Chinese actor and singer Zhang Yiyang has been executed by firing squad following his conviction for the brutal murder of his 16-year-old girlfriend. He becomes the first celebrity in modern Chinese history to face capital punishment in such a manner.
The Intermediate People’s Court of Xianyang, North Shaanxi Province, confirmed the execution in a public statement released in July 2025. According to the court, Zhang was executed on December 18, 2024.
The case, which shocked the Chinese entertainment industry and the wider public, stems from a 2022 incident in which Zhang attacked the teenager during a domestic dispute. Medical reports revealed that he fatally slashed her left carotid artery, jugular vein, trachea, and esophagus, resulting in massive blood loss and death.
Zhang had reportedly started dating the girl in September 2021. Tensions escalated after she attempted to end the relationship, leading to the fatal confrontation. After the murder, Zhang disposed of the weapon and the victim’s phone in a nearby reservoir in a bid to destroy evidence.
The following day, he attempted suicide at a hotel but was discovered in time by staff, who alerted authorities.
Before his downfall, Zhang Yiyang was known for several popular songs, including “I Only Care About People Who Care About Me,” “So Care About You,” and “Crying Man.”
His execution has reignited conversations around celebrity culture, accountability, and the severity of punishment for violent crimes in China.
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