Overseasidol.com — Lai Guanlin has once again captured public attention after excerpts from his recent podcast conversation with director Liu Xun Zimo surfaced online.
In the candid discussion, the former idol and actor opened up about his decision to step away from the limelight and transition into behind-the-scenes work.
When asked what gave him the courage to leave his on-screen career, Lai Guanlin revealed that several experiences in the entertainment industry clashed deeply with his personal values.
One comment from a colleague left a lasting impact on him, suggesting it was better to casually date than to commit seriously to a relationship.
For Lai, that remark caused a profound shock to his worldview and made him question the environment he was part of.
He also spoke about industry norms that he found difficult to accept, such as the expectation that lead actors must be provided with luxury trailers and should never fly on budget airlines or economy class.
His desire for a simpler, more grounded lifestyle was often misunderstood and labeled as strange by his management.
Beyond external factors, Lai Guanlin admitted to struggling with a low sense of self-worth throughout his years as an idol and actor. He gradually realized that he had personal limitations.
A turning point came while filming a project about left-behind children in Daliangshan, Sichuan.
The powerful performance of a 12-year-old actress left him stunned and prompted deep self-reflection. He began to question whether acting was truly something he could excel at.
He emphasized the importance of self-awareness, acknowledging that acting might not be his strongest path.
Additionally, his public figure status often brought unnecessary distractions to film sets, affecting the creative process in ways he found increasingly uncomfortable.
