Luo Yufeng, a Chinese network star, came to VOA's New York studio on March 23, 2016, to talk about her life experiences in China and the United States. (Photo : YouTube/The Voice of America)
In the age of the Internet, trends, celebrities, and fads enjoy a moment in the spotlight before quietly fading away in just a matter of weeks. But Luo Yufeng, who is considered one of China’s first—and also said to be one of the most hated—Internet celebrities, continues to have staying power despite being a bully bait.
Luo’s first got the attention of the public back in 2009, when she brazenly handed out fliers in Shanghai in a bid to get the perfect husband.
Some of her demands include that her Mr. Right must be “a post graduate of economics” from an acclaimed university and must be at least 5 feet 9 to 6 feet tall, according to the New York Post.
At the time, she also made headlines for making outrageous claims about herself, claiming that she worked for a Fortune 500 company. In reality, she was employed as a cashier in Shanghai.
Luo, also known as Sister Feng, immediately drew the ire of people in China, as her personality rubbed people the wrong way. She was ridiculed for her lack of beauty and for making outrageous comments, such as claiming to have “the highest IQ in 300 years,” according to China Daily.
Sister Feng is now living in the United States, working as a manicurist in New York. Though she kept a relatively low profile over the past few years, Luo would often post articles or give interviews on topics ranging from poverty and suicide to the manicure industry in New York.
Over the past year and a half, Luo’s articles have been met favourably by her fickle audience, which would ridicule and praise her in turns. Her latest article, which was volubly praised by her followers, was her prediction of Donald Trump’s victory one month before the U.S. presidential election.
By posting her observances gleaned from being part of the grassroots in the U.S., the 31-year-old who was once pelted with eggs at a reality show appears to have finally gained some respect in China.
It took years before Luo was taken somewhat seriously by the public, and now, she is considered as someone with a voice that deserves to be heard.
Though Luo continues to be mocked for her outrageous claims, it appears that this Internet celebrity is here to stay. The public could certainly expect to hear more from Luo Yufeng in the future.
