Meet ProducePandas: China's first plus-sized boyband

The five members were chosen out of 300 hopefuls and have been undergoing vigorous training since May 2019. Photo: ProducePandas/Instagram

Historically, boyband members have always looked a certain way – they often sport waif-like physiques and usually start out in their teens.

Meet Chinese boyband ProducePandas whose members don't fulfil either of those criteria.

For one, its members – Otter, Husky, DING, Mr 17 and Cass – are aged between 22 and 31 when they made their debut last July. And the members fully embrace this, sporting plenty of facial hair instead of conforming to the typical boyish, porcelain skin appearance.

And yes, instead of skinny or hunky physiques, the quintet sport realistic figures, earning them the title "China's first plus-sized boyband," as described by South China Morning Post (SCMP).

The five were chosen after Chinese agency DMDF auditioned some 300 people.

“Using all kinds of channels, we asked star scouts to recommend chubby guys to us. We wanted to break the stereotypes and the industrial-factory standard on what an idol group should look and act like," Young Luo, the agency's A&R manager told SCMP.

“We also wanted to create an idol group that could be true role models for ordinary people, showing that everyone can achieve success and their dreams as long as they are passionate. Unlike typical boybands, ProducePandas portray happiness, liveliness, fun, energy and adventure.”

But breaking the mould requires hardworking and sacrifice.

The members gave up their jobs, ranging from a customer service representative to a pub singer, to undergo vigorous training beginning in May 2019.

Member DING told The Guardian: “Husky passed out during training and some of us got injured. So our management hired a team of trainers and physical therapists, just like a professional athlete has."

Mr 17 added he faced opposition from his family when he decided to quit his steady career at a petroleum refinery to join ProducePandas.

“(My family) know I love dancing and singing, but they doubt at my age, and with my overweight body shape, that I can ever succeed. I want to prove to my family that I can do it.”

Having put so much on the line, Husky said the group will not rely on its inherent novelty but strives to be on par with today's idol groups.

“Gimmicks do not last: we’re determined to pursue a long-term career together as a team.”

ProducePandas released its first single, La La La, on July 28. A full-length album, A.S.I.A., soon followed on Oct 15.