Did you know that EXO's Lay Zhang aka Lay started acting since he was six years old? He landed his first small-screen role in 1998 when he copped the part of Huan Huan in
Chinese drama We The People. A string of projects soon followed, launching his career as a child star till his momentous audition for SM Entertainment.
After his debut as a member of EXO in 2012, Lay continued to flex his acting chops by taking on roles in a variety of shows, movies, and dramas. From actor to singer to producer-songwriter and Chinese publicity ambassador, Lay, who goes by his birth name Zhang Yixing for his Chinese appearances, has accomplished so much over the years and continues to make his fans proud. Witness his onscreen charisma by entering the world of C-dramas and adding these picks to your watchlist!
Early Projects
1. The Mystic Nine (2016)
Where to watch it: iQIYI
The plot: This epic fantasy drama will blow you away with its action-packed scenes. Set in the early 1900s in the town of Changsa (the largest city in China's Hunan Province), its plot kicks off with the appearance of a mysterious train containing coffins and dead bodies. Fo Ye (William Chan), leader of the Mystic Nine clan, investigates the scene and discovers a suspicious mine on the outskirts of the city. He enlists the help of expert tomb raider Er Ye (Lay Zhang) and together with the other masters of the Mystic Nine clan, they work towards solving a mystery with roots deeper than they can imagine.
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2. Idol Producer (2018)
Where to watch it: iQIYI
The plot: Lay puts on his producer hat and headlines Chinese reality boy group survival show Idol Producer, where 100 trainees compete for a spot in a 9-member Chinese idol group. Joining him are GOT7's Jackson Wang and MC Jin as the show's rap mentors, vocal mentor Li Ronghao, and dance mentors Cheng Xiao (Cosmic Girls) and Zhou Jieqiong aka Kyulkyung (Pristine). As the show kicks off, Lay puts an emphasis on how the future of each trainee lies in the hands of the viewers. Think of it as the Chinese version of Produce 101!
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3. The Golden Eyes (2019)
Where to watch it: iQIYI
The plot: In iQIYI blockbuster drama The Golden Eyes, Zhuang Rui (Lay Zhang) works as a pawnshop assistant who experiences an accident that leads to a mutation in his eyes. His life changes dramatically as he gains the power of the legendary Golden Eyes and develops the ability to see beyond what is visible to the human eye. As he exploits his newfound "gift" he realizes that he must step up to the consequences that come with it.
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Recent Projects
4. Back To Field Season 5 (2021)
Where to watch it: Mango TV
The plot: Slow down with Lay and Chinese stars Huang Lei, He Jiong, Peng Yuchang, and Zhang Zifeng as they embrace the simple life by living away from the busy city and embracing a rural country lifestyle. Each episode features a guest who joins the cast as they provide for themselves by making use of basic provisions and completing tasks.
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5. Crime Crackdown (2021)
Where to watch it: WeTV
The plot: Action sensation Crime Crackdown has been receiving so much love and hype since its August 9 release—earning an amazing 81 million views for its first episode alone! It revolves around former frontline officer Li Cheng Yan (Sun Hong Lei), who was framed and imprisoned for being a good cop. After completing his sentence, he joins forces with rookie policeman Lin Hao (Lay Zhang) to wipe Zhongjiang City clean of crime and bring the corrupt to justice. EXO-L's who stan Lay are in for a treat as he amps up his onscreen charisma and redefines a policeman's image like never before.
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Upcoming Projects
6. Challenges At Midlife (premieres in late 2021)
The plot: Jian Hong Cheng (Lei Jia Yin) is the son of a factory director who falls head over heels for his college classmate Ning Yu (Yuan Quan). After getting busted multiple times and bouncing back to try his luck, he finally gives up when he finds out that she is getting married. When his father dies after his health deteriorates post an injury inflicted on him by one of his employees, Jian Hong leaves his town instead of claiming his rights to his father's factory.
Years pass and Jian Hong discovers that right-hand man, Zhang Li Xin (Liang Guan Hua), plans to sell his father's factory to pay his debts. This pushes him to return to his town and protect his father's legacy. He crosses paths with Ning Yu (who is now divorced) and rekindles his connection with her. Ning Yu's brother, Ning Shu (Lay Zhang), gets in his way as he navigates towards his goal with his first love now on his side.
MORE ABOUT *EXO* BELOW:
7 Must-Watch Dramas And Movies Starring *EXO* Members
10 Must-Listen K-Pop Songs To Hype You Up For EXO’s D.O.’s First Solo Album
LOOK: Pinoy EXO-Ls Are Getting *Emotional* Over EXO's Long-Awaited Comeback
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Source: Cosmo PH
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