- Zhang Yiyang became the first known Chinese celebrity executed for a criminal offense.
- He was convicted of murdering his 16-year-old girlfriend in 2022.
- The court cited premeditation and emotional manipulation in upholding the death sentence.
Chinese singer-actor Zhang Yiyang was executed by firing squad on December 18, 2024, after being convicted of the brutal murder of his 16-year-old girlfriend.
Investigators noted that Zhang attempted to stage the scene to resemble a suicide and later tried to take his own life. Psychological assessments described him as controlling and emotionally unstable, with a history of threatening self-harm to manipulate the victim.
Fall from Fame: The Chilling Case of Zhang Yiyang and China’s Landmark Celebrity Execution
Zhang Yiyang was once seen as a promising talent in the Chinese entertainment industry, having appeared in multiple web dramas and music videos. His works, such as The Soul of the Dragon and the ballad Crying Man, showcased his dual appeal as both actor and singer. His growing popularity among younger audiences made the case even more unsettling for the public and fans alike.
The relationship between Zhang and the teenage victim began in 2021. Reports reveal a troubling dynamic, where Zhang frequently responded to breakup discussions with emotional blackmail, including threats of suicide. Experts cited this pattern as part of a deeper psychological disorder, highlighting how emotional abuse can escalate into extreme violence.
The court records also detail Zhang’s attempt to erase evidence by discarding the victim’s phone and his bloodstained clothing in a nearby reservoir. After returning to a hotel and failing to take his own life, Zhang was discovered by staff and taken into custody. The swift investigation and legal proceedings reflected China’s strict stance on violent crimes.
Public reaction has been a mix of horror, anger, and reflection. Many have criticized the entertainment industry for continuing to release Zhang’s projects posthumously. Some have called for stronger vetting processes and mental health resources for actors. The case also ignited conversations around domestic violence, age-inappropriate relationships, and celebrity accountability in China.
Zhang Yiyang’s case serves as a tragic reminder of how unchecked power and emotional manipulation can end in irreversible loss. Justice may have been served, but the wound left behind remains deep.
“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
