Chinese Pop Star Kris Wu Passes Away in Prison at Age 34
BEIJING, CHINA — Former pop idol and actor Kris Wu (born Wu Yifan), 34, is reportedly no longer alive while serving his prison sentence, according to multiple unverified reports circulating online. The rumours claim that Wu passed away on October 30, 2025, at a Beijing detention facility while serving a 13-year prison sentence for sexual assault and related charges.
Wu’s legal troubles began in 2021, when he was detained by the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau and subsequently arrested on suspicion of rape. A Beijing court found him guilty of raping three intoxicated women and organising a crowd to engage in promiscuous activities. Alongside his prison term, Wu was fined approximately ¥600 million (about US $84 million) for tax evasion.
Background and Rise to Fame
Born November 6, 1990, in Guangzhou, China, Wu moved to Vancouver, Canada, with his mother at the age of ten before returning to Asia to pursue a music career. He debuted as a member of the Korean-Chinese boy band EXO and its subgroup EXO-M under SM Entertainment, before leaving the group in 2014 to pursue a solo career in China. As a solo artist, actor, and brand ambassador, Wu achieved international fame and represented major brands in music, film, and fashion.
Legal Downfall
In July 2021, influencer Du Meizhu publicly accused Wu of luring young women — including minors — into sexual relationships by offering career opportunities, often involving alcohol and coercion. The allegations prompted widespread public outrage and led to major brands cutting ties with the artist. On August 16, 2021, Wu was officially arrested for rape following a detailed investigation.
On November 25, 2022, the Chaoyang District People’s Court sentenced Wu to 13 years in prison — 11 years 6 months for rape and 1 year 10 months for organising promiscuous acts. Additionally, he was ordered to be deported after serving his sentence. Wu’s appeal was rejected in November 2023, confirming his punishment.
Reports of Death
On November 4, 2025, Chinese-language social media platforms and entertainment blogs began reporting that Kris Wu had passed away in prison. Sources claimed that he suffered a medical emergency, possibly a brain aneurysm or health complication, leading to his passing. Some reports also suggested that he had been struggling with severe mental and physical exhaustion.
Authorities in Beijing have not issued an official statement confirming or denying the reports. State media outlets have remained silent, and searches about Wu’s name have been restricted on some Chinese social media platforms. The lack of confirmation has fueled speculation, though many fans have expressed sorrow and disbelief over the circulating reports.
Legacy and Impact
Kris Wu’s journey is one marked by both immense fame and controversy. Once celebrated as a cross-cultural icon bridging China, Korea, and the West, his career spanned music, film, and fashion. He starred in several popular Chinese movies and even made appearances in Hollywood productions such as “xXx: Return of Xander Cage.”
However, his career ended in disgrace following his conviction. The case against him became one of the most high-profile in Chinese entertainment history, leading to widespread discussions about celebrity misconduct, power abuse, and accountability. His music was removed from streaming services, and his name was erased from promotional materials and online listings.
Family and Public Reaction
Wu’s family has not issued a statement, and requests for comment from his legal representatives have gone unanswered. Fans around the world have flooded social media with condolences, many expressing sadness at the tragic turn of events despite his troubled past.
One fan wrote, “He made mistakes, but he was also human. It’s heartbreaking that his life ended this way.” Others called for official confirmation, urging caution before spreading unverified information.
Meanwhile, fellow artists in China and South Korea have remained largely silent, likely due to the sensitivity of the case and the country’s strict media environment.
Conclusion
The reported passing of Kris Wu at just 34 years old marks the end of one of the most dramatic rises and downfalls in modern Chinese pop culture. Once a symbol of international stardom, his story evolved into a cautionary tale about fame, responsibility, and the consequences of misconduct.
Although no official confirmation has yet been issued, the widespread reaction to his reported passing shows the deep impact he left on fans and the entertainment industry. Whether remembered for his artistry or his controversies, Kris Wu’s life and career remain a defining chapter in Asian pop history.