LayarHijau – Lay Zhang attracted attention after attending the opening ceremony of the 22nd China-American Film Festival and China-American TV Festival in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, United States.
Held at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, the event saw Lay Zhang attend as an International Film and Television Arts Exchange Ambassador. He also received an award during the ceremony.
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His appearance was particularly noteworthy because he is currently embarking on a new chapter of his life as a university student in the United States. During the event, he discussed why he decided to return to education after spending years building his career as a singer, actor, and producer.
Lay Zhang explained that he hopes to use his studies to build bridges between different cultures.
He also emphasized the importance of cultural roots when creating works that can resonate with audiences around the world.
“I hope to build bridges between different cultures through learning. Cultural roots are also very important. I hope to bring more Chinese stories into people’s hearts,” he said.
During his speech, Lay Zhang effortlessly switched between Mandarin and English. He also joked with the audience by asking, “Have you finished your homework?”
The remark was a playful reference to his current student status and the many assignments that come with university life. He even joked about having so much homework to complete.
The moment offered a glimpse into another side of Lay Zhang, who is now balancing his entertainment career with his academic responsibilities.
Lay Zhang Begins University Studies in Los Angeles in October 2026
Lay Zhang announced his return to education on October 13, 2026.
Through social media, he revealed that he had obtained the TOEFL score required for university admission and was officially a student.
“Hi, everyone! A little update about my life. I’ve got the TOEFL score I needed, and I’m officially a university student now! Going back to school, learning new things, and pursuing my dreams. Wish me luck!” he wrote.
Following the announcement, Lay Zhang also shared glimpses of his life in Los Angeles. In a video posted on Xiaohongshu, he introduced himself as a 35-year-old international student.
However, as of November 2026, Lay Zhang has not publicly disclosed the name of the university he is attending. Therefore, claims linking him to a particular institution have yet to be confirmed.
This decision marks a new chapter in Lay Zhang’s personal journey. Before becoming a well-known entertainer, he left China at the age of 17 to undergo idol training in South Korea. His career subsequently developed through his activities with EXO before he established himself as a solo artist in music and acting.
Now, more than a decade into his entertainment career, Lay Zhang has chosen to return to university to gain new knowledge and develop additional skills.
At the film festival, he also expressed his hope that learning would help him create works that bring different cultures together without losing their original cultural identity.
He also invited people interested in filmmaking to join one of his ongoing projects. The project is looking for individuals with expertise in cinematography, production, and screenwriting.
For Lay Zhang, studying in Los Angeles is not simply an opportunity to pursue formal education. It is also part of his effort to broaden his horizons and further develop his creative abilities in the film industry.
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