SOURCE: '워너원 출신' 라이관린, 연예계 은퇴 후 달라진 삶 "월급쟁이라 마음 든든해"
Former Wanna One's member, Lai Kuanlin, shared an update on his life following his retirement from the entertainment industry.
In the second episode of Mnet's 'Wanna One Go: Back to Base' that aired on the 5th, Lai Kuanlin made an appearance and revealed his current life.
On this day, Ha Sungwoon traveled to Beijing to meet him. Lai Kuanlin came to the airport to greet him and the two shared a warm hug to celebrate their reunion.
Speaking about his current life, Lai Kuanlin said, "I joined a Chinese film production company. While working there, I'm learning about scripts and mainly working on short films. Being a salaried worker makes me feel secure."
He added, "I'm really happy right now. I love seeing myself move forward slowly. I really like who I am now, moving forward slowly through my own efforts, rather than that feeling of becoming a singer too quickly," expressing satisfaction with his current life.
However, he still showed lingering feelings for Korea. When Ha Sungwoon complimented his improved Korean compared to his Wanna One days, Lai Kuanlin smiled and said, "It's because I still have lingering feelings for Korea."
Lai Kuanlin also revealed that he got a tattoo of Wanna One's debut date, August 7th, on his arm. He said, "If there is a day in my life that deserves celebration or a date I want to celebrate, I think it would be August 7th. It's the day my efforts led to a great result," touching viewers.
That day, Lai Kuanlin teared up while watching heartfelt video messages sent by the members. He said, "I miss all the member so much. Thank you so much for sending me these messages," and added, "Everyone is still the same. They haven't changed at all. They all look so amazing." He also shared his honest feelings, "Since my retirement was a decision I made myself, I feel a bit burdened about appearing on TV again."
Through a video message to the members who reunited after seven years, Lai Kuanlin confessed, "I miss the Hyungs so much. To be honest, I really do want to promote with you all again. But filming again would feel like too much of a burden for me personally."
He concluded, "There's so much I want to say. Let's meet in private and talk someday. I love you."
Meanwhile, after Wanna One's activities ended, Lai Kuanlin went through a legal dispute over his exclusive contract with Cube Entertainment in 2019. After winning the case, he continued his entertainment activities in China before announcing his retirement in 2024.
