Lai Guanlin is back in the public conversation, but this time it is not about a comeback or a new role. A short clip from his recent podcast chat with director Liu Xun Zimo has quietly gone viral, pulling fans into a much deeper and more personal discussion about values, identity, and why he chose to walk away from the front stage.
In the podcast, the former idol and young actor spoke calmly but firmly about his decision to move behind the scenes.
When asked about the courage it took to step away from a public-facing career, Lai Guanlin admitted that the turning point came when his personal values started clashing with the norms he encountered in the entertainment industry.
One moment that stayed with him was a comment from a colleague who suggested that casual, non-committed relationships were more suitable than serious ones.
At the time, the remark shook him more than he expected. It pushed him to reflect on how different his own beliefs were from what seemed to be widely accepted around him, and whether he truly belonged in that environment.
He also questioned certain industry standards that felt excessive to him. The idea that lead actors must always be provided luxury caravans or avoid economy flights was something he struggled to relate to.
Wanting a simpler, more ordinary way of living was seen as unusual by his company, which only deepened his sense of disconnect.
Beyond lifestyle differences, Lai Guanlin spoke honestly about his abilities. During his years as an idol and actor, he often felt he was not good enough and became increasingly aware of his own limits.
A particularly memorable experience came while working on a film project about children left behind by their parents in Daliangshan, Sichuan.
Watching the performance of a 12-year-old child actress left him silent and reflective, prompting him to seriously question whether acting was a craft he could ever truly master.
For him, self-awareness became the key takeaway. Rather than forcing himself to fit into a role that no longer felt right, he chose to accept that acting might not be his strongest path.
He also pointed out that his status as a public figure often caused unnecessary attention on set, disrupting production and making it harder for him to focus on the work itself.
Family support played a crucial role in his decision. After many conversations at home, especially with his mother, all these factors eventually aligned. The result was a clear choice to step away from the spotlight and begin a new chapter as a creative working behind the scenes.
Fan and netizen reactions to his words have been mixed but thoughtful. Many fans expressed respect for his honesty, praising him for choosing mental clarity and personal values over fame. Some said his reflections felt mature and rare in an industry that often rewards endurance over self-reflection.
Others admitted feeling emotional, noting that his journey mirrored the quiet burnout many young people experience in high-pressure careers. There were also voices hoping he would one day return to acting, but on his own terms and timeline.
Lai Guanlin’s story has opened up a wider conversation about success, personal limits, and what it really means to choose a life that feels right. What do you think about his decision, and have you ever felt the need to step away from something you were expected to keep chasing? Share your thoughts and join the discussion.