Chuei Li Yu Profile 2026: Bio, Age, Career & Interesting Facts
Chuei Li Yu (최립우) is a Taiwanese singer and dancer based in South Korea, currently active as a solo artist and as a member of the K-pop duo FLARE U under FNC Entertainment. Born on January 2, 2004, in Taipei, Taiwan, he first gained widespread recognition as a contestant on Mnet’s survival show Boys II Planet in 2025. Following his elimination in tenth place, he made his solo debut on December 3, 2025, with the single album Sweet Dream. In May 2026, he debuted as the leader of FLARE U alongside fellow Boys II Planet contestant Kang Woo Jin.
Introduction
In the competitive landscape of K-pop, few stories capture the imagination quite like that of Chuei Li Yu. A Taiwanese teenager who crossed borders with nothing but a dream and a sketchbook, Li Yu has carved a unique path through the industry-first as a standout contestant on one of Korea’s most-watched survival shows, then as a solo artist, and now as the leader of a rising K-pop duo.
What makes Chuei Li Yu’s journey particularly compelling is the speed at which it has unfolded. From his arrival in South Korea as a trainee to his solo debut just months after Boys II Planet concluded, his career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. At just 22 years old (in 2026), he has already achieved what many aspiring idols spend years working toward.
Li Yu represents a new generation of K-pop artists: multilingual, artistically inclined, and unafraid to show vulnerability. His background in visual arts sets him apart from many of his peers, while his warm personality and distinctive visuals have earned him a devoted following across Asia and beyond.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Chuei Li Yu (최립우) |
| Birth Name | Chuei Li Yu (崔立于) |
| Korean Name | Choi Lip Woo (최립우) |
| English Name | Fredrick Cui / Choi |
| Date of Birth | January 2, 2004 |
| Age (2026) | 22 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Chinese Zodiac | Goat |
| Birthplace | Taipei, Taiwan |
| Nationality | Taiwanese |
| Height | 180 cm (5’11”) |
| Weight | Not publicly available |
| Blood Type | Not publicly available |
| MBTI Type | INFJ |
| Agency | FNC Entertainment |
| Training Period | 2 years and 5 months |
| Debut (Solo) | December 3, 2025 |
| Debut (Group) | May 13, 2026 |
| Group | FLARE U (플레어유) |
| Position in FLARE U | Leader |
| Fandom Name (FLARE U) | U’re |
| Role Model | Billie Eilish |
| Specialty | Drawing, painting |
| Languages | Mandarin (native), Korean |
Table of Contents
Who Is Chuei Li Yu?
Chuei Li Yu (born January 2, 2004) is a Taiwanese singer, dancer, and visual artist currently active in the South Korean music industry. He is signed to FNC Entertainment, one of Korea’s leading entertainment agencies, known for managing acts such as FTISLAND, CNBLUE, SF9, and Cherry Bullet.
Li Yu first came to public attention as a contestant on Mnet’s Boys II Planet, a survival show that aired from July to September 2025. Representing FNC Entertainment, he was chosen by fellow trainees as the show’s “Visual Poster”-a title that placed him on the program’s main promotional materials even before the first episode aired.
Although he finished in tenth place and narrowly missed debuting with the winning group ALPHA DRIVE ONE, Li Yu’s popularity and talent convinced FNC Entertainment to launch him as a solo artist. His debut single album Sweet Dream was released on December 3, 2025, marking him as one of the first Taiwanese male soloists to debut in K-pop.
In 2026, Li Yu’s career expanded further when he debuted as the leader of FLARE U, a two-member group formed with fellow Boys II Planet contestant Kang Woo Jin. The duo released their debut mini-album YOUTH ERROR on May 13, 2026.
Beyond his musical career, Li Yu is known for his artistic abilities, particularly drawing and painting-skills he developed during his education in Taiwan and continues to showcase through fan meetings and merchandise design.
Early Life
Chuei Li Yu Birth and Family Background
Chuei Li Yu was born on January 2, 2004, in Taipei, Taiwan. He is the only son in his family, with three older sisters (born in 1992, 2000, and 2002) and one younger sister (born in 2010).
Growing up surrounded by sisters, Li Yu has shared that his older siblings often dressed him up like a doll when he was young, treating him as a real-life plaything. Despite being the only boy, he describes his family as warm and supportive of his artistic pursuits.
The family also includes two pets: a dog named Lele (樂樂) and a cat named Doudou (豆豆).
Li Yu’s father works in a profession that has not been publicly disclosed, but his family’s encouragement played a significant role in his decision to pursue a career in the arts.
Education
Li Yu attended Taipei Municipal Xingya Junior High School (興雅國中) for his secondary education. He then enrolled at Kainan Vocational High School (開南高級中等學校) in Taipei, where he studied in the Department of Applied Arts (廣設科).
His time at Kainan Vocational High School was formative for his artistic development. He participated in Taipei City student art competitions and won awards for his work. During his high school years, he also served as president of the Interact Club, overseeing student-led initiatives and service projects during the 2020–2021 academic year.
His artistic education in Taiwan laid the foundation for his distinctive visual style-a blend of aesthetic sensitivity and creative expression that would later become one of his defining characteristics as an idol.
Chuei Li Yu Career Journey
2023–2024: Journey to Korea
Chuei Li Yu’s path to K-pop began not through traditional auditions but through social media. He was scouted by a talent representative from FNC Entertainment via Instagram direct message. This digital-age discovery story reflects the changing dynamics of how K-pop agencies identify talent.
After being scouted, Li Yu relocated to South Korea to begin his training. He joined FNC Entertainment in January 2025 and underwent approximately two years and five months of training before his public debut.
During his training period, he developed his skills in singing, dancing, and performance, adapting to the rigorous demands of the K-pop idol system. His background in visual arts gave him a unique perspective-he brought an artist’s eye to stage presence and conceptual expression.
2025: Boys II Planet
On June 7, 2025, Chuei Li Yu was unveiled as a contestant on Mnet’s reality competition show Boys II Planet. The show, which aired from July 17 to September 25, 2025, featured contestants competing for a spot in an eight-member debut group.
Li Yu made an immediate impression. Even before the show’s official promotional photos were released, he was chosen by fellow trainees as the “Visual Poster” and featured on the program’s main promotional materials. This early recognition established him as one of the show’s most visually striking contestants.
Throughout the competition, Li Yu demonstrated his versatility as a performer. He participated in several group stages, including the theme song “HOLA SOLAR” and performances of “If I’m S, Can You Be My N?”, “plot twist,” and “Rose Blossom”. His performances were praised for their clean execution and expressive stage presence.
His journey through the competition was marked by steady progress:
- He secured 6th place overall among 48 contestants in the first survival announcement
- He ranked 4th in the Planet K group during the interim TOP 8 rankings
- In the final global live vote, he secured 6th place with 7,569,231 points
However, in the finale, Li Yu finished in tenth place overall. With only eight spots available in the debut group ALPHA DRIVE ONE, he narrowly missed the opportunity to debut through the show.
Following his elimination, Li Yu posted a handwritten letter on his personal Instagram. He wrote candidly about his disappointment: “Every night, I made promises to myself over and over, but in the end, I couldn’t make them come true. It hurt more than I imagined. Because I don’t want to let such precious people get hurt again, I will work harder to protect them.” His honest expression of vulnerability resonated deeply with fans.
2025: Solo Debut
Despite his elimination from Boys II Planet, FNC Entertainment recognized Li Yu’s potential and decided to launch him as a solo artist. On October 30, 2025, Ilgan Sports reported that he would release his first solo song in early December.
On November 18, 2025, FNC Entertainment released the first teaser photos for Li Yu’s debut single album. The following day, the first concept photo for Sweet Dream was unveiled.
On December 3, 2025, at 6 PM KST, Chuei Li Yu officially made his solo debut with the single album Sweet Dream. The album was released simultaneously with the music video for the title track “UxYOUxU”.
The single album Sweet Dream explored two emotional themes: “Sweet” and “Dream”-capturing a young man’s甜蜜 moments and his journey toward his dreams. The album featured three tracks:
The album was released in multiple versions, including a Photo Book Ver. and FaNCy Ver. (available in Sweet Ver. and Dream Ver.).
His solo debut was met with positive reception. The music video and album sales performed well, and he quickly established himself as a promising soloist.
2025: Fan Meetings
Following his solo debut, Li Yu connected with fans through his first fan meeting series, titled “Drawing Yu”-a clever play on his name and his artistic identity.
The first “Drawing Yu” fan meetings were held on December 20–21, 2025, at Sejong University’s Daeyang Hall in Seoul. All four scheduled shows sold out immediately after tickets became available.
During these fan meetings, Li Yu performed his solo tracks-“UxYOUxU,” “Fresh,” and “Hello My Friend”-alongside covers of songs like Rosé’s “toxic till the end”. The events included talk segments, games, and opportunities for fans to connect with the artist.
The success of the Seoul fan meetings led to additional shows across Asia:
- Taipei, Taiwan (January 2–3, 2026): Three shows, including a special birthday celebration
- Bangkok, Thailand (January 25, 2026): Held at IDEA LIVE HALL, BRAVO BKK
- Macau (January 24, 2026)
- Japan (March 27, 2026): Li Yu’s first Japanese fan meeting
The “Drawing Yu” fan meeting series demonstrated Li Yu’s growing international appeal and his ability to connect with fans across different cultures.
2026: Japanese Debut
On January 16, 2026, FNC Entertainment announced Li Yu’s Japanese debut with Sweet Dream ~Japan Special Edition~, scheduled for release on March 18, 2026. This marked his first official release in the Japanese market, expanding his reach as a global artist.
2026: FLARE U Debut
Perhaps the most significant development in Li Yu’s career came in early 2026 when FNC Entertainment announced that he would be debuting as part of a duo with fellow Boys II Planet contestant Kang Woo Jin.
On April 24, 2026, the duo’s group name was revealed as FLARE U (플레어유). The name combines “FLARE” (suggesting brilliance and energy) with “U” (representing both the members and their fans).
The group’s debut mini-album, YOUTH ERROR, was released on May 13, 2026. The album’s title concept-combining “YOUTH” and “ERROR”-explored themes of confusion, mistakes, and growth during adolescence.
At the media showcase for YOUTH ERROR, held at Blue Square in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Li Yu shared his thoughts on the debut: “I am excited and nervous to show a new side of myself as part of a group again after promoting as a solo artist. So many people have supported us…”
FLARE U’s official fandom name is U’re, combining the “U” from FLARE U with the “U” symbolizing fans-creating the meaning “us”.
Li Yu serves as the leader of FLARE U, bringing his experience as a solo artist to guide the duo’s direction.
2026: MC Activities
In addition to his music career, Li Yu has expanded into hosting. He was announced as a special MC for MBC’s Show! Music Core alongside Ryu Kang-min, another Boys Planet alumnus. He has also been confirmed as an MC for other programs, further establishing his presence in Korean entertainment.
Personal Life
Chuei Li Yu Personality and MBTI
Chuei Li Yu’s MBTI personality type is INFJ. Known as the “Advocate” or “Idealist” personality, INFJs are characterized by their idealism, creativity, and deep sense of empathy. They are often described as quiet visionaries who are driven by strong values and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Li Yu’s INFJ traits are evident in his artistic sensitivity, his thoughtful approach to his career, and his emotional honesty-as demonstrated in his handwritten letter following his Boys II Planet elimination.
Nicknames
Li Yu’s nickname is Libuchoi (리부초이), which he used during Boys II Planet. Fans also affectionately call him “Little Fish” (小鱼), a playful reference to his name. His English name is Fredrick Cui or Fredrick Choi.
Hobbies and Interests
Drawing and Painting: Li Yu’s primary hobby and specialty is drawing. He developed this skill during his studies in Taiwan’s Department of Applied Arts and continues to draw as both a personal passion and a professional asset. His fan meetings are named “Drawing Yu” to reflect this artistic identity.
Photography: He enjoys photography as a hobby, capturing moments and scenes that interest him.
Listening to Music: Like most artists, Li Yu is an avid music listener.
Walking: He lists walking as one of his favorite activities.
Playing Piano: Li Yu can play the piano, demonstrating his musical versatility.
Chuei Li Yu Favorite Things
| Category | Preference |
|---|---|
| Color | Blue, purple, orange |
| Season | Autumn |
| Animal | Cats |
| Food | Taiwanese cuisine, bubble tea, dumplings |
| Role Model | Billie Eilish |
| Perfume | Clean, sweet scents |
| Recommended Movie | Pitch Perfect |
Languages
Li Yu speaks Mandarin Chinese as his native language. He has learned Korean during his training and career in South Korea, allowing him to communicate with fans and colleagues in both languages.
Chuei Li Yu Career Highlights and Achievements
Key Milestones Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| January 2, 2004 | Born in Taipei, Taiwan |
| January 2025 | Joins FNC Entertainment as a trainee |
| June 7, 2025 | Revealed as contestant on Boys II Planet |
| July 17, 2025 | Boys II Planet begins airing |
| September 25, 2025 | Boys II Planet finale; Li Yu places 10th |
| November 18, 2025 | Teaser photos for solo debut released |
| December 3, 2025 | Solo debut with Sweet Dream |
| December 20–21, 2025 | First fan meeting “Drawing Yu” in Seoul |
| January 2–3, 2026 | Fan meetings in Taipei (birthday shows) |
| January 25, 2026 | Fan meeting in Bangkok |
| March 18, 2026 | Japanese debut release |
| March 27, 2026 | Fan meeting in Japan |
| April 24, 2026 | FLARE U group name announced |
| May 13, 2026 | FLARE U debuts with YOUTH ERROR |
Awards and Recognition
Chuei Li Yu won Discovery of the Year at the D Awards 2026 in recognition of his successful solo debut.
Achievements
- First Taiwanese male soloist to debut under a major K-pop agency in the 2020s
- Sold out all four shows of his first Seoul fan meeting immediately
- Expanded fan meetings to four countries within months of debut
- Successfully transitioned from solo artist to group leader
Discography
Solo Discography
Single Album: Sweet Dream
- Release Date: December 3, 2025
- Tracks:
Japanese Release: Sweet Dream ~Japan Special Edition~
Group Discography (FLARE U)
Mini Album: YOUTH ERROR
Fashion and Style
Airport Fashion
Chuei Li Yu has developed a reputation for his stylish airport fashion, often combining comfort with a chic aesthetic.
His typical airport looks include:
- Jeans paired with striped shirts and cream-colored jackets for a cozy but polished appearance
- White shirts layered with maroon knit cardigans, coordinated with beige baggy pants
His fashion sense reflects his artistic background-he has a strong aesthetic sense and pays attention to color coordination and silhouette.
Visual Identity
Li Yu was chosen as the “Visual Poster” for Boys II Planet, a testament to his striking appearance. Standing at 180 cm (5’11”), he possesses the height and proportions often associated with K-pop visual members.
His visual appeal, combined with his artistic sensitivity, has made him a favorite for magazine pictorials. He appeared on the cover of Kitto Magazine in December 2025 and in Esquire Korea’s March 2026 issue.
Chuei Li Yu Social Media Presence
| Platform | Handle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chuei Li Yu Instagram | @cliyu_official | Official account |
| Chuei Li Yu X (Twitter) | @cliyu_official | Official account |
| Chuei Li Yu YouTube | @cliyu_official | Official channel |
| TikTok | @cliyu_official | Official account |
| @cliyuofficial | Official page | |
| Official Website | fncent.com/CHUEILIYU | FNC Entertainment artist page |
Interesting Facts About Chuei Li Yu
- Instagram Discovery: Li Yu was scouted by FNC Entertainment through a direct message on Instagram.
- Visual Poster: He was chosen by fellow Boys II Planet contestants as the show’s “Visual Poster” and appeared on promotional materials before the show aired.
- Artistic Background: He studied applied arts in high school and won awards in Taipei City student art competitions.
- Only Son: Li Yu is the only boy among five siblings, with three older sisters and one younger sister.
- Dressed as a Doll: His sisters used to dress him up like a doll when he was young.
- Role Model: His role model is Billie Eilish.
- MBTI: His personality type is INFJ.
- Piano Player: He can play the piano.
- Fan Meeting Name: His fan meeting series is called “Drawing Yu”-a play on his name and his artistic identity.
- Interact Club President: He served as president of his high school’s Interact Club during 2020–2021.
- Pet Lover: His family has a dog named Lele and a cat named Doudou.
- Favorite Color: Blue is his favorite color, though he also likes purple and orange.
- Bubble Tea Fan: He enjoys Taiwanese bubble tea and dumplings.
- Language Skills: He speaks Mandarin natively and has learned Korean.
- First Taiwanese Male Soloist: He is one of the first Taiwanese male soloists to debut in K-pop under a major agency.
- Friendship with Jung Sang-hyun: He formed a close friendship with fellow Boys II Planet contestant Jung Sang-hyun. When Li Yu learned he would debut solo, he shared the news with Sang-hyun first, who was moved to tears.
- FLARE U Leader: He serves as the leader of FLARE U.
- D Awards Winner: He won Discovery of the Year at the D Awards 2026.
- Kitto Magazine Cover: He appeared on the cover of Kitto Magazine in December 2025.
- Quick Debut: He made his solo debut just months after Boys II Planet ended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is Chuei Li Yu?
Chuei Li Yu is a Taiwanese singer and dancer based in South Korea, signed to FNC Entertainment. He is a solo artist and the leader of the K-pop duo FLARE U.
2. When was Chuei Li Yu born?
He was born on January 2, 2004.
3. How old is Chuei Li Yu in 2026?
He is 22 years old (born January 2, 2004).
4. Where is Chuei Li Yu from?
5. What is Chuei Li Yu’s height?
6. What is Chuei Li Yu’s MBTI type?
7. What agency manages Chuei Li Yu?
He is managed by FNC Entertainment.
8. When did Chuei Li Yu debut as a solo artist?
He made his solo debut on December 3, 2025.
9. What is Chuei Li Yu’s debut song?
His debut title track is “UxYOUxU” from the single album Sweet Dream.
10. What group is Chuei Li Yu in?
He is the leader of the duo FLARE U (플레어유).
11. When did FLARE U debut?
FLARE U debuted on May 13, 2026.
12. What is FLARE U’s fandom name?
FLARE U’s fandom name is U’re.
13. What survival show did Chuei Li Yu appear on?
He appeared on Mnet’s Boys II Planet in 2025.
Conclusion
Chuei Li Yu’s journey from a Taipei high school student to a K-pop soloist and group leader is a testament to talent, perseverance, and the power of seizing opportunities. In just over a year since his appearance on Boys II Planet, he has accomplished what many aspiring idols spend years working toward-a solo debut, a successful fan meeting tour across Asia, and a group debut as the leader of FLARE U.
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