Chinese Drama Starring Lai Guanlin, from WANNA ONE Member to Acting Career

Kapanlagi.com - Lai Guanlin may be better known to the public as a former member of the popular South Korean group, WANNA ONE, but his journey in the entertainment world does not stop there. After the group officially disbanded in 2019, Lai decided to embark on a new chapter in his life, stepping into the Chinese entertainment industry as a talented young actor.

This move turned out to be fruitful. In a short time, he managed to captivate audiences with his natural acting and distinctive charm. Each drama he stars in showcases a side of maturity and emotional depth that is rarely found in young actors his age.

From A LITTLE THING CALLED FIRST LOVE (2019) to LOVE THE WAY YOU ARE (2022), Lai's acting journey shows significant transformation not only in his career but also in how he views life and love.

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1. The Beginning of the Journey from the World of Music to Acting

Lai Guanlin's career journey in must-watch Chinese dramas (credit: mydramalist)

Lai Guanlin started his career as a singer and rapper under Cube Entertainment after being discovered in an audition in Taiwan in 2016. After placing seventh in the Produce 101 Season 2 competition, he officially debuted with WANNA ONE in August 2017 as the maknae and lead rapper of the group.

However, after his contract ended in January 2019, he decided to return to Cube Entertainment and debuted in the sub-unit Wooseok X Kuan Lin. Shortly after, he took a bold step by diving into the acting world through a Chinese drama, marking the beginning of his new journey on screen.

2. A Little Thing Called First Love

Lai Guanlin's career journey in must-watch Chinese dramas (credit:mydramalist)

His debut drama, A LITTLE THING CALLED FIRST LOVE, aired in 2019 with a rating of 8.1 on MyDramaList. In this drama, Lai plays Liang You Nian, a popular and talented student who secretly changes the life of a shy girl named Xia Miao Miao.

This series captivated many viewers with its warm teenage love story and themes of personal growth. Lai's gentle and realistic acting successfully made many fans recognize his potential as an actor capable of portraying character depth.

3. Don't Disturb My Study

Lai Guanlin's career journey in must-watch Chinese dramas (credit:mydramalist)

In 2021, Lai appeared as Lin Xiao Ran in the drama DON'T DISTURB MY STUDY, which received a high rating of 8.3 on MyDramaList. In this story, he plays a sports student who befriends Nan Xiang Wan, an adult woman who returns to high school due to psychological therapy.

Through this role, Lai showcases maturity and strong chemistry with his co-star. The series was not only successful in terms of numbers but also reinforced that Lai is not just an idol trying to act, but a true actor who continues to grow.

4. Love the Way You Are

Lai Guanlin's career journey in must-watch Chinese dramas (credit:mydramalist)

The following year, Lai portrayed Xu Guang Xi in the drama LOVE THE WAY YOU ARE, which received a rating of 7.8 on MyDramaList. The story depicts a warm romance between Yin Yi Ke, a 32-year-old independent woman, and Guang Xi, a young man who once relied solely on her.

This drama showcases the maturity of the characters and deeper emotional complexities. Lai delivered a stunning performance with gentle expressions and chemistry-filled interactions, leading many viewers to consider this one of his best performances on screen.

5. Personal Life and New Steps in the Film World

Lai Guanlin's career journey in must-watch Chinese dramas (credit:mydramalist)

In July 2019, Lai sued his agency over a contract dispute, claiming that his management rights in China were sold without permission. After winning in court in June 2021, he fully pursued a career in China and even made his directorial debut with the short film WINTER & SPRING ARE FIGHTING.

In June 2024, he briefly became the center of attention after being caught on camera with a woman, sparking romance rumors. Two days later, he shocked the public with his decision to retire from the entertainment world, reportedly choosing to focus fully as a film director.

6. Popular Q&A About Lai Guanlin

Q: What was Lai Guanlin's first Chinese drama?
A: His first drama was A LITTLE THING CALLED FIRST LOVE in 2019.

Q: Is Lai Guanlin still active as an actor?
A: No. In June 2024, he announced his resignation from the entertainment industry to focus on directing.

Q: What are some Chinese dramas starring Lai Guanlin?
A: The Chinese dramas starring Lai Guanlin include A LITTLE THING CALLED FIRST LOVE, DON'T DISTURB MY STUDY, and LOVE THE WAY YOU ARE.

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(kpl/vna)