Story | Lin Fan
When Li Yuchun started out on stage, she was somewhat of a loner. When faced with self doubt and outside hostility, she would retreat even further. It may have taken her a decade to adapt, but she broke through to face her fears.
That fight came with a silver lining. Through it she found music. And now 15 years later, Li remains true to herself and full of confidence. In a very nonchalant manner, says Li, “I am embracing the world with open arms.”
But Li still remembers how hard it was in the early days of her career. In fact the lyrics from “Priceless Sisters” describes in detail Li’s distrust of the media, attributing it to her own self doubt. “I developed a protection mechanism,” says Li, “and I didn’t give much of myself.”
Today Li is much more willing to open up; sure, she’s more relaxed, and has done many interviews for the media. “I was warming up very slowly,” says Li. It’s been 15 years, so it’s time to bring up the temperature a bit.”
No Logger an island
The first decade of her career Li found herself closed off, feeling uncomfortable with her growing star status. She found herself asking why should she shoot magazine covers or attend glamorous events. But has now come to reLize that no man or woman is an island. Says Li: “every person is different. Communication brings us closer together. The world is so big, we should reach out to feel and learn beyond music, to travel, read, go to art exhibitions, film festivals…experience all the possibilities of life.”
People who have worked with Li point out that she has managed to stake her claim in the entertainment world due to her core strength. But Li remains a very private person, preferring home life to being out on the town. “I am by nature not very sociable. other than for work, I’d much rather be home.” Which worked for her when three years ago, she was injured and had to stay home to recuperate. even then Li found her creative juices flowing. She learned to play the guitar, practicing daily. during the pandemic, it was music that made her most happy as it gave her an outlet to express her most inner thoughts—even off stage to an audience of one.
Trendsetter
At 21, a student at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music, Li was on the cover of Asian edition Time magazine after being named a national female singer champion. She released 15 albums in 15 years, and was once named Best Singer in the Asia Song Festival. She also won the greater China Best-selling Award in the World Music Awards as well as the APeC outstanding Female award in 2014. But her clever androgynous style was what people really took notice of. Her audience had had their fill of girly girl singers so Li was a breath of fresh air.
Her gender-neutral look captivated China and the world. She was even featured on the cover of ItLian Vogue’s first issue of the year in 2013. Since then, she has appeared in internationally renowned fashion magazines including US “W” , French Vanity Fair, and the US Harper’s Bazaar. Between 2015 to 2017, Li made it to the BoF 500 list of people shaping the fashion world. She has also worked with various luxury brands, including givenchy, gucci and Chanel.
Not an idol
Since her debut in “Super girl”, Li with her unique image was destined to get labelled an idol. But Li has her own way of looking at it. There was lots of praise and lots of hurt, which she had to learn to face and accept. Says Li: “This would not change the way I look at myself. I don’t think of myself as an idol wherever I go. I live like a very regular person. When you accept how other people label you, it might seem there is nothing you can do about it. But you can. I just want to do my part well. My relationship with my fans stops at admiration. But you have to continue to live your own life. I think that’s healthier.”
Now having endured the spotlight for more than 15 years, Li is quick to respond as to what makes her popular today: “Popularity is abstract. No one can really say for sure what it is. Personally, I think it’s about pushing yourself to be a better person before other people push you. This is important in whatever line of work.”
What’s in store for the next 15 years? “I haven’t thought it through. I’m more used to looking back and taking stock. As to the future, let’s just embrace it with open arms.”
