Photo Credits: Esquire Korea + FNC Entertainment + Dior
Chuei Liyu commands the Esquire Korea March 2026 pictorial like a quiet storm—ethereal in tall grasses, hat shadowing his gaze, Dior sweater draping his frame. This isn’t just a shoot; it’s a manifesto of reinvention for the 22-year-old Taiwanese sensation who turned Boys II Planet‘s near-miss into solo stardom.
Under Another Roof – Chuei Li Yu
In the photo, I’m wearing a hat so big it looks like a crown. I look as free as someone who follows their own footsteps rather than anyone else’s gaze. The way I’m staring off into the distance somehow reminds me of the moment I first got on a plane. t was the day I first came to Korea, carrying my dream of becoming a singer.
If I could say something to myself back then, I would say this: “This is your first time leaving, right? This decision will be the beginning of countless paths you’ll walk from now on.” Maybe those words are also like a greeting to the long journey that will unfold ahead.
Roots in the Spotlight
Born January 2, 2004, in Taiwan, Chuei Liyu (최립우) crossed borders with dreams of K-pop’s electric stage. Under FNC Entertainment, he trained 2 years and 5 months before stepping into Mnet’s Boys II Planet in June 2025 as the “Visual Poster” pick.
Ranked 10th in the finale, he missed the debut lineup but ignited a fandom blaze. Tracks like “Hola Solar,” “Sugar High” with Nyangnyang Chuchu, and finals cuts “Brat Attitude” and “How To Fly” showcased his velvet vocals and magnetic presence.
“From survival eliminee to sales sensation—Liyu’s Sweet Dream proves visuals meet talent in perfect harmony.”
Debut Dream Unlocked
December 3, 2025: Sweet Dream dropped, his solo single album exploding with “UxYOUxU” performance video racking 133K views overnight. Concept photos hinted at whimsy; reality delivered bubbly synth-pop laced with his signature charm.
Fan meets followed—Seoul’s “Drawing Yu” sold out, spawning a Taipei encore January 3, 2026, and more in April. His first exhibition, “fredr1ck._choi Archive,” ran December 25-31, 2025, turning memories into art.
By early 2026, whispers of a Boys II Planet spin-off group with Jang Han-eum and Kang Woo-jin solidified: CJ ENM-produced, FNC-managed, a phoenix rising.
Fashion’s Living Canvas
Liyu’s aesthetics? Boyish edge meets poetic flow—a canvas where every layer tells his story. Esquire’s March 2026 frames capture him amid pampas grass, black hat tilted like a crown, gray Dior V-neck evoking quiet rebellion.
Previous shoots amplify this: W Korea’s tailored blazers and fluid pants balanced structure and softness. Marie Claire’s black-to-blonde switches spun fantasy. Seoul Fashion Week 2026 saw him own runways, plaid hoodies against snow whispering winter romance.
Cetaphil collab for the digital cover? Fresh-faced in colorful knits, wet hair slicked, cradling skincare like a talisman—radiance as rebellion in K-pop’s gloss-obsessed world.
His Instagram (@chueiliynu, @cliyu_official) teases more: gloves-and-glasses combos hailed as “banger” by fans on Reddit.
Music Meets Visual Poetry
Liyu’s sound? Dreamy pop with introspective hooks—”안녕 My Friend” special clip tugs heartstrings, echoing his plane-to-Korea leap narrated in the pictorial text.
Styling amplifies: oversized hats mirror “Under Another Roof” freedom; Dior simplicity grounds his ascent. This synergy—music as emotion, visuals as memory—positions him as K-pop’s new storyteller.
International ripples grow: Bangkok fan meet group photos, global X buzz (@cliyu_official). From Taiwan roots to FNC’s roster, he’s bridging worlds.
“Chuei Liyu’s Esquire glow isn’t just skin deep—it’s the spark of a solo star rewriting K-pop’s visual playbook.”
Fan Flames and Global Shift
Fandom calls him “Liyu”—raw devotion shown in sold-out archives and viral threads. Kpoppie.com notes his “quiet voltage” sparking 2026’s solo vanguard: survival vets flipping narratives fast.
Collaborations like Cetaphil elevate skincare to art, challenging perfection myths. With group debut looming, expect fused talents amplifying his glow.
At 22, Liyu embodies K-pop’s evolution: authentic, multifaceted, borderless. His Esquire gaze—distant yet inviting—promises eras ahead.
The Production Team
Editor Kwon Hye-jin
Photographer Lee Tae-kwang
Stylist Byeon Hong-sik
Hair & Makeup Jang Hae-in
Set Stylist Lee Da-in
Art Designer Jo Hye-su
Assistant Kim Ji-hyo
Editor 권혜진
Photographer 이태광
Stylist 변홍식
Hair Make up 장해인
Set Stylist 이다인
Art Designer 조혜수
Assistant 김지효