Zhang Yiyang was known for writing and singing love songs, which helped him gain celebrity status in his home country of China. His fame only grew once he transferred his talents to the screen, performing in various shows and films. So imagine the shock of his fans when they learned he'd committed an act so vile that he was sentenced to death.

Episode Sources:

“China bans reality talent shows to curb behaviours of ‘idol’ fandoms” by Vincent Ni, The Guardian, Sep 02, 2021

“The love song "I only care about the people who care about me" sings the love of my heart.” NetEase Entertainment, Sep 12, 2016

“Chinese Actor Zhang Yiyang Executed For Murdering Girlfriend, 1st Celebrity To Face Death Penalty” by Grace Cyril, News 18, updated July 23, 2025

“Chinese actor Zhang Yiyang sentenced to death for killing 16-year-old girlfriend” DIMSUM DAILY, July 21, 2025

“Chinese actor Zhang Yiyang revealed to have been executed for murder of 16-year-old girlfriend” by Syarifah Nadhirah, Asia One, July 21, 2025

"Toxic partner: First Chinese actor executed for killing 16-year-old girlfriend” The Standard, July 22, 2025

“Chinese Actor Executed For Murder Of 16-Yr-Old Girlfriend; The First Artiste In China Sentenced To Death” by Jiamun Koh, 8Days, July 22, 2025

“China singer-actor Zhang Yiyang was executed in 2024 for murder of teenage girlfriend, court confirms” by Charis Gan, Channel News Asia, July 22, 2025

“China executed four Canadians for drug crimes, says Ottawa” by Koh Ewe, BBC News, Mar 20, 2025

Zhang Yiyang - Weibo

“China leads in executions amid record spike: Amnesty International” Phayul, Apr 12, 2025

“Zhang Yiyang deeply interpreted the pain of love "Crying Man”” NetEase Entertainment, Sep 14, 2016

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