It was welcome news for fans.
Koreaboo
Former Wanna One member Lai Guanlin has had a surprising change in career after his retirement from the entertainment industry.
Back in 2024, Guanlin shocked netizens with his whereabouts after announcing his retirement from entertainment.
Former Wanna One’s Lai Guanlin Shocks With Recent Whereabouts
Yet, after a lot of inactivity, a surprising announcement was made.
It was revealed that Guanlin is making a return to the entertainment industry, but in a completely different capacity. On June 23, it was revealed that the former WANNA ONE member would be taking on the role of “director” by joining a production company, with a statement being made on Weibo.
“Welcome, Lai Guanlin.
Our first director that was born in the 2000s.
He’s passionate, energetic, sharp, and direct. He’s definitely worth looking forward to.
He has a natural talent when it comes to expression, determination to take on the world, and courage to going back to square one. He was born to be a creator. We’re looking forward to seeing him meet everyone through his works, one step at a time.It’s impossible to achieve success overnight. Before becoming an even better director, before releasing more of his own works, he will take the opportunity to experience and learn about different roles within a production team. This is what we and Lai Guanlin have mutually agreed on.
We and Lai Guanlin are grateful for every opportunity to learn from every production team. We would like to sincerely request that, if you encounter Lai Guanlin as he’s learning or working, at present or in the future, please do not disturb the production team or make us the main focus in the public’s eyes. Otherwise, he’d feel guilty towards that project and the project’s director.
Thank you, everyone. Have a great day.”
— Statement via Weibo
There were even photos and clips of Guanlin in “director” mode that have been shared on social media.
[23/05/2025 Lai Guanlin’s Update]
Director Lai in action for the first short drama project! 🎬
pic.twitter.com/D63xKHjR3L— Guanlin, 賴 。 (@laiguacnIin) June 23, 2025
#LAIGUANLIN #laikuanlin #賴冠霖
Sutradara Xiao Lai, lama tak berjumpa
Semoga sukses dengan pengambilan gambarnya!!
Menantikan karya barumuAaaaa semangat sutradara Guanlin 🥰🥰
Cr : 逆风天使202004https://t.co/NMBRvmE09Z pic.twitter.com/ks58aYiO1J— lina (@Rizqi_lina07) June 23, 2025
Netizens are looking forward to his future.
