It Turns Out These 5 Chinese Drama Actors Were Once SM Entertainment Trainees

Kapanlagi.com - SM Entertainment has not only produced famous idols but has also been a stepping stone for several Chinese actors who are now successful in the Chinese entertainment industry. Their journey from trainees to drama stars shows that the experience in a Korean agency provides a strong foundation.

Several popular Chinese actors and actresses have a past as trainees at SM Entertainment before deciding to focus on their careers back home. They prove that even though they did not debut as idols, the training experience in Korea still has a positive impact on their entertainment careers.

Who are they? Here is a list of popular Chinese actors and actresses who apparently have a past as trainees at SM Entertainment. Let's check it out, KLovers!

1. Hou Minghao (Neo Hou)

(credit: instagram.com/heynoonamedia.id)

Hou Minghao, known through the drama I AM NOBODY, actually has a history as a trainee at SM Entertainment for two years. His experience as a trainee from 2012 to 2014 provided him with strong dance and performance skills before he ultimately decided to return to China.

After not continuing his debut at SM, he briefly joined the boy group Fresh Teenager Geek in China before fully transitioning to acting. Now, Neo Hou has become one of the most sought-after young actors with a series of popular dramas that showcase his stunning acting abilities on the big screen.

2. Li Hongyi

(credit: instagram.com/heynoonamedia.id)

Li Hongyi, who stars in THE BLOOD OF YOUTH, had a brief experience as a trainee at SM Entertainment, although it was only for a short time. Despite only lasting three months, that experience provided valuable insights into the highly competitive and professional Korean entertainment industry in every aspect.

After leaving SM, he chose to return to China to continue his higher education while honing his acting skills in depth. Now, Li Hongyi is known as an actor with charming visuals and undeniable acting abilities across various drama genres he stars in.

3. Xing Zhao Lin

(credit: instagram.com/heynoonamedia.id)

Xing Zhao Lin, who became famous through THE ETERNAL LOVE, has a unique history as a former trainee of SM Entertainment, where he even appeared in a teaser video. His presence in the teaser video for EXO's song "Wolf" indicates that he was once part of the strict and professional trainee system at the agency.

After deciding to focus on his career in China, Xing Zhao Lin became an actor known for his romantic roles in popular fantasy dramas. His experience as an SM Entertainment trainee provided a strong performance foundation, allowing him to deliver natural chemistry in every romantic scene he portrays.

4. Xu Yi Yang

(credit: instagram.com/heynoonamedia.id)

Xu Yi Yang was formerly a member of SM Rookies, introduced alongside Ningning from aespa before deciding to leave the trainee system. Her experience as an SM Entertainment trainee provided her with strong performance skills and stage presence before ultimately choosing a different path in the Chinese entertainment industry.

After leaving SM in 2018, she debuted in a Chinese girl group called Legal High before expanding into acting. Now, Xu Yi Yang is actively starring in dramas such as TIMELESS LOVE, and interestingly, she is married to former EXO member Huang Zitao, which shows a deep connection to the K-pop world.

5. Zhou Yanchen

(credit: instagram.com/heynoonamedia.id)

Zhou Yanchen also experienced being a trainee at SM Entertainment before deciding to return to China to continue his formal education. Although it was brief, the experience provided valuable insights into the high standards of the Korean entertainment industry, which pays great attention to detail in every aspect of performance.

After returning to China, he debuted in the group Mr.BIO alongside Chen Zheyuan, who is now famous through HIDDEN LOVE, before transitioning to acting. Zhou Yanchen is now actively starring in various popular teen dramas, utilizing the experience and skills gained during his training to deliver stunning performances on screen.

These are the popular Chinese actors and actresses who surprisingly have a past as trainees at SM Entertainment. For those of you who want to see more celebrity news, you can read other articles on kapanlagi.com. Because, if not now, when?

(kpl/dhm)