F4 : Phenomenally popular but not set apart

F4 : Phenomenally popular but not set apart

Source: SINA
Xin Jing Bao
Date: November 18, 2006 20:50


After boy band Little Tigers¡¨ dismissed in 1991, various types of boy bands emerged in the oriental region. Nevertheless, they were seldom able to make a furor throughout China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Asia at the same time. Not until the rises of F4 had boy bands become the focus of entertainment world again. There are many differences in between the Little Tigers and F4 on their success. The most important difference is F4's popularity was propagated by idol drama. However, they still have a common factor. That is, both bands got an aggressive lady back on them. For the Little Tigers, that's Miao Xiu Li, whereas, for F4, that's Chai Zhi Ping.

At the beginning, F4 could only buy cheap clothes

Yan Cheng Xu, it was a coincident that Chai Zhi Ping saw his photo; Zhou Yu Min, who came with a friend for audition; Chu Xiao Tian, a waiter worked in a BBQ restaurant; Wu Jian Hao, who ran into Chai's colleague. These four handsome sunny boys were recruited by Chai Zhi Ping for her Meteor Garden¡¨ TV series in February 2001. Later on, they began having the same name as they had in this drama, F4 (Flower boys). At first during filming, Chai Zhi Ping did not intend to group them into boy band. At that time, all of them were not wealthy.Chai Zhi Ping said, I remembered the first time I brought them to shop clothes. We did not have enough budgets so we can only buy cheap clothes. I urge them to do their best. If they become famous, they may have a chance to make records or even have world tour concerts.

Mainland China and Taiwan, both regions were obsessed with F4

The success of Meteor Garden rewards them with rocket flame. Both Chai Zhi Ping and F4 were so excited. Meteor Garden broadcast in 2001, when internet was well developed. Fans from Mainland China downloaded the drama through various means. They witnessed F4's success with the Taiwanese at the same time. During those years, many fans who like F4 said, other than interested in their handsome appearance, more importantly, this drama fulfill their dreams and fantasy.

Meteor Garden got Part II

Chai Zhi Ping realized the powerful influence of drama on boy bands. She decided to invest in Meteor Garden II¡¨ in April 2002. Since part I were so popular, Part II could even invited famous filmmaker Hou Xiao Xian to be the producer. Unfortunately after filming started, they encountered many problems, like changing directors for 3 times, Da S tried to resign from it. All these brought along with the rapid success of F4. They had to run for all kinds of commercial events between China and Taiwan, shooting numerous advertisements. Although F4 did not have long-term training like the Little Tigers, they were born in an open-minded decade. This further proves an old saying, the most important factor for the success of Chinese boy band is a matter of right timing. After Meteor Garden broadcast, F4 started have conflicts with Chai Zhi Ping's agency company due to disagreements on commission distribution. Their conflicts broaden as number of fans increased and got worst at the end of filming Meteor Garden II. Appeared mature yet innocent Yan Cheng Xu complained Chai Zhi Ping as the Vampire¡¨ on couple press conferences. Chai also geared her effort on Comic boys¨. Even-though both parties tried their best to liaison and compromise, F4's contract ended up being transferred to Fu Long under Yao Yi Jun on January 2003. This marked the beginning of their individual ventures.

The situation for F4 is better than a dying skinny camel

March 8, 2003, many presses reported that it was the last event F4 showed up together on the Pepsi Stars Charity Concert¨ held at Hong Kong Coliseum. July 2005, F4 were surprisingly found not set apart when they once again appeared together in Japan and announced the opening of their official Japanese Fan Club. Their situation is described as much better than a dying skinny camel¨. March 22nd to 25th , 2006, the four held 4 concerts in Hong Kong which still made a fruitful return. Will F4 be reunited? The key factor rests on their solo development. Currently they all accomplished certainly success individually. Notwithstanding this, they can always come back like many other foreign rock bands tens of years later. As long as they are still in fans' hearts, they will always be here in the entertainment world.

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