Lay Zhang Biography: Age, Wife, Family, Instagram, Net Worth, Girlfriend, Height, Songs, Movies

Lay Zhang, born Zhang Yixing, is a Chinese singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer who gained international recognition as a South Korean-Chinese boy band EXO member.

Lay’s popularity soared after he was introduced as one of the four Chinese members of EXO in 2012, where he became known for his impressive dancing skills and vocal performances.

Over the years, Lay has expanded his career beyond music, venturing into acting and becoming a prominent figure in both Chinese and South Korean entertainment industries.

Profile

• Full name: Zhang Yixing
• Nickname: Lay
• Date of birth: October 7, 1991
• Age: 33 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Changsha, Hunan, China
• Nationality: Chinese
• Profession: Singer, Actor, Record Producer, Entrepreneur
• Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
• Parents: N/A
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: N/A
• Children: N/A
• Relationship status: Single (as of 2024)
• Religion: N/A
• Ethnicity: Asian
• Net worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Lay Zhang, now 33, was born on October 7, 1991, in Changsha, Hunan, China. He spent his early years in Changsha and became interested in performing arts at a young age.

His first television appearance came when he was only six, playing a small role in a Chinese TV drama. His first taste of fame came in 2005 when he won third place in a Hunan-based talent competition called Star Academy.

He later auditioned for South Korea’s SM Entertainment in 2008, and at the age of 16, Lay moved to South Korea to train as an idol, eventually debuting with EXO in 2012.

Despite his demanding career, details about his formal education remain sparse, though it is known that Lay prioritized his entertainment career from a young age.

Personal Life

Lay Zhang has managed to keep his personal life private, and no confirmed reports of a significant romantic relationship have been confirmed.

Though he remains a bachelor, Lay has expressed his commitment to his career and passion for creating music and performing in interviews.

His busy schedule, balancing his work in music, acting, and managing his company, may explain his current single status.

Career

Lay Zhang’s career took off with the launch of EXO in 2012. He quickly became known as one of the group’s lead dancers, vocalists, and an all-round performer.

EXO’s success was monumental, with their album XOXO becoming the first South Korean album to sell over a million copies in 12 years.

Lay also pursued solo projects alongside his group activities, debuting his first solo single, Monodrama, in 2016.

His solo music showcases his producer, songwriter, and performer talents. Lay has since released several albums, including Lose Control, Lay 02 Sheep, and Namanana.

In addition to his music, Lay has starred in numerous Chinese films and television dramas, such as Kung Fu Yoga (2017), The Island (2018), and The Golden Eyes (2019).

He has also become a prominent figure in Chinese variety shows, appearing in the popular Go Fighting! In 2020, Lay founded his own entertainment company, Chromosome Entertainment, solidifying his role as a successful entrepreneur.

Awards

• Best Supporting Actor – China Britain Film Festival (2016)
• Best Movie Original Soundtrack – 16th Top Chinese Music Awards (2015)
• Best Movie Original Soundtrack – 4th V-Chart Awards (2015)
• Best Producer – Chinese Top Ten Music Awards (2018)
• Forbes China Celebrity 100 – Multiple top 20 placements (2016-2020)

Net Worth

Lay Zhang’s estimated net worth is $10 million. His wealth stems from diverse activities, including his work with EXO, his successful solo music career, acting roles in Chinese films and TV dramas, and endorsement deals with brands such as Valentino and Huawei.

Lay’s entrepreneurial pursuits, such as founding Chromosome Entertainment, further contribute to his financial success.

Social Media

• Instagram: @layzhang
• Twitter: @layzhang

Filmography

• Ex-Files 2: The Backup Strikes Back (2015)
• Kung Fu Yoga (2017)
• The Island (2018)
• The Golden Eyes (2019)
• Empress of the Ming (2019)
• Crime Crackdown (2021)
• No More Bets (2023)

Discography

• Lose Control (EP, 2016)
• Lay 02 Sheep (Album, 2017)
• Winter Special Gift* (Album, 2017)
• Namanana (Album, 2018)
• Lit (Album, 2020)

Books

• Standing Firm at 24 (2015)