Who Is Lay Zhang? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Lay Zhang, born Zhang Yixing on October 7, 1991, is a prominent figure in the Chinese music and film industry. He gained fame as a member of the popular K-pop group EXO and has since established a successful solo career. By 2025, Lay will be 34 years old and continues to make waves as both a musician and an actor, amassing an impressive fan base and critical acclaim.
| Occupation | Pop Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 7, 1991 |
| Age | 33 Years |
| Birth Place | Changsha, Hunan, China |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | China |
Popularity
Lay Zhang's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Lay stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and maintains a weight of approximately 143 lbs (65 kg). His well-toned physique, combined with his exceptional dancing skills, has made him a fashion icon and a sought-after figure in various endorsements. His body measurements are approximately 38-30-36 inches, showcasing his dedication to fitness and artistry.
Zhang attended the 61st Annual Grammy Awards as its promotional ambassador on February 10, the only Chinese celebrity invited to the red carpet event and live ceremony.
On February 26, a Michael Jackson tribute song titled "Let's Shut Up & Dance" was released by Zhang in collaboration with American singer Jason Derulo and South Korean band and SM Entertainment labelmate NCT 127.
That same month, a third wax figure of Zhang was revealed in Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, following wax figures in Madame Tussauds Shanghai and Beijing. Zhang starred as the protagonist in the Chinese fantasy-adventure series The Golden Eyes.
On March 15, Zhang released a digital single titled "Lovebird" as a collaborative song with American EDM and hip-hop group Far East Movement.
On May 6, Zhang made his first appearance at the annual fashion exhibition Met Gala in New York City as an ambassador for Valentino, wearing a custom-made suit called "Time Traveller" designed by the house's creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Lay Zhang has chosen to keep his personal life relatively private. While there have been rumors about his dating life over the years, Lay has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships. He continues to focus on his career, though fans remain curious about his relationship status.
Net Worth and Salary
Lay Zhang's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million as of 2025. His earnings come from multiple sources, including his music sales, concert tours, acting roles, and various endorsements. Lay's ventures in the entertainment industry have contributed significantly to his wealth, making him one of the most successful artists in China.
On February 22, 2022, Zhang released the collaborative album Dawn to Dusk with 24kGoldn. On February 23, the drama Challenges at Midlife was aired on Oriental Satellite TV, Zhejiang Satellite TV and Youku. Zhang starred as a young man with a double-faced character in the drama. It was his first TV series to play the villain.
On April 8, 2022, Zhang released the song "酒(JIU)" in celebration of Exo 10th Year Debut Anniversary. That same day, he concluded his ten-year contract with SM Entertainment and personally stated that would remain active with Exo in the future.
On April 22, he returned to the 6th season of the variety show Back to the Field as a regular cast member. On May 15, it was announced that he would star in the online film Chinese Youth: Me and My Youth to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Communist Youth League, he plays the painter Xu Mai in the first unit Flag.
On May 31, he collaborated with former NBA player Nick Young and released the theme song Time To Shine to pay tribute to the 75th anniversary of the NBA. The MV of the song was later played on the Jumbotron in Chase Center during the NBA Finals on June 6.
Career, Business, and Investments
Lay's career began in 2012 when he debuted with EXO. Since then, he has released numerous solo albums and has starred in films and dramas, earning accolades for his performances. In addition to his entertainment career, Lay has ventured into business, launching his own brand in fashion and cosmetics, further solidifying his status as a multi-talented entrepreneur.
In 2008, Zhang auditioned for SM Entertainment at the South Korean company's global casting audition in Wuhan. At the time, he was 16 years old and studying at the High School Attached to Hunan Normal University. After successfully passing the auditions, Zhang moved to South Korea to complete his idol training.
In 2011, prior to his debut with Exo, he briefly worked with Shinee on their Shinee World Tour as Jonghyun's dance replacement.
Social Network
Lay Zhang is highly active on social media platforms, where he frequently interacts with his fans. He boasts millions of followers on platforms such as Weibo, Instagram, and Twitter. His engaging posts include snippets of his life, behind-the-scenes content from his projects, and messages to his dedicated fanbase.
In January 2016, Zhang and the other cast members of Go Fighting! appeared in the Chinese movie Royal Treasure. In April 2016, he received the Most Popular Newcomer award at the 16th Top Chinese Music Awards. In May 2016, Zhang made his small screen debut in the Chinese television series To Be A Better Man.
Written by Lay and co-composed and arranged with Divine Channel, "Monodrama" charted at number one on YinYueTai's V Chart. In July 2016, Zhang starred in the Chinese action mystery drama The Mystic Nine, a prequel to The Lost Tomb.
The series achieved domestic success, placing first in television ratings and setting a record for the most online views garnered in a day. It has since accumulated over 12 billion total views.
Zhang went on to star in a spin-off of the television series titled The Mystic Nine Side Story: Flowers Bloom in February, which focused solely on Zhang's character.
Education
Lay Zhang pursued his education at the Shanghai Theatre Academy, where he honed his skills in performance arts. His training has played a crucial role in his artistic development, shaping him into the versatile performer he is today.
In conclusion, as we look forward to Lay Zhang in 2025, it's clear that he remains an influential figure in entertainment and fashion. Whether through his music, acting, or business ventures, Lay continues to inspire fans around the globe while maintaining a mysterious persona regarding his personal life.
In February 2015, Zhang participated in the "Return Home with Love for A Thousand Miles", a large-scale public welfare activities and volunteer project. The project included on-site delivery of relief supplies to labor workers which helps them return home faster and to help labor workers in a timely manner to reinforce physical safety.
On May 2, Zhang established his own foundation entitled, "Zhang Yixing Arts Scholarship" on behalf of providing scholarship for his alma mater middle school, Hunan Masters College Middle School where he will donate 100 thousand yuan annually. His intentions were encourage talented youth to pursue their dreams.
On September 7, Zhang responded to a campus soccer public welfare project, "Summit of Hope" ("希望之颠"). He uploaded a video on his Weibo account in an attempt to publicize the project.
