In a tragic and shocking turn of events, popular Chinese actor and singer, Zhang Yiyang, has been executed by firing squad following his conviction for the brutal murder of his underage girlfriend. The execution marks a grim milestone, making Zhang Yiyang the first ever Chinese celebrity to be executed by firing squad.
According to a public report released by the Intermediate People’s Court of Xianyang in North Shaanxi Province in July 2025, the singer’s sentence was carried out on December 18, 2024, nearly two years after the harrowing incident that led to the death of his 16-year-old girlfriend.
Court documents reveal that Zhang Yiyang, who had begun dating the teenage girl in September 2021, reacted violently after she expressed a desire to end the relationship following a dispute. In a calculated and vicious act in 2022, Zhang attacked the girl with a knife, fatally cutting her left carotid artery, jugular vein, trachea, and esophagus. The injuries caused massive bleeding, leading to her death on the scene.
In an attempt to cover up the crime, Zhang allegedly stole the victim’s mobile phone and disposed of the murder weapon and other evidence in a nearby reservoir. The next day, he reportedly attempted suicide at a hotel, but a hotel staff member intervened in time and contacted the authorities, leading to his arrest.
The case gripped the Chinese public not only due to the brutality of the murder but also because of Zhang’s fame. Known for his emotional ballads, some of his most popular tracks include ‘I Only Care About People Who Care About Me,’ ‘So Care About You,’ and ‘Crying Man’, which had earned him a dedicated following.
His downfall has sparked widespread outrage and sorrow, reigniting conversations around celebrity accountability, mental health, and violence in relationships.
The swift and severe legal response reflects the Chinese government’s tough stance on violent crimes, especially those involving minors, and has left fans and observers stunned at how a once-celebrated talent met such a tragic and irreversible end.
