K-pop star Lay from Exo: the only Chinese member is also a talented actor and solo performer
Lay found fame as a child actor in China, and performed for a short time with Shinee before going solo, then joined K-pop mega band Exo. He is known for his generosity, setting up foundations and giving to good causes
K-pop star Lay was already a child star in China acting in TV dramas before he started school. After first joining K-pop act Shinee as a temporary member on their world tour before making his own debut, Lay is now seeing success internationally as the only Chinese member of Exo, one of K-pop’s most popular acts.
Last year, Lay ranked 20th on the Forbes China Celebrity 100 list and is a familiar face in Chinese dramas and films. His latest film, The Island, took the top spot on China’s box office on the first weekend after its release on August 10.
In an industry seemingly obsessed with money and fame, Lay stands out for his strong sense of social responsibility. He has set up several foundations in his name to which he makes regular donations and has given huge amounts to various causes, making him one of China’s top philanthropist celebrities.
His early life
Born Zhang Yixing in Changsa, Hunan province, Lay grew up an only child. Before he successfully auditioned for South Korean entertainment company SM Entertainment in his home city in 2008, he had been acting for many years, and his dreams of stardom were supported by his parents from an early age. He is still very close to his mother: he wrote a song about her and often posts photos of them together online.
His role in Exo
Lay is now the only Chinese member of Exo. He’s one of the act’s main dancers and a talented singer with a wide vocal range. Renowned as an artist constantly striving for perfection, Lay is becoming increasingly prominent in Exo’s tracks. And since the departure of other Chinese members of Exo, Lay has also been rapping in Chinese.