Another Chinese Scandal: Who Is Zhang Yiyang - Singer Executed For Killing 16 Year-Old Girlfriend

Zhang Yiyang, a singer and actor from China, was executed in December 2024 after being convicted of murdering his 16-year-old girlfriend in 2022. His case marks a disturbing first in Chinese entertainment history, raising questions about the consequences faced by celebrities involved in violent crimes.

Zhang was reportedly involved in a violent dispute on 26 February 2022 near Xingping City, Shaanxi Province. According to court reports, he lured his then-girlfriend into a remote forest claiming it was a birthday celebration. During the encounter, Zhang attacked her with a folding knife, stabbing her in the neck and causing her death.

Following the attack, Zhang attempted to cover up his crime by discarding her phone and his clothes in a nearby reservoir. The very next day, he checked into a hotel, where he attempted to take his own life. Hotel staff discovered him, leading to his detention and subsequent arrest. Court documents confirm that Zhang's actions were driven by a pattern of controlling behaviour and threats, often using the threat of self-harm to prevent her from ending the relationship.

The Legal Proceedings and His Execution

Zhang Yiyang's case was processed through Xianyang City's Intermediate People's Court. In early 2024, a verdict was delivered, sentencing him to death. The court upheld the sentence after an appeal, and he was executed on 18 December 2024. His execution was reportedly carried out by firing squad, a method still used in China for capital punishments in certain cases.

Zhang's criminal history and subsequent death sentence have made headlines across Chinese media, marking him as the first known celebrity in mainland China to be executed for murder.

His Background and Career

Zhang Yiyang was a Chinese singer and actor born on 1 May 1990, also known by his alias Gui Zai. He gained popularity through his music, with notable songs such as 'Crying Man' and 'So Care About You,' and participated in various entertainment programmes including the reality show 'Happy to Move.'

He released his first album, 'Crying Man,' in 2015 and appeared in several television and film projects. He also took minor acting roles in web series and low-profile television shows, gaining a modest following.

Despite his rising career, Zhang's personal life was marred by allegations of violence and controlling behaviour. Court reports describe him as paranoid, with his actions in 2022 culminating in the tragic killing of his girlfriend, shocking the public and cast a shadow over his posthumous works.

Public Reaction and Industry Response

Since the case became public, criticism has grown over the entertainment industry's handling of Zhang's legacy. His film 'Jieyou Sound Hall', released in March 2025, continues to be available on streaming platforms. Social media commentators have expressed outrage at the decision to keep his works accessible, despite the brutal nature of his crime.

Also, why the attention only now? The renewed attention to Zhang's case appears to stem from recent resurfacing of court documents and online discussions, prompting questions about how the case was handled and why it remained relatively obscure until now.

Because of social media, many have now questioned why Zhang has not been added to China's official 'bad artist' list, which typically blacklists figures involved in misconduct. Netizens have also been in uproar over accountability within China's entertainment sector and the importance of addressing violence and abuse committed by celebrities.