He is determined to pursue a new life
Former WANNA ONE member Lai Guanlin has suddenly announced his departure from celebrity life.
On June 14, the rapper took to the Chinese social media platform Weibo to announce his retirement from his current career to his 8.7 million followers. He wrote a brief post, sharing that he has decided to change his career path after much careful consideration. Given the new direction of his career, his team will manage his social media moving forward.
Though Lai didn’t specify his new career direction, speculations are that he is leaving the idol-actor life to become a movie director.
The news has left fans disappointed, but they have sent their best wishes to Guanlin.
“Guanlin, fighting!”
“At that young age, he came to a foreign land and auditioned. That alone is a great feat…I will be rooting for you.”
“Guanlin, no matter what, do what you want and be happy. Eat well and sleep well. Wannables will support you.”
“I hope you’re happy TT.”
“As long as Guanlin is happy. Live your life doing what you want.”
“I really liked idol Guanlin TT. Be happy.”
Meanwhile, Guanlin was a Produce 101 contestant who debuted as a member of WANNA ONE. In 2019, he was embroiled in a legal fight with his agency, Cube Entertainment, after requesting his exclusive contract with them to be terminated. He eventually won the case and moved to China, continuing his career as a pop idol and actor. In 2021, he made his directorial debut under the name Edward Lai and released his short film Em Chu Em Nie Zi Bo. The film won him many accolades, marking a promising start for the star’s alternative career path.
