Last year, Lai Kuan-lin, a former member of the group Wanna One who announced his retirement from the entertainment industry, has recently been revealed to be transforming into a film director.

According to a report by Taiwanese media ETtoday on the 23rd, the video production company Wang He Tian announced that Lai Kuan-lin will be joining as a director, making him the company's first director born after 2000.

The production company stated that Lai Kuan-lin participated in the filming of the short play '時空合人 (Time and Space Partner)' and served as the executive director. The production team praised Lai Kuan-lin, noting that he is 'sincerely involved in the production, coordinating the schedules for extra actors himself and actively participating in acting guidance.'

Additionally, the production company highly valued Lai Kuan-lin's sharp creative sense and passion, explaining, 'No job is done instantly. To become a better director, both sides agreed that gaining experience and learning from various fields until more of his works come out is the direction we have agreed upon.'

They also urged, 'Even when seeing Lai Kuan-lin on set in the future, please do not disturb the production site and do not excessively draw attention to him in online public opinions,' adding, 'If that happens, he could feel sorry for the project and his director.'

Lai Kuan-lin also conveyed through comments on social media, 'I have a long way to go, but I will find peace of mind in the process of moving slowly and develop myself in that peace. I am grateful for the company's trust. During the time ahead, I will diligently learn from the company's director seniors.'

Previously, Lai Kuan-lin gained popularity as a rookie trainee on Mnet's 'Produce 101 Season 2' in 2017. After ranking 7th in the final ranking, he was selected for the debut group and actively participated as a member of Wanna One.

After the conclusion of Wanna One's activities, he began a legal dispute with CUBE Entertainment in 2019, and after winning, he moved to China to work as an actor.

Later in 2021, he made his directorial debut with the short film 'The Fight of Winter and Summer,' which garnered attention by winning a total of five awards, including Best Director, Best Film, and Best Actress, at the Rome Prisma Independent Film Festival in June of the same year.

However, Lai Kuan-lin announced last year that he would retire from the entertainment industry and change occupations, expressing his intention to transition into directing.

[Photo] OSEN DB

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