Lay Zhang’s reign has gone global. With his star steadfastly on the rise, it’s easy for one to want more. Luckily, we’re releasing never-before-seen photographs from his digital cover story. Revisit now.

Lay Zhang might not be a household name in the States, but he’s surely on his way there. As the East’s answer to the male pop archetype à la Justin Timberlake or Bieber, Zhang has already become one of Mandarin Pop’s most exciting artists to cross over to the US, where his album ‘Honey’ is currently charting. He’s an actor, too. The 27-year-old heartthrob has starred in over 10 films since he first started his career as a child star.

Being at the helm of M-Pop’s entrance into the US means that Zhang is accomplishing international recognition beyond that of his peers. While China might feel worlds away—it is exactly 12 hours ahead of New York—Zhang is helping to bridge the cultural, geographic, and artistic gap.

Enter the world of Lay Zhang.