In a tragic and shocking turn of events, popular Chinese actor and singer, Zhang Yiyang, has been executed by firing squad for the brutal murder of his teenage girlfriend. This marks the first time a Chinese celebrity has ever been executed in such a manner.

According to reports from the Intermediate People’s Court in Xianyang, North Shaanxi Province, Zhang was found guilty of killing his 16-year-old girlfriend in 2022 after she tried to end their relationship. The attack was described as savage — Zhang used a knife to slash the girl’s neck, fatally cutting through her carotid artery, jugular vein, trachea, and esophagus, which caused massive bleeding and led to her death.

The two had started dating in September 2021, but their relationship turned sour. Following an argument, the girl asked for a breakup — a request that ended in tragedy.

After committing the crime, Zhang tried to cover his tracks by stealing the girl's phone and throwing the knife and other evidence into a reservoir. He later attempted suicide in a hotel room the next day but was discovered by a hotel staff member who alerted the police.

Zhang, once admired for his emotional hits like “I Only Care About People Who Care About Me,” “So Care About You,” and “Crying Man,” was sentenced to death and executed on December 18, 2024. The news of his execution was made public in July 2025.

The case has sent shockwaves across China and beyond, with many fans expressing disbelief over how a beloved entertainer’s life spiraled into such a horrific tragedy.