Lai Kuan Lin (or Lai Guanlin) surprised his fans by announcing his retirement from the entertainment industry via Weibo on Friday, June 14, 2024. Known for his success as a Chinese actor and KPop idol, this former Wanna One member has decided to leave the limelight to pursue a new career path as a film director. Let’s take a closer look at Lai Kuan Lin’s biodata and profile as he embarks on this new journey.
Biography of Lai Kuan Lin
Lai Kuan Lin, also known as Kuan Lin, was born on September 23, 2001, in Taipei, Taiwan. Standing tall at 183 cm and weighing 63 kg, he has captured hearts with his charming presence and talent. Here are some key details about him:
- Stage name: Kuan Lin (관린)
- Birth name: Lai Kuan Lin (賴冠霖)
- Place and date of birth: Taipei, 23 September 2001
- Citizenship: Taiwan
- Zodiac: Libra
- Height: 183 cm
- Weight: 63 kg
- Blood group: O
- Instagram: @official_lai_kuanlin
Lai Kuan Lin’s Career Journey
Lai Kuan Lin’s career began in 2017 when he participated in the Mnet survival show Produce 101 Season 2 under CUBE Entertainment. His talent and hard work paid off as he secured the 7th rank, leading to his debut in the idol group Wanna One. The group made their debut on August 7, 2017, with the mini-album 1X1=1 (To Be One).
Following Wanna One’s disbandment in January 2019, Lai Kuan Lin continued his musical journey as part of the duo Wooseok X Kuanlin alongside PENTAGON’s Wooseok. They debuted on March 11, 2019, with the mini-album 9801.
However, in July 2019, Lai Kuan Lin sought to terminate his contract with CUBE Entertainment, citing contractual violations. Despite the initial rejection of his request, he eventually won the lawsuit in June 2021, marking a significant turning point in his career. Post-CUBE Entertainment, Lai Kuan Lin shifted his focus to acting, becoming more active in Chinese dramas.
Notable Dramas Starring Lai Kuan Lin
Since stepping away from his idol activities, Lai Kuan Lin has made a name for himself in the acting world. Here are some of the notable dramas he has starred in:
- A Little Thing Called First Love (2019): Lai Kuan Lin played the role of Liang Younian, a talented and popular student who falls in love with an ordinary girl. This drama showcased his ability to portray a charming and relatable character.
- Don’t Disturb My Study (2021): In this drama, Lai Kuan Lin took on the role of Lin Xiao Ran, a high school student navigating the pressures of academics and personal growth. His performance added depth to the storyline, highlighting the challenges faced by students.
- Love the Way You Are (2022): Lai Kuan Lin starred as Lu Zhi Wei, a young man who falls in love with a woman facing societal expectations and personal insecurities. His portrayal of a supportive and understanding partner resonated with viewers.
- Daydream Confession (TBA): Details about his role in this upcoming drama are still under wraps, but fans are eagerly anticipating his return to the screen.
- Love for Life (TBA): Another highly anticipated project, where Lai Kuan Lin is expected to bring his unique charm and acting prowess to the storyline.
Interesting Facts about Lai Kuan Lin
Lai Kuan Lin’s journey has been filled with interesting experiences and unique qualities. Here are some fun facts about him:
- He lived in Los Angeles, United States, for five years.
- Comes from a wealthy family; his father is the chief technology officer at a renowned technology company in Taiwan.
- Ranked 2nd in his school for the final exam.
- Speaks Taiwanese, Mandarin, Korean, and English.
- Participated in Produce 101 Season 2 in 2017, ranking 7th with 905,875 votes.
- Moved to Korea before graduating high school to pursue his dreams.
- Known as a fashionista during his time with Wanna One.
- Owns a cat named Mimi in Taiwan.
- Favorite fashion item: shoes.
- Interested in modeling.
- His favorite basketball team is the Golden State Warriors, and his favorite player is Stephen Curry.
Lai Kuan Lin’s decision to retire from the entertainment industry is indeed surprising, but it also highlights his courage to follow his passion. Transitioning from a successful career as an idol and actor to becoming a film director is no small feat. It’s inspiring to see someone so young take control of their destiny and pursue what truly excites them. Fans may be saddened by his departure from the screen, but they can look forward to seeing his creative vision come to life in the world of film.
In the ever-evolving entertainment industry, it’s essential for artists to remain true to themselves, and Lai Kuan Lin’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of this. Here’s wishing him all the best in his new endeavors!