Hubbry Logo
Aaron YanAaron YanMain
Open search
Aaron Yan
Community hub
Aaron Yan
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Aaron Yan
Aaron Yan
from Wikipedia

Aaron Yan (traditional Chinese: 炎亞綸; simplified Chinese: 炎亚纶; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Iām A-lûn, born Wu Keng-lin on 20 November 1985) is a Taiwanese actor, singer, television host and businessman. He was also one of the members of Taiwanese boy band Fahrenheit.

Key Information

Life and career

[edit]

1985–2005: Early life and career beginnings

[edit]

Yan was born as Wu Keng-lin in Taipei, Taiwan on 20 November 1985. When he was very young, he and his family moved to Connecticut, United States, where he lived for five years, and then moved back to Taiwan.[1] In 2004, Yan posted some of his pictures on a public blog and was scouted by Taiwanese management company, Comic Productions.[2] In August 2004, he made his acting debut in Taiwanese drama, I Love My Wife.[3] In 2005, after signing with Comic Productions and HIM International Music, Yan starred in Taiwanese dramas, It Started with a Kiss and KO One.[4]

2005–2011: Fahrenheit

[edit]

In December 2005, he formed a boy band named Fahrenheit with three other Taiwanese artists: Wu Chun, Jiro Wang, and Calvin Chen.[5] In September 2006, Fahrenheit released their eponymous debut studio album, Fahrenheit, and they won a Hito Music Award for Best Boy Band.

In 2007, Yan reprised his roles in the sequels The X-Family and They Kiss Again.[6] In November 2008, Yan played his first leading role in Taiwanese suspense drama, Mysterious Incredible Terminator.[7] He also starred in Love Buffet and Gloomy Salad Days.[8]

2011–present: Solo career

[edit]

In March 2011, Yan released his debut extended play, The Next Me.[9] The album spent 5 weeks at the number 1 spot on the G-Music chart.[10]

In May 2012, Yan starred in Taiwanese musical drama, Alice in Wonder City.[11] In October 2012, he released his debut studio album, The Moment.[12]

In June 2013, Yan starred in Taiwanese romantic comedy drama, Just You.[13] The drama topped ratings in its timeslot during its run.[14]

In February 2014, Yan starred in Taiwanese metropolitan romance drama, Fall in Love with Me.[15] Yan won the Asia Star Award at the Seoul International Drama Awards.[16] In May 2014, he released his second extended play, Drama.[17] In June 2014, he released his third extended play, Cut.[17][18]

In March 2015, Yan debuted in Japan with the single titled, "Moisturizing". The album debuted within the top ten spots on the Oricon Singles Chart.[19] In September 2015, he released his second Japanese single, "Gelato".

In March 2016, Yan starred in Taiwanese workplace romance drama, Refresh Man. The drama was a massive hit both domestically as well as across Asia, boosting Yan's popularity to a new high.[20] In June 2016, Yan released his third Japanese single "Monochrome Dandy". The single peaked at number 8 on the Oricon Singles Chart.[21]

In 2017, Yan was cast in the Chinese romance drama, Memories of Love.[22]

In 2018, Yan released his fourth extended play Where I Belong.[23] The same year Yan released his fifth extended play Dear Monster which includes the single "Sleeping Titan".[24]

In 2019, Yan starred as the male lead in period suspense drama Please Give Me a Pair of Wings.[25] The same year, he co-starred in the romance comedy drama Kiss Love, and Taste.[26]

On 7 May 2020, Yan launched his Taiwan mazesoba brand, Yan's Collection.[27]

On 25 Dec 2020, Yan released sixth extended play "Metropolis" which comprises self-composed songs.

On 30 May 2024, Yan had recorded the videos of him having sex with a minor with the intention of sharing them. The Shilin District Court handed down a seven-month prison sentence, which was suspended for three years and can be commuted to a fine, the ruling said.[28]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year English title Chinese title Role Notes
2016 The New Year's Eve of Old Lee 過年好 Peter [29]
2019 Liao Zhai 聊齋系列之鞏仙 Kong Rong [30]
2023 Marry My Dead Body 關於我和鬼變成家人的那件事 Chen Chia-hao

Television series

[edit]
Year English title Chinese title Role Notes
2004 I Love My Wife 安室愛美惠 Zheng Wangui
2005 It Started with a Kiss 惡作劇之吻 A Bu
KO One 終極一班 Ding Xiaoyu
2007 The X-Family 終極一家 Ding Xiaoyu, Jiu Wu [31]
They Kiss Again 惡作劇2吻 A Bu
2008 Mysterious Incredible Terminator 霹靂MIT Zhan Shide
2009 K.O.3an Guo 終極三國 Ding Xiaoyu, Jiu Wu Cameo
2010 Love Buffet 愛似百匯 Xin Yicheng [32]
Gloomy Salad Days 死神少女 Shen Qi, Gao Chao [33]
2011 Sunny Girl 陽光天使 Aaron Cameo
2012 Alice in Wonder City 給愛麗絲的奇蹟 He Tingyu
2013 Just You 就是要你愛上我 Qi Yi, Xiao Yi
2014 A Time of Love 愛情来的時候 Chen Datian [34]
Fall in Love with Me 愛上兩個我 Lu Tianxing, Xiao Lu
Seven Friends 七個朋友 Aaron Cameo
Dear Mom 我的寶貝四千金 Shika Cameo
2016 Refresh Man 後菜鳥的燦爛時代 Ji Wenkai
2018 Memories of Love 一路繁花相送 Lin Leqing
2019 Please Give Me a Pair of Wings 請賜我一雙翅膀 Long Tianyu
Kiss, Love and Taste 親·愛的味道 Lin Xuan
2020 Road ~ Taiwan Express 路 ~ Taiwan Express Eric Liu
2021 The Amazing Grace of Σ 我願意 Fei Muqi

Reality shows

[edit]
Year Title Chinese title Note Ref.
2019 Super Penguin League
Season:2
超级企鹅联盟 Super3 Player
Live Basketball Competition
[35]

Hosting

[edit]
Year Program Broadcast channel Co-host
2015 Sanlih Drama Awards Ceremony SETTV Lulu Huang Lu Zi Yin
2020 36 Questions PTS, Yahoo! TV, myVideo Jesse Tang, Sandy Wu

Music video appearances

[edit]
Year Artist Song title
2015 Selina Jen "To the Broken Heart"
2017 Lulu Huang Lu Zi Yin "Give It All to You"

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Year English title Chinese title Label
2012 The Moment 紀念日 HIM
2014 Drama
Cut

Extended plays

[edit]
Year English title Chinese title Label
2011 The Next Me 下一個炎亞綸 HIM
2018 Where I Belong [zh] 最想去的地方
Dear Monster 親愛的怪物
2020 Metropolis 摩登原始人 Sony Music Taiwan

Singles

[edit]
Year English title Chinese title Notes
2007 "Willing to Not Love You" 願意不愛你 The X-Family OST
2014 "Taipei Dreamin'" 台北沉睡了
2015 "Moisturizing"
"Gelato"
"As Long as You are Happy" 你幸福就好 I Am Sorry, I Love You OST
2016 "Monochrome Dandy"
"Monologue" 独活 The Legend of Qin OST
"Wooden Puppet" 木頭人 Love or Spend OST
2018 "Everlasting Moment" 最久的瞬間 Memories of Love OST
2019 "I Want To Fly" 我要飞翔 Please Give Me a Pair of Wings OST
"Little Love Song" 小情歌儿 Kiss, Love and Taste OST

Awards

[edit]
Year Award Category Nominated work Ref.
2008 Singapore Hit Awards Most Popular Duet "TiAmo" (feat. Liu Liyang) [36]
2011 4th Top Chinese Music Awards Newcomer Ceremony Most Popular New Artist [37]
4th Mengniu Music Billboard Awards Most Popular Male Singer [38]
9+2 Music Pioneer Awards Newcomer Award [39]
Top 10 Songs "Only See You" [40]
2012 Hito Music Awards Most Popular New Artist [citation needed]
Best New Artist
2nd Global Chinese Golden Chart Awards Best New Artist (Gold) The Next Me [41]
[Sprite] China Original Music Charts Most Popular Idol (Taiwan) [42]
Media Recommendation Award (Taiwan)
3rd MY Astro Music Awards Best New Artist (Overseas) [43]
Best Song of the Year "The Next Me"
2013 12th MusicRadio China Top Chart Awards Most Popular New Artist (Hong Kong/Taiwan) The Moment [44]
Hito Music Awards Most Promising Male Singer [45]
2nd Sanlih Drama Awards Viewers Choice Drama Award Just You [46]
Best Onscreen Couple (with Puff Kuo)
Weibo Popularity Award
3rd Global Chinese Golden Chart Awards Hit FM's Most Recommended Singer [47]
Top 20 Songs of the Year "The Moment" [citation needed]
2014 Singapore Hit Awards Most Popular Male Singer [48]
All-Round Artist
Favorite Album Cover (popular vote) Cut
4th Sanlih Drama Awards Viewers Choice Drama Award Fall in Love with Me [citation needed]
Best Actor
Weibo Popularity Award
2015 8th Top Chinese Music Awards Most Popular Male Singer (Hong Kong/Taiwan) Girlfriend [49]
Hito Music Awards Most Promising Male Singer [50]
HITO Star Award
10th Seoul International Drama Awards Asia Star Award [16]
2018 9+2 Music Pioneer Awards Most Popular Male Singer [51]
Most Popular Singer (online vote)
Gold Song Award

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Aaron Yan (Chinese: 炎亞綸; born Wu Keng-lin, November 20, 1985) is a Taiwanese singer, , television host, and businessman, recognized as the youngest member of the Mandopop Fahrenheit. Yan joined Fahrenheit in 2005, contributing as the vocalist and helping the group achieve commercial success through albums and concerts across until the band's hiatus around 2011. He transitioned to a solo career, releasing albums such as (2013) and Cut (2014), while starring in Taiwanese dramas including Fall in Love with Me (2014) and Just You (2013). In 2018, Yan publicly addressed his sexual orientation following allegations from a former partner regarding nonconsensual recording of intimate acts. Subsequent controversies emerged in 2023, when he faced accusations of sexual misconduct, including filming without consent and involvement with minors, leading to police questioning, bail conditions, and a travel ban imposed by Taiwanese courts. These events resulted in the loss of endorsements and event appearances, alongside ongoing legal proceedings as of 2024.

Life and career

1985–2005: Early life and pre-debut activities

Aaron Yan was born Wu Keng-lin on November 20, 1985, in , , to parents and a younger sister. His family relocated to in the United States during his early childhood, where they resided for approximately five years before returning to , an experience that contributed to his multilingual abilities including English. From a young age, Yan demonstrated aptitude in the arts, commencing lessons at three years old and subsequently engaging in , , , and , reflecting early parental encouragement toward diverse creative and physical pursuits. Yan pursued at Yumin Elementary School, followed by Hongdao Junior High School and Cheng Yuan Senior High School in . He enrolled at as a freshman around 2004, majoring in and , though his burgeoning entertainment commitments soon impacted his academic progress, leading him to a status without full completion amid shifting priorities. Prior to formal debut commitments, Yan entered the entertainment sphere in 2004 when scouted by an agent, initially working as a commercial model. That August, he secured his first role in the Taiwanese drama , marking an entry-level television appearance. These preliminary modeling and endeavors, including auditions facilitated by his agency connections, positioned him for contracts with production entities like Comic Productions by 2005, setting the stage for broader opportunities without yet involving group affiliations.

2005–2011: Time with Fahrenheit

was formed in 2005 by HIM International Music as a Taiwanese , comprising (representing spring at 68°F), (summer at 86°F), (autumn at 59°F), and Aaron Yan as the youngest member and vocalist (winter at 41°F). Yan, who joined second after initial auditions, contributed to the group's and performed lead and supporting roles in tracks emphasizing emotional depth. The band gained initial traction through soundtrack contributions to Taiwanese dramas before their official debut album, , released on September 15, 2006, which featured hits like "Only Have Feelings for You" and established their pop-rock style blending ballads and upbeat tracks. Follow-up releases, including Double Fahrenheit in 2007, propelled their rise in the scene, with albums topping charts in and expanding to markets in , , and through synchronized promotions and appearances. During this period, Fahrenheit undertook fan meetings and regional promotional tours across Asia, solidifying group dynamics around themed personalities that resonated with fans, while Yan's youthful image and vocal range positioned him as a key draw for younger audiences. The band's peak popularity from to included multi-platinum sales and crossover success via drama tie-ins, though no formal sub-units formed; Yan participated in select individual tracks highlighting his tenor lines. By 2011, internal shifts emerged as announced his departure in June to prioritize acting, leading to a hiatus in full-group activities and paving the way for members' solo endeavors, amid reports of varying personal compatibilities within the quartet. Despite tensions later acknowledged by Yan, the era marked Fahrenheit's foundational success in elevating formulas through coordinated visuals and performances.

2011–present: Solo career, acting, and business ventures

Following his time with Fahrenheit, Yan launched a solo music career with the release of his debut extended play The Next Me on March 25, 2011, which achieved commercial success by topping the G-Music chart for five weeks and ranking as the third best-selling Taiwanese album of the year. His first full-length studio album, The Moment, followed in October 2012, marking a shift toward more personal and introspective Mandopop tracks. Subsequent releases included the album DRAMA in 2014, the EP Where I Belong in 2018, and Vacation in 2021, demonstrating sustained output in the genre despite varying chart performance. In acting, Yan expanded his portfolio with leading roles in Taiwanese dramas post-2011, including the office romance series in 2016, which garnered significant viewership across Asia and boosted his visibility as a solo performer. He also starred in the Chinese romance drama Memories of Love in 2017, further diversifying his on-screen presence in romantic and dramatic narratives. Yan ventured into by founding Rise & Shine International , serving as CEO and releasing music under its label, such as the single "AOZORA" in 2023 tied to a television theme. In 2025, he established MightyWave alongside producer and director Shuicheng Duo, focusing on with plans for four major projects to support independent cinematic endeavors. Yan staged a professional comeback with the "Yan's Universe" live concert in on September 15, 2024, at x DREAMLAND, drawing over a thousand attendees and featuring medleys of his solo hits. This event preceded ongoing engagements, including his appearance as a speaker at the ZS73 Symposium on October 19, 2025, discussing career trajectories in .

2018 scandal: Outing, infidelity allegations, and leaked videos

In November , Taiwanese media outlet Mirror Media published photographs showing Aaron Yan in intimate embraces and kisses with three different men, effectively him as homosexual. The images, submitted anonymously by one of the men—later identified as Yan's ex-boyfriend—alleged that Yan had been involved in overlapping romantic relationships with all three simultaneously from mid- onward, accusing him of and emotional manipulation. Yan responded publicly on November 8, 2018, via a statement acknowledging the relationships but emphasizing regret over his inability to keep his private life discreet, without directly confirming the cheating claims. He apologized to his family, friends, fans, and the individuals involved for the pain caused, stating, "I am deeply sorry for failing to properly manage my private life, causing it to be revealed in such a way." Concurrently, intimate videos featuring Yan were leaked online, exacerbating the scandal and drawing further public scrutiny. One of the other men involved publicly defended Yan, asserting that their August-to-October 2018 relationship was non-exclusive and that no infidelity occurred, while expressing continued affection for him. Yan's agency, HIM International Music, echoed this by denying cheating allegations and framing the relationships as sequential rather than concurrent. The revelations prompted immediate professional fallout, including Yan's temporary withdrawal from public engagements and the loss of multiple advertising endorsements. Yan later described the episode as the "most severe setback" of his career, noting it nearly drove him to exit the entertainment industry entirely. Despite the turmoil, he resumed limited activities, such as a fan meeting on November 19, 2018, where he expressed gratitude to supporters amid emotional reflections on the ordeal.

2023–2025: Intimate videos of minor, assault claims, and defamation suits

In June 2023, Taiwanese internet personality Raku publicly accused Aaron Yan of secretly filming non-consensual intimate videos during their relationship in 2017, when Raku was 16 years old, and subsequently leaking them, prompting police investigations and renewed scrutiny under Taiwan's . Yan attended Raku's press conference on June 21, 2023, issuing an apology for the videos' leak while denying assault allegations and emphasizing mutual consent in their past relationship. The Prosecutors' Office indicted Yan on November 8, 2023, for producing and disseminating material involving the minor but declined to pursue charges due to insufficient evidence of non-consent or coercion. On December 7, 2023, the High Prosecutors' Office upheld the decision not to indict on forced , citing lack of corroborating proof beyond Raku's testimony. A travel ban imposed on Yan was lifted by the Court on February 16, 2024, after he posted , allowing conditional international travel pending . Yan and Raku reached a private settlement in March 2024, following the formal dropping of and secret filming charges against Yan for evidentiary shortcomings, though the video dissemination case proceeded independently. On May 30, 2024, the Court convicted Yan of filming, possessing, and leaking the minor's explicit videos, imposing a seven-month suspended sentence with two years' , rejecting claims of while noting Yan's partial remorse but criticizing his post-leak conduct. Raku maintained the videos caused lasting psychological harm and reputational damage, contrasting Yan's defense that media exaggerated unproven narratives beyond verified legal violations. In response to online commentary amplifying the accusations, Yan filed defamation suits in 2023 against 14 netizens for posts alleging criminal misconduct tied to the scandal; the Taipei District Court rejected these claims in August 2025, ruling the statements fell under protected public discourse on adjudicated facts rather than baseless libel, obligating Yan to cover court costs. Yan described the online criticism as fueling a "lynch mob" mentality disproportionate to the court's findings, while accusers and supporters argued it reflected for ethical lapses in relationships with minors, irrespective of dropped assault counts.

Personal life

Family background and relationships

Aaron Yan, born Wu Keng-lin on November 20, 1985, in , , grew up in a consisting of his parents and a younger . His older brother died when Yan was one year old, after which his mother reportedly placed significant expectations on him to marry and establish a of his own. The resided in , where Yan experienced a conventional Taiwanese upbringing influenced by parental emphasis on filial duties and traditional life milestones. Yan described his early relationship with his mother as tumultuous, likening it to an "eight-year war" marked by rebellion on his part, though it later improved, leading him to purchase a for her as a gesture of reconciliation. No public details indicate direct familial involvement in , though Yan's own entrepreneurial pursuits, such as establishing his personal studio, reflect motivations tied to rather than inherited enterprises. In August 2024, Yan confirmed being in a relationship that had lasted three years at that time. By December 2024, he expressed openness to , stating that he would likely be the one to propose, and considered the possibility of children through as part of future discussions with his partner.

Sexuality and public coming out

Prior to 2018, Aaron Yan did not publicly disclose his , maintaining privacy amid his career in Taiwan's industry. In November 2018, Yan was involuntarily outed as homosexual when an ex-partner publicly released intimate photos and messages alleging infidelity with multiple men, prompting Yan to confirm the relationships rather than deny his orientation. Following the outing, Yan affirmed his identity through public engagement with LGBTQ+ issues, including expressing disappointment over Taiwan's 2018 rejecting expansion, a stance he adopted as "free to be himself." This period marked a shift toward openness, with Yan later acknowledging in 2024 an ongoing three-year relationship, consistent with his affirmed . Yan's experience highlighted tensions in Taiwan's entertainment sector, where societal acceptance of has advanced—bolstered by the 2019 legalization of as Asia's first—yet public figures encounter amplified scrutiny over personal versus accountability in a scandal-prone industry. His case fueled discussions on LGBTQ+ representation in , contrasting growing legal protections with the risks of involuntary exposure for celebrities.

Works and achievements

Film and television roles

Aaron Yan debuted in television acting in 2005, playing the role of Ding Xiao Yu (also known as KO.4, ranked fourth on a fictional high school fighter chart) in the drama KO One, which aired on GTV and featured supernatural elements involving masked warriors. That same year, he appeared in a supporting capacity as Ah Bu (Ryo Takamiya in the Japanese original ) in the romantic comedy It Started with a Kiss, a CTV series of the manga Itazura na Kiss, where his character was depicted as the boyfriend of a secondary female lead. In 2007, Yan reprised elements of his KO One persona while portraying Chief Jiu Wu (with crossover ties to Ding Xiao Yu) in The X-Family, a GTV family-oriented drama blending comedy and fantasy that ran for 55 episodes and involved a large ensemble cast including his Fahrenheit bandmates. Yan secured his first leading role in 2008 with the suspense drama Mysterious Incredible Terminator, a Taiwanese series where he starred as the in a narrative involving mystery and action elements. Subsequent television credits included supporting and lead parts in romantic and comedic series, such as Just You (2013), Fall in Love with Me (2014), and (2016), marking a shift toward more mature romantic leads post his idol group era. In film, Yan appeared in (2022), a comedy-thriller about a police officer's to a , and Workers The Movie (2023), contributing to his expansion into cinematic roles. These projects highlighted his transition from ensemble idol-driven dramas to standalone acting performances emphasizing emotional depth and versatility.

Music discography

Yan released his debut solo extended play, The Next Me (Chinese: 下一個炎亞綸), on March 25, 2011, through HIM International Music, which achieved the third highest sales among albums in Taiwan for that year. His first full-length solo album, The Moment, followed in 2012. In 2014, he issued the extended play The Cut. Yan continued with Japanese-market singles in 2015. Later releases include the album Vacation on November 12, 2021, and the soundtrack album 「我願意」影集原聲帶 in 2022. Notable solo singles encompass "TiAmo", "AOZORA (Theme Song of TV Show 'Hi, Come in S2')" in 2023, "", "Live a " on May 17, 2022, and "Everlasting Moment". As the vocalist in Fahrenheit from 2005 to 2011, Yan contributed lead and harmony vocals to the band's albums, starting with their self-titled debut on September 15, 2006. Specific solo vocal features within group tracks are not extensively documented beyond his primary role.

Awards and nominations

Aaron Yan, as a member of the Taiwanese boy band , shared in the group's win for Best Group at the 2008 Top Chinese Music Awards. The band also received the Best Leaping Award at the same ceremony, recognizing their rapid rise in popularity. In his solo acting career, Yan won at the 4th Sanlih Drama Awards in 2014 for his role in Fall in Love with Me. He also secured the Popularity Award at the same event. Internationally, Yan received the Asia Star Award at the 10th in 2015. For hosting, Yan, alongside Tang Koiyang and , won the Best Variety Show Host award at the 56th in 2021 for . In music, his works earned nominations including best packaging design at the , marking a first for his solo releases, though wins were limited compared to peers without major scandals.
YearAwardCategoryResultNotes
2008Top Chinese Music AwardsBest GroupWon (Fahrenheit)Shared with bandmates.
2014Sanlih Drama AwardsBest ActorWonFor Fall in Love with Me.
2015Seoul International Drama AwardsAsia Star AwardWonRecognized acting contributions.
2021Golden Bell AwardsBest Variety Show HostWonFor (shared).
Following the 2023 scandals involving leaked videos and assault claims, Yan received no nominations at that year's , contrasting with prior years and highlighting potential industry reluctance toward artists with publicized personal controversies despite past empirical successes like the 2021 win. This pattern aligns with observations of favoritism toward scandal-free idols in Taiwanese entertainment, where win rates for affected artists drop post-exposure, though Yan's earlier accolades demonstrate merit-based recognition prior to shifts.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.