Idol worship hits fresh highs as new generation rises

China's burgeoning fan industry is set to soar and become a billion-dollar business. Christine Low reports.

It all began early last year, when Cai Xiaolun started watching Idol Producer, an talent survival program produced by online video platform iQiyi. She soon became aware of a contestant named Cai Xukun and quickly became a devoted fan.

Through her participation in several show-related events, Cai Xiaolun met the founder of KUN's Fan Club, which is devoted to Cai Xukun, and after giving it some thought she decided to join.