View this post on InstagramA post shared by CALVIN KLEIN (@calvinklein) on
How K-pop star Lay Zhang of EXO’s sexy Calvin Klein underwear ad confirms him as a global icon – alongside Justin Bieber, Kendall Jenner, Lil Nas X...
Billie Eilish, Kim Kardashian, Shawn Mendes and Kate Moss have all modelled for CK – now Chinese/Korean pop star Lay Zhang’s inclusion in the brand’s new campaign, flaunting toned abs and biceps, confirms him as a cultural icon across the world
Exo’s sexy Lay Zhang has added Calvin Klein to his impressive list of brand endorsements. As he joins the US brand’s spring/summer 2020 campaign, titled “Deal With it”, Lay joins a diverse cast of powerhouse artists and entertainers: Justin Bieber, Colombian singer Maluma, Kendall Jenner, Euphoria star Hunter Schafer, SZA and Lil Nas X.
The campaign photo shows Lay lifting up his shirt to flaunt his physique. Another image features him rocking a Calvin Klein logo T-shirt with a denim jacket and jeans.
View this post on InstagramBelieve in your own strength. @CalvinKlein DEAL WITH IT. #MYCALVINS.
A post shared by Lay Zhang (@layzhang) on
Calvin Klein’s iconic global campaigns have defined American fashion for decades, convincing consumers that wearing a pair of jeans is a timeless statement. It has banked on the megawatt power of celebrity marketing: A$AP Rocky, Kendall Jenner, Shawn Mendes, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Beth Ditto, Billie Eilish, the entire Kardashian clan and Frank Ocean have all posed for Calvin Klein.
View this post on InstagramThe haters keep hating, but I keep on climbing. DEAL WITH IT. #MYCALVINS
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Lay is no stranger to Calvin Klein, having been named as the brand’s first Chinese global ambassador in 2019. To honour his recent body of work (pun intended), here are five things you should know about Lay and why he has become a cultural icon not just in South Korea and China, but across the globe.
Lay has not one, but three Madame Tussauds wax figures in his honour
Lay Zhang (@layzhang)’s twin brother is finally back from his tour, and he has returned to Madame Tussauds Hong Kong!
Come and take selfies with him! pic.twitter.com/ZmYprlDtGj— Madame Tussauds HK (@TussaudsHK) January 8, 2020
Lay became the first idol and artist born in the 90s to have three distinct Madame Tussaud wax figures displayed in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong.
As if that achievement was not enough, he was the first musician and producer to have his own exhibition hall at Madame Tussauds Beijing.
Jackie Chan taught him how to drive
View this post on InstagramGo see my new film Kung Fu Yoga in North American Theaters January 27 it's a real KICK!
A post shared by Lay Zhang (@layzhang) on
Lay starred in Kung Fu Yoga in 2017, landing the opportunity to work with veteran actor Jackie Chan.
Soompi quoted Lay saying, “I couldn’t even dream of making a mistake when I was filming with Jackie Chan.” Lay added that Chan helped his co-actors with their scenes and warmed up the atmosphere on set. Aside from that, Jackie taught him a practical life lesson: how to drive.
Lay puts his fame and influence to good use
View this post on InstagramI’m gonna take my horse to the old town road #horselife
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It’s easy to get consumed by fame and power, but Lay, who ranked 20th on the Forbes China Celebrity 100 list, stands out with his strong sense of social responsibility. He has established his own charity and foundation and established the Zhang Yixing Arts Scholarship at his alma mater, Hunan Masters College Middle School.
Lay is an established author
Reading Standing firm at 24 by Zhang Yixing, a thread: pic.twitter.com/69t5AaTvUx
— Andy ♡ (@dropthat_mp3) July 7, 2017
Lay’s 2015 autobiography, Standing Firm at 24, was an ode to his 24th birthday and chronicled the best 24 moments of his life. It broke online sales records, selling 68,537 copies in the first 24 minutes of presales.
Meet the author of ‘Standing Firm At 24’ pic.twitter.com/RLWuGT5FXC
— laila suholo! (@xingyounz) April 20, 2017
He’s the first Chinese artist to enter the iTunes top 60
3 years ago on this day in 2016, yixing held a press conference for his solo debut album , an album he spent 3 years preparing for @layzhang ️
the album peaked at number 1 on gaon album chart and yixing broke 7/8 guinness world records on yinyuetai charts pic.twitter.com/zsWsG8ch8U— alicia (@solelyixing) October 27, 2019
If there’s one thing impressive about Lay, it’s that he works well with his Exo members, but also stands out as a multitalented artist.
In 2016, his first EP, “Lose Control”, which included tracks What U Need? and Lose Control, topped the Gaon Album Chart and took the fourth spot on Billboard’s US World Albums Chart. This EP made him the first Chinese artist to enter the iTunes top 60.