Former Wanna One member Lai Kuanlin has shared a rare glimpse into his life after retirement, touching fans with his honest reflections and lingering affection for his group.
In the latest episode of “WANNA ONE GO : Back to Base,” Lai Kuanlin reunited with Ha Sungwoon in China, where he has been living and working. During their meeting, he revealed that he now works at a Chinese film production company, learning scriptwriting and participating in short film projects.
“I’m basically a salaried employee now, and it makes me feel secure,” he shared with a smile, expressing satisfaction with his slower-paced life compared to his early debut years.
Lai Kuanlin also opened up about his early days in Beijing, recalling how he struggled with loneliness and ended up cooking Korean food himself due to missing familiar tastes and not having friends or family nearby.
One of the most emotional moments came when he revealed a tattoo on his arm—engraved with August 7, the debut date of Wanna One. “If there’s a date I want to remember personally, it would be August 7,” he said, showing that his connection to the group remains deeply meaningful.
Despite his fond memories, Lai Kuanlin admitted that returning to group activities would feel overwhelming. “I miss the members and want to be together, but filming again feels like too much pressure for me,” he confessed.
His words moved fellow members, including Yoon Jisung, Hwang Minhyun, Ong Seongwu, and Park Jihoon, who were seen tearing up during the broadcast.
Through this heartfelt reunion, Lai Kuanlin’s story highlights a different path after idol life—one that values personal growth, stability, and cherished memories, even as fans continue to hope for moments of reunion in the future.
Sources: Daum | 스타뉴스