Lai Kuan Lin, who rose to fame as a member of the project group Wanna One, has returned to the public eye in a new role—this time behind the camera.
According to Taiwanese media outlet ETtoday on June 23 KST, production company Wanhetian announced that Lai Kuan Lin has officially joined the company as a director. He is the first post-2000-born director to join their team.
His latest project is a short film titled 'Space-Time Partners', where he serves as executive director. According to the production staff, Lai Kuan Lin has been actively involved on set—“coordinating schedules for extras and providing acting direction himself,” adding that his hands-on approach and genuine passion have impressed the entire team.
The production company praised his creative instincts and drive, stating, “Nothing happens overnight. Both our company and Lai Kuanlin 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 also asked fans and the public to respect the production process: “If you see Lai Kuan Lin on set, please avoid disturbing the shoot or drawing excessive online attention to him. It may make him feel guilty toward the project and the crew.”
Lai Kuan Lin also shared his thoughts via a comment on social media, writing: “The road ahead is long, but I’m finding peace in moving forward slowly. In that peace, I want to grow. I’m deeply thankful for the company’s trust and will work hard to learn from the senior directors here.”
Lai Kuan Lin first entered the spotlight in 2017 through Mnet’s survival show 'Produce 101 Season 2'. Known affectionately as the “chick trainee,” he finished in 7th place and debuted as a member of Wanna One.
Following the group’s disbandment, he became embroiled in a legal dispute with Cube Entertainment in 2019 over contract terms. After winning the lawsuit, he ended his contract and began acting in China.
In 2021, he made his directorial debut with the short film 'The Battle Between Winter and Summer', which gained international attention after winning five awards—including Best Director, Best Film, and Best Actress—at the Rome Prisma Independent Film Awards.
In 2024, Lai Kuan Lin officially announced his retirement from the entertainment industry, declaring his intention to transition fully into filmmaking.
Now with his new role confirmed and early directing experience underway, fans are watching closely to see how his career will evolve behind the camera.
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