K-pop and Chinese dramas have taken over the world by storm. It’s an eye feast for fans when these two come together. Many K-pop groups have members from different nations who join together. This includes Chinese members too. They sing mesmerizing and beautiful songs ‘which becomes the charm of that group. Often Chinese members of a K-pop group go back to China after their group disbands to pursue a solo career in singing or acting and often excel in it.
Below is a list of the Top Ten Chinese actors who were part of K-pop groups:
1. Lu Han
Lu Han is one of the most well-known celebrities in China. He started his career as a K-pop idol with the famous Korean group ‘EXO.’ Along with his other Chinese members; he promoted the group in Korea and China as EXO members. In 2014, Lu Han filed a lawsuit against SM entertainment due to mismanagement. After his departure, Lu Han experienced immense success in both acting and singing in China. His debut movie "20 once again" and debut drama "Fighter of the destiny” were huge hits.
2. Tao
Tao is also known as Huang Zitao. He was a member of the famous K-pop group EXO and debuted in 2012 with less than one year of training. Tao's first work as an actor was in 2015 when he starred in a Chinese movie "You are my sunshine," playing the role of William. After filing a lawsuit against SM entertainment in August 2015 for mistreatment, he left EXO and decided to pursue his career in China. Since then, he has worked in many Chinese dramas and movies as the lead actor. He acted in "A Chinese Odyssey: Love You A Million Years" and "Negotiator."
3. Zhou Jieqiong
She has worked in Chinese dramas like "Miss Truth" and “Legend of Fei.” This year she made her debut film with the Chinese movie ‘Sunny sisters.’ She is also known as Kyulkyung. Zhou signed under Pledis entertainment in 2009. In 2016, she participated in the Mnet Variety show "Produce 101". Zhou was one of the 11 girls chosen to be part of the group ‘IOI.’ They debuted in May 2016 with the title track ‘Dreamgirl.’ After a year of promotion, the group disbanded. In March 2017, Zhou debuted under the K-pop group 'Pristin,' previously called ‘Pledis Girlz.’ After its disbandment in 2019, Zhou officially debuted as a Chinese soloist and actress.
4. Victoria
Victoria Song is still part of the K-pop group f (x) as they never disbanded officially. The group has been on hiatus since 2016, and it seems less likely that they'll release new music. Most of the members have left SM entertainment, including Victoria. Victoria debuted with f(x) in 2009 and made her debut as an actress in the Chinese industry in 2012 with the show ‘When Love walked in.’ Victoria has a successful acting career and has worked in hit Chinese dramas like ‘Find yourself,’ ‘Ice Fantasy,’ and has many upcoming projects shortly.
5. Cheng Xiao
You may recognize Cheng Xiao from the recent hit Chinese drama ‘Falling into your smile.’ She is also a part of the Korean-Chinese group WJSN that debuted in 2016. She has participated in the famous Korean variety show "Law of the Jungle" as one of the cast members. Even though Xiao just started her acting career in 2020, she has worked on various projects since then.
6. Lai Kuan-Lin
He played the lead role of 'Liang Younian' in the Chinese drama "A Little Thing Called First Love." He started his career by participating in Mnet's hit variety show "Produce 101" and was selected to debut in the Korean group ‘Wanna One.’ After the group disbandment in 2018, he decided to focus on Chinese activities. He ended his contract with Cube Agency in 2021. He will soon star in a new series ‘Love the way you are’ with the famous actress Angela Baby named.
7. Zhang Yixing
He is commonly known by his stage name ‘Lay.’ He debuted in the South Korean group EXO in 2012. He made his acting debut in 2015 with the Chinese movie ‘Ex-Files 2: The Backup Strikes Back’. Lay has also starred alongside actor Jackie Chan in the movie ‘Kung Fu Yoga. Lay is still a part of the EXO group and enjoys immense popularity all over the world.
8. Wu Xuanyi
Another Chinese actress that started as a K-pop idol is Wu Xuanyi. She first debuted as a member of the Korean-Chinese girl group 'WJSN' in 2016. Wu Xuanyi was the lead actress alongside Xiao Zhan in the Chinese show ‘Douluo Continent.’ Her new drama 'Sweet Teeth" with Bi Wenjun is rumored to air on 19th August 2021.
9. Meng Jia
She is better known by her stage name Jia. She is a Chinese singer and actress. She was part of the Korean Girl Group 'Miss A' until her contract expired in May 2016. After that, she went to China to pursue a solo career. Before leaving the group, Jia had already debuted as an actor in China with ‘One and a Half Summer.’ She has also starred in various Chinese movies.
10. Wang Fei Fei
She is also known as Fei. She is a Chinese singer and actress who was part of the K-pop group 'Miss A' who now enjoys her popularity in China. She has done many guest roles in Chinese dramas, but her first lead role was in 2018 with "Cover the sky." Her upcoming drama “My Marvellous Fable” is yet to air.
