A shocking case that gripped China has concluded with the execution of 31-year-old actor Zhang Yiyang, who was convicted of the brutal murder of his 16-year-old girlfriend in 2022. The actor, previously known for minor television roles and his work as a singer-songwriter, became the first known entertainment figure in China to receive the death penalty for a violent crime.
Zhang was executed by firing squad in December 2024 in Xingping, Shaanxi province, after his appeal against the death sentence was rejected by the higher courts. The Chinese Supreme People’s Court later upheld the sentence and approved the execution order, which was subsequently carried out.
Murder Over Breakup Sparks Public Outrage
The harrowing incident took place on 26 February 2022, when Zhang lured his underage girlfriend into a secluded forest under the pretext of celebrating his birthday. The two had reportedly been in a relationship since 2021, having grown up in the same village in Xingping.
According to court documents cited by Chinese and Hong Kong media outlets, the victim had recently expressed her desire to end the relationship, prompting Zhang to threaten suicide. During their meeting in the forest, a confrontation ensued, during which Zhang took out a folding knife and violently slashed her neck multiple times.
The injuries were catastrophic. Medical reports presented in court indicated that her carotid artery, jugular vein, windpipe, and oesophagus were severed, leading to asphyxiation as her airway became blocked with blood. She died at the scene.
Attempted Suicide and Disposal of Evidence
Following the murder, Zhang returned home to change out of his bloodied clothes and attempted to cover up the crime. He disposed of the victim’s mobile phone and his clothing by throwing them into a reservoir.
The next day, in what appeared to be a staged suicide attempt, Zhang checked into a hotel in Xingping and used the same knife to harm himself. However, he was discovered by hotel staff before the act could prove fatal. Emergency responders were called, and Zhang was treated at a hospital before being taken into custody by police.
Court Upholds Death Penalty
Zhang was later tried and found guilty of intentional homicide. He was also stripped of his political rights for life, a standard procedure for severe criminal convictions in China. After exhausting all legal appeals, his execution was approved and carried out on 18 December 2024.
Zhang had previously built a modest career in China’s entertainment industry, having released over a dozen albums and acted in several lesser-known productions. He once received a “Golden Award” for Best New Actor, although he was widely referred to in media as an “18-line” actor — a term for background or supporting cast members with little fame or exposure.
Media Spotlight and Moral Reckoning
The case sparked widespread debate across Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo, particularly concerning issues of celebrity culture, gender-based violence, and the protection of minors. Many users called for stricter monitoring of underage relationships and urged the entertainment industry to screen its talents more thoroughly.
While Zhang’s execution brings closure to a deeply disturbing case, it also highlights the undercurrent of personal and psychological crises that often go unchecked behind the facade of fame.
The Chinese justice system’s swift and severe response in this case also underscores the country’s hardline stance on violent crimes, especially those involving minors.