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Lu Han (Chinese: 鹿晗; born April 20, 1990), also known mononymously as Luhan, is a Chinese singer, actor, and dancer. He was a member of the South Korean-Chinese boy group Exo and its sub-group Exo-M, before leaving the group in October 2014.[1] That year, he was ranked the sixth most popular entertainment star in China by China National Radio.[2] In 2017, Lu Han was listed as the second highest-paid celebrity in the Forbes China Celebrity 100, behind only Fan Bingbing.[3]

Key Information

Lu Han released his solo debut album Reloaded in 2015, and has starred in several box office hits such as 20 Once Again (2015), The Witness (2015), and Time Raiders (2016). In 2017, he starred in his first television series, Fighter of the Destiny.

Early life

[edit]

Lu Han was born on April 20, 1990, in Haidian, Beijing. He graduated from Beijing Shida Middle School and attended Beijing Haidian Foreign Language Shi Yan School before leaving for South Korea to attend Yonsei University as an exchange student. He majored in Applied Music at the Seoul Institute of the Arts.

In 2008, Lu Han unsuccessfully auditioned for JYP Entertainment at their global audition in China. In 2010, while studying in Seoul, he was scouted while in Myeong-dong by an SM Entertainment representative who recommended he audition for the company; after which he became a trainee under the agency.

Music career

[edit]

2011–2014: Exo

[edit]
Luhan at the EXO Lost Planet in Singapore, August 23, 2014

Along with Tao, Chen, and Kai, Luhan made his first televised performance at the SBS Gayo Daejeon on December 29, 2011. Following this appearance, he was the second member of Exo to be officially introduced, as one of the four Chinese members of the group and its Mandarin-language sub-group Exo-M.[4]

On October 10, 2014, Luhan filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment to nullify his contract and effectively left Exo.[1]

2015–2016: Solo debut and first tour

[edit]

Luhan often contributed to the soundtracks of movies he participated in. He sung the theme song for 20 Once Again, titled "Our Tomorrow". The music video of the song surpassed 1 million views in 47 minutes, setting a new record.[5] He then released a rendition of "Tian mi mi" for the film Comrades: Almost a Love Story. Director Peter Chan is said to have asked Luhan to participate due to his gentle and clear voice as he felt it would be effective in expressing the emotions of the song.[6]

Luhan first announced his solo album in July 2015, where he collaborated with famous producer Djemba Djemba. This was also Djemba's first time producing an album for an Asian artist. The same month, he collaborated with David Tao in a bidding song for the 2022 Winter Olympics held in Beijing.[7]

Luhan's first digital album Reloaded I was released on September 10, 2015, via QQ Music charts. It sold 880,000 copies on the first day, the highest recorded sales number on the first day of official release. Reloaded I also reached over one million sales on QQ Music, setting the record for fastest digital album sales.[8] In November, he released the single "Medals", which also serves as the soundtrack for the 2015 film The Witness. Medals topped the V Chart as well as Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first Mandarin single to top the latter.[9] In December, he released "Deep", a promotional song for the Chinese version of Kungfu Panda 3.[10]

Luhan's first studio album, Reloaded was released on December 14, 2015. The album topped the Tower Records chart in Japan, and became the only album from mainland China to enter the Top 5 of Taiwan's G-Music year-end chart.[11][12] Reloaded sold over 3 million copies and was also certified platinum by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, becoming the first album in mainland China to do so.[13]

Luhan attended the QQ Music Awards, winning the Best Digital Album of the Year for Reloaded as well as the Best Male Singer of the Year. He then embarked on his first solo concert tour, the "Luhan Reloaded: 2016 Luhan 1st China Tour".[14] The tour traveled to Beijing on March 26, Guangzhou on April 2, and Shanghai on April 9. The same month, he won the All-round Artist of the Year and Media Recommended Album of the Year awards at the Chinese Golden Charts Awards; and the Album of the Year and Artist of the Year awards at the 4th V Chart Awards. He is also the first Chinese singer to achieve a double platinum record, having sold over 2 million copies of Reloaded I.[15][16]

2016–present: XXVII (27)

[edit]
Luhan performing at Hangzhou, 2018

Starting from late 2016, Luhan announced that he will be releasing a series of albums under the theme "XXVII", which stands for "Xperience", "Xplore", "Venture", "Imagination" and "I". The albums are meant to document Luhan's growth story at the age of 27.[17]

On October 21, 2016, Luhan unveiled his third digital album Xperience with the track "Catch Me When I Fall". The song is jointly produced by Santell, whom participated in Luhan's first solo album Reloaded, and the Picard Brothers, a French producer team who has crafted songs for Diplo and Chris Brown.[18] On December 27, 2016, he published his fourth digital album Xplore, containing the tracks "Winter Song" and "Skin to Skin".[19] "Skin to Skin' is Luhan's second English-language song, and incorporates various genres such as R&B, Future Bass, Electro and House.[20]

On February 21, 2017, Luhan unveiled his fifth digital album Venture with the songs "What if I Said" and "Roleplay".[21] He participated in writing the lyrics for the track "Roleplay", which details his own experience in dealing with harassment from the paparazzi.[22][23] "Imagination" was released in April 2017 and consisted of two tracks – "On Call" (his first attempt at the fusion jazz genre) and "Say It".[24] "I", the last part of the album series, was released in June 2017 with two songs "Set It Off" and "On Fire".[25]

On July 20, 2017, Luhan won the "Album of the Year" award at the Asian Music Gala for the XXVII album series.[26] On September 9, 2017, he released a single for the soundtrack of the film Sky Hunter.[27]

On April 17, 2019, Luhan released a single album, π-volume.1, which sold over 3.4 million copies.[28] On August 30, 2019, he released a second single album, π-volume.2, which sold over 1.2 million copies.[29]

On January 17, 2020, Luhan released a single, "Dream Up", to promote his third concert tour.[30]

Television and film career

[edit]

Luhan made his film debut in the 2015 film 20 Once Again, the Chinese remake of the Korean hit movie Miss Granny.[31] It topped box office charts and broke records to become the highest-grossing Korean-Chinese co-produced film.[32] For his performance, he won the "Newcomer of the Year" award at the Beijing International Film Festival, as well as the "Most Popular Actor" award at the Beijing College Student Film Festival.[33][34] The same year, he joined the cast of Hurry Up, Brother, a spin-off from the original South Korean variety program Running Man.[35] Luhan then starred opposite Yang Mi in the crime thriller The Witness, a remake of the 2011 Korean movie Blind.[36]

In 2016, he starred in the fantasy-action-adventure film Time Raiders, based on the online novel series Tomb Raiders. The film premiered on August 5 and topped box office charts, becoming the biggest summer hit of 2016.[37] He then featured in The Great Wall, a historical epic directed by Zhang Yimou.[38]

In 2017, Luhan starred in his first television drama Fighter of the Destiny, a fantasy wuxia series based on the novel of the same name.[39] In June, he was cast in the youth sports drama Sweet Combat alongside Guan Xiaotong.[40] In September, it was announced that Luhan was cast in the upcoming science fiction film Shanghai Fortress alongside Shu Qi. The film is adapted from the 2006 novel Once Upon a Time in Shanghai and was released in 2019.[41]

In the media

[edit]

Luhan has been dubbed by foreign media as the Chinese counterpart of popular pop star Justin Bieber, due to his massive popularity and dedicated fandom in China. The term "Luhan effect" was used to describe his massive influence among fans.[42][43] He currently holds the Guinness World Record for the "Most Comments on a Weibo Post", which was established in August 2014 and subsequently surpassed by Luhan himself in September 2015.[44][45] In 2016, he set a second Guinness World Record for the "Largest gathering of people wearing antlers" at the 2016 LuHan Reloaded China Tour, in Beijing, China.[46] He is also noted for his achievements in both music and film, holding records on Chinese digital music platforms; and ranking at the top of the Star Box-office Chart on nuomi.com, one of the country's largest online ticket-buying platforms.

Yan Siwei, a broker who works in the entertainment industry, opined that Luhan stands for a new fandom model; in this model, the artist uses social media data instead of works to galvanize fans, and the fans are well-organized to protect the artist and maintain the fandom.[47] GQ did an investigation on the fandom and call it "a systemic, detailed social labor division and powerful execution empire."[48] After Luhan outsold Jay Chou by several million albums, some raised concerns about whether Mandopop has "died" or become over-commercialized.[49][50] In 2019, the failure of Shanghai Fortress made some question if Luhan and this model would flop soon. A guest in a talk program opined that these kind of artists are "meteors" instead of "stars."[51]

Luhan first appeared on the Forbes China Celebrity 100 in 2015, ranking 37th.[52] He rose up 35 spots to rank 2nd in 2017, becoming the highest ranked male celebrity in China.[3] In 2016, Luhan was featured on Business of Fashion's "BOF 100" rankings, becoming the only Chinese celebrity to make it onto the rankings, and was given the title of "Most Anticipated Chinese Star".[53][54] He is also the first celebrity born after 1990 to be named the "Artist of the Year" by China Newsweek.[55]

Endorsements and ambassador roles

[edit]

Luhan is one of the most in-demand brand ambassadors in China, particularly among the younger generation. His endorsement ranges from local products such as Oppo mobile phones and Baidu interactive maps to international ones like Puma and Cartier SA, of which he is their first Asian endorser.[56]

On December 1, 2015, Luhan was announced to be the official China ambassador of Star Wars.[57] He released a single titled "The Inner Force", which is the official Chinese promotional theme song for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.[58]

From 2015 to 2016, Luhan appeared on the cover of more than 20 magazines. He became the first Chinese celebrity to grace the covers of Elle China, GQ Style, Forbes China, Harper's Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan. He broke the record for having more than 200,000 people buy out a 20,000 limited edition run of a magazine cover in one second.[54]

Personal life

[edit]

Relationship

[edit]

On October 8, 2017, Luhan and Chinese actress Guan Xiaotong admitted that they were dating.[59][60]

Activism

[edit]

In August 2019, during the 2019–20 Hong Kong protests, Luhan shared photos of the Chinese flag accompanied by the hashtags "the Chinese national flag has 1.4 billion flag bearers" and "I am a flag bearer" on his official Weibo account.[61]

Discography

[edit]
  • Reloaded (2015)
  • XXVII+ (2017)

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2015 20 Once Again Xiang Qianjin
12 Golden Ducks K-pop dancer Cameo
The Witness Lin Chong Lead role
2016 Time Raiders Wu Xie Lead role
The Great Wall Peng Yong
See You Tomorrow Ma Li (young) Cameo
2017 The Founding of an Army Deng Xiaoping Cameo
2019 Shanghai Fortress Jiang Yang

Television drama

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2012 To the Beautiful You Himself Cameo; episode 2[62]
2017 Fighter of the Destiny Chen Changsheng
2018 Sweet Combat Ming Tian
2020 Cross Fire Xiao Feng [63]
Sisyphus Zhao Binbin [64]

Variety shows

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2015–2018 Keep Running Cast member
2018 Hot Blood Dance Crew Dance mentor
2020 Produce Camp 2020 Mentor [65]

Music videos

[edit]
Title Year Ref.
"Maxstep" (as part of Younique Unit) 2012
"Our Tomorrow" 2014
"Sweet Honey" 2015
"Please Come to the Great Wall to Ski" (with David Tao)
"Medals"
"Deep"
"The Inner Force" 2016
"Back to 17"
"Let Me By Your Side"
"Chasing Dream With Childlike Heart" 2017
Guest appearances
"The Last Game" (remake; Kim Min-kyo) 2014

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Nominated work Award Category Result Ref.
2014 2014 Baidu Moments Conference Most Valuable Male Star Won [66]
iQiyi All-Star Carnival Night Asia Popular Idol Award Won [67]
Tudou Young Choice Awards Person of the Year Won [68]
Baidu Fudian Annual Most Popular Male Artist Won [69]
2015 2014 Sina Weibo Night Weibo Male God of the Year Won [70]
Weibo King Won
20 Once Again 5th Beijing International Film Festival Newcomer of the Year Won [33]
22nd Beijing College Student Film Festival Most Popular Actor Won [34]
Best Newcomer Nominated
12th Guangzhou University Student Film Festival Most Popular Actor Won [71]
2016 Reloaded QQ Music Awards Best Digital Album of the Year Won [72]
Best Male Singer of the Year Won
Reloaded Music Radio Global Chinese Golden Chart Media Recommended Album of the Year Won [73]
All-round Artist of the Year Won
"Medals" Top 20 Songs of the Year Won
Reloaded 4th V Chart Awards Best Album of the Year Won [74]
Best Male Artist – Mainland Won
Tencent Star Awards Asia All-Round Artist Award Won [75]
iQiyi All-Star Carnival Asia All-Rounded Artist Won [76]
2017 XXVII Asian Music Gala Album of the Year Won [26]
"Winter Song" Fresh Asia Chart Festival 2017 Top 10 Songs Won [77]
"What If I Said" Won
"On Call" Won
"Skin to Skin" Best Music Video Won
2018 iQiyi Scream Night 2019 All-round Artist of the Year Won [78]

Forbes China Celebrity 100

[edit]
Year Rank Ref.
2015 31st [79]
2017 2nd [80]
2019 13th [81]
2020 15th [82]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Lu Han (Chinese: 鹿晗; born April 20, 1990) is a Chinese singer, , and dancer. Born in Haidian District, , he attended Shida and Haidian Shi Yan before pursuing studies in at , majoring in applied music. Scouted by while studying abroad, Lu Han debuted as a and dancer in the South Korean-Chinese and its Mandarin sub-unit EXO-M in April 2012. In October 2014, he filed a lawsuit against to terminate his contract, citing health issues and a desire to develop his career in , leading to his departure from the group. Following his exit, he launched a solo career, releasing his debut album in 2015 and starring in films such as 20 Once Again and The Witness that year. His solo endeavors have yielded commercial success, including high rankings on Chinese celebrity lists and awards for music and .

Early life

Childhood and family background

Lu Han was born on April 20, 1990, in Haidian District, , . He grew up in this urban, educationally prominent district of the Chinese capital, which is home to numerous universities and reflects a middle-class environment typical of many families during that era. From a young age, Lu Han showed interest in performing arts, participating in school events that involved singing and dancing, though detailed accounts of family encouragement remain limited in public records. Specific family details, such as parental professions, are not extensively documented in verified sources, with some unconfirmed reports suggesting ties to military or business backgrounds that may have instilled disciplined traits. His upbringing emphasized self-reliance amid Beijing's competitive urban landscape, shaping early habits like martial arts practice and basketball, which honed physical discipline.

Education and pre-debut activities

Lu Han graduated from Beijing Shida Middle School in Beijing, where he completed his early secondary education. He subsequently attended Beijing Haidian Foreign Language Shi Yan School, a boarding institution emphasizing foreign language instruction, though he did not complete his studies there before departing for South Korea. After high school, Lu Han moved to in 2009 to pursue , enrolling at the with a focus on applied music. During this period, he honed his performance skills, including dance training that built on his prior interest in choreography and vocals demonstrated through school activities and informal pursuits in . In 2008, prior to relocating, he had attempted an audition for in but was unsuccessful. While studying in , Lu Han was scouted by an casting agent in in 2010, who directed him to audition via the company's annual S.M. Casting System; he passed and began trainee activities, marking his entry into professional entertainment preparation. This phase involved intensive development of his singing and dancing abilities, leveraging his emerging talents in performance arts.

Music career

EXO era (2011–2014)

Lu Han was introduced as a member of the by on December 27, 2011, as part of the group's pre-debut teasers. officially debuted on April 8, 2012, with the mini-album Mama, featuring Lu Han prominently in performances alongside the 11 other members divided into Korean subunit EXO-K and Chinese subunit EXO-M, of which he was a part. Within EXO-M, Lu Han served as a , dancer, and was often highlighted for his visual appeal, contributing to key vocal lines and in tracks like the debut single "Mama." The group's popularity surged with the release of the repackaged album XOXO (Kiss & Hug) on June 7, 2013, particularly the lead single "Growl," which Lu Han performed in both Korean and Chinese versions; the Korean version was released on July 31, 2013. "Growl" achieved massive commercial success, topping charts and selling over a million copies for the album, significantly expanding EXO's fanbase known as EXO-L. Lu Han's participation in promotional activities, including music shows and fan meetings, helped solidify his role in the group's rising international profile, especially in . EXO embarked on their first concert tour, EXO Planet #1 – The Lost Planet, starting in on May 10–11, 2014, with Lu Han actively performing across Asian dates, including , before his departure. The group garnered awards such as Best New Artist at the , with Lu Han contributing to these collective achievements. Individually, he received recognition for the most comments on a Sina post, earning a certificate in August 2014 for a 2012 post that amassed over 7.7 million comments. Amid the demanding schedules, Lu Han experienced health deterioration, including anxiety and physical strain from overwork, as cited in his legal filings. On October 10, 2014, he filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment in the Seoul Central District Court seeking to nullify his exclusive contract, arguing unfair treatment, health impacts, and a desire to focus on activities in China. SM contested the claims, asserting contract validity, but the dispute highlighted tensions over member welfare and international operations. The case proceeded to mediation, culminating in contract termination via settlement in July 2016.

Solo debut and establishment (2015–2017)

Following his departure from in October 2014, Lu Han transitioned to solo activities in under his self-established LuHan Studio, marking a shift from group dynamics to independent production. His debut solo mini-album Reloaded I was released digitally on September 10, 2015, exclusively via QQ Music, featuring tracks like "That Good Good" that emphasized upbeat, self-produced Mandarin-language pop with themes of personal reinvention. The EP achieved immediate commercial dominance, selling 880,000 copies on its first day—the highest first-day digital sales record in at the time—and surpassing 1 million units shortly after, underscoring Lu Han's rapid adaptation to the domestic market. The full album followed on December 22, 2015, compiling the mini-album with additional tracks and physical editions, which collectively sold over 2 million copies, earning Lu Han the distinction as the first Chinese singer to attain double for album sales. This success reflected a deliberate pivot toward mature, introspective content in , distancing from EXO's synchronized idol format while leveraging Lu Han's vocal and production involvement to appeal to broader Chinese audiences. In November 2015, he released the single "Medals," further solidifying his solo branding with motivational themes tied to perseverance. By 2016, Lu Han expanded his output with the "X" single series, including and Xplore, which maintained high streaming volumes on platforms like and emphasized experimental electronic-Mandopop fusion. These releases, coupled with his inaugural solo —the Tour—drove record-breaking attendance and merchandise sales, with events in major cities like drawing massive crowds and contributing to his for the largest gathering of people wearing antlers. The tour's commercial viability, including rapid sell-outs, affirmed Lu Han's establishment as a standalone artist capable of sustaining fan engagement without group affiliation. Through 2017, follow-up singles like Venture and continued this trajectory, focusing on thematic depth in relationships and ambition, while amassing millions in digital sales and reinforcing his market position.

Mature phase and tours (2018–2025)

In 2018, Lu Han released the album XXVII, which concluded a series of digital singles initiated in 2016 and emphasized his thematic exploration of experience, exploration, venture, imagination, and self through varied tracks including remixes. This project marked a shift toward more mature production involvement, with Lu Han contributing to creative decisions amid his transition to independent artistry. Subsequent releases, such as the π-volume.1 EP on May 10, 2019, and π-volume.2 on September 16, 2019, incorporated genre experimentation blending pop, electronic, and experimental elements, reflecting his growing self-production role in songwriting and arrangement. Lu Han conducted multiple tours during this period, building on earlier solo efforts with expansive live shows featuring high-energy choreography and fan interactions. The 2025 Season's Greetings Tour (Season 4), launched in mid-2025, included stops in on August dates, at Arena@Expo on September 27, on October 4, and on October 25–26, drawing large crowds and marking his return to international stages post-pandemic. During the leg in 2025, former member joined for a surprise on-stage reunion, performing select tracks together and eliciting strong positive fan responses, with clips garnering widespread shares and comments expressing excitement over the rare collaboration. The tour faced disruptions when, on October 6, 2025, organizers announced cancellations for the show (originally October 11 at Mega Star Arena) and performance due to Lu Han's health condition, following medical advice prioritizing recovery over continuation. Refunds were processed promptly, with additional compensation offered for travel-related expenses, underscoring logistical challenges in high-demand regional touring. Despite these setbacks, Lu Han's releases maintained significant streaming presence in , positioning him among top domestic artists by late 2025 metrics.

Acting career

Breakthrough roles

Lu Han made his acting debut in the 2015 film 20 Once Again, a Chinese remake of the South Korean hit Miss Granny, directed by Leste Chen and released on January 8, 2015. In the film, he portrayed Xiang Qianjin, the musically inclined grandson of the protagonist, who discovers and promotes the transformed elderly woman's vocal talents, showcasing his character's youthful energy and comedic interactions. The movie achieved significant commercial success, grossing nearly $60 million at the Chinese box office and holding the top spot for eight consecutive days, outperforming major Hollywood releases. Lu Han's performance earned him the Most Popular Actor award at the 22nd College Student Film Festival, with recognition for his natural comedic timing and appeal to younger audiences, marking his transition from idol singer to screen presence. Building on this, Lu Han took on more demanding lead roles in 2015's The Witness, a crime thriller of the Korean film , where he played , a unraveling a case. Released on October 16, 2015, the film also became a success, contributing to Lu Han's growing reputation for handling suspenseful narratives beyond light . In 2016, he starred as the adventurer Wu Xie in the action-fantasy , adapted from a popular novel series, which emphasized physical performance and ensemble dynamics in a tomb-raiding plot, further demonstrating his willingness to explore genre diversity. By 2017, Lu Han entered television with the lead role of Fang Zhengfeng in the fantasy web series Fighter of the Destiny, his first small-screen project, blending martial arts, destiny-themed drama, and character growth arcs that leveraged his dance-honed physicality. Early critical reception praised his versatility in shifting from musical idol roots to varied roles, attributing box office draws to his fanbase's loyalty and on-screen charisma. However, some observers noted limitations typical of idol-actors, such as reliance on visual appeal over nuanced emotional depth, though these did not hinder his commercial breakthroughs.

Major projects and collaborations

In 2017, Lu Han starred as the lead Chen Changsheng in the fantasy drama series , adapted from Mao Ni's novel Ze Tian Ji, portraying a determined navigating a world of cultivation and political intrigue. The series, co-starring Gulnazar as Xu Yourong and as Luo Luo, aired on Hunan TV from April 17 to June 1, achieving CSM52 urban ratings averaging approximately 1.05% across its initial episodes, reflecting moderate television viewership in amid competition from streaming platforms. While the production garnered attention for its high-budget and Lu Han's central role in driving fan engagement, industry critiques noted his portrayal lacked the requisite stoic depth for the character's calm demeanor, attributing this to his idol background prioritizing over nuanced emotional range. Subsequent projects included the 2019 Shanghai Fortress, where Lu Han collaborated with veteran actress , playing a tech-savvy operative in a defense against based on Yao Ji's . Despite a reported exceeding 300 million yuan, the film underperformed commercially, earning limited returns and facing observer commentary on Lu Han's performance as energetic yet insufficiently layered for dramatic tension. These endeavors highlighted Lu Han's pivot toward action-oriented genres, often pairing him with established co-stars to leverage his popularity for broader appeal, though evaluations emphasized his screen presence as a strength in visually dynamic sequences over substantive acting critiques from peers. No major awards for these roles were secured, with success metrics leaning more on initial hype from his fanbase than critical acclaim or sustained ratings.

Public image and endorsements

Media portrayal

Following his departure from EXO in October 2014, Lu Han's media portrayal in Chinese outlets shifted from that of a K-pop heartthrob emphasizing youthful visuals and group dynamics to a solo mainstay in domestic , with coverage highlighting his rapid ascent in and acting. Chinese media frequently depicted him as a "little fresh meat" archetype, coining the "Lu Han effect" for his trendsetting influence on fans, evidenced by a 2016 mailbox photo sparking a tourist site. This era saw peak volume, including over 20 magazine covers between 2015 and 2017 and a No. 2 ranking on China's Celebrity 100 list in 2017, underscoring his commercial draw amid 58 million followers. Public persona coverage emphasized diligence through prolific output, such as album releases and tours, evolving toward a mature artist image by 2020 via complex roles in projects like and coaching on Chuang 2020, where he was labeled a "gentle ." Social media trends amplified fan interactions, with posts driving high engagement on his and , though incidents tested this narrative. Positive tones praised him as a "public cultural phenomenon" fostering new star-making mechanisms. Skeptical portrayals emerged post-2017, noting tonal shifts toward waning aura, with critiques like a "mirage built by empty enthusiasm" amid low ratings for shows like Sweet Blow and concert issues. Fan loss of 800,000 after a 2017 relationship reveal and displacement by rivals like signaled declining dominance. A November 2024 livestream incident, involving intoxication, swearing, and gestures, prompted widespread negative coverage in outlets like and , leading to a temporary follow ban and public apology on January 6, 2025, highlighting lapses in his private, disciplined image. Korean media, by contrast, focused on contractual disputes post-departure, fostering a more adversarial tone absent in Chinese narratives.

Brand ambassadorships and commercial ventures

Lu Han has served as a global brand ambassador for since 2020, prominently featuring in campaigns for Beauty products such as the Fluide De Beauté foundation and Eternité de Beauté foundation, as well as equestrian-themed collections and lines. He has also endorsed luxury brands including Cartier and Lancôme, alongside beauty retailer L'Occitane, whose sales increased partly due to his involvement in 2017 promotions. Domestic and international partnerships extend to for -specific advertising and Puma for sportswear campaigns. These endorsements have significantly bolstered Lu Han's commercial value, positioning him second on the 2017 list with pretax earnings of 210 million yuan (approximately $31 million), attributed largely to advertising revenue amid his high social media influence. Beyond ambassadorships, Lu Han co-founded the label Un Garçon Club (UGC) in 2021, maintaining until revealing his role in an magazine interview, marking an extension of his fashion interests into independent ventures. In 2018, he invested in the Chinese team Lstars, aligning with the sector's growth and his appeal to younger demographics, though the team later rebranded.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Lu Han was born on April 20, 1990, in Haidian District, , . Public details about his parents are limited, as he has not extensively disclosed their backgrounds or professions, though early reports suggested ties to military families without direct confirmation from Lu Han himself. No verified information exists on siblings, indicating he is likely an . His upbringing provided a foundation for his interests, with family reportedly facilitating his relocation to for training after auditioning for in 2009, though specific parental involvement remains undocumented in primary sources. On October 8, 2017, Lu Han announced his relationship with actress Guan Xiaotong through a Weibo post introducing her as his girlfriend, which she affirmed with a reciprocal response. The couple, who met via collaborations on the variety program Keep Running and the 2019 drama Sweet Combat, maintained visibility through joint public appearances, such as events and social media endorsements, spanning over seven years despite a seven-year age gap (Guan born in 1997). They mutually promoted projects, including Lu Han's music releases and Guan Xiaotong's film roles, fostering a narrative of supportive partnership in Chinese entertainment media. By December 2024, multiple outlets reported the relationship had ended, citing diminished joint outings and unverified personal incidents as evidence, with no official statements from either party refuting the claims as of October 2025. Prior to these shifts, the pair's interactions exemplified a stable, publicly affirmed coupling uncommon in the industry, though recent media scrutiny highlights evolving dynamics without resolved confirmation.

Health and privacy concerns

In October 2014, Lu Han cited health complications stemming from overwork and exhaustion as a primary reason for his departure from , including symptoms such as headaches, , , and accumulated that required medical rest. These issues had previously led to his absence from group concerts and activities, with attributing them to severe exhaustion necessitating recovery. In December 2015, Lu Han announced a temporary suspension of activities in due to deteriorating health, further highlighting the toll of his rigorous schedule. These patterns of fatigue recurred in 2025, prompting the cancellation of two stops on his Season 4 Asia Tour—scheduled for October 11 in , , and a subsequent date in —on medical advice to prioritize recovery. Lu Han's studio issued an apology on October 6, confirming the decisions followed expert evaluation of his condition, with full refunds provided to ticket holders, including compensation for travel and accommodations to mitigate fan inconvenience. Regarding privacy, Lu Han's accounts on major Chinese platforms, including Weibo, were restricted from gaining new followers starting January 6, 2025, following a livestream where he appeared intoxicated, used profanity, and made obscene gestures toward viewers and critics. His team issued an apology on his behalf, acknowledging the violation of platform guidelines and committing to self-reflection, which resulted in a temporary blackout of interactive features to curb further public scrutiny. The accounts were reactivated for public access by July 5, 2025, signaling a managed return to online engagement while emphasizing boundaries against invasive online behavior.

Controversies

Departure from EXO

On October 10, 2014, Lu Han filed a against in the Central District Court seeking to nullify his exclusive contract, primarily citing health deterioration from overwork and unequal treatment toward Chinese members of . countered by asserting that Lu Han's unilateral departure breached contract terms, filing its own against him in April 2015 for violations including unauthorized independent activities. The agency further pursued multiple legal actions in , submitting 14 lawsuits by June 2016 alleging continued infringement on exclusive rights through Lu Han's post-departure promotions and performances. The dispute escalated into a prolonged legal saga spanning 2014 to 2016, involving cross-jurisdictional claims over contract validity and profit-sharing, with SM maintaining that Lu Han's actions damaged group cohesion and fan trust. proceedings in recommended a settlement in mid-2016, which both parties accepted by July 21, effectively resolving the core termination demands without full contract dissolution but allowing Lu Han to focus on solo endeavors outside activities. The departure polarized fans, with SM highlighting breaches that allegedly fueled division within EXO's international fandom, though specific metrics on opposing petitions remain undocumented in primary reports. Post-resolution, Lu Han achieved commercial success in China through solo music releases, acting roles, and endorsements, amassing significant domestic revenue streams independent of K-pop structures. However, segments of the K-pop community, particularly core EXO supporters, have sustained criticisms framing the exit as disloyalty to the group, evidenced in ongoing online backlash to his occasional nods toward EXO-era material. This reputational rift persists, contrasting his mainland China acclaim with residual distrust among Korean-centric audiences who prioritize group fidelity over individual agency claims.

Relationship scandals and rumors

In February 2025, anonymous online claims accused Lu Han of , identifying him as the male celebrity referenced in a broader exposé about a high-profile involving emotional and possibly physical affairs with multiple parties. These allegations, originating from unverified forum posts and social media threads, lacked concrete evidence such as photos or witness accounts but rapidly trended on platforms like , prompting Lu Han's studio to issue denials and pursue legal action against bloggers spreading related false narratives, including depictions of him appearing intoxicated or unsteady. The claims fueled speculation about strain in his long-term relationship with actress , though no direct link was substantiated, and Lu Han maintained public silence beyond the studio's statements. Breakup rumors with Guan Xiaotong, whom Lu Han publicly confirmed dating in 2017, escalated in April 2025 amid the cheating discourse and observations of reduced joint appearances and social media interactions. Further intensification occurred in September 2025, when Lu Han omitted his customary midnight birthday post for Guan Xiaotong on September 17— a tradition observed annually since their relationship began— alongside reports from entertainment journalists claiming the couple had separated as early as December 2024 without reconciliation. Additional fuel came from Guan Xiaotong's father, Guan Shaozeng, inadvertently liking a Weibo post alleging the split occurred around Chinese Valentine's Day (Qixi Festival, August 10), which he quickly unliked but which netizens screenshotted and amplified. Neither party has officially confirmed or denied the separation, leading to ongoing fan debates and scrutiny of their individual posts for subtle signals, such as Guan Xiaotong looping breakup-themed songs repeatedly in April. Amid these developments, unverified rumors in September 2025 suggested had secretly given birth to Lu Han's , speculated to explain her reduced visibility and the couple's alleged relational shifts, though no medical records, photos, or official statements supported this. Similar unsubstantiated claims of secret or parenthood have circulated periodically since 2015, previously refuted by Lu Han's team in July 2015 stating no Korean girlfriend, , or existed, and by Guan Shaozeng in 2022 denying rumors. No recent legal notices specifically targeting the 2025 rumors were reported, but the persistent lack of has led to their dismissal in some media analyses as extensions of sensationalism rather than factual disclosures. These speculations have notably impacted Lu Han's public image, with fans expressing concern over his altered appearance—described as gaunt and tearful in public sightings—and his trending status on search engines multiple times in 2025 due to emotional distress narratives.

Professional disputes and public incidents

In early January 2025, Lu Han encountered significant public backlash following a November 2024 livestream on Chinese platforms where he appeared intoxicated, uttered profanities, and displayed an offensive gesture toward the camera. This behavior violated community guidelines, resulting in the immediate suspension of his accounts across major sites including , Douyin, and , rendering them inaccessible for following or interaction. Lu Han's studio issued a formal apology on January 6, 2025, acknowledging that he had set a poor example, expressed regret for the incident, and committed to greater self-discipline moving forward. The accounts were reactivated on July 5, 2025, allowing public access once more. In October 2025, Lu Han cancelled multiple dates on his Season 4 Asia Tour, including the October 11 show in , , and a subsequent performance in , citing health concerns diagnosed as requiring rest per medical advice. His team apologized publicly on October 7, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing recovery and promising detailed refund information via official channels. Ticket holders received full refunds without delay, supplemented by compensation for flights, accommodations, and other verified travel expenses to mitigate fan inconvenience. These incidents highlighted operational challenges in Lu Han's solo career, including tensions from his post-EXO fanbase fragmentation, where his expanding Chinese supporter network contrasted with persistent criticisms from international EXO-L communities over his group exit and independent pursuits.

Philanthropy and activism

Charitable activities

Lu Han has engaged in philanthropy primarily through donations supporting and access in rural , as well as disaster relief efforts. Beginning in 2013, he participated in the Asian Dream Cup charity football competition, directing all proceeds to aid victims of the Sichuan earthquake disaster. This marked his initial foray into targeted relief, focusing on children affected by natural calamities. A core aspect of his charitable work involves funding the construction of football fields at under-resourced to promote and youth development. From onward, Lu Han and his studio have donated fields to primary and secondary schools in provinces including and , with the initiative formalized under the "Football First Lesson" project launched in 2018. By 2022, he had contributed to seven such fields, expanding to ten by early 2025, including the latest at a school in Heilongjiang's Suihua city, benefiting thousands of students in remote areas lacking sports facilities. In with the Manchester United Foundation in 2020, his project received donated football kits and equipment for rural schoolchildren, enhancing program reach. He has also supported broader relief initiatives, including a January 2025 donation to the Tomorrow Foundation for recovery efforts following the earthquake. Earlier, in 2015, Lu Han participated in the Bazaar Charity Night, contributing to fundraising that included ambulance donations, earning him the 24th ranking on China's Philanthropist List that year. These efforts emphasize direct, verifiable infrastructure and aid, with impacts measured in built facilities and recipient communities rather than promotional fan-driven activities.

Public stances on social issues

In October 2014, Lu Han filed a lawsuit in against to nullify his exclusive contract, arguing that the agency's management exacerbated his health issues, including vestibular dysfunction, and failed to accommodate his physical and mental well-being during intensive schedules. The dispute, settled in July 2016 with a court-recommended reduction of the contract term to seven years, underscored tensions over long-term exclusivity clauses common in Korean contracts, which Lu Han's representatives described as overly restrictive for Chinese artists pursuing domestic opportunities. This legal action, alongside similar suits by former members and , spotlighted artist autonomy concerns in cross-border , though it did not directly alter Chinese regulatory frameworks. Lu Han has expressed firm patriotic positions on . In September 2021, he ended his endorsement deal with Swiss watchmaker after its CEO referred to as a "" in an , with his studio issuing a statement that the remarks contradicted 's claims and Lu Han's personal principles, demanding a worldwide apology in Chinese and English. Supporters praised as principled defense of national unity, while critics, including some online commentators, labeled it performative to safeguard his career amid 's regulatory emphasis on patriotic content in media. Similarly, during the 2019 Hong Kong protests, Lu Han posted images of the Chinese flag with captions affirming its dignity and 's status as part of , aligning with state narratives against protest actions like . Public commentary from Lu Han on environmental or youth-specific issues remains sparse and promotional in nature. In October 2017, he collaborated with on a sustainability report highlighting corporate environmental efforts, but observers noted the involvement as commercially driven rather than a substantive policy stance. At a 2018 UNODC event, he advocated for youth social inclusion and avoidance of drugs, yet such remarks have been critiqued by media analysts as superficial endorsements lacking deeper engagement or follow-through. These limited expressions contrast with broader industry trends under Chinese regulations promoting "correct political positions," where Lu Han's overall output prioritizes entertainment over explicit social reform advocacy.

Legacy and achievements

Awards and recognitions

Lu Han's major music accolades post-departure from include the Best Male Singer of the Year and Best Digital Album of the Year for at the 2016 QQ Music Awards, where winners were selected via a combination of online voting, sales data, and media input. Prior to his solo career, as part of , he contributed to the group's win for at the , a jury- and performance-based event held in . In recognition of commercial influence, Lu Han received the Most Valuable Male Star award at the 2014 Moments Conference, determined by 's analysis of search trends, endorsement value, and market impact rather than artistic merit alone. For acting, he earned the Most Popular Actor award for his lead role in the 2015 film 20 Once Again (Chinese remake of ), reflecting audience box-office draw at a . He also received the 2016 Annual Performing Star Award from News Weekly, honoring overall contributions. Influence metrics highlight his earnings prominence: Lu Han ranked second on the 2017 list with estimated pre-tax income of 210 million yuan (about $31 million USD), surpassing most peers based on revenue from endorsements, performances, and media. He climbed from 37th in 2015, underscoring rapid solo ascent in China's celebrity economy. Many domestic awards, however, prioritize fan votes and streaming metrics over peer or critic evaluation, contributing to perceptions of category proliferation in the industry.

Cultural impact and fan reception

Lu Han's prominence has contributed to the expansion of China's fan economy, where organized supporter activities generate billions in revenue through merchandise, events, and endorsements. His career exemplifies the "idol effect" in shaping , with fans driving viral trends and economic mobilization around his releases and appearances, as seen in large-scale engagements. With over 60 million followers, Lu Han commands one of the highest presences among figures, facilitating brand collaborations and direct fan interaction that amplify his commercial reach. On global platforms like , he maintains around 217,000 monthly listeners, indicating persistent appeal beyond despite a focus on domestic markets. His transition from K-pop group member to solo and actor has highlighted pathways for idols navigating cross-cultural shifts, influencing subsequent performers in blending with . Fan reception in reflects strong loyalty, evidenced by concert tours drawing over 100,000 attendees and records like the 2016 Guinness World Record for 1,731 fans wearing headbands simultaneously at a show. However, among international and EXO-era audiences, opinions divide due to his 2014 exit via lawsuit against , citing health and discriminatory issues, which alienated some former supporters while solidifying his base in where he was already the group's most popular member. Critiques often center on over-commercialization, with observers noting heavy reliance on fan metrics potentially inflated by organized boosting, which some argue prioritizes market saturation over artistic depth when benchmarked against K-pop's structured training. Reports of waning influence since 2019 peaks underscore the transient nature of idol stardom, though his enduring fan mobilization counters narratives of outright decline.

Works

Discography

Lu Han's solo discography features digital-first releases, predominantly extended plays (EPs) and single albums, distributed via Chinese platforms such as QQ Music, where they have achieved multimillion-unit sales driven by pre-order and streaming metrics. His debut solo EP, Reloaded I, set a benchmark by selling 880,000 copies on its first day of release, the highest for a digital album in mainland China at the time. Subsequent releases in the π-volume series continued this trend, with pre-sales often exceeding 1 million units per installment. The table below catalogs his major solo albums and EPs chronologically, focusing on verifiable release dates and sales data from aggregated digital platform figures in .
TitleTypeRelease dateSales (China, digital)
Reloaded IEPSeptember 10, 20153,358,873 copies
Reloaded +EPJanuary 20161,429,902 copies
π-volume.1/EPApril 17, 2019Over 1,666,667 copies ( Diamond certification)
π-volume.2/EPAugust 30, 2019Over 1,000,000 copies (pre-sales)
π-volume.3/EPMay 27, 2020Not publicly detailed
π-volume.4EPNovember 4, 20201,511,557 copies
SaesonsJune 13, 2024Not publicly detailed
Reloaded I also marked the first mainland Chinese album to enter the top five on Taiwan's G-Music year-end chart and topped Japan's chart. The π-volume series collectively earned multiple certifications from for surpassing sales thresholds, reflecting sustained demand among domestic audiences. No major certifications from international bodies like IFPI were reported for later releases, though digital dominance in underscores their commercial impact.

Filmography

Lu Han debuted as an in 2015 with the lead role in the comedy film Back to 20, a Chinese of the Korean hit Miss Granny. His early film roles often featured him in action-oriented or youthful characters, transitioning to more ensemble casts in historical and sci-fi productions. In television, Lu Han gained prominence with fantasy and sports dramas, portraying protagonists in extended series formats typical of Chinese broadcasting.

Films

YearTitleRole
2015Back to 20Xiang Qian Jin (Main Role)
2015The Witness (Main Role)
201512 Golden DucksHimself (Guest Role)
2016Wu Xie (Main Role)
2016The Great WallPeng Yong (Main Role)
2016See You TomorrowMa Li (Young) (Support Role)
2017Deng Xiao Ping (Liaison Officer) (Support Role)
2019Jiang Yang (Main Role)

Television series

YearTitleRoleEpisodes
2017Chen Chang Sheng (Main Role)52
2018Ming Tian (Main Role)38
2020Cross FireXiao Feng / "Seven" (Main Role)36
2020Zhao Bin Bin / Fu Ji Liang (Main Role)12

References

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