Chinese actor and singer Yu Menglong, who rose to prominence after starring in the 2017 fantasy romance "Eternal Love," died on September 11 after falling from a building, his management said. He was 37.
In a video statement on the social platform Weibo, his management said, "With unbearable sorrow, we announce that our beloved Menglong fell to his death on September 11. Police have ruled out any criminality. We hope he rests in peace and his loved ones remain strong." Chinese authorities have said investigations are ongoing.
Details published on social media and by Chinese outlets said Yu had been spending the evening with several friends at an apartment in Beijing. A now-deleted post by a paparazzi account said Yu went into a guestroom at around 2 a.m., and his friends, leaving the flat at about 6 a.m., later found his body on the ground floor. A resident walking a dog is reported to have contacted police. Authorities have said there is no evidence of foul play, but a formal investigation remains under way.
Born in 1988 in Midong District, Yu first gained public attention after appearing on the televised talent show Super Boy in 2010 and again in 2013, when he won the Beijing division and placed in the competition's top 10. He released his debut single "Just Nice" in 2013 and his first album, "Toy," in 2015.
Yu built a larger following through acting roles, notably for his portrayal of the ninth prince in the web drama "Go Princess Go." He achieved greater international recognition with his performance as Bai Zhen in "Eternal Love," a 2017 fantasy-romance series that drew more than 50 billion views within 18 months and became a viral hit across Asia and beyond. He subsequently appeared in television productions including "Xuan-Yuan Sword: Han Cloud," "Legend of the White Snake," and "Who’s Not Rebellious Youth."
Colleagues and fans across Asia reacted on social media to the announcement, expressing grief and offering condolences. Online posts and commentary have also circulated details and speculation about the circumstances of his death. Authorities' statements that no criminality was involved aim to address immediate public concerns while the formal inquiry proceeds.
Yu maintained a presence at public events and in variety programming in recent years, continuing both his music and acting careers. His management requested privacy for family and friends as investigations continue and said they would provide further information when available.
Chinese media outlets and police statements are expected to release additional details as their inquiries continue. For now, official sources have limited their commentary to the confirmation of his death, the management statement posted on Weibo and the ongoing status of the investigation.