events while pursuing solo endeavors. Among his achievements, Zhou received the Variety Show Star of the Year award (shared with Liu Yuning and Zhang Linghe) at the 2024 Tencent Video All Star Night and expanded international visibility, leveraging his American heritage and multilingual appeal from earlier multinational projects.[27]Endorsements
Brand ambassadorships
Zhou Keyu has served as a brand ambassador for several prominent fashion and lifestyle brands, leveraging his image as a young, dynamic performer to promote products targeted at youth audiences. In 2021, he was appointed as a brand partner for Moncler's "MONDOGENIUS" digital fashion project, collaborating with fellow INTO1 members to showcase innovative outerwear designs in immersive virtual experiences.[28] That same year, he became the brand ambassador for Nestlé Coffee's Nescafé Gold line, appearing in advertisements that highlighted low-temperature freeze-dried coffee suitable for hot and cold brewing, aligning with his energetic persona in youth-oriented promotions. Additionally, Zhou was named brand ambassador for RIO cocktail beverages, featuring in summer campaigns that emphasized refreshing, sparkling drinks with a fun, summery vibe.[29] His ambassadorships expanded in subsequent years. In 2022, Zhou took on the role of Brand Youth Ambassador for Kappa sportswear, participating in cross-brand collaborations that blended streetwear with athletic elements, including joint efforts with other INTO1 members.[30] He has maintained an ongoing partnership with Nivea Men since 2021, starring in skincare campaigns that incorporate dance and movement themes to appeal to active young men. In 2023, Zhou modeled for Gucci's Chinese Valentine's Day special collection in the "An Ode to Love" campaign, portraying a romantic narrative alongside actress Wen Qi, with vibrant colors and poetic inspirations drawing from the Qixi Festival. For Tom Ford Beauty, he served as a product promoter starting in 2022, focusing on men's grooming lines through promotional visuals that highlighted luxury skincare and fragrances.[31] In 2025, Zhou became the inaugural brand ambassador for UNNY CLUB (悠宜), promoting their base makeup products like the "小U瓶" foundation in campaigns emphasizing youthful, adaptive skincare-makeup hybrids.[32] These roles often synergize with his music career, such as integrating brand elements into live performances for added promotional impact.Other commercial collaborations
In 2021, Zhou Keyu served as the spokesperson for HBN, a skincare brand focused on women's anti-aging and brightening products, featuring promotional videos that emphasized wellness and self-care routines.[33] The collaboration included a "light-up gift box" campaign launched around Qixi Festival, highlighting themes of perseverance and inner glow through narrative ads.[34] Zhou Keyu has engaged in several endorsements for beauty and daily essentials brands. In 2021, he promoted Sisley Paris cosmetics through live streams on platforms like WeChat Mini Programs, showcasing makeup and skincare products during interactive sessions timed around his birthday.[35] That same year, he partnered with Rejoice (known as 飘柔 in China), appearing in hair care advertisements that incorporated dance sequences to demonstrate product benefits for smooth, manageable hair.[36] Additionally, he endorsed YUSUMTONG (羽心堂), a wellness tea brand, as the spokesperson for its rose tea line, with campaigns redefining youth-oriented health practices through promotional shoots and messages tied to seasonal themes like Qixi.[37][38] In 2021, Zhou was appointed as an endorser for Membrane Family (膜法世家), a skincare brand specializing in family-friendly face masks, alongside other INTO1 members, including promotional materials for products like green bean mud masks.[39] In 2025, he became the first star promoter for Tianlala (甜啦啦) fruit tea, featuring in marketing for innovative formats like the "Shuangshuang Bucket" and "Watermelon Bucket," which emphasized fresh fruit infusions and summer refreshment, accompanied by fan events and limited-edition peripherals.[40][41] Zhou Keyu has participated in various event-based promotions, including live streams and appearances at e-commerce trade events. For instance, in October 2024, he joined the Tmall Double 11 Global Carnival opening ceremony live broadcast, engaging fans in promotional activities alongside other celebrities.[42]Discography
Albums
Zhou Keyu's solo discography commenced with his debut studio album If I May, released on May 17, 2023, by Jaywalk Studio.[43] The project features 11 main tracks, blending pop elements with introspective lyrics, centering on themes of youth, love, and self-discovery as Keyu transitions from group dynamics to individual expression.[20]| No. | Title (English / Chinese) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Stay" | 3:21 |
| 2 | "If I May" (为你我可以) | 3:24 |
| 3 | "The Sun of Dusk" (黄昏的孩子) | 3:23 |
| 4 | "The Place" (是他们说的那个地方) | 4:22 |
| 5 | "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" (feat. Gigi Yim) | 3:52 |
| 6 | "U&I" (限定对白U&I) | 3:13 |
| 7 | "Up in the Clouds" (雲端漫步) | 3:17 |
| 8 | "Shooting Star" (坐标系) | 3:54 |
| 9 | "Searching" (捕捉边际的你) | 3:05 |
| 10 | "Grey & White" (灰色字宙色星球) | 4:24 |
| 11 | "Sunset City" (日落之城) | 3:45 |