Henry Lau

Henry Lau is a Canadian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer who has built a career across South Korea and China. He first stepped into the spotlight in 2008 as a member of Super Junior-M, the Mandarin-language subunit of the K-pop group Super Junior. His solo debut came in 2013 with the single "Trap," which showcased his vocal range and knack for catchy pop hooks. One of his biggest musical achievements arrived in 2017 with "It's You," a song that became the most streamed Korean original soundtrack on Spotify for two consecutive years, 2018 and 2019. After leaving SM Entertainment in 2018, he signed with Monster Entertainment Group and continued to expand his artistic horizons.

Henry's on-screen career took off with his Hollywood debut in 2019, when he appeared in A Dog's Journey, a family film produced by Amblin Entertainment. The following year, he starred in the action-fantasy Double World, which made history as the first mainland Chinese production to receive a simultaneous global release on Netflix and iQIYI. His television work has also earned him recognition: he won the Best Newcomer Award at the 2014 MBC Entertainment Awards for his role in the military variety show Real Man, and in 2017 he took home the Excellence Male Award for his appearances on I Live Alone. Across his career, he has appeared in a handful of films and a dozen TV programs, balancing music, variety shows, and acting with ease. [edit]

Henry Lau was born in Toronto, Canada, to Chinese immigrant parents. Growing up in a multicultural city, he was exposed to a wide range of music from an early age. His parents encouraged his musical interests, and he began learning the piano and violin as a child. By his teens, he had also picked up the guitar and drums, showing a natural aptitude for multiple instruments.

His big break came when he was scouted by SM Entertainment, one of South Korea's largest entertainment agencies. In 2006, he passed an international audition and moved to Seoul to train as an idol. For two years, he underwent rigorous training in singing, dancing, and language, preparing for his debut. In 2008, he was introduced as a member of Super Junior-M, the group's Chinese-language subunit, and made his official debut with the single "U."

Before his debut, Henry also had a brief stint as a student at a performing arts high school in Toronto, though he left to pursue his training in Korea. His early life was marked by a blend of Western and Eastern influences, which later became a hallmark of his musical style. [edit]

Henry Lau's solo career began in 2013 with the release of "Trap," a pop track that showcased his vocal ability and marked his emergence as a solo artist. The song was well-received, and he followed it with a string of singles and EPs, including "Fantastic" (2014) and "I'm Good" (2015). His 2017 single "It's You" became a massive hit, topping charts and earning him recognition as a solo force. The song's popularity on Spotify, where it was the most streamed Korean OST for two consecutive years, solidified his international appeal.

In 2018, Henry left SM Entertainment and signed with Monster Entertainment Group, giving him more creative control over his music. He continued to release music independently, experimenting with genres like EDM and R&B. His acting career also progressed: after his Hollywood debut in A Dog's Journey (2019), he starred in Double World (2020), a fantasy film that broke new ground with its global streaming release. On television, he became a beloved figure on variety shows like Real Man and I Live Alone, earning awards for his entertaining appearances.

In 2026, Henry released the single "Enjoy the Show" on May 29, accompanied by an official music video, and announced his "The Show World Tour 2026-27," which kicked off in Macau in December. He also became the face of Asahi Super Dry in mainland China, a campaign that highlighted his multi-hyphenate appeal. As of 2026, he continues to tour and promote his music, balancing his career between Asia and the global stage. [edit]

Henry Lau is known for his boyish charm and boundless energy, which have made him a favorite on variety shows. His fashion sense is casual and youthful, often mixing streetwear with classic pieces. On social media, he is playful and interactive, frequently posting behind-the-scenes content and engaging with fans.

Fans appreciate his versatility, from his musical talent to his comedic timing. He is often described as a "multi-talented entertainer" who can do it all. His fandom, known as "Strings," is known for its loyalty and global reach, supporting him across his various projects. [edit]

Henry Lau has cultivated a dedicated following without an officially documented moniker, operating as a distinct entity within the broader Super Junior-M fanbase known as E.L.F. while maintaining direct, sometimes critical, engagement with his audience through social media and recent concert announcements. His reputation as a "Violin Nerd" and multi-instrumentalist serves as the core of his public identity, distinguishing him from peers who rely heavily on production teams for live instrumentation. This unique skillset has propelled him to significant standing in the Asian music market, where he is currently ranked as the 45th most famous person in C-Pop / Mandopop, a position holding steady from the previous cycle according to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. The assessment reflects his sustained influence across streaming platforms and live performance circuits in China and South Korea, areas where his career has remained robust since departing SM Entertainment. While his global reach extends beyond these specific genres, his primary concentration remains anchored in the Mandarin-speaking pop sphere. The rankings, which track global attention across diverse media consumption patterns worldwide, place him firmly among the industry's top tier. He navigates this space with a blend of musical virtuosity and a playful public persona that resonates with fans seeking versatility in entertainment.[edit]

Henry Lau is a true multi-instrumentalist, proficient in piano, violin, guitar, and drums, often incorporating live instrumentals into performances, a rarity in K-pop. He holds a black belt in martial arts, a credential he showcased during his appearance on the variety show Real Man. Known for boundless energy, he frequently breaks into impromptu dances or jokes during interviews, a trait that complements his boyish charm. Despite his fame, he remains close to his family and often credits his parents' support, while his pet dog Mochi frequently appears on his social media channels. A widely retold narrative in his career involves his debut hardships; he has shared stories of overcoming malicious comments and early criticism immediately after joining Super Junior-M. Another notable chapter in his professional lore is the so-called "Henry Case," referenced by fellow idol Leeteuk in October 2024 regarding artist-agency withdrawals, signaling Henry's departure from SM Entertainment as a well-known cautionary tale in the industry. More recently, his direct communication style became part of his legend when he publicly stated that he would not perform at a specific Singapore venue again due to grievances, highlighting a shift toward artist-led decision-making.[edit]

Henry Lau was born to Chinese parents who immigrated to Canada. He has an older brother, who has occasionally appeared in his social media posts. His family has been a source of support throughout his career, with his parents encouraging his musical pursuits from a young age.

Henry is not married and has no children. He lives alone in Seoul, where he keeps a low-profile home. He has a pet dog named Mochi, who is a frequent presence on his Instagram. Despite his busy schedule, he makes time to visit his family in Toronto whenever possible. [edit]

Henry Lau is closely associated with his group Super Junior-M, with whom he debuted and continues to collaborate. He has also worked with various artists in the industry, including a collaboration with Sunny of Girls' Generation in 2017. His solo projects have been supported by Monster Entertainment Group, his management company since 2018. [edit]

Henry Lau has kept his personal life private, and there are no publicly confirmed romantic relationships to date. Throughout his career, he has been linked to a few co-stars and fellow idols, but none of these rumors have been substantiated. As of 2026, Henry is reportedly single, focusing on his music and tour.

He has never been married and has no known children. His dedication to his career seems to have taken precedence over his personal life, and he has often mentioned in interviews that he is married to his work. [edit]

Henry Lau's net worth is estimated at $10 million as of 2026, per iFANN's editorial analysis. His primary income sources include his music career, both as a solo artist and as a member of Super Junior-M, which generates revenue from album sales, streaming, and concert tours. His acting roles in films and TV shows also contribute significantly, as do his appearances on variety shows and brand endorsements. In recent years, Henry has expanded his financial portfolio through strategic partnerships, such as his 2026 campaign with Asahi Super Dry, which likely came with a substantial fee. His world tour is expected to be a major earner, with ticket sales and merchandise adding to his wealth. Additionally, he earns from YouTube ad revenue and sponsored social media posts, leveraging his large following. Over the past few years, Henry's net worth has grown steadily, thanks to his consistent output and smart career moves. While exact figures are not public.[edit]

Henry Lau has won two notable awards for his television work. In 2014, he received the Best Newcomer Award at the MBC Entertainment Awards for his role in the variety show Real Man. In 2017, he won the Excellence Male Award for his appearances on I Live Alone. These accolades highlight his success as a variety show personality, complementing his musical achievements. [edit]