A new Chinese boy band, Produce Pandas, is seeking to break barriers and expand acceptance with their appearance.
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The five-member group, made up of DING, Cass, Husky, Otter and Mr. 17, have introduced themselves as “the first plus-sized boy band in China,” and are hoping to inspire fans to embrace their bodies as is.
“We are called the XXL boy band,” group member Mr. 17 shared in an interview with South China Morning Post. “The XXL not only represents our body size, but it also reflects our limitless possibilities.”
The group hasn’t let anything stop them in their journey to fame since they first caught the eye of music fans in a talent competition “Youth with You” hosted by iQiyi.
While some may take one look at the group and not classify them as “plus size,” the group members remind those individuals that there are very strict standards and stereotypes of boy bands in the Asian countries, who have always been characterized by tall, slender builds.
“When I was a Junior in college I asked my dance teacher if I could be a dancer or a dance teacher,” shared Mr. 17. “It was a big blow when he told me there was no hope. He shook his head and said it was not possible. I felt a bit lost at the moment, but I didn’t give up. I thought I must still follow my heart and I felt like anything was possible.”
Anything IS possible and we know we aren’t the only ones who are glad this group turned a cheek to the haters.
“We have been practicing very hard,” said Cass. “I hope people don’t see us as just something that makes them laugh, or that we are just five, chubby, happy boys. I hope when people see us they see five chubby boys at first but then they grow to like us because we dance and sing very well.”
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