Current Role | Founder, Chromosome Entertainment | Solo Artist | Former Member of EXO |
Previous Position | Lead Dancer & Vocalist, EXO (SM Entertainment) |
Key Recognition | Forbes China Celebrity 100 | Ambassador for Chinese Culture Abroad | MTV EMA Winner |
Background and Early Foundations
Born and raised in Hunan, China, Zhang Yixing — known globally as Lay Zhang — first gained national attention as a child actor before debuting in 2012 as a member of the K-pop supergroup EXO. His combination of charisma, discipline, and creative range quickly stood out, earning him solo projects while still promoting with the group.
After breaking into the international music scene with Mandarin-language albums and global collaborations, Lay founded Chromosome Entertainment Group, an artist-first agency based in China.
Today, he is one of Asia’s most recognized cross-border entertainers, blending music, film, dance, and cultural advocacy.
Career Milestones and Impact
Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
2016 | Released first solo album Lose Control (topped charts in 9 countries) |
2020 | Founded Chromosome Entertainment, focusing on talent development in China |
2021 | Performed in China’s national events, including the Communist Party’s 100th Anniversary |
2023 | Collaborated with global acts (e.g., Steve Aoki, Jason Derulo); launched NFTs tied to music IP |
- Spotify Streams: 1B+ globally
- Weibo Followers: 56M+
- Known For: Fusing traditional Chinese instrumentation with modern pop
- Cultural Role: Official Youth Ambassador for Chinese culture promotion abroad
Leadership Style and Influence
Lay is known for his precision choreography, soulful vocals, and artistic vision:
- Pioneer of “C-pop” as a standalone genre
- Conceptualizes full albums, music videos, and stage productions
- Merges Chinese calligraphy, opera sounds, and folklore into contemporary pop formats
- One of the earliest mainstream adopters of Web3 creative IP management in Asia
He has also become a fashion and cultural icon — fronting campaigns for Valentino, Converse, and Chaumet.
Legacy and Future Focus
Lay’s legacy is rooted in creative sovereignty, cross-border influence, and national storytelling:
- Helped normalize solo careers in K-pop without abandoning domestic markets
- Promoted Chinese language music to global digital platforms
- Invested in youth-focused arts academies and indie creator support programs
Looking ahead, he is:
- Producing a film based on Chinese folklore with global streaming distribution
- Expanding Chromosome Entertainment’s artist roster across Asia
- Launching an AI-collaborative music production lab in Beijing (2025–2026)
