10 Things to Know About Yan An, the Dashing Male Lead of ‘Where the Mask Ends’

Chinese dramas never fail to impress with their stunning visuals and elaborate set designs, especially when it comes to historical and period series. This is once again evident in the ongoing drama Where the Mask Ends.

After Pursuit of Jade earlier this year, viewers finally have another historical series to look forward to. Adding to the excitement, Tian Xiwei takes on the female lead role once again, giving fans another chance to see her in a story set in a different world.

Beyond its beautiful visuals, Where the Mask Ends also offers an intriguing storyline. The series follows Wei Rao, a young noblewoman from the residence of the Count of Cheng’an who is forced to leave home at an early age due to family misfortunes. Despite the challenges she faces, she bravely takes on her responsibilities with love and determination.

While Tian Xiwei may already be familiar to many viewers, it’s time to get to know her co-star, Yan An, who plays Lu Zhuo, also known as Shou Cheng, the heir to the Duke of Ying.

Born on October 25, 1996, Yan An is set to celebrate his 30th birthday in just a few days. Although he was born in Hokkaido, Japan, the actor grew up in Shanghai, China.

Yan An also gives fans a glimpse of his life on set, occasionally sharing behind-the-scenes photos from his shoots and dramas on Instagram (@yan_an0007).

Before venturing into acting, Yan An first made a name for himself in music, a passion that was shaped by his upbringing.

He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a musician from Shanghai and his mother a pipa player from Beijing.

Yan An began training in Chinese dance at the age of four and Latin dance at five. His early dedication to the arts led him to win a national gold medal at the 2011 China Children’s and Teenagers’ Arts Festival National Grand Prix.

He later graduated from the Shanghai Theatre Academy, where he pursued a degree in acting under the Department of Performance.

In 2014, Yan An auditioned for Cube Entertainment through its “Cube Star World Audition” in China. Passing the audition marked the beginning of his journey toward becoming a K-pop idol.

During his training, he was initially expected to take on the role of rapper in the group’s lineup. However, his vocal abilities eventually stood out, leading him to pursue singing instead.

Two years after passing Cube Entertainment’s “Cube Star World Audition,” Yan An officially debuted as a member of the K-pop group PENTAGON on October 10, 2016, serving as a vocalist and dancer.

Although he was initially eliminated from the survival show Pentagon Maker, which determined the group’s debut lineup, Yan An was eventually added to the final roster alongside E’Dawn and Shinwon.

Beyond singing, dancing, and acting, Yan An also excelled in swimming while growing up, showing his athletic side outside the entertainment industry.

While continuing his activities with PENTAGON, Yan An also began exploring opportunities in the Chinese entertainment industry two years after his K-pop debut.

In 2018, he joined the Chinese reality show Chao Yin Zhan Ji as a contestant. He later made his acting debut in the 2021 Chinese television series Use for My Talent, where he played Shi Junjie.

Yan An parted ways with Cube Entertainment alongside fellow PENTAGON members Yeo One, Kino, Yuto, and Wooseok. Despite their departure from the label, the group confirmed that they would not be disbanding.

After leaving the company, Yan An became more active in the Chinese entertainment industry, pursuing new opportunities in his home market.

After playing several minor and supporting roles, Yan An landed his first leading role in December 2025, when he was cast opposite Tian Xiwei in the historical drama Where the Mask Ends, playing Lu Zhuo.

The series premiered on CCTV-8 and Youku and is also available on Netflix. Since its release in the Philippines, the drama has gained attention among local viewers, ranking among the platform’s top TV series.

On July 21, 2026, Cube Entertainment announced the departure of Yan An and fellow PENTAGON member Yuto from the group.

The announcement came ahead of Yan An’s first leading role in a television series, while the agency confirmed that PENTAGON would continue its activities with seven members.

Lead photos from @yan_an0007