EXO's Lay Zhang Becomes College Student at 35 After Passing TOEFL

EXO member Lay Zhang is heading to college at 35 after spending nearly two decades building his career in entertainment.

The Chinese singer and actor shared the news through his Instagram Broadcast Channel, telling fans he had passed the TOEFL exam with the score he needed to enroll. "I'm officially a college student now!" he wrote. "Back to school, learning new things, and chasing my dreams. Wish me luck!"

Zhang is reportedly studying film in Los Angeles and plans to spend two to three years in school. The university has not been disclosed, but the move comes as he looks to expand his career into directing and filmmaking.

The decision marks a return to something Zhang missed out on as a teenager. He joined SM Entertainment as a trainee in 2008 and moved to Korea before debuting with EXO in 2012. With much of his youth spent training and performing, he never had the chance to attend college, something he has previously expressed regret about.

Despite his busy schedule, Zhang had been preparing for the TOEFL exam and studying English, occasionally sharing his progress with fans through livestreams. His announcement has since been met with messages of congratulations from fans, who welcomed his decision to return to school at 35.