Missing K-Pop Idol Finally Explains Reason for Leaving the Industry at Peak Fame
Lai Guanlin announced his retirement from acting and revealed the real reason behind his sudden career shift.
The former WANNA ONE member shocked fans by quitting his on-camera career in 2024 to focus on directing behind the scenes.
After WANNA ONE disbanded in 2019, Lai Guanlin formed the duo Wooseok x Guanlin with PENTAGON’s Wooseok. Later, he asked to end his contract with Cube Entertainment and pursued acting in China.
His retirement came as a surprise, but in a recent podcast interview, he opened up about what pushed him to quit acting.
Lai Guanlin explained the clash of values with his agency played a big part. The agency reportedly wanted him to avoid serious relationships and preferred “short casual relationships,” essentially hook-ups.
“They preferred I have short casual relationships, i.e. hook-ups, rather than an actual relationship.”
— Lai Guanlin
He also shared a moment that made him reconsider his skills—watching a child actor’s performance.
“Seeing a child actor perform made me reflect on my own skills.”
— Lai Guanlin
WANNA ONE fans are still buzzing as the group is set for a reunion later this year.
