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Read the following text and answer the quiz below.
[1] Five brothers from rural southwestern China have gained more than 2 million online fans in just a month thanks to their talent, humble charm and K-pop-inspired song and dance routines. The brothers are fans of BigBang, who are legends in the genre, and formed a group called Bengshan Kalaka.
[2] Guan Heng and his four younger brothers are from Zhaotong City in Yunnan province. They recreate BigBang’s signature style and sequin outfits and even sport similar hairstyles while performing hits like Fantastic Baby and If You during live streams.
[3] Since debuting in 2006, BigBang has taken the global stage by storm with their unique fusion of hip-hop, electronic music and R&B, earning the title “Kings of K-pop”. Today, only three of the original five members are still active in the group.
[4] Guan told Jiupai News that he used to perform in bars and has been a BigBang fan for years, often covering their songs. To support his family, he also worked as a barber and did manual labour on construction sites before returning home to form the BigBang-inspired boy band with his brothers.
[5] Guan taught himself how to do make-up, musical arrangements and even to perfect his Korean pronunciation. Since he has the best singing skills, he takes on the role of lead vocalist G-Dragon. His second brother, who has a deeper voice, serves as the rapper. The other three brothers focus on dancing.
[6] In their live-streams, the brothers create a rustic stage using chilli skewers and an electric tricycle, adding a smoky effect by burning corn stalks. Occasionally, chickens, ducks and geese make surprise appearances and they often have to pause their performances to clean up livestock droppings.
[7] Despite the humble set-up, their one-hour streams attract more than 300,000 viewers a day. When their time is up, they head off to help their mother with farm work. They also adopted a dog called Huahua, who regularly joins their shows as a special guest. One fan said: “Their Korean is almost flawless, and their stage presence and dancing are excellent. They have brought me so much joy.”
[8] According to Hongxing News, the brothers’ father died in an accident five years ago, leaving their mother to raise them in tough financial conditions. The brothers had to drop out of school to work and support their younger sister’s education. Guan said, “If we had other options, we would not have thought of becoming internet celebrities. Only knowledge can change one’s fate. Do not be proud of becoming an internet celebrity.”
[9] The brothers have 2.2 million followers on social media but have not signed with an entertainment agency. Guan hopes to partner with the local cultural and tourism bureau to showcase their hometown’s beauty to their growing fan base. They have already promoted local specialities like Yunnan potatoes and apples during their live streams.
Source: South China Morning Post, November 16
