Photo Credits: Esquire Korea. + Cetaphil + FNC Entertainment

Chuei Liyu, the Taiwanese sensation under FNC Entertainment, commands the Esquire Korea March 2026 digital cover in a fresh Cetaphil collaboration that blends K-pop charisma with skincare simplicity. Just months after his solo debut, this pictorial cements his rise as a visual powerhouse.

From Survival Stage to Solo Spotlight

Chuei Liyu first captivated audiences on Mnet’s Boys II Planet in 2025, unveiled as a “Visual Poster” before the show even aired. Representing FNC Entertainment, he ranked 10th in the finale, missing the debut with ALPHA DRIVE ONE but igniting a solo path.

His December 3, 2025, debut album Sweet Dream exploded, surpassing 100,000 Hanteo sales—a feat for a 10th-place alum. Tracks like “UxYOUxU” peaked at No. 3 on KORDown, channeling dreamy vocals and infectious energy that hooked global fans.

This milestone marked his evolution from contestant to artist, with fan meetings like “Drawing Yu” turning stages into intimate sketchpads of emotion.​

“From survival eliminee to sales sensation—Liyu’s Sweet Dream proves visuals meet talent in perfect harmony.”

Pictorial Power: Esquire x Cetaphil Vision

Esquire Korea’s March 2026 digital issue pairs Liyu with Cetaphil, the dermatologist-backed skincare line, for a pictorial that’s equal parts refreshing and radiant. Shots show him cradling the bottle amid lush greens, wet-look hair slicked back in a colorful knit vest that screams youthful vitality.​​

One standout frames him applying product to his hair in a simple white tee, merging everyday ritual with high-fashion poise—Cetaphil’s gentle ethos amplified by Liyu’s star quality. The collaboration highlights skin health as self-care, aligning with K-pop’s glow-up culture where clear complexions steal the show.

Fans on Reddit raved: “He’s incredibly attractive, and now I want Cetaphil!” This isn’t just endorsement; it’s Liyu embodying “skin health before beauty,” a mantra resonating in his post-debut glow.

Fashion as His Signature Canvas

Liyu’s style weaves boyish charm with sharp edges, a duality honed since Boys II Planet. In W Korea’s November 2025 preview, he donned tailored blazers and fluid trousers, balancing softness and structure like a living sketch.

His Esquire looks evolve this: striped sweaters tucked into jeans for casual cool, plaid hoodies against snow for winter romance. At Seoul Fashion Week 2026, he commanded runways, proving fashion as his storytelling tool—each outfit a chapter in his ascent.

From Marie Claire’s dream-fantasy debut shoot (black-to-blonde hair switches) to these Cetaphil frames, Liyu’s aesthetics scream versatility: rebel in leather hints, romantic in knits.

Music Meets Visual Mastery

Chuei Liyu in colorful fashion photoshoot with balloons, lollipops, and art studio settings 

Liyu’s discography pulses with Sweet Dream‘s whimsy—”Fresh” and “Hello My Friend” layering airy melodies over his versatile vocals. Stage presence? Expressive gestures, like mouthing his name or flashing his contestant number 64, turn performances into personal signatures.

Visuals amplify this: debut concepts dual playful balloons and art studios, mirroring his “Drawing Yu” fanmeets where fans co-create his narrative. In the Cetaphil pictorial, product integration feels organic, like a music video still—hair routines as choreography.​

His Japanese Sweet Dream ~Japan Special Edition~ in 2026 expands this synergy, blending borders as effortlessly as his bilingual charm.​

“Liyu’s gaze holds a thousand unspoken dreams—where skincare meets stardom in one flawless frame.”

Fan Flames and Global Reach

Liyu’s fandom ignited on Boys II Planet, with shy charm and stage fire earning picks from peers like Sangwon and Leejeong as top visuals. Post-debut, sold-out encores in Seoul and Taipei (April 2026 at NTU Sports Center) showcase devotion, revisiting shared memories like an emotional exhibition.

International buzz surges: Reddit threads hit 50+ upvotes, X posts hail his “level-up visuals.” As a Taiwanese artist in Korea, he bridges cultures, much like his FNC label’s Verivery ties or Boys II Planet collabs (“Sugar High,” “Brat Attitude”).

This Esquire cover accelerates his wave, positioning him as K-pop’s next fashion-skincare icon amid 2026’s global fandom surge.

The Shift He Sparks

At 22 (born January 2, 2004), Liyu represents K-pop’s new solo vanguard: survival alums who pivot fast, fusing music, moda, and mindfulness. His Cetaphil tie-in elevates skincare to artistry, challenging glossy perfection with authentic glow.

From 10th place to Esquire cover in under a year, he redefines reinvention—drawing destiny with every pose, note, and fan connection. In 2026’s crowded scene, Liyu’s quiet voltage promises he’s just warming up.

“Chuei Liyu’s Esquire glow isn’t just skin deep—it’s the spark of a solo star rewriting K-pop’s visual playbook.”

Editor 권혜진: Editor Kwon Hye-jin
Photographer 이태광: Photographer Lee Tae-kwang
Stylist 변홍식: Stylist Byeon Hong-sik
Hair Makeup 장해인: Hair & Makeup Jang Hae-in
Assistant 김지효: Assistant Kim Ji-hyo
Set Stylist 이다인: Set Stylist Lee Da-in
Art Designer 조혜수: Art Designer Cho Hye-soo

Editor 권혜진
Photographer 이태광
Stylist 변홍식
Hair Make up 장해인
Assistant 김지효
Set Stylist 이다인
Art Designer 조혜수

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