Feng Hongxi (펑홍시), or simply Hongxi (홍시), is a Chinese singer, model, and creative director under TrialStart Studios and SHARKTOOTH Entertainment. He is a member of the boy group SPACESHUTTLE. He made his solo debut with Excelsior on January 23, 2025.
Early Life[]
Feng Hongxi was born in Hangzhou, China, to a family of three: his two parents and elder sister. Growing up with fairly older parents, he had a lot of traditional values placed on him from a young age. "Girls must stay home while boys go and work," "When a boy is rude to a girl, it means he likes them," and so on. These teachings shaped his early worldview, but Hongxi always felt a lingering sense of discomfort, particularly when he saw how these beliefs affected his sister and female peers.
During his middle and high school years, Hongxi became more aware of the disconnect between his upbringing and his values. His sister, who was often expected to adhere to these rigid gender norms, became a silent motivator for him to question the traditional expectations he had been raised with. It wasn’t until he left for college in America, though, that he truly began to break free from these societal pressures. The more diverse environment and exposure to new perspectives helped him reflect on his childhood and grow into a more open-minded individual.
While in America, Hongxi pursued a film major, eager to explore his interest in storytelling and visual arts. To support himself, he worked as a freelance model, taking on various gigs and photoshoots. His striking appearance and natural confidence in front of the camera garnered attention, allowing him to build a small but promising portfolio. The freelance work suited his schedule, and he enjoyed the creative freedom it offered, never imagining it would lead him down an entirely different career path.
One day, while working on a shoot, Hongxi was approached by a talent agent who had been vacationing nearby. Impressed by his looks and presence, the agent suggested that Hongxi audition for a special idol training program being held in South Korea. At first, Hongxi was hesitant. He had never considered becoming an idol, and his current focus was on his studies in film. However, after much thought, he decided to leap. He auditioned, with the plan to continue his education online if he succeeded.
To his surprise, Hongxi passed the audition and was offered a spot in the idol training program. The move to South Korea marked a significant turning point in his life. Although initially uncertain about this new path, Hongxi found himself drawn to the challenge and excitement of idol training. The program was intense, with long hours of vocal and dance practice, but Hongxi’s disciplined background and experience as a model helped him adapt quickly.
Despite the physical and mental strain of training, Hongxi remained committed, juggling his coursework while dedicating himself to his idol training. Perhaps his already older and much more mature approach allowed him to succeed while others failed. With his polished look and growing confidence in performance, it wasn't long before he began to be noticed by the company’s trainers and executives.
Eventually, Hongxi was chosen to debut under TrailStart Studios' upcoming boy group project. Through predebut content, he had already gained a reputation as the "charming and sophisticated" member who brought a fresh dynamic to the lineup.
Career[]
2014-2024[]
Beginning as early as 2014, TrialStart Studios, which had gone by the name TNStudio, had been searching for a way to enter the entertainment industry alongside other titan companies and groups. While having a standing as a primarily beauty-focused company, it was undeniable to the higher-ups of the company that it was a highly profitable path to take, and thus, they took on the mantle of opening up a private training program to have trainees of their own. Many of the trainers involved were previous trainees who had given up on idolhood or various hobbyists in the company. Thus, it was safe to say that most of the training involved wasn't anywhere near the high standards required to survive and succeed in the idol industry.
On August 8, 2016, Hongxi officially debuted as a member of SPACESHUTTLE with the mini album LIFT OFF. Despite TrialStart Studios' modest beginnings as a beauty-focused company, SPACESHUTTLE (SPASHU) emerged as an unexpected breakthrough for the agency. After launching its private training program in 2014, the company struggled to meet the rigorous standards of the idol industry. Though initially overlooked due to the group's unconventional multinational lineup and TrialStart Studios' lack of reputation in the idol world, their bold sci-fi concept quickly garnered a somewhat niche following. Each member’s unique background and charm became a key selling point, with Hongxi, Hyuntae, and Jiho attracting international attention. In 2022, SPASHU launched their Infinite Horizon world tour, marking a career peak. The tour spanned 15 countries, with sold-out arenas in Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok, and Los Angeles. Their ability to connect with fans through emotional performances and candid interactions sets them apart in an industry often criticized for its mechanical image. As SPACESHUTTLE matured, their music and performances evolved to reflect their growth as artists. As they grew, they continued to grow more and more experimental with their musical releases, blending styles like retro synthwave with modern K-pop elements, or embracing hyper pop elements.
By 2024, SPACESHUTTLE had firmly established themselves as one of K-pop's most versatile and enduring boy groups. Their consistent ability to adapt to trends while staying true to their sci-fi-inspired brand allowed them to stand out in a crowded field. The group’s collaborative spirit and their multinational lineup—once a gamble—had become their greatest strength, proving that diversity and innovation could thrive in the world of K-pop.
They released their 8th Korean mini-album, error lost, which happened to be a smashing release, praised for its superb production, and even landing it the opportunity to gain an award and the 2024 Hangang Artistry Awards for said production, highlighting the producers who worked on the project. On November 25 of that same year, they announced their 2nd studio album, PLANT YOUR OWN GARDEN, set to release on December 20, leading to yet another introspective and groundbreaking release from the group, which was hailed as a masterpiece of musical production.
2025[]
In November of 2024, rumors that a member of SPACESHUTTLE would be debuting solo began to spread. It was later confirmed that Hongxi would be that member, making his debut at the start of the following year. The first teaser for his upcoming debut was released on December 26, 2024, announcing his solo release on January 23, 2025.
On May 22, Hongxi, alongside two of his bandmates, terminated their exclusive artist contracts with TrialStart Studios and SHARKTOOTH Entertainment. Reportedly, the three were approached by numerous companies hoping to sign them.
Freindships[]
* excluding relations with spaceshuttle members.
- Bihan
- If you were to ask Hongxi if he would find himself being close friends with a shy and young Chinese idol around the time of his debut, he wouldn't believe you. And yet here he is, considering Bihan to be a close friend of his. Meeting Bihan during SPACESHUTTLE’s early promotions in 2016 gave Hongxi, then 23, a sense of camaraderie in an otherwise isolating industry. Seeing Bihan’s ambition and openness, Hongxi naturally stepped into the role of an older brother, offering guidance and encouragement during tough times. When Bihan expressed interest in acting, Hongxi was there to eagerly inspire and support him, sharing films and insights that aligned with Bihan’s potential. Their bond grew stronger through these shared moments. While aware of Bihan’s occasional struggles with being seen primarily as “Hongxi’s close friend,” Hongxi consistently highlighted Bihan’s talents and hard work, especially his acting potential. To Hongxi, their friendship is a source of stability and grounding in the unpredictable world of entertainment. He sees Bihan’s journey as uniquely inspiring, cherishing their bond not for their achievements but for the understanding and trust they’ve built over the years.
Awards & Nominations[]
| Year | Recipint | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| HKRT Year End Awards 2024 | |||
| 2024 | Feng Hongxi | BEST MALE VISUAL | Won |
Trivia[]
- Hongxi is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, English, and Korean.
- He graduated from UCLA with a major in Film and a minor in Business.
- Feng Hongxi acts as the primary creative director for SPACESHUTTLE and has held this role since 2020.
