Chinese Actor Zhang Yiyang Executed For Murder Of Underage Girlfriend

Popular Chinese actor and singer Zhang Yiyang has been executed by firing squad after being found guilty of murdering his underage girlfriend. His execution makes him the first Chinese celebrity to face capital punishment by firing squad.

The announcement was made public in July 2025 by the Intermediate People’s Court of Xianyang in North Shaanxi Province, which revealed that the execution took place on December 18, 2024.

According to court documents, Zhang fatally attacked his 16-year-old girlfriend in 2022 after she attempted to end their relationship. He reportedly stabbed her in the neck, severing her left carotid artery, jugular vein, trachea, and esophagus—injuries that led to her death from massive blood loss.

The two began dating in September 2021, but tensions escalated following a dispute that led the victim to propose a breakup.

After the murder, Zhang fled the scene with the victim’s phone and discarded the murder weapon and related items in a nearby reservoir in an effort to destroy evidence. The next day, he attempted suicide in a hotel but was discovered in time by a hotel staff member who alerted authorities.

Zhang Yiyang rose to fame with several hit songs, including I Only Care About People Who Care About Me, So Care About You, and Crying Man. His shocking fall from stardom has gripped public attention across China.