Lai Kuan-lin’s Current Status: Retire from Entertainment Industry, Start a New Role
In 2024, Lai Kuan-lin attended a cultural exchange event hosted by Taiwan’s Presidential Office as a representative figure in Taiwan’s cultural sector. During the event, he was spotted seated among politicians, including Song Tao (director of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office), drawing significant attention. It has been reported that Lai Kuan-lin participated in the exchange program as a “representative of Taiwan’s cultural community”.
Following the release of these images, his name surged to the top of Weibo’s trending searches in China. Netizens responded warmly to his update, with comments such as, “He looks even cooler than during his idol days“, “It’s amazing to see him focus on what he loves” and “He’s inspiring for finishing one chapter of his life and pursuing his passion with determination.”
In June, Lai Kuan-lin hinted at his retirement from the entertainment industry by posting, “After much consideration, I’ve decided to change my career path. From now on, this account will be managed by my staff.” His agency at the time, Cube Entertainment, also confirmed the termination of his contract, stating, “We support Lai Kuan-lin’s promising future endeavors.”
Although he has not provided specific details about his desired career path, it has been reported that Lai Kuan-lin is currently active as a film director. He made his directorial debut in 2021 with the short film “Winter & Spring Are Fighting”, which won five awards, including Best Director, Best Picture and Best Actress, at the Rome Prisma Independent Film Awards in June of the same year.
In June 2025, it was revealed that the former WANNA ONE member would be taking on the role of “director” by joining a production company, with a statement being made on Weibo.
“Welcome, Lai Kuan-lin.
Our first director that was born in the 2000s.
AdvertisementHe’s passionate, energetic, sharp, and direct. He’s definitely worth looking forward to.
He has a natural talent when it comes to expression, determination to take on the world, and courage to going back to square one. He was born to be a creator. We’re looking forward to seeing him meet everyone through his works, one step at a time.It’s impossible to achieve success overnight. Before becoming an even better director, before releasing more of his own works, he will take the opportunity to experience and learn about different roles within a production team. This is what we and Lai Kuan-lin have mutually agreed on.
We and Lai Kuan-lin are grateful for every opportunity to learn from every production team. We would like to sincerely request that, if you encounter Lai Kuan-lin as he’s learning or working, at present or in the future, please do not disturb the production team or make us the main focus in the public’s eyes. Otherwise, he’d feel guilty towards that project and the project’s director.
Thank you, everyone. Have a great day.”
Meanwhile, Lai Kuan-lin first rose to fame in 2017 as the “chick trainee” on Mnet’s “Produce 101 Season 2”. He finished in seventh place and debuted with the group Wanna One alongside members like Kang Daniel, achieving immense popularity during the group’s activities.
Source: Daum
