Former Wanna One member Lai Kuan Lin has officially embarked on a new career path as a film director, marking a significant transformation from K-pop idol to filmmaker.
Production company Wanhetian announced on June 23 that Lai Kuan Lin has joined their team as their first post-2000-born director.
The 23-year-old Taiwanese artist is currently working on a short film titled "Space-Time Partners," where he serves as executive director. Production staff have praised his hands-on approach, noting that he actively coordinates schedules for extras and provides acting direction himself. His dedication and passion behind the camera have impressed the entire production team.
This new direction in his career represents a continuation of Lai Kuan Lin's exploration into filmmaking rather than a complete departure from his previous work.
He first got into directing in 2021 with the short film "Em Chu Em Nie Zi Bo" (also known as "Winter & Spring Are Fighting"), which garnered significant recognition. The film won five awards at the Rome Prisma Independent Film Festival in June 2021, including Best Director, Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, and Best Costume Design.
Lai Kuan Lin's journey to this point has been marked by significant career transitions. He gained initial fame after finishing seventh place on Mnet's "Produce 101 Season 2" in 2017 with 905,875 votes, securing his position in the project group Wanna One. The group debuted in August 2017 and officially disbanded on December 31, 2018, as per their predetermined contract duration.
Following Wanna One's disbandment, Lai Kuan Lin faced legal challenges with Cube Entertainment. He initiated a lawsuit against the agency in 2019, claiming they had transferred his management rights to a third-party Chinese agency without proper consent. After multiple court proceedings, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in his favor in June 2021, declaring his exclusive contract with Cube Entertainment invalid.
The transition away from his entertainment career became official in June 2024 when Lai Kuan Lin announced his retirement from the industry through social media.
Wanhetian expressed confidence in Lai Kuan Lin's potential, stating that "both our company and Lai Kuan Lin agreed that, before releasing more of his own films, he should build experience on a variety of sets and continue learning to become a stronger director". They have also requested privacy for the production process, asking fans to avoid disturbing shoots or drawing excessive online attention to him during filming.
Reports suggest that Lai Kuan Lin had previously applied to Beijing Film Academy, one of China's most prestigious film schools, further demonstrating his serious commitment to developing his craft as a filmmaker. His recognition at international film festivals and his current professional directing role indicate that his career change represents more than just a departure from entertainment—it marks the beginning of what could be a promising future in cinema.
The production company has emphasized that Lai Kuan Lin's creative instincts and genuine passion for filmmaking have been evident throughout the production process, suggesting that his transition from performer to director may prove to be a natural evolution of his artistic interests.
