SM Entertainment, one of the original "Big 3" K-pop agencies, has long been known for its intense idol training system that draws in talent from across Asia, particularly China. While only a handful of Chinese trainees made it to the debut line-up, many others returned home to pursue successful careers in music and acting.

Here are five Chinese actors and actresses who were once a part of the idol training system under SM Entertainment:

HOU MINGHAO

Hou Minghao, also known as Neo Hou, is a popular name among C-drama fans, who captivated audiences with his roles in ‘I Am Nobody,’ ‘Fangs of Fortune,’ ‘Dashing Youth,’ and more. But before his acting breakthrough, he was a K-pop idol trainee under SM Entertainment. He trained there from 2012 to 2014 for a year and a half. Minghao eventually returned to China and debuted as a member of Fresh Teenager Geek before successfully transitioning into acting.

LI HONGYI

Known for his charming performances in ‘The Blood of Youth’ and ‘Love Better Than Immortality,’ Li Hongyi also spent a brief period as an SM Entertainment trainee. He trained for just three months before deciding to return to China to pursue his education. After parting ways with the K-pop path, he focused on his acting career in China, where his handsome visuals and strong acting chops quickly earned him a loyal fan base.

XING ZHAO LIN

Xing Zhao Lin, beloved for his lead role in ‘The Eternal Love series,’ is also a former SM trainee. During his trainee days, he appeared in EXO’s ‘Wolf’ Drama Episode #1 video. He later left the entertainment label because he wanted to pursue a career only in China. Zhao Lin eventually turned to acting, where his romantic lead roles and undeniable chemistry with co-stars have made him a fan favourite in the fantasy-romance genre.

XU YIYANG

Xu Yiyang, a Chinese singer and actress who is now married to former EXO member Huang Zitao, used to be a part of SM Rookies, the pre-debut team for trainees under SM Entertainment. She was introduced alongside aespa’s Ningning in 2016 and trained there till 2018. A year later she debuted in the Chinese project girl group Legal High. Her acting career soon followed, with roles in dramas like ‘Timeless Love,’ ‘Perfect Her,’ and ‘Exorcist Chef.’

ZHOU YANCHEN

Another name from the SM trainee pool, Zhou Yanchen, trained at the agency for some time before deciding to leave and focus on his studies. He later debuted as a member of the boy group Mr.BIO, which also included future ‘Hidden Love’ star Chen Zheyuan. While music was his starting point, Zhou gradually transitioned to acting, where his talent has begun to shine in various roles through dramas like ‘My Idol,’ ‘I Don’t Want to Be Friends with You,’ ‘My Special Girl,’ etc.

Above these former SM trainees turned C-drama stars, Bai Lu, one of the most popular names in the Chinese entertainment industry, also has a history with SM Entertainment. While she was never an official trainee, she took part in the agency’s overseas audition in 2012. Though she wasn't selected, Bai Lu later showcased her vocal talents through various OSTs and singles.

SEE ALSO: DAY6 wins with ‘Maybe Tomorrow’ + Exciting performances on May 17th’s 'Show! Music Core'