Luhan

Biography

Luhan (鹿晗), born April 20, 1990, is a Chinese singer, actor, and television personality. He is best known as a former member of the South Korean–Chinese boy group EXO, under SM Entertainment, and later as one of the most commercially successful solo entertainers in China.

Early Life and Education

Luhan was born and raised in Beijing. During his teenage years, he developed an interest in music, dance, and sports, particularly football. After completing his early education in China, he moved to South Korea to continue his studies.
He later enrolled at Yonsei University, one of South Korea’s most prestigious institutions, majoring in Korean Language. While studying in Korea, Luhan was scouted by SM Entertainment, which marked the beginning of his training as a K-pop idol.

His academic background and fluency in Korean distinguished him among foreign trainees and facilitated his integration into the Korean entertainment industry.

Career

Debut and Activities with EXO (2012–2014)

Luhan officially debuted in April 2012 as a member of EXO and its Chinese sub-unit EXO-M. Within the group, he held multiple positions, including:

• Lead vocalist
• Main dancer
• Visual

EXO rapidly rose to international prominence with releases such as Mama (2012), XOXO (2013), and Overdose (2014). Luhan was one of the most popular members, known for his youthful image, strong dance ability, and versatility on stage.

However, the intense schedule and physical demands of idol life affected his health. In October 2014, Luhan filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment to terminate his contract, citing health issues and unfavorable working conditions. His departure followed similar actions by other Chinese members and became a landmark case in discussions about foreign idols’ rights within the K-pop industry.

Solo Career in China (2015–present)

After leaving EXO, Luhan returned to China and transitioned into a solo career with remarkable speed and success.

Music Career

• Released multiple digital singles and albums that achieved high sales and streaming numbers
• Frequently topped Chinese music charts upon release
• Established himself as one of China’s leading pop idols

His music style primarily focuses on pop and dance-pop, with an emphasis on youth-oriented themes.

Acting Career

Luhan expanded his career into acting, starring in both films and television dramas, including:

• Time Raiders
• The Witness
• Fighter of the Destiny
• Cross Fire

Over time, he gained recognition for improving acting skills and steady box-office performance.

Variety Shows

Luhan also became a fixed cast member on major Chinese variety programs, most notably Keep Running, which significantly broadened his public recognition beyond idol fandoms.

Personal Life

In October 2017, Luhan publicly confirmed his relationship with actress Guan Xiaotong. The announcement attracted widespread attention and was considered a rare and bold move for a top-tier idol in China, influencing later discussions about celebrity relationships and fan culture.

Discography

Filmography