Lin Yanjun
Lin Yanjun (林彥俊; born August 24, 1995), also known as Evan Lin, is a Taiwanese singer, rapper, and actor.[1][2] Born in Haikou, Hainan, China, he grew up in multiple locations including Taiwan due to his parents' work relocations.[3][4] Yanjun began his entertainment career as a trainee under Banana Culture Entertainment in 2017, joining their boy group Trainee 18.[1][2] He rose to prominence in 2018 as a contestant on the Chinese survival show Idol Producer, where he ranked fifth overall with over 12 million votes and debuted as the lead vocalist of the temporary boy group Nine Percent.[5][1] The group promoted until its disbandment in October 2019, after which Yanjun pursued a solo career, releasing his debut single "YOU" in August 2018 and his first EP Imperfect Love in January 2019. In 2022, he faced dating rumors that led to fan backlash and a public apology stating he was single.[1][2][6] In music, he has contributed OSTs such as "The Best Arrangement" and "Midsummer" for the drama Love Designer in 2020, and received the Best New Singer Award at the 26th ERC Chinese Top Ten Music Festival in 2019. As of 2025, he continues solo activities, including a fanmeeting in Singapore in 2024 and a feature in Harper's Bazaar China in August 2025.[1] Transitioning to acting, Yanjun starred in lead roles in the romantic dramas Crush (2021) and Fall in Love (2021), both of which earned high ratings and showcased his versatility beyond music.[1][7] He has also appeared in variety shows like Wild Kitchen (2018) and continued participating in music programs post-debut.[2]Early life and education
Early life
Lin Yanjun was born on August 24, 1995, in Haikou, Hainan, China. His father hails from Taiwan, while his mother is from Jiangxi province, and he has a younger sister. Due to his parents' frequent relocations for work, Lin spent his childhood moving between several regions, including Taiwan, Jiangxi, and Guangdong provinces, which contributed to his multicultural upbringing.[2][8][3] This diverse environment exposed Lin to various cultural influences from an early age, fostering his fluency in multiple languages, including Mandarin, Cantonese, Minnan, Korean, and English. During his school years in Taiwan, he gained initial exposure to music and performance through extracurricular activities, sparking his interest in the arts.[3] At age 18, Lin received an invitation from JYP Entertainment to join as a trainee in South Korea but declined the offer to focus on his studies and fulfill his upcoming military duties.[9]Education
Lin Yanjun enrolled at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies in Guangzhou, majoring in English, following his high school graduation in 2014.[8] After completing his freshman year, he suspended his studies to return to Taiwan and fulfill his mandatory military service obligation as a Taiwanese citizen, which lasted approximately four months in 2015.[10] He resumed his university education afterward and eventually completed his bachelor's degree in English from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies around 2018.[11][8] His multicultural upbringing complemented his formal English studies, further enhancing his multilingual abilities.[8]Career
2018: Idol Producer and debut with Nine Percent
In 2018, Lin Yanjun participated in the Chinese survival reality show Idol Producer, produced by iQIYI, where 100 trainees competed to form a temporary boy group through public voting and performances.[12] As a trainee from Banana Culture Entertainment, he showcased skills in rapping and stage presence across episodes, ultimately ranking fifth in the finale with 12,131,367 votes, securing his spot in the debut lineup.[13] Prior to the show, Lin had brief pre-debut exposure as part of Banana Culture's Trainee 18 program.[2] On April 6, 2018, Lin debuted as a member of the nine-member boy group Nine Percent, alongside Cai Xukun, Chen Linong, Fan Chengcheng, Justin Huang, Zhu Zhengting, Wang Ziyi, Wang Linkai, and You Zhangjing, under the management of Idol Youth Entertainment in collaboration with the trainees' agencies, including Banana Culture.[12] Within the group, Lin served as lead vocalist and visual, while contributing rapping parts in performances that highlighted his charismatic delivery and dance synchronization.[2] Nine Percent quickly launched promotional activities, including the "THX with Love" fan meeting tour starting May 5 in Shanghai, followed by stops in cities like Beijing, Shenzhen, and Quanzhou, where they performed songs from the show and interacted with fans to build momentum. The group released their debut studio album To the Nines on November 12, 2018, featuring tracks like "Rule Breaker" and "I Need a Doctor," which emphasized their pop and hip-hop influences; the album sold over 1.3 million copies and marked their first major musical output.[14] Additional activities included training sessions in the United States with American choreographers and producers, as documented in the variety program Nine Percent: Flower Road Journey, and live performances at events like the iQIYI gala. In May 2019, Nine Percent announced their disbandment due to the temporary nature of the project group format, with activities concluding on October 6, 2019, after a farewell concert in Guangzhou attended by over 10,000 fans.[15]2019–2021: Solo music debut and entry into acting
Following the disbandment timeline of Nine Percent, Lin Yanjun transitioned to a solo career under his personal studio, releasing his debut extended play Imperfect Love on January 7, 2019. The EP featured two tracks, including the title song of the same name, and achieved immediate commercial success by generating over 5 million yuan (approximately $725,000 USD) in sales within 28 seconds on QQ Music, breaking multiple platform records for a solo artist's debut release. The lead single "Imperfect Love" peaked at number 3 on the China TME UNI chart, marking his first entry as a solo artist on major digital platforms.[16] On April 12, 2019, Lin released his second EP, Escape, which included the tracks "Get Outta My Head" and "Over You"—both of which he co-wrote, with Lin contributing lyrics to the former and melody to the latter. The EP sold nearly 1 million copies digitally, building on the momentum from his debut while showcasing his growing involvement in songwriting.[8] "Get Outta My Head" reached number 6 on relevant Chinese charts, further establishing Lin's presence in the C-pop scene during this period.[16] Lin continued his solo music output with the single "Competitor" on August 24, 2019, accompanied by a music video released a week later that highlighted his vocal and visual style. The track peaked at number 4 on the Billboard China Social Music Chart, reflecting sustained fan engagement amid his group's winding down.[17] Concurrently, Nine Percent issued their final album, More Than Forever, on September 26, 2019, featuring individual solo tracks from each member; Lin's contribution, "Like A Star," served as a reflective piece dedicated to his group experiences and supporters.[18] In 2020, Lin released the single "You Are So Beautiful" on April 16, which debuted at number 5 on the China TME UNI chart and garnered widespread popularity across Chinese streaming platforms, amassing significant views and streams in the domestic market.[16] He performed on variety programs such as Happy Camp in March 2020, using these appearances to promote his evolving solo identity while bridging his idol roots. These efforts underscored a transitional phase, blending music releases with early forays into entertainment. Lin made his acting debut in 2021 with the historical romance drama Fall in Love, where he portrayed the role of Xu Guangyao, one of the main characters involved in the story's political and romantic intrigue; filming began in June 2020.[1] Later that year, he starred as the male lead Su Nianqin in the romantic drama Crush, adapted from a popular novel, playing a visually impaired songwriter whose arc intertwined with themes of love and identity; the series premiered in August 2021.[19] These roles marked Lin's entry into acting, expanding his career beyond music during the post-Nine Percent era.2022–present: Ongoing solo career, fan engagements, and variety activities
Following the conclusion of his initial solo music and acting endeavors in 2021, Lin Yanjun has pursued a more selective approach to his career from 2022 onward, with no major new albums or television dramas released during this period. Instead, he has emphasized fan interactions and occasional performance projects, maintaining visibility through personal engagements and media features while navigating public scrutiny. In 2022, Lin starred as the male lead Lin Ge in the musical Love Beyond Time (我在时间尽头等你), which premiered on August 10 in Beijing and featured subsequent performances, including in Shanghai from December 21 to 25. The production, adapted from a popular web novel, explored themes of time travel and romance, marking his venture into theater as a complement to his music and acting background.[20] Lin has prioritized fan engagements to sustain his connection with supporters, including planned fanmeetings titled MUTE? in Singapore on April 5, 2024, at Capitol Theatre and in Taipei on April 27, 2024, at Clapper Studio. However, both events were canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, as announced by organizers on April 16, 2024.[21][22] Additionally, he appeared in the August 24, 2025, issue of Harper's Bazaar China, where the feature highlighted themes of personal growth and cherished memories amid his evolving career.[23] His variety show appearances during this time have been limited, building on earlier participations such as Wild Kitchen (2018) and Happy Camp (2020) with occasional guest spots that extend his public persona without new major commitments. These activities have helped foster ongoing fan loyalty despite a scaled-back schedule. Lin's period has also been marked by controversies affecting his public image. In September 2023, his studio issued a strong denial against rumors of solicitation and infidelity raised by an alleged ex-girlfriend via social media posts, labeling the accusations as fabricated and threatening legal action. The statement emphasized his focus on professional work, including musical rehearsals at the time. Similarly, on September 4, 2025, speculation arose regarding a potential relationship after a video surfaced showing him with an unidentified woman at a hotel over three days, though no official response was immediately issued, leading to widespread media coverage and fan discussions.[24][25]Filmography
Television dramas
Lin Yanjun made his acting debut in television dramas in 2021, portraying supporting and leading roles in historical and modern romance series.[1] His first drama role was as Xu Guangyao, the second male lead, in the 2021 Republican-era historical romance Fall in Love, directed by Lin Jianlong and Chen Guohua.[26][27] Filming for the series began on June 13, 2020, in Hengdian World Studios.[7] In the plot, Xu Guangyao contributes to the narrative of family intrigue and romantic entanglements amid political turmoil in 1920s Shanghai, supporting the central storyline of young marshal Tan Xuanlin (Chen Xingxu) and Mu Wanqing (Zhang Jingyi), who reunite under the guise of family reconciliation to uncover secrets behind parental separation and sibling deaths.[27][28] The drama received positive reception for its chemistry among the cast and binge-worthy pacing, though it was noted as average in overall execution compared to similar period pieces.[29] Later that year, Yanjun starred as the male lead Su Nianqin in the modern romance drama Crush, adapted from Mu Fusheng's novel of the same name.[26][30] The series follows the winding love story between radio host Sang Wuyan (Wan Peng) and reserved songwriter Su Nianqin, who meet by chance and navigate misunderstandings, personal growth, and deepening affection against a backdrop of everyday urban life.[30][31] Yanjun's portrayal of the introspective and musically talented Su Nianqin was praised for its emotional depth and chemistry with his co-star, marking a strong transition from his music career to acting.[32][33] The drama garnered acclaim as a standout 2021 romance for its well-plotted narrative, atmospheric visuals, and relatable character development, often recommended for its heartfelt depiction of young love.[34][35] Yanjun also contributed to the soundtrack with the single "Meeting You," enhancing the series' romantic tone.[30] As of 2025, Yanjun has no confirmed roles in new television dramas since 2021.[1]Variety shows and television appearances
Lin Yanjun first rose to fame as a competitor on the 2018 iQiyi survival variety show Idol Producer, where he performed in group evaluations and solo stages, ultimately securing fifth place with over 12 million votes and debuting as a member of the temporary boy group Nine Percent.[36] In June 2018, shortly after his debut, Lin appeared on Hunan Television's popular variety program Happy Camp alongside his Nine Percent bandmates, participating in interactive games, dances, and group performances that highlighted the group's energy and camaraderie.[37] He returned to Happy Camp for a solo guest spot in February 2019, demonstrating his rap and dance abilities in segments like a New Year pose challenge and musical performances.[38] Lin made another individual appearance on the show in May 2020, where his solo dance routine drew enthusiastic audience responses during a promotional episode.[39] From August to November 2018, Lin served as a regular cast member on the culinary adventure variety show Wild Kitchen on Hunan Television, joining episodes 1–7 and 9–12 to explore outdoor cooking in natural settings, often handling ingredients like seafood despite his personal aversion to it, and sharing lighthearted moments with co-stars. He reprised his role in season 2 of Wild Kitchen in early 2020, contributing to foraging and meal-preparation challenges that emphasized teamwork and survival skills in remote locations. In March 2019, Lin guested on Hunan Television's Day Day Up, performing tracks from his solo EP YOUNG and engaging in comedic skits and interviews that showcased his charismatic personality.[40] Up to 2021, he made brief cameos on other variety formats, including Sister's Flower Shop in 2018, where he assisted in floral arrangements as part of Trainee 18 promotions, and occasional episodes of music-focused programs like Idol Hits.Discography
Extended plays
Lin Yanjun's debut extended play, Imperfect Love (Chinese: 剛好的傷口), was released on January 7, 2019, under Yong Dao Xing Entertainment. The EP features two tracks: the title song "Imperfect Love," described as a groovy R&B love song exploring themes of lingering emotions from past relationships, and "You," a trap-influenced track.[5] The release marked his transition to a solo artist following Nine Percent's activities, achieving immediate commercial success by breaking QQ Music's sales records and earning 5 million yuan (approximately $800,000 USD) within 28 seconds of launch.[1] It also reached No. 4 on the Billboard China Social Music Chart in March 2019.[7]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Imperfect Love" (剛好的傷口) | 3:35 |
| 2. | "You" | 3:12 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Get Outta My Head" | 3:35 |
| 2. | "Over You" | 4:00 |
Singles as lead artist
Lin Yanjun released his debut solo single "You" on August 24, 2018, prior to the official debut of Nine Percent, marking his initial foray into trap-influenced music as a lead artist.[1] His follow-up single, "Imperfect Love" (剛好的傷口), arrived on January 7, 2019, as the title track from his first EP of the same name.[5] It achieved a peak position of number 3 on the China TME UNI Chart and set QQ Music sales records, generating over 5 million yuan within 28 seconds of release.[5] On August 24, 2019, Lin Yanjun issued "Competitor" (對手), a high-energy track with its music video premiering on QQ Music and YouTube on August 30.[7] The single peaked at number 4 on the China TME UNI Chart and became the third music video by a solo artist to accumulate 50 million points on the QQ Music MV Peak Chart by October 3, 2019.[7] "You Are So Beautiful" followed on April 16, 2020, showcasing a more melodic style and topping the QQ Music Peak Chart upon release, with over 100,000 comments on major platforms within 30 minutes.[8] The song garnered significant streaming success, including hundreds of millions of views across Chinese platforms.[8] In September 2021, Lin released "Lost" (在飞翔与迷失之间), an introspective track co-written and produced in collaboration with South Korean band The Rose, peaking at No. 36 on the China TME UNI Chart.[41] Later that year, in December 2021, he issued "Turn Off" (休息之道), a reflective R&B single exploring themes of rest and introspection, which reached No. 16 on the China TME UNI Chart.[42] In 2022, Lin continued his solo output with "Stay No More" (别待了) in March, a pop track emphasizing moving on from relationships, peaking at No. 5 on the China TME UNI Chart, and "Love Starts from Oblivion" (爱情从遗忘开始) later that year, which charted at No. 55.[43]Soundtrack appearances
Lin Yanjun has contributed to drama soundtracks with songs that align thematically with the narratives of romantic comedies and youth romances, often serving as opening themes to enhance emotional engagement. In 2020, he released "The Best Arrangement" (最好的安排) as the opening theme for the drama Love Designer (幸福，触手可及), a story about an unlikely romance between a fashion designer and a company CEO, where the lyrics reflect serendipitous connections and personal growth. He also contributed the duet "Midsummer" (盛夏) with Xue Mingyuan as an additional OST track for the same drama. The following year, Lin Yanjun starred as the visually impaired lead character Su Nianqin in the romance drama Crush (原来我很爱你) and, together with co-star Wan Peng, performed the duet "Meeting You" (遇到你) as its opening theme, capturing the plot's exploration of budding love and mutual support.[44] He also released "Forever Shine For Me" (為我永遠閃耀) as another OST for Crush.| Year | Title | Drama | Role/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | "The Best Arrangement" (最好的安排) | Love Designer (幸福，触手可及) | Opening theme; solo performance |
| 2020 | "Midsummer" (盛夏) (with Xue Mingyuan) | Love Designer (幸福，触手可及) | OST; duet performance |
| 2021 | "Meeting You" (遇到你) (with Wan Peng) | Crush (原来我很爱你) | Opening theme; lead actor (Su Nianqin) |
| 2021 | "Forever Shine For Me" (為我永遠閃耀) | Crush (原来我很爱你) | OST; solo performance |
Other charted songs
"Like a Star", released on September 26, 2019, as Lin Yanjun's solo track on Nine Percent's final studio album More Than Forever (限定的记忆), served as a reflective piece co-written by Lin himself, capturing the emotional journey of the group's limited-time activities. The song's introspective lyrics and melodic arrangement highlighted Lin's growing songwriting skills during the Nine Percent period. Included among nine individual member solos on the album, it contributed to the project's overall reception, with More Than Forever selling 760,837 copies in China shortly after release, and peaked at No. 17 on the China TME UNI Chart.[45]Collaborations
Lin Yanjun contributed shared vocals to several tracks on Nine Percent's debut studio album To the Nines, released on November 20, 2018, by the nine-member boy group formed through the survival show Idol Producer.[46] As a core member, he participated in the group's harmonized performances on songs such as "Rule Breaker," the lead single emphasizing high-energy rap and dance elements; "I Need A Doctor," a dynamic pop track with layered vocal arrangements; and "Good Things," which featured upbeat melodies and collective choruses.[46] These group efforts highlighted his vocal range and synergy with bandmates like Cai Xukun and Chen Linong, marking his early collaborative work in the C-pop scene before transitioning to solo endeavors.[47] In a notable international crossover, Lin Yanjun featured on the Chinese remix of Doja Cat's hit "Say So," released on October 13, 2020, under Kemosabe Records/RCA Records.[48] Titled "Say So (feat. Evan Lin)," the remix incorporates his Mandarin verses and rap sections, blending his R&B-infused style with Doja Cat's original funky disco-pop production to appeal to bilingual audiences in Asia.[49] The track, produced as a regional adaptation, garnered streams across platforms like Spotify in select Asian markets, showcasing Lin's versatility in global collaborations during his solo career phase.[48]Awards and nominations
Awards won
Lin Yanjun received the Hong Kong and Taiwan Best New Artist award at the 26th Oriental Fengyun List Music Ceremony in 2019, recognizing his debut as a solo artist following his time with the group Nine Percent.[50] His debut extended play Imperfect Love (also known as Gang Hao De Shang Kou) won the Hong Kong and Taiwan Most Popular EP award at the same ceremony.[51] In 2020, Lin Yanjun was honored with the Annual Young Star award at the QQ Music First Pūtōng Heartbeat Commendation Conference, acknowledging his transition to solo artistry and contributions across music, variety shows, and acting.[52]| Year | Award | Ceremony | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Hong Kong and Taiwan Best New Artist | 26th Oriental Fengyun List Music Ceremony | Debut solo recognition post-Nine Percent |
| 2019 | Hong Kong and Taiwan Most Popular EP (Imperfect Love) | 26th Oriental Fengyun List Music Ceremony | Commercial breakthrough of debut EP |
| 2020 | Annual Young Star | QQ Music First Pūtōng Heartbeat Commendation Conference | Overall artistic growth in music and media |
Nominations
Lin Yanjun has received a limited number of award nominations throughout his career, primarily in the early stages following his debut with the boy group Nine Percent and his initial solo endeavors. These recognitions highlight his rising popularity in the Chinese entertainment industry during 2018 and 2020, though he did not secure wins in these instances. No nominations have been confirmed for him after 2021. In 2018, as a member of Nine Percent, Lin was part of the group's nomination for the Annual Most Popular Band and Group Award at the Global Chinese Song Chart Awards (also known as the Chinese Song Music Festival). The nominees included Nine Percent alongside Rocket Girls 101, TFBOYS, SNH48, and ONER, but the award went to Rocket Girls 101.[53][54] Lin received an individual nomination in 2020 for the Annual Popular Star award at the Sohu Fashion Awards. He was listed among the nominees, which also featured Zhao Lusi, Liu Yuxin, Ju Jingyi, Ding Yuxi, and Cheng Yi, but the honor was ultimately awarded to Liu Yuxin.[55][56]| Year | Award | Category | Nominees (selected) | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Global Chinese Song Chart Awards | Annual Most Popular Band and Group | Nine Percent, Rocket Girls 101, TFBOYS, SNH48, ONER | Nominated (winner: Rocket Girls 101)[53] |
| 2020 | Sohu Fashion Awards | Annual Popular Star | Lin Yanjun, Zhao Lusi, Liu Yuxin, Ju Jingyi, Ding Yuxi, Cheng Yi | Nominated (winner: Liu Yuxin)[56] |