promotional material of "INTO1's Wonderland" Photo: Tencent video

Into the fire, a new EP single from hot Chinese boy band INTO1 was performed in Beijing for the first time on Friday to cheer on Tokyo Olympic Games, the upcoming intentional sport gala that has captured global attention. The newly released song excited fans as it marked a preview of sorts for the band's plans for the next two years of their star journey.

Made up of 11 members from various countries such as Japan and the US, the group has been chosen by Chinese internet giant Tencent to be a "cheering ambassador" for the Tokyo Olympic Games, with their new song's passionate beats transmitting the sport's international spirit to fans and cheering on the Chinese athletes who are preparing for the event. 

INTO1 members such as Lin Mo and Zhang Jiayuan have expressed their excitement, saying that it is an honor to be chosen as Tencent's ambassador to 2021's biggest sporting event. 

"I always watched the Olympic Games on TV with my family when I was a child. I once told my dad that one day I wanted to make my way there too… I never thought that my childhood dream would come true in such an unexpected way," said Zhang at the performance in Beijing on Friday.  

Many fans also took to social media to express their pride in the band for taking on the new role. 

"I follow many boy bands, but I think INTO1 is the most suitable group to take on this role. The harmonious feeling of members coming together from different corners of the world actually shows the spirit of 'fairness' in sports and how athletes of different ethnicities, nationalities and identities are welcome at the competition," Yunyi, an INTO1 fan in Beijing, told the Global Times on Sunday. 

INTO1 was formed on the popular Chinese idol competition show CHUANG 2021 in April. Since then it has gathered a sizable fan base. 

"It is different from other boy and girl bands in China. I find their chemistry is particularly special because of the band's multicultural nature, and also, being a Chinese fan, I'm proud that our market is open-minded enough to embrace idols from different cultures," Nikki Zheng, a Chinese pop culture follower, told the Global Times. 

The band's performance in Beijing was held as part of a conference introducing the band's two-year development plan, which is being called "INTO1's Wonderland."  

"Exploring multi-cultural performances" and "developing cultural communication and convergence" are the two main directions that the band will follow over the next two years. The band aims to produce substantial musical works such as albums and hold live performances in the future, as well as become more engaged in TV variety shows and take part in events such as autograph sessions to get closer to fans. 

Beyond that, the group will also take part in events dedicated to promoting Chinese culture. For instance, the group will serve as an ambassador for the conservation of China's Great Wall and promote its long cultural history to fans worldwide.