Chinese entertainment was rocked to its core this month as authorities confirmed the execution of pop singer and actor Zhang Yiyang for the gruesome 2022 murder of his 16-year-old girlfriend. The execution, carried out by firing squad on December 18, 2024, marks the first time a Chinese celebrity has faced capital punishment in modern legal history.
Zhang, 31, was convicted of fatally stabbing the minor during a violent altercation following her decision to end their relationship. Court documents revealed he slashed her neck, severing her carotid artery, jugular vein, trachea, and esophagus—injuries that led to her death by massive blood loss. The crime occurred in Shaanxi Province, where Zhang had reportedly taken the victim under the guise of reconciliation.
After the murder, Zhang attempted to erase evidence by dumping the murder weapon and the victim’s phone in a nearby reservoir. He then checked into a hotel, where he attempted suicide the following morning. His attempt was thwarted by hotel staff who alerted authorities, leading to his arrest and eventual prosecution.
The Intermediate People’s Court of Xianyang, which handled the trial, handed down the death sentence in 2023 following a swift trial. Despite public shock and a few quiet pleas from fans, there was no delay or appeal that overturned the court’s decision, underscoring China’s zero-tolerance stance on violent crimes—especially against minors.
Zhang rose to fame with emotional ballads like “I Only Care About People Who Care About Me”, “So Care About You”, and “Crying Man,” and had built a loyal following among young fans across Asia. His rise from reality TV to national fame was seen as a classic underdog story—until it ended in tragedy and national outrage.
Chinese authorities have since reinforced their message that celebrity status will not shield individuals from the full weight of the law. “This case reflects our uncompromising approach to justice, regardless of public profile or fame,” a court spokesperson said during a briefing earlier this week.
While Zhang’s execution has divided opinion on social media, many users expressed solidarity with the victim’s family and called for deeper conversations about grooming, abuse of power in relationships, and mental health awareness among fans and celebrities alike.
