Working In Progress

THE9｜When Rivers Flow Into the Sea

by 红秀GRAZIA
2021-06-07 12:39

(Note: I’ll be translating only Shuxin’s parts and highlights.)

One year since debut—what does it truly mean for THE9? It could be a midterm exam, a moment to look back on how far they’ve come. It could be a celebration, honoring the trust and closeness forged between nine girls. It could be an awards ceremony, recognizing a year of relentless effort and growth. And so, we listened to nine vibrant, spirited stories—about transformation, about friendship, and ultimately, about finding themselves.

“Aren’t we just the cutest?” Xie Keyin asks with a laugh after telling the story of THE9’s spontaneous group video call over Chinese New Year.

Here’s what happened: one night during the Spring Festival, someone suddenly initiated a group video chat in their WeChat group. One by one, the calls connected, and nine little profile icons lit up the screen. From different corners of the country, the girls chirped over each other, all wishing one another a happy New Year. “Everyone was talking at once, saying what they wanted to say, but no one was really listening—haha. It was super loud.” That same warm, chaotic energy resurfaced just a few weeks later during An Qi’s birthday celebration.

Their magazine shoot became one of the rare moments of reunion after their “Virtual and Real City” concert. Having been apart for some time, the girls bustled from room to room after getting their hair and makeup done, catching up like no time had passed. “Why are you so skinny now?”
“Is your hair growing but not your body?” “Shooting’s been exhausting lately, hasn’t it?”

Yu Shuxin, Xu Jiaqi, and Kong Xueer had come straight from filming in Hengdian to Beijing—masks still on, they were intercepted mid-step by tight hugs and playful teasing:
“Did youuuu miss meee?” Their voices rolled through the studio like waves—lively, familiar, and full of joy.

CREDITS:

Photography: Win Tam
Editor / Styling: Belle Shao
Writer: LEANDRA
Make-up: 肖然 , Fiona Cai, 乔国峰、李济群、柳建、秀梅i
Hair: 肖然, Alan Chan、金刚、高鹏、刘涛
Art Direction: Feifei
Production: C SIDE
Nails: 陈一
Design: Agnes Yang
Stage Crew: 程林
Wardrobe Coordinator: Yaqin
Art Assistants: Shen Xin、昊昊
Wardrobe Assistants: 小昱、小琦、土逗 

红秀GRAZIA 21-5-30 18:10

Unlimited possibilities, defying definition—THE9 steps boldly into a brilliant future! THE9-Liu Yuxin, THE9-Yu Shuxin, THE9-Xu Jiaqi, THE9-Yu Yan, THE9-Kong Xueer, THE9-An Qi, THE9-Xie Keyin, THE9-Zhao Xiaotang, and THE9-Lu Keran continue to move forward under the spotlight, each shining in their own unique way. Issue 511

红秀GRAZIA 21-5-30 18:10

The ultimate girl group THE9-Liu Yuxin, THE9-Yu Shuxin, THE9-Xu Jiaqi, THE9-Yu Yan, THE9-Kong Xueer, THE9-An Qi, THE9-Xie Keyin, THE9-Zhao Xiaotang, and THE9-Lu Keran—versatile, powerful, effortlessly switching between cool and sweet. Unbound by labels, their future knows no limits. THE9 is unstoppable! Issue 511.

红秀GRAZIA 21-5-30 18:10

#THE9 1st Anniversary Cover for Red Show# Early Access Perks Unlocked! Curious about the behind-the-scenes? We’ve got a sneak peek just for you! THE9-Liu Yuxin, THE9-Yu Shuxin, THE9-Xu Jiaqi, THE9-Yu Yan, THE9-Kong Xueer, THE9-An Qi, THE9-Xie Keyin, THE9-Zhao Xiaotang, and THE9-Lu Keran come together for a spectacular shoot you won’t want to miss.

红秀GRAZIA 21-6-7 12:30

Issue 511 #THE9 1st Anniversary Red Cover# Is Here! One year since debut—What does that milestone truly mean for THE9-Liu Yuxin, THE9-Yu Shuxin, THE9-Xu Jiaqi, THE9-Yu Yan, THE9-Kong Xueer, THE9-An Qi, THE9-Xie Keyin, THE9-Zhao Xiaotang, and THE9-Lu Keran? We’ve heard nine bold and beautiful stories—Of transformation, of friendship, and most of all, of self-discovery. This is THE9, one year in, stronger and more radiant than ever.

1. THE9｜When Rivers Flow Into the Sea: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/CA-XoKqLQbMStWgZRvlWEg
   NOTE: The English-translated sections include only Shuxin’s highlights and general descriptions from the magazine article. Please click the link to read the full article.
2. 红秀GRAZIA Weibo: https://weibo.com/graziachina
3. 红秀GRAZIA 21-5-30 18:10 – https://weibo.com/1703513687/KhSDTxS34
4. 红秀GRAZIA 21-5-30 18:10 – https://weibo.com/1703513687/KhZ89BJeE
5. 红秀GRAZIA 21-5-30 18:10 – https://weibo.com/1703513687/Ki0qJdd3a
6. 红秀GRAZIA 21-6-7 12:30 – https://weibo.com/1703513687/Kj3PEwhZN