Chinese Actor Zhang Yiyang Executed After Gruesome Murder Of Teenage Girlfriend

Chinese actor Zhang Yiyang, 33, was executed by firing squad on December 18, 2024, for murdering his girlfriend.

In a case that has stunned both the public and the entertainment industry, Chinese actor Zhang Yiyang was executed by firing squad on 18 December 2024 after being convicted of murdering his 16-year-old girlfriend. The 33-year-old, once seen as an emerging star in mainland China's entertainment scene, is now the first known celebrity in the country to receive the death penalty for a violent criminal offence.

What Was The Incident?

The crime, which took place in February 2022, involved a premeditated meeting in a secluded forested area in Xingping City, Shaanxi province. Zhang had invited the teenage girl under the pretence of celebrating his birthday. However, according to reports from outlets including Koreaboo and Dimsumdaily, the encounter took a dark turn when the two began arguing.

The girl reportedly told Zhang she wanted to end their relationship. In response, he attacked her with a folding knife, stabbing her repeatedly in the neck.

The fatal assault caused catastrophic injuries, including the severing of her carotid artery and windpipe, leading to her immediate death. Zhang was apprehended by local authorities and later charged with intentional homicide.

Zhang Yiyang's Shocking Execution

During his trial at the Xianyang Intermediate People’s Court, prosecutors described the act as both calculated and cruel. The court, in its final ruling, stated: “This was a deliberate and calculated act. The brutality of the crime and his attempt to manipulate the scene reflect a severe threat to public safety."

Zhang's appeal was rejected, and his execution was carried out by firing squad, a method still permitted in the Chinese judicial system, though used less frequently in recent years.

The execution has ignited debate around celebrity accountability, mental health pressures within the entertainment industry.