Lai Kuanlin, the K-pop sensation and former Wanna One member, has surprised fans by announcing his retirement from music.
On June 14, the 22-year-old Taiwanese rapper announced retirement with a social media post saying, “After careful consideration, I will change course. This account will now be handed over to the employee due to a change in career plans.”
He’s rumored to be pursuing a career as a film director. In 2021, he made his debut as a film director with the short film Fighting in Winter and Spring.
The film went on to achieve significant success, securing 5 awards, such as Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Actress, at the Rome PRISMA Independent Film Festival in June 2021.
Just last year, there were reports that Lai Kuanlin submitted an application to the esteemed Beijing Film Academy, a prestigious film school in China. With his talent as a film director gaining recognition, his career focus shifts towards directing instead of continuing in the entertainment industry.
He first captured the hearts of fans on Mnet’s ‘Produce 101 Season 2’ in 2017, eventually earning a spot in the debut group Wanna One by finishing seventh in the final rankings.
Lai Kuanlin, who is from Taiwan, won a legal battle with Cube Entertainment in 2019, had his contract terminated, and then made a move to China for work.
