Zhang Yixing, formerly known as Zhang Yixing, is a Chinese singer, songwriter, actor and record producer who gained international recognition as a member of the Korean-Chinese boy band EXO.
In 2012, Zhang Yixing was introduced as one of the four Chinese members of EXO and became known for his impressive dance skills and vocal performances, which skyrocketed in popularity.
Over the years, Zhang Yixing has expanded his career beyond music into acting, becoming a prominent figure in the Chinese and Korean entertainment circles.
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- Full name: Zhang Yixing
- Nickname: Lai
- Date of birth: October 7, 1991
- Age: 33 years old
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Nationality: Chinese
- Occupation: Singer, actor, record producer, entrepreneur
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
- Parents: Not applicable
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: Not applicable
- Children: Not applicable
- Relationship status: Single (as of 2024)
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: Asian
- Net worth: $10 million
early life and education
Zhang Yixing, 33 years old, was born on October 7, 1991 in Changsha, Hunan, China. He spent his early years in Changsha and became interested in performing arts at an early age.
He first appeared on television when he was six years old, playing a small role in a Chinese TV series. He got his first taste of fame in 2005, when he won third place in the “Star Academy” talent competition in Hunan.
Subsequently, he auditioned for South Korea’s SM Entertainment in 2008. At the age of 16, Lay went to South Korea to receive idol training, and finally debuted with EXO in 2012.
Despite his demanding career, details about his formal education remain scarce, although it is known that Ray prioritized his entertainment career from an early age.
personal life
Zhang Yixing manages to keep his personal life private and has yet to confirm any reports of a significant relationship.
Although he is still a bachelor, Ray has expressed in interviews his commitment to his career and his passion for creating music and performing.
His busy schedule, balancing music, acting and managing his company, may explain his current single status.
Profession
Zhang Yixing’s career took off with the launch of EXO in 2012. He quickly became one of the group’s lead dancers, singers and all-around performer.
EXO’s success was huge, with their album “XOXO” becoming the first Korean album in 12 years to sell more than 1 million copies.
Lay has also developed solo projects alongside his group activities, and debuted his first solo single “Monodrama” in 2016.
His solo music showcases his talents as a producer, songwriter and performer. Lay has since released several albums, including “Lose Control”, “Lay 02 Sheep” and “Namanana”.
In addition to music, Lay has starred in several Chinese films and TV series, such as “Kung Fu Yoga” (2017), “Little Island” (2018) and “GoldenEye” (2019).
He has also become a well-known figure in Chinese variety shows, appearing in the hit “Go Fight!” In 2020, Zhang Yixing founded his own entertainment company, Chromosome Entertainment, solidifying his status as a successful entrepreneur.
Awards
- Best Supporting Actor – Chinese-British Film Festival (2016)
- Best Movie Soundtrack – The 16th Chinese Music Festival (2015)
- Best Movie Soundtrack – The 4th V-Chart Awards (2015)
- Best Producer – Top Ten Chinese Music Festival (2018)
- Forbes China’s Top 100 Celebrities – Ranked in the top 20 multiple times (2016-2020)
net worth
Zhang Yixing has an estimated net worth of $10 million. His wealth is derived from a variety of activities, including collaborations with EXO, a successful solo music career, performances in Chinese films and TV series, and endorsement deals with brands such as Valentino and Huawei.
Ray’s entrepreneurial pursuits, such as founding Chromosome Entertainment, further contributed to his financial success.
social media
- Instagram: @layzhang
- Twitter: @layzhang
film chronology
- Frontline Files 2: Backup Counterattack (2015)
- Kung Fu Yoga(2017)
- Island(2018)
- GoldenEye(2019)
- Empress Ming(2019)
- Fight Crime(2021)
- No more bets (2023)
discography
- Losing Control (EP, 2016)
- Lay 02 Sheep (album, 2017)
- Special Winter Gift* (Album, 2017)
- Namanana (album, 2018)
- Light Up (Album, 2020)
books
- Stand firm for 24 hours (2015)
