Lay, whose real name is Zhang Yixing (张艺兴), is a talented artist, member of the group EXO and the sub-unit EXO-M. Known for his talents as a lead dancer and his musical compositions, he has also established himself as an actor and producer in China. With his unique personality and on-stage charisma, Lay is a K-pop pillar and international cultural ambassador.
Presentation of Lay
- Stage name: Lay (레이)
- Full name: Zhang Jiashuai (张加帅), legally Zhang Yixing (张艺兴)
- Korean name: Jang Ye Heung (장예흥)
- Position in the group: Main dancer, singer
- Date of birth: October 7, 1991
- Astrological sign: Libra
- Super power: Healing (Unicorn)
- Nationality: Chinese
- Instagram: @layzhang
- Twitter: @layzhang
- Weibo: 努力努力再努力x
Biography and Career
Lay was born in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. As a child, he lived with his grandparents and got his start as a local star, appearing on variety shows. In 2008, he joined SM Entertainment after successfully completing a global audition. Lay was officially introduced as a member of EXO on January 17, 2012.
Versatile, Lay excels in dancing, singing and composition. In 2016, he released his first mini-album “Lose Control”, followed by “LAY 02 SHEEP” in 2017, in which he wrote and composed all the songs. As an actor, he has appeared in several Chinese dramas and films, including “The Mystic Nine” and “Kung Fu Yoga.”
Lay is also recognized for his philanthropic work, notably with his “Zhang Yixing Arts Scholarship” foundation, which supports arts students.
Interesting Facts
Family
- Lay grew up with his grandparents in China.
Hobbies and talents
- He knows how to play the guitar, the piano and loves to cook.
- Lay composes and writes his own songs.
- He likes to dance in the dark to find inspiration.
Personal particularities
- Lay is known for his humor and 4D personality.
- He is afraid of pigeons and animals with beaks.
- He often sleeps on the living room floor, claiming it improves his dreams.
Achievements
- Lay is an ambassador for prestigious brands such as Perrier, Valentino and Converse.
- Two wax figures representing him are in the Madame Tussauds museum in Beijing and Shanghai.
- In 2018, he was ranked 18th on TC Candler's “100 Most Beautiful Faces” list.
Ideal couple and type
- Lay said he would date himself if he was a girl.
- Her ideal type is a cute person who is respectful towards her elders.
Official social networks
Lay in EXO
As a member of EXO-M, Lay contributed to the group's success in China and internationally. His classmates describe him as a caring “umma” (mother), often seen cooking for them. His changing personality, between seriousness on stage and playfulness off stage, makes him a captivating artist.
Music and Solo Projects
Lay has released several notable solo albums:
- “Lose Control” (2016): An introspective and emotional mini-album.
- “LAY 02 SHEEP” (2017): An album that showcases his talents as a composer.