Profile of Lai Kuan Lin, Former Wanna One Idol Who Has Now Transitioned to Film Director

Kapanlagi.com - Lai Kuan Lin's name once became one of the most attention-grabbing K-Pop idols of the new generation. His towering visuals, calm aura, and rapping ability made him quickly recognized since debuting with the project group Wanna One.

However, his career journey did not stop in the idol world. After being active as a singer and actor for several years, Lai Kuan Lin made a surprising decision in 2024 to retire from the entertainment industry. He chose a new path behind the scenes as a film director, opening a different chapter in his career journey.

1. Career as a Singer and Idol

Career Start: From Taiwan to the K-Pop Stage

Lai Kuan Lin was born in Taipei, Taiwan on September 23, 2001. His English name is Edward Lai. Since his teenage years, he has attracted attention due to his outstanding visuals, standing at about 185 cm tall.

His journey into the entertainment world began when he was discovered by Cube Entertainment during an audition in Taiwan in 2016. After joining the agency, he moved to South Korea and underwent trainee period.

A big opportunity came in 2017 when he participated in the popular idol survival program Produce 101 Season 2. This program brought together dozens of trainees competing for a debut in a project group.

Thanks to fan support and his charm on stage, Lai Kuan Lin managed to finish in 7th place. This position allowed him to enter the final lineup of Wanna One.

Debut with Wanna One

In August 2017, Wanna One officially debuted with the mini album 1X1=1 (To Be One). In the group, Lai Kuan Lin served as the lead rapper and also the maknae or youngest member.

The group's contract was indeed predetermined from the start, which was about one year and six months. During its active period, Wanna One became one of the most popular boy groups at that time.

The group officially disbanded in January 2019 after their final concert.

Music Activities After Wanna One

After the Wanna One project ended, Lai Kuan Lin returned to Cube Entertainment and tried a new path in music.

In March 2019, he debuted as part of the duo unit Wooseok x Kuanlin alongside Jung Woo Seok from the group PENTAGON. This duo released a mini album titled 9801 that garnered attention from K-Pop fans.

However, his career journey with Cube was not smooth.

Conflict with Agency and Career Move to China

In July 2019, Lai Kuan Lin requested to terminate his contract with Cube Entertainment. He accused the agency of selling the management rights of his activities in China to a third party without notice.

This legal case lasted quite a long time. In June 2021, the Seoul Central District Court finally ruled in favor of Lai Kuan Lin and officially terminated his contract with Cube.

After that, he focused more on developing his career in the Chinese entertainment industry.

2. A Quite Prominent Acting Career

Don't Disturb My Study - mydramalist

Besides music, Lai Kuan Lin is also quite active as a drama actor. His acting debut occurred in 2019 when he was immediately trusted to be the main character in the Chinese drama A Little Thing Called First Love.

In that drama, he played the character Liang You Nian, a popular senior who becomes the crush of the female lead.

Other dramas he has starred in include:

Love the Way You Are

Don't Disturb My Study

Interestingly, in all three dramas, he has always been trusted as the main actor. This indicates that his popularity is quite strong in the Chinese drama market.

Additionally, there are two other drama projects that he worked on but have not officially aired, namely Love for Life and Daydream Confession.

3. A New Step to Becoming a Film Director

Lai Kuan Lin - instagram.com/@laikuanlin

In the midst of his career as an actor, Lai Kuan Lin began to take an interest in the world of directing. In 2021, he made his debut as a director with a short film titled Winter & Spring Are Fighting.

He then worked on another project titled Space Time Partners in Taiwan, which further strengthened his reputation as a young director.

Decision to Retire from the Entertainment World

In June 2024, Lai Kuan Lin became a topic of conversation after being caught on camera with a woman, which sparked rumors of a romantic relationship.

However, just two days after the photo circulated, he made an announcement that was even more shocking. Lai Kuan Lin stated that he decided to retire from the entertainment world as an idol and actor.

He wants to focus on building a career as a film director and working behind the scenes in the creative industry.

4. Brief Biography of Lai Kuan Lin

Lai Kuan Lin - instagram.com/@laikuanlin

Full Name: Lai Kuan Lin

English Name: Edward Lai

Date of Birth: September 23, 2001

Place of Birth: Taipei, Taiwan

Height: 185 cm

Languages: Mandarin, Korean, English, and Taiwanese

Profession: former idol, actor, film director

From the K-Pop stage to the director's chair, Lai Kuan Lin's career journey shows that an artist can continue to grow and find new passions. Although he has left the world of idols and dramas, many fans are still looking forward to his works in the film industry in the future.

(kpl/chn)