On November 25, the Hong Kong-based trainee survival show Asia Super Young premiered, introducing viewers to 65 young men competing to debut in a new 9-member group.
The show has a host of industry mentors, including ex-WJSN‘s Cheng Xiao, a member of Yuehua Entertainment‘s NEXT, Zhu Zhengting, and Rain, the show’s executive producer.
| Asia Super Young
Among the trainees who caught the attention of netizens from the show’s start was Albert (Aihe). The gorgeous trainee was called “girl group level pretty” as viewers raved about his visuals, though he was sadly eliminated from the show during the third round of eliminations.
Albert | Asia Super Young
Recently, Albert and another eliminated trainee named John (Jiang Wenjun) were chatting during a live stream when John pretended to go in for a kiss. The two acted like they got “caught,” with Albert covering up the camera.
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The moment seems to have resulted in some allegations of queerbaiting from netizens, in addition to homophobic comments, as Albert later made several posts addressing the incident.
He directly states that the pair are just friends and joking around rather than queerbaiting. He also had strong words for those who called what they did disgusting.
Don’t make me swear. Me and John are just good friends. Also, this is not queerbaiting. This is just a joke and playing around. It was just a small thing, but it got turned into a big deal. Those who are saying it was disgusting, I didn’t go and kiss your dad so watch your mouth. Psychos.
— Albert
Albert continued, calling out those who spoke negatively about him and the situation.
“Fake” “Looks like acting” We’re just friends, what do you mean acting? If you want to watch acting, go watch what you want to watch online. I don’t understand, you all are like bitter women with a mouthful of crap.
— Albert
I give up. Why do you all like to make a big deal out of something playful? The person who said I’m disgusting, post your photo so I can see how much you delight others. The bitter women in the comments, get things straight before speaking.
— Albert
Albert is a trainee under ESTAR Media , and Asia Super Young was his first survival competition.
