Renowned Chinese-language novelist dies by apparent suicide

Chiung Yao, widely considered the most popular Chinese-language romance novelist globally, has passed away in what appears to be a suicide. Local media outlets reported that the 86-year-old’s remains were discovered at her residence in New Taipei City on Wednesday. Taiwan’s Central News Agency cited emergency services as stating she ended her own life. Beginning her writing career at 18, Chiung Yao authored over 60 novels. A significant number of these works were adapted into films and television series, maintaining their popularity for many decades. She also achieved success as a screenwriter and producer. Among her most celebrated creations was the TV drama My Fair Princess, which served as a launching pad for the careers of prominent actors. Born Chen Che in Sichuan, China, in 1938, she was known professionally by her pen name, Chiung Yao. A message posted on her Facebook profile on Wednesday stated: “Goodbye, my loved ones. I feel lucky that I have met and known you in this life”. It remained uncertain whether this post was published prior to or following the discovery of her body. Chiung Yao had previously urged young individuals “not to give up on life easily,” suggesting that death should only be faced when “you live until 86 or 87.” She also requested her admirers not to grieve for her. Although she had not been publicly active in recent years, she garnered significant media attention in 2017 due to a public disagreement with her stepchildren concerning the care of her then-ailing husband. Chiung Yao spent a portion of her early life in mainland China, as her family relocated throughout the nation during the Sino-Japanese War. In 1949, following the Chinese Communist Party’s assumption of control over the mainland, her family relocated to Taiwan. Her inaugural novel, Outside The Window, which drew inspiration from her personal romance with her high school teacher, achieved immense popularity. The television drama My Fair Princess, a Cinderella-esque narrative set in the 18th-century Qing Dynasty, is widely considered among the most beloved Chinese-language drama series ever produced. This production propelled the careers of several prominent entertainment figures, notably Chinese superstar Fan Bingbing. Fan subsequently rose to become one of China’s most significant stars, until she faced a fine for tax fraud in 2018. The show’s principal actors, Ruby Lin and Zhao Wei, achieved widespread recognition among Chinese viewers. Lin has continued her work as an actor and producer in Taiwan. Conversely, Zhao has maintained a low profile in recent years, following her billionaire associate, Alibaba founder Jack Ma, encountering issues with Beijing authorities. Individuals impacted by the subjects discussed in this article can locate information about supportive organizations through the BBC Action Line. Within the UK, a free, anytime call to 0800 066 066 provides recorded information. Assistance is available globally via this link. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available here.