Ex-Wanna One member Lai Kuanlin finds peace as film director in China

Former Wanna One member Lai Kuanlin greets fans. Captured from Mnet Plus's YouTube Channel

By Hankookilbo

• Published May 7, 2026 1:41 PM KST

Members tear up at former bandmate's professional growth

Former K-pop star Lai Kuanlin revealed his new life as a film director in China, sharing his reflections on his past idol career during a reality show reunion with his former bandmate.

On the Mnet broadcast of "Wanna One Go: Back to Base" that aired Tuesday, Lai reunited with Ha Sung-woon in Beijing. Meeting for the first time in about seven years since their activities with K-pop project group Wanna One, the two visited a restaurant to catch up.

Lai quit his K-pop career and now works at a Chinese film production company.

"I joined a Chinese film production company. I am working an office job. I learn about scripts and mainly work on short films," Lai said. "Because I am an office worker, it gives me peace of mind."

Expressing deep satisfaction with his post-idol life, Lai emphasized his preference for steady progress.

"I like right now so much. I like the way I'm moving forward slowly," he said. "Not that kind of feeling of becoming a singer too fast, but I like my slow but steady progress while putting in effort."

Other Wanna One members, watching the reunion through a video recording, teared up at his maturity and candor.

Despite ending his activities in Korea a long time ago, Lai is still fluent in Korean. When Ha asked how he kept his language skills so sharp, Lai said his fondness for the country remains strong.

"It's because my affection for Korea remains," Lai said.

Lai then revealed an "Aug. 7" tattoo on his arm, referencing Wanna One's debut date.

"If asked about a memorable event, I think I would say Aug. 7," Lai said. "Because it is the day that my hard work paid off."

The explanation prompted Ha to become visibly emotional.

Despite his enduring respect for his past, Lai did not participate in Wanna One's recent reunion activities. He confessed that filming again as a performer would feel like a burden to him. He closed with a message to the group's fanbase, known as Wannable.

"I am doing well now, so I hope Wannables will also be happy always," he said.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.