Lai Kuan Lin Opens Up About Life After Retirement From Korean Entertainment Industry, Says He Still Has “Lingering Feelings” for Korea

05 May 2026, 16:39 by K-Soul · allkpop

Former Wanna One member Lai Kuan Lin has shared his thoughts following his retirement from the entertainment industry.

In the May 5 episode of Mnet Plus’s 'Wanna One Go,' Lai Kuan Lin reunited with Ha Sung Woon at Beijing Airport, drawing attention from fans. The reunion was also watched by other Wanna One members through a screen.

Ha Sung Woon met Lai Kuan Lin, who has since left the Korean entertainment world and is now pursuing a career as a film director. Currently based in China, Lai Kuan Li revealed his love for Korean food, even going as far as cooking it himself.

“When I first came to Beijing, I didn’t have any friends or family here. I really craved Korean food, but there was no one around to ask. So I had no choice but to make it myself,” he shared.

Now walking the path of a film director, Lai Kuan Lin explained, “I joined a Chinese film production company, and while working there, I’m learning about scripts and mainly working on short films. I feel secure now that I’m earning a salary.”

He added, “I really like where I am now. I like the version of myself that is moving forward slowly. Rather than becoming a singer too quickly, I prefer growing step by step through my own efforts.”

When Ha Sung Woon expressed surprise at his fluent Korean, Lai Kuan Lin admitted, “It’s because I still have lingering feelings for Korea.” He then revealed tattoos on his arm, including August 7—the debut date of Wanna One.

“If there’s ever a day in my life worth celebrating or personally commemorating, I think I’ll say it’s August 7. It’s the day my hard work paid off with a good result,” he said, moving those present.

Meanwhile, Lai Kuan Lin previously engaged in a legal dispute with his former agency Cube Entertainment over his exclusive contract, ultimately winning the case in 2021. He continued his activities in China before making his directorial debut with the short film 'The Battle of Winter and Summer' in 2021.

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