Leaving the Chinese Boyband, Russian Idol Lelush Still Entangled in the Spotlight

Vladislav Ivanov: The Legend of Lansing the Cheeky

Picture this: After a whirlwind run on the reality‑star platform Chuang 2021, the dashing Vladislav Ivanov—known on the world stage as Lelush the sulky Russian man—has finally dropped his “work” badge. Yet, fans are still glued to his every move like a fresh episode of a hit drama.

Week One, No Out

Though the finale hit the streaming servers two weeks ago, the 27‑year‑old still pops up in the Weibo top‑trending lists every single day. From trivial tags like “Lelush goes window shopping” to “Lelush strolls through Chongqing”, the commentary keeps rolling in.

New Life, Same Fans

Now that he’s living his “normal” part‑time‑model routine, followers have become relentless in their creative ways to keep him in the spotlight. They thread him into everyday moments—cue the hashtag goldmines that sparkle over his spontaneous adventures. The internet thrives on how he’s embracing freedom, and the laugh‑tracks keep streaming.

BBC’s Missed “Interview” Bale

Even when the BBC tried to pry the quiet star in for an interview, the response was as dramatic as a plot twist—fans speculated he’s thinking, “I’ve finally hung up my job, and you want my comeback? Not in this season.” Moreover, fans posted 1‑vouches echoing that sentiment, and the comment section stayed ablaze.

So while official social profiles now read “free and unencumbered,” the relentless weibo‑wave proves that Lelush’s charm is still in full‑blown mode. Stay tuned—this is one tale that isn’t finished just yet.

Teacher Li’s Accidental Coffee Celebrity

After that wild dance battle, the world’s newest “Teacher Li” (the student‑idol hyper‑labeled by his squad) popped up on China’s top variety show Happy Camp and landed a coffee spot for Luckin Coffee. And it went full “I’m too deadpan to notice” on Instagram.

The Luckin Coffee Promo (and Why It Made Everyone LOL)

Dead‑pan charm – He mouthed the brand’s catch‑phrases like a vaulting tough‑guy, with a look that could make a statue blush.
Three‑tongue style – Russian, Mandarin, and English; whatever language the ad needed, he slotted in smoothly.
<strong“Could I leave already?” – The promo’s final scene had him blatantly ask the camera if it was time to bail, turning a commercial into a broken‑hearted sitcom.

While his fellow trainee‑recruits—Hanyuda Amu and Kiuchi Yujin—were flexing their fresh‑face and upbeat vibes, Teacher Li kept it scandalously ordinary. Fans were stunned: “I didn’t expect this gloomy sign‑of‑disinterest in a marketing video,” they commented.

That Week in Photoshoot Mode

Just before the promo exploded online (Thursday, May 6), Teacher Li dropped into a dramatic photoshoot wearing a costume that screamed “serious” (but not seriously). The outfits were more dramatic than his coffee monologue—so apparently, a series of “so‑so” appearances can still surprise the public.

In the end, Teacher Li reminds us all: even an energy‑draining idol can pull off a coffee ad that really and only clicks with the masses.

Lelush: From Classroom to Meme Fame

Earlier this year, Lelush catapulted to internet stardom after being thrust into a Japanese idol‑training show by sheer accident.

The Unexpected Journey

Lelush entered the program as a Chinese teacher‑translator for two of the Japanese performers.
When the show ran low on trainees, he was asked to become a contestant—thinking he’d be eliminated in a heartbeat.
He stayed for a grueling three‑month boot camp, unplugged and without his phone.

Why Fans Loved the “Miserable Worker”

His gloomy demeanor and sarcastic grin resonated with a whole generation of young Chinese desk‑workers, who started calling him the “most miserable working slave.” It’s easy to picture a soul as defeated as his—just like many of us chasing deadlines.

Witty fan commentary:

“If I have to work tomorrow, Lelush has to keep braving the camp!”

Against All Odds

Despite repeatedly urging fans to stop voting—so he could exit the show without a costly contract penalty—his followers were steadfast. They clicked those ballots until he made it all the way to the finale.

The Dramatic Exit

When the show wrapped up, Lelush bolted toward the exit, arms flapping like a nervous typhoon, and the production crew trailed behind his zig‑zag escape. It was a scene that left everyone laughing—and maybe a bit touched.

— rainercheung @ asiaone.com
Entertainment / Viral Chinese Celebrities / Competition