Highlights
- Zhang Yiyang was executed in December 2024 after being convicted of murder
- The singer-actor fatally stabbed his 16-year-old girlfriend in 2022
- He lured her to a forest under the pretext of celebrating his birthday
- The case has drawn national scrutiny and public backlash
- Continued release of his posthumous film projects has sparked criticism
Chinese singer and actor Zhang Yiyang was executed by firing squad in December 2024 after being convicted of murdering his teenage girlfriend. According to a report by the Intermediate People’s Court of Xianyang City in Shaanxi province, the case marked the first time a Chinese entertainer received the death penalty.
Background of the crime
Zhang began dating the 16-year-old in 2021. Reports from the court noted he became controlling and often threatened suicide when she attempted to end the relationship. On 26 February 2022, he allegedly lured her to a forest in Xingping City under the guise of celebrating his birthday, where he fatally stabbed her in the neck with a folding knife.
He then returned home, disposed of her phone and his clothing in a reservoir, and attempted suicide in a hotel room the next day. A staff member found him and he was taken to hospital.
Conviction and execution
Following the investigation, Zhang was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. The execution was reportedly carried out by firing squad in December 2024. His conviction and sentencing have been widely reported in Chinese and international media.
Psychological profile and public reaction
Court and media reports described Zhang as exhibiting paranoid behaviour and a strong need for control. His manipulation of the victim through emotional threats was cited as a key pattern of abuse.
Public reaction has been intense, particularly as further details of the case emerged. Many social media users expressed outrage and dismay, especially regarding how the case reflects broader issues around abuse and emotional coercion.
Posthumous work criticised
Zhang’s creative work has continued to be released posthumously, including the film Jieyou Sound Hall, which was launched in March 2025. The decision to distribute his projects after his execution has drawn criticism, with many calling for a reassessment of how artists with criminal convictions are platformed after death.
Ongoing debate
The case has prompted wider conversations about the entertainment industry, accountability, and mental health awareness in relationships. Zhang’s trajectory—from rising singer to convicted murderer—remains a deeply discussed and scrutinised topic.
