One of the former members of Wanna One has chosen to retire from their career as a celebrity.
On June 14, 2024, TheQoo, one of the most popular online community forums in South Korea, posted an article titled “Lai Kuanlin announces his retirement from the entertainment industry.”
The initial post featured a snapshot from the ex-idol’s Weibo profile. In the statement, he disclosed his decision to pursue a different profession and announced his departure from the entertainment industry. His statement stated,
“After careful consideration, I have decided to shift my career path. Because of my change in career plan, this account will be managed by my team from today onward.”
After retiring from entertainment, Lai Kuanlin will shift his attention to his career as a movie director. He has already helmed two successful short films: “Em Chu Em Nie Zi Bo”(translated to “Winter and Spring Are Fighting”) and “It’s Raining in Beijing,”both of which received widespread critical praise and numerous accolades.
“Em Chu Em Nie Zi Bo”was recognized for its excellence at the 2021 Rome Independent Film Awards in Italy, receiving a nomination for “Best Film.”In addition, the film’s director won the prestigious “Best Director”award at a film competition in June of the same year. Meanwhile, “It’s Raining in Beijing”earned the Special Prize for the Best Short Film at the WSXA International Film Festival in Paris.
Despite receiving support for his career change, Chinese netizens speculate that the reason for Lai Kuanlin’s sudden shift was due to his dating life. This speculation was fueled by paparazzi photos of the young star hugging his rumored girlfriend on the street, just two days before he made a statement about his career change. However, Lai Kuanlin has yet to address these rumors.
After hearing news of Lai Kuanlin, Korean netizens expressed their unwavering support for the former Wanna One member. Numerous fans of the group also shared their excitement at finally receiving updates from the former idol and expressed their joy in seeing him pursue his passions. They wish for Lai Kuanlin to continue living a fulfilling and happy life.
Despite some people’s regret, there were others who wished he had continued his journey as a K-pop idol. They pointed out that during his stint with Wanna One, he showed great enthusiasm for his idol career and held CUBE Entertainment responsible for “destroying”his prospects in South Korea. His final appearance as a K-pop idol was in 2019, when he debuted as a unit with PENTAGON’s Wooseok.
Several comments were written, stating that
- “Kuanlin was so passionate about being an idol, so it’s a shame. But I hope he makes a lot of good movies!”
- “I will always support you, maknae.”
- “Kuanlin… I support you.”
- “Kuanlin will always be my one pick because of how handsome he is. I support you, Kuanlin-ah!”
- “Wow, but he is still so handsome.”
- “It’s been so long since I heard the news about Kuanlinie. Do everything you want and live your life happily, maknae-yah!”
- “Kuanlin, our maknae… Even if I can’t read news about you often, I will always support you. I’m cheering for your new dreams!”
- “Maknae, I will always support you!”
- “I will miss seeing you in dramas, but I support you! Fighting!”
- “Kuanlin-ie… I liked you so much… CUBE is such trash…”
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