Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Aaron Yan
View on WikipediaThis article needs to be updated. (October 2024) |
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 | 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]- ^ kingkongna (3 March 2016). "The Deets on 'Refresh Man' Star Aaron Yan". Soompi. Archived from the original on 27 February 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
- ^ 三立新聞網. "炎亞綸29歲生日快樂!十年磨一劍 足以力抗韓流台灣男星". Archived from the original on 27 February 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
- ^ "炎亞綸 加入飛輪海暴紅 同志謎情阻星路". Apple Daily (in Chinese (Taiwan)). 21 October 2010. Archived from the original on 28 February 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
- ^ "偶像剧收视冠军《终极一班》登陆华娱卫视(图)" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 28 March 2006. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
- ^ 於慶璇. "還記得當年承包偶像劇的飛輪海嗎?如今的他們..." 中時電子報 話題 (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Archived from the original on 27 February 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
- ^ "炎亞綸批電視台《惡吻》導演瞿友寧挺:真偶像該有的態度". ET Today (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Archived from the original on 28 February 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
- ^ "《霹雳MIT》青春无敌 校园风侦探剧粉丝大爱" (in Chinese). Hunan TV. 25 August 2010. Archived from the original on 29 June 2014. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
- ^ 自由娛樂 (13 June 2010). "炎亞綸揹喻虹淵趴趴走 虛脫硬撐". Liberty Times Net. Archived from the original on 27 February 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
- ^ "炎亚纶《下一个炎亚纶》:一个人的"飞轮海"". Tencent (in Chinese). 20 March 2011. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "《下一个炎亚纶》发行近两月仍销量称冠 "炎荒"之势逼近重庆". Hinews (in Chinese). 12 May 2011. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
- ^ "炎亞綸 哭《給愛麗絲》琴技白練 裝Man不給力收視暗黑". Apple Daily (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Archived from the original on 28 February 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
- ^ "炎亚纶《纪念日》:用气质消灭你". Tencent (in Chinese). 30 October 2012. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "炎亞綸《就是要你愛上我》滾床郭雪芙 強壓雙手就範". ET Today (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Archived from the original on 27 February 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
- ^ "《就是要你爱上我》收视夺冠 主创拿"金鱼"庆功". Netease (in Chinese). 30 July 2013. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
- ^ 自由娛樂 (27 November 2015). "《愛上兩個我》合體 炎亞綸李毓芬被抓包同進出". Liberty Times Net. Archived from the original on 27 February 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
- ^ a b "September 11, 2015". SBS PopAsia. 11 September 2015. Archived from the original on 15 November 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
- ^ a b "炎亚纶跨国际合作连发两专辑 首穿女装凸显霸气". ifeng (in Chinese). 14 May 2014. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "炎亚纶南京签售 想骑车漫游金陵" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 24 November 2014. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "炎亚纶进军日本 首张日单空降公信榜前十" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 26 March 2015. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
- ^ "炎亞綸陷收視噩夢驚醒 《後菜鳥》報捷 揚言破2.5公開卸妝". China Times. 31 March 2016. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
- ^ "炎亚纶日文单曲成绩傲人 抱病赴日与歌迷相见欢". Sohu (in Chinese). 23 June 2016. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
- ^ "《一路繁花相送》开机 钟汉良江疏影炎亚纶主演". Netease (in Chinese). 8 July 2016. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
- ^ "炎亚纶《最想去的地方》MV上线 找回爱音乐的初心" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 23 March 2018. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "炎亚纶《亲爱的怪物》跳脱制式人生 找回寻梦初心" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 25 September 2018. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
- ^ "《请赐我一双翅膀》曝海报 鞠婧祎炎亚纶上演法情博弈". Netease (in Chinese). 18 May 2018. Archived from the original on 21 June 2019. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "炎亚纶加盟《亲·爱的味道》 化身暖男治愈陆毅". Netease (in Chinese). 13 February 2017. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "炎選絕品,伴你乾拌麵 | 精選書展". 誠品網路書店 (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Archived from the original on 25 May 2020. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
- ^ "#METOO/Aaron Yan gets suspended sentence for filming, sharing sex videos of minor". Focus Taiwan. 31 May 2024. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
- ^ "《过年好》炎亚纶颜值担当 大鹏代言土豪" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 2 February 2006. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "炎亚纶《巩仙》首次古装扮相 惊艳绝美挑战当武侠". Yule (in Chinese). 25 June 2010. Archived from the original on 26 June 2019. Retrieved 26 June 2019.
- ^ "《终极一家》重装上阵 超能力被批模仿《英雄》". Tencent (in Chinese). 2 November 2007. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "《爱似百汇》收视开门红 炎亚纶辰亦儒庆功(图)" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 22 December 2010. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "《死神少女》9日首播 炎亚纶突破尺度大胆演出" (in Chinese). Hunan TV. 28 October 2010. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "爱情来的时候炎亚纶帅气出镜 搭档王祖蓝爆笑登场". Sohu (in Chinese). 14 November 2014. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ *"白敬亭參加超級企鵝名人賽 變身「櫻木花白」" (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Retrieved 19 August 2025.*"2018超級企鵝聯盟明星賽紅藍大戰" (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Retrieved 19 August 2025.*"一文回顾超级企鹅红蓝大战 跨界创举打破体娱壁垒_腾讯新闻". new.qq.com (in Chinese (China)). 16 September 2018. Archived from the original on 5 May 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2025.*"这档篮球节目将播 李晨释小龙等16位男星展现球技" [Basketball program airing soon, with 16 male stars including Li Chen and Shi Xiaolong showcasing their basketball skills.]. China News Service. 10 September 2020. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.*"超级企鹅联盟Super3:星斗场7.2上线 李晨等40位明星热血加盟" (in Chinese). Tom.com. Archived from the original on 9 July 2020. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
- ^ "新加坡金曲奖满载而归 刘力扬飞轮海获十大金曲" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 28 October 2008. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "炎亚纶获封最受欢迎男歌手 SIGMA勇夺潜力新人" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 26 November 2011. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "第四届蒙牛酸酸乳音乐风云榜新人盛典获奖名单". Netease (in Chinese). 25 November 2011. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "炎亚纶SIGMA横扫新人奖 音乐先锋榜再下一城". Sohu (in Chinese). 14 December 2011. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "《音乐先锋榜》2011年度颁奖典礼获奖名单". ifeng (in Chinese). 12 December 2011. Archived from the original on 8 August 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "【独家】全球流行音乐金榜年度奖项揭晓 五月天荣登"金榜状" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 4 July 2012. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "2011年度雪碧中国原创音乐流行榜总选获奖名单". Netease (in Chinese). 26 February 2012. Archived from the original on 23 June 2017. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "第3届《MY Astro至尊流行榜颁奖典礼》 张栋梁梁静茹2度封歌王后" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 18 March 2012. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "2012年度MusicRadio中国TOP排行榜获奖名单". Sohu (in Chinese). 26 April 2013. Archived from the original on 1 August 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "2013 hito流行音乐奖 颁奖典礼得奖名单". Toutiao (in Chinese). 3 June 2013.
- ^ "三立举行"华剧大赏" 炎亚纶获三奖成最大赢家". Netease (in Chinese). 23 December 2013. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "第3届全球流行音乐金榜 周杰伦、蔡依林获最佳男女歌手(图)". 中华娱乐网 (in Chinese). 9 April 2013. Archived from the original on 9 August 2017. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "新加坡金曲奖/孙燕姿抢5奖大胜 炎亚纶揭心酸情史". Yes Entertainment (in Chinese). 9 November 2014. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "音乐风云榜邓紫棋华晨宇TFBOYS成大赢家" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 14 April 2015. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "2015 hito流行音乐奖 蔡依林潘玮柏双登大赢家". Seehua (in Chinese). 1 June 2015. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ "炎亚纶音乐先锋榜获三奖 粉丝送行机场出动安保". China.com (in Chinese). 22 May 2018. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
External links
[edit]Aaron Yan
View on GrokipediaLife and career
1985–2005: Early life and pre-debut activities
Aaron Yan was born Wu Keng-lin on November 20, 1985, in Taipei, Taiwan, to parents and a younger sister.[8][9] His family relocated to Connecticut in the United States during his early childhood, where they resided for approximately five years before returning to Taiwan, an experience that contributed to his multilingual abilities including English.[8] From a young age, Yan demonstrated aptitude in the arts, commencing piano lessons at three years old and subsequently engaging in flute, harp, painting, and tennis, reflecting early parental encouragement toward diverse creative and physical pursuits.[2] Yan pursued primary education at Yumin Elementary School, followed by Hongdao Junior High School and Cheng Yuan Senior High School in Taiwan.[2] He enrolled at Chinese Culture University as a freshman around 2004, majoring in journalism and news broadcasting, though his burgeoning entertainment commitments soon impacted his academic progress, leading him to a sophomore status without full completion amid shifting priorities.[2][10] Prior to formal debut commitments, Yan entered the entertainment sphere in 2004 when scouted by an agent, initially working as a commercial model.[9] That August, he secured his first acting role in the Taiwanese drama I Love My Wife, marking an entry-level television appearance.[11] These preliminary modeling and acting 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.[9]2005–2011: Time with Fahrenheit
Fahrenheit was formed in 2005 by HIM International Music as a Taiwanese Mandopop boy band, comprising Calvin Chen (representing spring at 68°F), Jiro Wang (summer at 86°F), Wu Chun (autumn at 59°F), and Aaron Yan as the youngest member and tenor vocalist (winter at 41°F).[12][13] Yan, who joined second after initial auditions, contributed to the group's vocal harmony and performed lead and supporting roles in tracks emphasizing emotional depth.[14] The band gained initial traction through soundtrack contributions to Taiwanese dramas before their official debut album, Fahrenheit, 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.[15][16] Follow-up releases, including Double Fahrenheit in 2007, propelled their rise in the Mandopop scene, with albums topping charts in Taiwan and expanding to markets in China, Singapore, and Malaysia through synchronized promotions and variety show appearances.[17] 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.[10] The band's peak popularity from 2007 to 2010 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.[18] By 2011, internal shifts emerged as Wu Chun announced his departure in June to prioritize acting, leading to a de facto hiatus in full-group activities and paving the way for members' solo endeavors, amid reports of varying personal compatibilities within the quartet.[19][20] Despite tensions later acknowledged by Yan, the era marked Fahrenheit's foundational success in elevating Mandopop boy band formulas through coordinated visuals and performances.[21]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.[22][14] 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.[23] In acting, Yan expanded his portfolio with leading roles in Taiwanese dramas post-2011, including the office romance series Refresh Man in 2016, which garnered significant viewership across Asia and boosted his visibility as a solo performer.[24] He also starred in the Chinese romance drama Memories of Love in 2017, further diversifying his on-screen presence in romantic and dramatic narratives.[2] Yan ventured into entrepreneurship by founding Rise & Shine International Entertainment, serving as CEO and releasing music under its label, such as the single "AOZORA" in 2023 tied to a television theme.[25] In September 2025, he established MightyWave Entertainment alongside producer and director Shuicheng Duo, focusing on film production with plans for four major projects to support independent cinematic endeavors.[26] Yan staged a professional comeback with the "Yan's Universe" live concert in Hong Kong on September 15, 2024, at AXA x DREAMLAND, drawing over a thousand attendees and featuring medleys of his solo hits.[27] This event preceded ongoing engagements, including his appearance as a speaker at the ZS73 Film Symposium on October 19, 2025, discussing career trajectories in entertainment.[28]Controversies and legal issues
2018 scandal: Outing, infidelity allegations, and leaked videos
In November 2018, Taiwanese media outlet Mirror Media published photographs showing Aaron Yan in intimate embraces and kisses with three different men, effectively outing him as homosexual.[29][30] 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-2018 onward, accusing him of infidelity and emotional manipulation.[4][31] 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.[32] 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."[33] Concurrently, intimate videos featuring Yan were leaked online, exacerbating the scandal and drawing further public scrutiny.[34][35] 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.[36][37] Yan's agency, HIM International Music, echoed this by denying cheating allegations and framing the relationships as sequential rather than concurrent.[38] The revelations prompted immediate professional fallout, including Yan's temporary withdrawal from public engagements and the loss of multiple advertising endorsements.[39] Yan later described the episode as the "most severe setback" of his career, noting it nearly drove him to exit the entertainment industry entirely.[40] 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.[38]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 #MeToo movement.[41][42] 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.[42][43] The Shilin District Prosecutors' Office indicted Yan on November 8, 2023, for producing and disseminating child sexual abuse material involving the minor but declined to pursue sexual assault charges due to insufficient evidence of non-consent or coercion.[44][45] On December 7, 2023, the Taiwan High Prosecutors' Office upheld the decision not to indict on forced sexual intercourse, citing lack of corroborating proof beyond Raku's testimony.[46] A travel ban imposed on Yan was lifted by the Shilin District Court on February 16, 2024, after he posted bail, allowing conditional international travel pending trial.[47] Yan and Raku reached a private settlement in March 2024, following the formal dropping of sexual assault and secret filming charges against Yan for evidentiary shortcomings, though the video dissemination case proceeded independently.[48] On May 30, 2024, the Shilin District Court convicted Yan of filming, possessing, and leaking the minor's explicit videos, imposing a seven-month suspended prison sentence with two years' probation, rejecting claims of entrapment while noting Yan's partial remorse but criticizing his post-leak conduct.[49][50] Raku maintained the videos caused lasting psychological harm and reputational damage, contrasting Yan's defense that media sensationalism exaggerated unproven assault narratives beyond verified legal violations.[51] 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.[52] Yan described the online criticism as fueling a "lynch mob" mentality disproportionate to the court's findings, while accusers and supporters argued it reflected accountability for ethical lapses in relationships with minors, irrespective of dropped assault counts.[7]Personal life
Family background and relationships
Aaron Yan, born Wu Keng-lin on November 20, 1985, in Taipei, Taiwan, grew up in a family consisting of his parents and a younger sister.[53] 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 family of his own.[54] The family resided in Taipei, where Yan experienced a conventional Taiwanese upbringing influenced by parental emphasis on filial duties and traditional life milestones.[55] 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 NT$30 million apartment for her as a gesture of reconciliation.[56] No public details indicate direct familial involvement in business, though Yan's own entrepreneurial pursuits, such as establishing his personal studio, reflect motivations tied to independence rather than inherited enterprises.[57] In August 2024, Yan confirmed being in a relationship that had lasted three years at that time.[58] By December 2024, he expressed openness to marriage, stating that he would likely be the one to propose, and considered the possibility of children through adoption as part of future family planning discussions with his partner.[59]Sexuality and public coming out
Prior to 2018, Aaron Yan did not publicly disclose his sexual orientation, maintaining privacy amid his career in Taiwan's Mandopop industry.[60] 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.[4][60] Following the outing, Yan affirmed his identity through public engagement with LGBTQ+ issues, including expressing disappointment over Taiwan's 2018 referendum rejecting same-sex marriage expansion, a stance he adopted as "free to be himself."[61] This period marked a shift toward openness, with Yan later acknowledging in 2024 an ongoing three-year relationship, consistent with his affirmed homosexuality.[58] Yan's experience highlighted tensions in Taiwan's entertainment sector, where societal acceptance of homosexuality has advanced—bolstered by the 2019 legalization of same-sex marriage as Asia's first—yet public figures encounter amplified scrutiny over personal privacy versus accountability in a scandal-prone industry.[60] His case fueled discussions on LGBTQ+ representation in Mandopop, contrasting growing legal protections with the risks of involuntary exposure for celebrities.[60]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 science fiction 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 adaptation) in the romantic comedy It Started with a Kiss, a CTV series adaptation of the manga Itazura na Kiss, where his character was depicted as the boyfriend of a secondary female lead.[62] 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 protagonist in a narrative involving mystery and action elements.[11] 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 Refresh Man (2016), marking a shift toward more mature romantic leads post his idol group era.[63] In film, Yan appeared in Marry My Dead Body (2022), a comedy-thriller about a police officer's supernatural marriage to a ghost, and Workers The Movie (2023), contributing to his expansion into cinematic roles.[64] 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.[14][65] His first full-length solo album, The Moment, followed in 2012.[66] In 2014, he issued the extended play The Cut.[66] Yan continued with Japanese-market singles in 2015.[66] Later releases include the album Vacation on November 12, 2021,[67] and the soundtrack album 「我願意」影集原聲帶 in 2022.[23] Notable solo singles encompass "TiAmo",[68] "AOZORA (Theme Song of TV Show 'Hi, Come in S2')" in 2023,[23] "Geologist",[69] "Live a Life" on May 17, 2022,[67] and "Everlasting Moment".[70] As the tenor 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.[12] Specific solo vocal features within group tracks are not extensively documented beyond his primary tenor role.[12]Awards and nominations
Aaron Yan, as a member of the Taiwanese boy band Fahrenheit, shared in the group's win for Best Group at the 2008 Top Chinese Music Awards.[71] The band also received the Best Leaping Award at the same ceremony, recognizing their rapid rise in popularity.[71] In his solo acting career, Yan won Best Actor at the 4th Sanlih Drama Awards in 2014 for his role in Fall in Love with Me.[1] He also secured the Weibo Popularity Award at the same event. Internationally, Yan received the Asia Star Award at the 10th Seoul International Drama Awards in 2015.[72] For hosting, Yan, alongside Tang Koiyang and Sandy Wu, won the Best Variety Show Host award at the 56th Golden Bell Awards in 2021 for 36 Questions. In music, his works earned nominations including best packaging design at the Golden Melody Awards, marking a first for his solo releases, though wins were limited compared to peers without major scandals.| Year | Award | Category | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Top Chinese Music Awards | Best Group | Won (Fahrenheit) | Shared with bandmates.[71] |
| 2014 | Sanlih Drama Awards | Best Actor | Won | For Fall in Love with Me.[1] |
| 2015 | Seoul International Drama Awards | Asia Star Award | Won | Recognized acting contributions.[72] |
| 2021 | Golden Bell Awards | Best Variety Show Host | Won | For 36 Questions (shared). |
