Popular Chinese actor and singer, Zhang Yiyang, has been executed by firing squad following his conviction for the gruesome murder of his underage girlfriend. This marks the first time a celebrity in China has received such a sentence, according to a public release from the Intermediate People’s Court of Xianyang, North Shaanxi Province.
The court confirmed the execution took place on December 18, 2024, and the news was made public in July 2025. Zhang was convicted for killing his 16-year-old girlfriend in 2022 during a violent domestic incident.
According to court findings, Zhang attacked the teenager with a knife, severing her carotid artery, jugular vein, trachea, and esophagus, leading to massive blood loss and death. The tragic event followed a dispute between the two after the victim reportedly tried to end the relationship.
In an attempt to cover up the crime, Zhang disposed of the weapon and the girl’s phone in a reservoir. The following day, he attempted suicide in a hotel, but was discovered by hotel staff and later handed over to authorities.
The high-profile case shocked many across China and drew widespread media coverage. Zhang was known for his emotional ballads such as “I Only Care About People Who Care About Me,” “So Care About You,” and “Crying Man.”
The swift execution highlights the Chinese government's strict stance on murder, especially in cases involving minors. It also sends a strong message regarding the criminal justice system’s response to domestic violence and abuse.
The tragedy has reignited discussions around mental health, celebrity influence, and the dangers of toxic relationships in modern society.
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