In a chilling case that has gripped public attention across China and beyond, popular Chinese actor and singer Zhang Yiyang has been executed by firing squad after being convicted of the brutal murder of his underage girlfriend. The shocking development, which marks the first recorded execution of a Chinese celebrity in such a high-profile criminal case, was confirmed in an official report released by the Intermediate People’s Court of Xianyang, located in North Shaanxi Province.
According to the court’s findings, Zhang was executed on December 18, 2024, following a thorough trial and legal process. However, the announcement of his execution was made public only in July 2025, drawing renewed public outrage and emotional reactions across Chinese social media platforms.
Gruesome Details of the Crime
Zhang Yiyang, known for a string of romantic ballads and appearances in Chinese drama series, was arrested in 2022 following the murder of his 16-year-old girlfriend. According to prosecutors, the former celebrity committed the heinous act after a heated dispute led the teenage victim to express her desire to end the relationship.
Rather than accept the breakup, Zhang reacted with devastating violence. Using a knife, he viciously attacked the girl, cutting through her left carotid artery, jugular vein, trachea, and esophagus. The injuries caused massive bleeding, and the victim died shortly afterward.
Following the murder, Zhang attempted to conceal his crime. Authorities revealed that he took the victim’s mobile phone and disposed of the knife and other incriminating items in a nearby reservoir in an attempt to destroy evidence. This effort to obstruct justice, however, did not prevent law enforcement from tracing the crime back to him.
Attempted Suicide and Arrest
On the day after the murder, Zhang reportedly attempted to take his own life by checking into a hotel and consuming a toxic substance. However, his suicide attempt was thwarted when a hotel worker discovered his condition and promptly alerted the police. Zhang was taken into custody shortly thereafter.
Investigators were able to retrieve sufficient evidence, including surveillance footage, digital records, and forensic material linking him directly to the murder. The detailed confession and circumstantial evidence left no room for doubt, prosecutors argued during the trial.
From Stardom to Shame
Prior to his fall from grace, Zhang Yiyang had cultivated a loyal fan base in China’s vibrant entertainment scene. He was best known for emotionally charged singles such as “I Only Care About People Who Care About Me,” “So Care About You,” and “Crying Man.” His emotional lyrics and public persona of vulnerability resonated deeply with many young fans, making the revelations of his violent tendencies all the more shocking.
Zhang began dating the victim in September 2021, when he was already in his late twenties. The relationship reportedly faced significant strain due to age disparity, emotional immaturity, and personal insecurities. Friends of the victim later testified that she had confided in them about feeling unsafe and emotionally manipulated, although she never officially reported any abuse.
Legal and Public Reaction
The court found Zhang guilty on multiple counts, including premeditated murder, destruction of evidence, and obstruction of justice. His death sentence was upheld without appeal, and Chinese authorities opted for execution by firing squad, a rare but still legal form of capital punishment in certain provinces.
Legal analysts in China said the swift enforcement of the death penalty reflected the government’s strong stance on violent crimes involving minors. “This case was both a criminal and moral catastrophe,” one legal expert in Beijing noted. “The sheer brutality of the murder and the attempt to cover it up left the court with little leniency.”
Public reaction to the case has been one of shock and sorrow, especially among the youth who once adored Zhang’s music. While some called for justice to be served swiftly and without compromise, others expressed concern over the broader issue of abusive relationships involving public figures and underage individuals.
Impact on China’s Entertainment Industry
The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny within China’s tightly controlled entertainment industry. Regulatory authorities have previously issued warnings to celebrities and media agencies about the social responsibility that comes with public status. Following the Zhang Yiyang case, several production companies and music platforms removed his content from their databases, effectively erasing his public presence.
Additionally, cultural observers say the case has reopened dialogue around mental health, celebrity culture, and the need for early intervention in toxic relationships. “It’s not just about one man’s crime,” wrote one columnist in the People’s Daily. “It’s about the systems—social, legal, and cultural—that must evolve to prevent such tragedies.”
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is reportedly reviewing new guidelines to enforce background checks and mental health evaluations for entertainers engaging in public-facing careers. If implemented, these rules could alter the landscape of China’s entertainment sector, where image is tightly curated and managed.
A Nation Reflects
As the public comes to terms with this shocking chapter, tributes have also poured in for the unnamed teenage victim, whose life was cut short in an act of senseless violence. Advocacy groups are calling for better protection laws for minors, and education campaigns around emotional abuse and relationship red flags are being discussed across online platforms.
Zhang Yiyang’s execution closes a dark and deeply disturbing case that has left lasting scars on his fans, the victim’s family, and the nation at large. It also serves as a grim reminder that fame cannot shield anyone from accountability—and that justice, when pursued relentlessly, can still be delivered.
