Chinese actor and pop singer Zhang Yiyang has been executed by firing squad after being found guilty of murdering his underage girlfriend.
The shocking news, confirmed by the Intermediate People’s Court of Xianyang in Shaanxi Province, has stirred national attention and marked a grim chapter in China’s entertainment history.
Zhang, once known for his rising fame in the music and film industry, became the first celebrity in China to be publicly executed. The court released details of his execution in July 2025, months after the sentence was carried out on December 18, 2024.
According to the court’s statement, the murder took place in 2022 during a violent encounter between Zhang and his 16-year-old girlfriend. The two had been in a relationship since September 2021. However, their romance turned sour when the girl reportedly attempted to end the relationship following a disagreement.
In a fit of rage, Zhang attacked the teenager with a knife, inflicting fatal injuries to her neck. The court revealed that he slashed her left carotid artery, jugular vein, trachea, and oesophagus. The deep wounds caused heavy bleeding, which ultimately led to her death at the scene.
After committing the brutal crime, Zhang tried to cover his tracks. He took the victim’s mobile phone and discarded the murder weapon, along with other related items, in a nearby reservoir. His actions were aimed at destroying evidence and delaying police investigation.
The following day, Zhang attempted to take his own life. He checked into a hotel, where he tried to commit suicide. However, a hotel employee discovered him in time and alerted the authorities. Police arrived quickly and took him into custody.
The investigation was swift and thorough. Prosecutors presented clear forensic evidence, including the recovered items from the reservoir and bloodstains found on Zhang’s clothing. Eyewitness accounts and digital records further linked him to the crime scene. Zhang later confessed during questioning.
The severity of the case, the age of the victim, and the intentional nature of the killing all contributed to the court’s decision to impose the death penalty. The court also cited the public interest in justice, particularly due to Zhang’s celebrity status, as a reason for making the execution public.
Zhang, a popular name in Chinese pop culture
Before his fall from grace, Zhang Yiyang was a popular name in Chinese pop culture. He had released several hit songs, including I Only Care About People Who Care About Me, So Care About You, and Crying Man. His fan base, largely comprised of young people, saw him as a rising star with a promising future in both music and acting.
Reactions to his execution have been mixed across Chinese social media. While some fans expressed disbelief and sorrow over his tragic downfall, many others praised the justice system for holding him accountable. Several commentators noted that fame should not shield anyone from facing the consequences of the law.
Legal experts have also weighed in on the significance of the case. Many believe the ruling sends a clear message about China’s zero-tolerance stance on violent crimes, regardless of the perpetrator’s social standing or public image.
“This is a case where justice was done swiftly and fairly,” one legal analyst commented. “It’s a reminder that even celebrities are not above the law.”
Zhang Yiyang’s execution has left a lasting scar on China’s entertainment industry. It has also reopened discussions about mental health, anger management, and the hidden struggles behind public personas.
As the country continues to react to the news, many are calling for greater awareness and education on issues surrounding domestic violence and emotional abuse among young people.
The victim’s family has remained largely silent, but according to sources close to them, they hope the case will serve as a warning and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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