Lai Kuan Lin Transitions from K-Pop Idol to Film Director
Lai Kuan Lin, the former member of the popular K-pop group Wanna One, has recently taken a bold step into the world of filmmaking. This transition signifies a profound career shift for the 23-year-old Taiwanese artist, who is now embracing his role as a film director.
Joining Wanhetian: A New Beginning
On June 23, production company Wanhetian made headlines by announcing that Lai Kuan Lin would be their inaugural director born after the year 2000. His involvement in the film industry marks a notable chapter in his artistic journey.
Current Project: “Space-Time Partners”
Currently, Lai Kuan Lin is working on his short film titled Space-Time Partners, where he has taken on the role of executive director. Colleagues in the production have lauded his proactive approach, highlighting his ability to manage schedules for extras and even provide acting direction. His hands-on involvement reflects a deep passion for storytelling, captivating the entire production crew.
A Journey into Directing
This isn’t Lai Kuan Lin’s first foray into directing; he made his directing debut in 2021 with the short film titled Em Chu Em Nie Zi Bo (or Winter & Spring Are Fighting), which received widespread acclaim. The film clinched five awards at the Rome Prisma Independent Film Festival, including accolades for Best Director and Best Picture, establishing him as a talented director early on in his career.
Wanna One: The Path to Fame
Lai Kuan Lin’s journey in the entertainment world began when he secured seventh place in Mnet’s “Produce 101 Season 2” in 2017, garnering an impressive 905, 875 votes that earned him a spot in Wanna One. The project group debuted in August 2017 and concluded its activities on December 31, 2018, adhering to a predetermined contract duration.
Legal Challenges and Career Evolution
In the wake of Wanna One’s disbandment, Lai Kuan Lin faced a turbulent period marked by legal disputes with Cube Entertainment. In 2019, he filed a lawsuit against the agency, alleging that they had improperly transferred his management rights to a third-party Chinese agency. By June 2021, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in his favor, declaring his exclusive contract with Cube Entertainment invalid.
Stepping Away from Entertainment
The official conclusion of his entertainment career came in June 2024 when he announced his retirement via social media, solidifying his commitment to pursuing filmmaking.
Support and Development from Wanhetian
Wanhetian has expressed great confidence in Lai Kuan Lin’s potential as a filmmaker. They emphasized their mutual agreement that he should gain diverse experience on various sets before launching more of his films. The company has also requested privacy during the filming process, underscoring the importance of focusing on his artistic growth.
Commitment to Film Education
Further illustrating his dedication, reports reveal that Lai Kuan Lin applied to the prestigious Beijing Film Academy, indicating his serious intent to hone his craft. His accolades at international film festivals and his newfound role as a director signify that this career change may be just the beginning of a promising future in the film industry.
A Natural Evolution of Artistic Interests
According to those involved in his projects, Lai Kuan Lin’s creative instincts and enthusiasm for filmmaking have been apparent throughout the production process, suggesting a seamless transition from performer to director that aligns with his artistic passions.
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