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Yu Menglong
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Yu Menglong (simplified Chinese: 于朦胧; traditional Chinese: 于朦朧; pinyin: Yú Ménglóng, 15 June 1988 – 11 September 2025),[2][3] also known as Alan Yu, was a Chinese actor and singer.
Key Information
His death in September 2025 was ruled accidental by authorities, but the findings were faced with doubts and allegations that there was a cover-up.[4]
Early life and education
[edit]He was born in Ürümqi, Xinjiang.[5] His mother named him after one of her favorite author's, Chiung Yao, works, Hazy Moon And Hazy Bird (Chinese: 月朦胧鸟朦胧).[6] He studied at the affiliated high school of the Beijing Contemporary Music Academy before graduating from the Beijing Performing Arts Training College.[5]
Career
[edit]Beginnings
[edit]In 2007, Yu participated in SMG's My Show! My Style!. He emerged in the Top 16 for the Xi'an province.[7] In 2010, Yu joined Hunan STV's Super Boy but was eliminated,[8] and later became a trainee with the boy group Happy Boy Group 8090.[citation needed] The same year, he directed singer Deanna Ding's music video for her single "61 Seconds".[9] In 2011, he made his acting debut in the short film The Little Prince.[10] In 2013, Yu competed in Super Boy again; this time entering and emerging as one of the Top 10 contestants in the final round,[11] after which he signed with EE-Media.[citation needed] The same year, he released his first single titled "Just Nice".[12] In 2014, Yu starred in the short film The Rules, which received the Best Independent Film award at the 4th International Micro Film Festival for University.[13]
Rising popularity
[edit]In 2015, Yu achieved recognition with his role as 9th prince in the popular historical web drama Go Princess Go.[14] The same year, he released his first album, Toy.[15] In 2017, Yu gained increased popularity after starring in the hit fantasy-romance drama Eternal Love.[16] He then starred in the fantasy-action drama Xuan-Yuan Sword: Han Cloud alongside Zhang Yunlong.[17] In 2019, Yu starred in the television adaptation of the Chinese folktale legend Legend of the White Snake as Xu Xian.[18][19] The same year, Yu starred in modern workplace drama Who's Not Rebellious Youth,[20] and youth sports drama Unstoppable Youth.[21] In 2020, Yu starred in the historical drama The Love Lasts Two Minds.[22]
Death
[edit]On 11 September 2025, reports circulated on Chinese social media that a man suspected to be Yu had fallen to his death in a residential community in Chaoyang, Beijing earlier that morning. The community's property management later confirmed that a fatal fall had occurred. At 6:44 p.m. the same day, Yu's studio, which had been deregistered in July 2025,[23] issued a statement confirming his death and noting that police had ruled out criminal involvement.[24][25] Authorities ruled that the death was accidental due to intoxication.[4]
Doubts and conspiracy theories regarding Yu's death spread online.[26] On 16 September, the studio released a second statement in the name of Yu's mother, who was not present at the scene, stating that Yu "accidentally fell to his death after drinking." She added, "I hope everyone will view this incident rationally and stop speculating."[27] On 21 September, the Chaoyang branch of the Beijing Public Security Bureau issued a bulletin declaring that three principal rumour-mongers over Yu's death had been placed under compulsory measures by the authorities.[26] On 24 September, as part of a crackdown following Yu's death, Weibo announced that it had removed more than 100,000 pieces of prohibited content, suspended or closed over 1,000 accounts, and disabled the comment function for more than 15,000 accounts.[28]
Reported on 25 September, Yu's mother allegedly published a letter stating his death was "not accidental, but instead the result of someone's deliberate intent to harm", and that there was a cover up.[29] Fan Shiqi, one of the artists who allegedly had attended the drinking party before Yu's death, faced backlash over the allegations. Promotional materials of an unreleased drama in which Fan played a minor role was removed and his concert in Chengdu reportedly only sold 15 tickets.[30][31] Fan retained counsel to file lawsuit over the allegations.[32]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | English title | Chinese title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Little Prince | 纵身一跃 | Short film | [33] | |
| 2012 | The Changing Times | 变幻的年代 | |||
| 2014 | The Rules | 丛林游戏 | Xiao Xia | [13] | |
| No Zuo No Die | 我就是我 | Himself | |||
| Temporary Family | 临时同居 | Cameo | |||
| Young Adult | 成人记2 | Calvin | |||
| 2015 | Dream Come True | 一刻十年 | Ma Meng | [34] | |
| Love Has Been Here Before | 听说爱情回来过 | Long Long | [35] | ||
| 2016 | Love Studio | 同城邂逅 | Tian Hao | [36] | |
| Warrant the Reborn | 催命符 | Young Master | [37] | ||
| For Love to Let Go | 为爱放手 | Mu Qi | |||
| 2017 | Intrude The Widow Village at Midnight | 夜闯寡妇村 | Tan Gang | [38] |
Television series
[edit]| Year | English title | Chinese title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | My Loving Home | 把爱带回家 | Xia Xingchen | |
| 2015 | Go Princess Go | 太子妃升职记 | Ninth Prince | |
| 2017 | Eternal Love | 三生三世十里桃花 | Bai Zhen | |
| Xuan-Yuan Sword: Han Cloud | 轩辕剑外传汉之云 | Muyun | ||
| 2018 | All Out of Love | 凉生,我们可不可以不忧伤 | Cheng Tianen | [39] |
Web series
[edit]| Year | English title | Chinese title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | The Legend of White Snake | 新白娘子传奇 | Xu Xian | |
| Who's Not Rebellious Youth | 谁的青春不叛逆 | Lu Xiang | ||
| Unstoppable Youth | 青春抛物线 | Fu Anyan | ||
| 2020 | The Love Lasts Two Minds | 两世欢 | Jing Ci | |
| The Moon Brightens For You | 明月曾照江东寒 | Lin Fang |
Television
[edit]| Year | English title | Chinese title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | I Like You Too | 喜欢你,我也是 | Cast member | [citation needed] |
Music video appearances
[edit]| Year | English title | Chinese title | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | "61 Seconds" | 61秒 | Deanna Ding |
| 2011 | "Warm Happiness" | 幸福余温 | Huang Zhibo |
| 2012 | "Under the Flowers and Moon" | 花前月下 | Wang Qingqing |
| "Hidden Regret" | 暗藏后悔 | Zing Chou | |
| 2014 | "An Unchanging Promise" | 不变的承诺 | Yoyo Lee |
| 2015 | "Go Home and have the Spring Festival" | 回家过年吧 | Himself with others |
| "Sleep Walk" | 梦游 | Himself | |
| 2016 | "Gaze" | 凝视 | |
| 2018 | "Mirror" | 镜 |
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]| Year | English title | Chinese title | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Toy | 玩具 | |
| 2017 | Yu Meng Long | 于朦胧 | [40] |
Singles
[edit]| Year | English title | Chinese title | Album | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | "The Little Prince" | 纵身一跃 | The Little Prince OST | with Cho Hye-sun | |
| 2013 | "Whirlpool" | 漩涡 | Lost World | with Sandee Peng | |
| "Chasing dream with a Child-like Heart" | 追梦赤子心 | Theme song of Super Boy 2013 | |||
| "Just Nice" | 刚好 | Do You Dare to Chase Your Dream | [12] | ||
| 2014 | "Every Star" | 每一颗星辰 | No Zuo No Die OST | ||
| 2015 | "Go Home and have the Spring Festival" | 回家过年吧 | [41] | ||
| "This Is Me" | 就这Young | Theme song of Super Boy 2015 | [42] | ||
| "Father and Mother" | 老爸老妈 | ||||
| 2015 | "Sleep Walk" | 梦游 | [43] | ||
| 2016 | "Gaze" | 凝视 | [44] | ||
| 2017 | "Half" | 一半 | Xuan-Yuan Sword: Han Cloud OST | [45] | |
| 2018 | "Mirror" | 镜 | [46] | ||
| "The Future Me" | 未来已来 | Project for 40th anniversary of economic reform | [47] | ||
| 2019 | "Yue Meng Long Niao Meng Long" | 月朦胧鸟朦胧 | [48] | ||
| 2020 | "Live Up to the Prime of Youth" | 不负韶华 | with Li Qin |
Bibliography
[edit]| Year | English title | Chinese title | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | A Gift Meets Yu Meng Long | 礼物遇见于朦胧 | [49] |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Asian Music Gala 2017 | Most Popular All-Rounded Artist | — | Won | [50] |
| Weibo TV Online Video Award Ceremony | New Artist Award | Won | [51] | ||
| 2018 | 3rd China Television Drama Quality Ceremony | Quality New Star Award | Won | [52] | |
| 2019 | Golden Bud – The Fourth Network Film And Television Festival | Best Actor | The Legend of White Snake, Who's Not Rebellious Youth | Nominated | [53] |
| Breakthrough Actor of the Year | Won | [54] | |||
| iFeng Fashion Choice Awards | Fashion Aura of the Year | — | Won | [55] |
References
[edit]- ^ "Actor Yu Menglong dies after falling from building". Bangkok Post. 12 September 2025.
- ^ "Actor Yu Menglong's studio issued a statement: Yu Menglong died after falling from a building, criminal suspicion ruled out". Yicai (in Chinese). 11 September 2025. Archived from the original on 11 September 2025. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
- ^ "Studio confirms: actor Yu Menglong has died after a fall". Sina Finance (in Chinese). 11 September 2025. Archived from the original on 11 September 2025. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
- ^ a b "Dark allegations emerge in deaths of actor Yu Menglong". The Star. 2 October 2025. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
- ^ a b "Beijing Performing Arts Training College – China Association for Non-Government Education". Archived from the original on 21 January 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
- ^ "于朦胧倾力匠造新歌MV 《月朦胧鸟朦胧》温柔上线". www.sohu.com. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ^ "2007年我型我秀音乐剧西安16强--于朦胧" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 8 May 2007.
- ^ "搜狐唱区于朦胧突围赛遭淘汰 入选快乐天团". Sohu (in Chinese). 6 August 2010.
- ^ "丁爽助阵模特决赛 于朦胧导演《61秒》" (in Chinese). Xinhua News Agency. 9 August 2013.[dead link]
- ^ "于朦胧赵慧仙《纵身一跃》 陶喆御用团队打造" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 25 May 2011.
- ^ "2013快乐男声全国十强:于朦胧". 21cn.com (in Chinese). 27 July 2013. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
- ^ a b "于朦胧《刚好》发布 快男合辑即将发声" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 11 September 2013.
- ^ a b "于朦胧居来提狂飙戏 彭青《丛林游戏》获奖". 21cn.com (in Chinese). 20 October 2014. Archived from the original on 9 November 2017. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
- ^ "神剧之王《太子妃升职记》 于朦胧不再是王子". Rednet (in Chinese). 31 December 2015.
- ^ "于朦胧办EP《玩具》首唱会 深情表白歌迷". Sohu (in Chinese). 31 December 2015.
- ^ ""九王"变"四哥" 于朦胧《三生三世》痴情延续". NetEase (in Chinese). 26 January 2016.
- ^ "《轩辕剑之汉之云》汇集三大人气偶像 张云龙于朦胧震撼领衔最强特种部队". NetEase (in Chinese). 28 July 2016.
- ^ "TV drama remade with fewer songs to appeal to modern tastes". China Daily. 31 May 2018.
- ^ "《新白娘子传奇》开播 于朦胧鞠婧祎不负千年之缘". Netease (in Chinese). 3 April 2019.
- ^ "《谁的青春不叛逆》曝定妆照 毛晓彤于朦胧发糖". Tencent (in Chinese). 16 February 2017.
- ^ "于朦胧《青春抛物线》来袭 千面演员再塑热血角色". Netease (in Chinese). 7 November 2017.
- ^ "《明月曾照江东寒》杀青 于朦胧刑菲甜宠CP逆转江湖". Netease (in Chinese). 22 November 2019.
- ^ 封面新闻 (11 September 2025). "于朦胧关联公司均已注销". news.sina.com.cn. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
- ^ Xu, Qian'an (11 September 2025). "Mainland actor Yu Menglong reportedly fell to his death; he had dinner with friends the night before, Beijing police: wait for the news". HK01 (in Chinese (Hong Kong)).
- ^ "Studio issues statement confirming the news". Weibo. 11 September 2025.
- ^ a b "中国男星于朦胧坠楼案:官方通报后,民众为何继续质疑?". BBC News 中文 (in Simplified Chinese). 23 September 2025. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
- ^ "Beijing police detain three women for making false allegations about actor Yu Menglong's death". The Straits Times. 22 September 2025. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
- ^ "微博:恶意炒作于朦胧坠楼 1.5万个账号被暂停评论功能". www.zaobao.com.sg (in Simplified Chinese). Retrieved 25 September 2025.
- ^ "Alleged Letter From Yu Menglong's Mother Alleges Cover-Up and Wrongful Death". 8days. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
- ^ "His Concert Sells Just 15 Tickets After Getting Linked To Yu Menglong's Death". 8days. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
- ^ 林宜君 (1 October 2025). 捲于朦朧命案!范世錡巡演成都場僅賣15張票 網轟報應:買票的是鐵粉吧. 三立新聞網 (in Chinese (Taiwan)).
- ^ 腾讯网 (24 September 2025). "范世錡被网友关联于朦胧去世事件后,委托律师提起诉讼_腾讯新闻". news.qq.com (in Chinese (China)). Retrieved 3 October 2025.
- ^ "于朦胧出演那英微电影 去年曾获蔡康永钦点". Sohu (in Chinese). 23 August 2011.
- ^ "《一刻十年》曝预告 于朦胧首试霸道总裁" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 27 October 2015.
- ^ "《听说爱情回来过》剧情预告 浪漫虐心小清新". ifeng (in Chinese). 4 May 2015.
- ^ "于朦胧拒绝"刷脸" 《同城邂逅》自称齐天大圣". Netease (in Chinese). 4 February 2016.
- ^ "《催命符之劫后重生》定档729 "九王"于朦胧加盟". Netease (in Chinese). 29 June 2016.
- ^ "《夜闯寡妇村》即将悬疑上演". ifeng (in Chinese). 16 May 2017.
- ^ "于朦胧进组《凉生》演钟汉良弟弟" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 31 October 2016.
- ^ "于朦胧全MV同名专辑首发 用音乐表达自我". Tencent (in Chinese). 5 January 2017.
- ^ "姜潮谈莉娜联袂演绎 贺岁MV《回家过年吧》首发". Netease (in Chinese). 28 January 2015.
- ^ "13班快男青春不散场 发合唱单曲《就这Young》". Tencent (in Chinese). 10 February 2015.
- ^ "于朦胧《梦游》MV首播 穿越五色奇幻梦境". Tencent (in Chinese). 18 December 2015.
- ^ "于朦胧 《凝视》MV终面世 挑战黑白世界发声". Netease (in Chinese). 26 February 2016.
- ^ "于朦胧《一半》剪辑版MV上线 演绎唯美古风" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 21 July 2017.
- ^ "于朦胧2018全新单曲《镜》圣诞节首发". Netease (in Chinese). 25 December 2018.
- ^ "未来已来!杨紫、吴磊、许魏洲、宋祖儿、关晓彤等唱响青春之歌" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 16 November 2018.
- ^ "于朦胧倾力匠造新歌MV 《月朦胧鸟朦胧》温柔上线". Sohu (in Chinese). 26 September 2019.
- ^ "快男选手于朦胧图文写真书面市 讲述北漂故事". China News (in Chinese). 19 February 2014.
- ^ "于朦胧现身颁奖典礼 演绎深情贵公子". ifeng (in Chinese). 20 July 2017.
- ^ "微博电视影响力盛典举行 行业齐聚盘点年度经典" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. 27 September 2017.
- ^ "于朦胧获品质盛典星锐剧星 唱《大梦想家》". Netease (in Chinese). 19 March 2018.
- ^ "金骨朵网络影视盛典提名揭晓 王一博肖战杨紫等入围". Ynet (in Chinese). 25 November 2019. Archived from the original on 24 May 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2019.
- ^ "于朦胧亮相金骨朵网络影视盛典 荣膺年度突破男演员". Ynet (in Chinese). 23 December 2019. Archived from the original on 23 December 2019. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
- ^ "张梓琳、于朦胧荣获2019凤凰网时尚之选年度时尚气质榜样". ifeng (in Chinese). 17 December 2019.
External links
[edit]- Yu Menglong at IMDb
Yu Menglong
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Family background
Yu Menglong was born on June 15, 1988, in Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China, into an ordinary family.[6][2] His father worked as a working-class laborer, while his mother served as a music teacher, creating a stable household environment in the region's multicultural setting.[6] He was the only son in the family.[6] The family's cultural ties were evident in the choice of his name; his mother, an admirer of Taiwanese author Chiung Yao's romantic literature, drew "Menglong" from the title of her novel Hazy Moon and Hazy Bird (月朦胧鸟朦胧), evoking themes of poetic longing and beauty.[7] This literary influence introduced Yu to arts and entertainment during his childhood in Ürümqi, where the family's appreciation for storytelling and performance fostered his early creative inclinations.[7] His parents supported his budding interests in music and performance, providing encouragement that shaped his personal development before his relocation to Beijing for further training.[6]Schooling and training
Born in Ürümqi, Xinjiang, Yu Menglong moved to Beijing to pursue formal education in the arts, encouraged by his family's support for his creative aspirations.[8] During his high school years, Yu attended the affiliated high school program of the Beijing Contemporary Music Academy, where he focused on developing foundational skills in music and performance. This institution provided rigorous training in vocal techniques, instrumental proficiency, and basic stagecraft, laying the groundwork for his multifaceted artistic pursuits.[9] Yu later graduated from the Beijing Performing Arts Training College, a specialized program that emphasized practical instruction in acting, singing, and stage presence. The curriculum integrated dramatic interpretation, vocal performance, and public speaking exercises, equipping him with the versatility needed for professional entertainment roles.[10] As part of his training extension, Yu participated in early talent competitions to hone his abilities under real-world pressure. In 2007, he competed in SMG's My Show! My Style!, advancing to the top 16 in the Xi'an province division and gaining initial exposure to audience feedback and competitive dynamics.[11] He returned to the spotlight in 2013 with Hunan TV's Super Boy singing contest, where he achieved a top 10 finish, further refining his performance charisma and resilience.[12]Career
Early career
Yu Menglong made his acting debut in 2011 with a role in the short film The Little Prince.[13][14] This early foray into acting followed his initial exposure through talent competitions, including participation in My Show My Song in 2007 (top 16) and Super Boy in 2010, building on his training at the Beijing Performing Arts Training College.[15][3] In 2013, after placing in the top 10 on the singing competition Super Boy, he released his debut single "Just Nice."[13][12] This release marked his initial step into music production, stemming from the visibility gained on the show.[16] Yu continued with short-form projects in 2014, starring in the short film The Rules, which earned the Best Independent Film award at the 4th International Micro Film Festival at the University of International Business and Economics.[12][8] His early television work included the lead role as the Ninth Prince in the 2015 web drama Go Princess Go.[3] In 2016, he made his feature film debut in Love Studio, portraying Tian Hao in this romantic comedy.[17] These roles represented his foundational efforts in building an acting portfolio before wider recognition.Rise to fame
Building on his initial fame from Go Princess Go, Yu Menglong's portrayal of Bai Zhen, the compassionate immortal healer, in the 2017 fantasy romance drama Eternal Love (Three Lives Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms), a supporting role that captured widespread audience attention due to his nuanced performance amid the series' massive success, marked a significant breakthrough. The drama achieved unprecedented viewership, exceeding 50 billion online plays, propelling Yu into the spotlight as one of China's emerging talents and marking his shift toward more prominent acting opportunities. Following this, Yu took on the role of Cheng Tianen, the loyal yet tormented younger brother, in the 2018 romantic family drama All Out of Love, where his emotional delivery in scenes of sibling bonds and heartbreak contributed to the series' popularity and highlighted his growing range in contemporary settings. In 2019, he starred as the lead Xu Xian, the earnest scholar, in The Legend of the White Snake, a reimagining of the classic Chinese folktale that paired him opposite Ju Jingyi and reinforced his reputation as an ideal romantic lead through his charming and sincere depiction of forbidden love. That same year, Yu appeared as Fu Anyan in the Republican-era action drama Hot Blooded Youth (Unstoppable Youth), a role that showcased his adaptability in historical narratives and increased his media exposure via promotional events and discussions on his evolving career.[18] His rising fame extended to variety programming in 2020, when he joined the reality show Shine! Super Brothers as a regular member, where his warm personality and performance skills resonated with viewers, broadening his appeal and solidifying his status as a multifaceted entertainer.Music and other ventures
Yu Menglong expanded his career into music with the release of his debut album Toy in 2015, a collection of pop tracks that delved into themes of youth and romance, reflecting his personal artistic voice.[19] In 2017, amid rising fame from his acting role in Eternal Love, he followed up with his self-titled album Yu Menglong, which similarly emphasized youthful introspection and romantic narratives, leveraging cross-promotion from his on-screen popularity to broaden his musical reach.[10] Beyond performing, Menglong took on directing duties as a music video director, helming projects such as Deanna Ding's "61 Seconds" in 2010 and contributing to videos tied to his own singles, showcasing his multifaceted creative involvement in the industry.[20][4] His musical talents extended into other ventures, including appearances on variety shows like Crossover Singer in 2019, where he participated as a regular member, and endorsements for brands such as Lanvin in 2021.[3][21] These activities, alongside contributions to drama soundtracks—such as "一半" for Xuan-Yuan Sword: Han Cloud (2017) and "月光" for The Moon Brightens For You (2020)—allowed him to blend singing seamlessly with his acting pursuits up through projects like the 2024 series Love Game in Eastern Fantasy.[22][23]Death
Incident
On September 11, 2025, according to official reports, Chinese actor Yu Menglong, aged 37 and at the peak of his career following his supporting role in the 2024 series Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, attended a private gathering at a friend's apartment in Beijing's Chaoyang District.[13][11] After consuming alcohol during the event, he retired to a bedroom around 2 a.m. and locked the door to sleep.[13] His friends discovered his body on the ground below the fifth-floor apartment around 6 a.m. as they prepared to leave, prompting an immediate emergency response.[13][24] Yu was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.[25] However, as of November 2025, independent analyses and civilian investigations have challenged this timeline, suggesting Yu may have died on September 9, 2025, based on discrepancies in reports and leaked information, though these claims remain unverified by authorities.[26][27] Beijing police conducted an initial investigation and ruled the incident an accidental fall with no evidence of suicide or criminal involvement.[28] The official cause of death was determined to be accidental due to intoxication, supported by toxicology results showing elevated blood-alcohol levels, as confirmed by Yu's management studio and subsequent autopsy findings.[29][14][30]Controversy and aftermath
Yu Menglong's death prompted immediate controversy, particularly from his family, who alleged mishandling by his management company. On September 14, 2025, a cousin of Yu posted on Weibo accusing Tianyu Media of failing to provide the family with any details about the incident, including access to the body or police updates on the cause of death, which heightened suspicions of a cover-up. This dispute escalated public demands for accountability, with the family claiming external pressures may have influenced the studio's lack of transparency. Public skepticism surged on social media, fueled by rumors of suicide, murder, involvement of powerful entertainment figures, scandals, money laundering, or political connections, alongside alleged contradictory witness reports; the case's rapid closure without full details amplified distrust, despite no confirmed evidence of foul play and the official conclusion of an accidental fall related to alcohol consumption. Strong censorship followed, with thousands of posts deleted and accounts blocked on platforms like Weibo, driving discussions to international sites. Fake AI-generated videos purporting to show protests circulated but were entirely fabricated.[31] Although Yu's mother initially issued a statement on September 19, 2025, confirming the official ruling of an accidental fall after alcohol consumption and rejecting rumors of foul play, her subsequent disappearance after attending the funeral in Beijing intensified allegations of suppression by powerful entities. Reports indicated she had traveled to Beijing for the private ceremony but lost contact shortly thereafter, leading to speculation about interference to prevent further disclosures, including a leaked final text message from Yu expressing fear of being killed by unnamed parties and references to "dirty money" from industry dealings that made him ill.[32][33][34][35] As of November 2025, her whereabouts remain unknown, with unconfirmed rumors suggesting further harm or coercion, including claims of suicide or involvement in organ harvesting scandals linked to political figures. Lack of transparency continued to fuel these speculations.[24][36] The controversy triggered widespread media scrutiny and fan outrage across Chinese and international platforms. Outlets such as Foreign Policy and the BBC highlighted how censorship on Weibo drove discussions to X and other global sites, where hashtags like #JusticeForYuMenglong trended, amassing millions of views and calls for an independent probe into potential industry involvement. Fans expressed profound mourning through tribute videos and virtual memorials, while some initiated boycotts against associated figures in the entertainment sector, underscoring broader concerns about exploitation and safety. Recent escalations as of November 2025 include allegations of political interference, hush money, and even ritualistic elements tied to high-level figures, though authorities maintain the accidental ruling with no new official updates.[5][37] As of early 2026, no new official progress or reports have emerged, with authorities maintaining the determination of an accidental alcohol-related fall and excluding criminal involvement. Persistent online rumors and public skepticism continue, including early 2026 reports of multiple individuals independently drawing the same temple fortune slip (签诗) featuring the phrase "青松影裡睡朦朧," which some interpreted as eerily referencing Yu's name and death circumstances; however, this remains an unsubstantiated folk superstition without empirical basis or official recognition.[38] Tianyu Media responded by reiterating their full cooperation with authorities and denying any cover-up, emphasizing that police investigations found no evidence of criminal activity. The agency also confirmed the funeral's low-profile nature at the family's request, but these statements did little to quell public distrust.[24] In the aftermath, Yu's legacy as a pivotal figure in Chinese entertainment gained renewed focus, with posthumous tributes celebrating his influence on emerging actors through his versatile performances and advocacy for mental health awareness. His case spotlighted systemic issues in the industry, prompting discussions on protective measures for celebrities and leaving lingering questions about the true circumstances of his death as of November 2025.[5]Filmography
Films
Yu Menglong's film career, though overshadowed by his extensive work in television, began with short films and encompassed a handful of feature-length projects primarily in the mid-2010s. These roles often highlighted his youthful charisma and ability to portray relatable, everyday characters in genres ranging from youth dramas to light comedies and romantic tales. His cinematic output remained limited after 2017, with no major theatrical releases noted thereafter, allowing him to focus on more prominent television opportunities.[3] A pivotal early work was the 2014 short film The Rules (丛林游戏), in which Menglong played the lead role of Xiao Xia, a young man thrust into a survival game in a simulated jungle environment, exploring themes of strategy, trust, and human nature under pressure. The film garnered critical recognition, winning the Best Independent Film award at the 4th International Micro Film Festival held at the University of International Business and Economics.[15] His transition to feature films started in 2014 with supporting appearances, evolving into lead roles by 2015–2016. In No Zuo No Die (2014), a comedic take on internet culture and mishaps, Menglong appeared as himself in a meta-supporting capacity, contributing to the film's humorous portrayal of young urban life. The following year, he took on main roles in romantic dramas like Dream Come True (2015), where he portrayed Ma Meng, a dreamer navigating love and ambition, and Love Has Been Here Before (2015), as Long Long in a story of rediscovering past affections. These films emphasized emotional depth and received modest attention for their relatable narratives aimed at young audiences.[3] By 2016, Menglong's film roles peaked in number, marking what could be considered his debut in more substantial features. In Love Studio (2016), he led as Zhu Yan (also known as Tian Hao in some credits), a passionate filmmaker grappling with creative blocks and romantic entanglements in the competitive world of independent production. For Love to Let Go (2016) saw him as Mu Qi, a character dealing with heartbreak and personal growth in a contemporary romance, praised for its sincere depiction of letting go. He also supported in Warrant the Reborn (2016) as Young Master Qian, adding nuance to a fantasy-revenge plot involving rebirth and justice. These projects, produced on modest budgets, highlighted his growing screen presence but did not achieve widespread commercial success.[39] Menglong's final notable film role came in 2017 with Visit the Widow Village in the Night (夜闯寡妇村), where he starred as Tan Gang, a bold outsider entangled in a village mystery blending suspense and folklore elements. The film, directed with a focus on rural Chinese settings, explored themes of intrusion and cultural clashes, earning mixed reviews for its atmospheric tension but limited distribution. No further films materialized in the 2018–2024 period, as Menglong shifted priorities to television and music.[40]Filmography
| Year | Title (English/Chinese) | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Little Prince (纵身一跃) | Unknown | Short film; acting debut.[3] |
| 2014 | The Rules (丛林游戏) | Xiao Xia | Lead role; short film; Best Independent Film, 4th International Micro Film Festival.[15] |
| 2014 | No Zuo No Die (No Zuo No Die) | Himself | Support role; comedy.[3] |
| 2014 | Temporary Family (临时家庭) | Intermediary Salesman | Support role (cameo).[3] |
| 2015 | Dream Come True (梦想成真) | Ma Meng | Main role; youth romance.[3] |
| 2015 | Love Has Been Here Before (爱曾来过) | Long Long | Main role; romantic drama.[41] |
| 2016 | Love Studio (爱情工作室) | Zhu Yan / Tian Hao | Main role; indie production satire.[3] |
| 2016 | For Love to Let Go (为爱放手) | Mu Qi | Main role; contemporary romance.[3] |
| 2016 | Warrant the Reborn (状元诛天) | Young Master Qian | Support role; fantasy action.[3] |
| 2017 | Visit the Widow Village in the Night (夜闯寡妇村) | Tan Gang | Main role; suspense drama.[40] |
Television series
Yu Menglong's television work primarily featured roles in Chinese web dramas and TV series, where he excelled in portraying gentle, romantic male leads within fantasy, historical, and youth-oriented narratives. These appearances, often in high-profile productions, helped solidify his image as a versatile actor capable of blending charm with emotional depth, contributing to his growing fanbase in the mid-2010s.[42] His breakthrough came with the 2015 web drama Go Princess Go, a satirical historical series that garnered widespread popularity across China and Asia, propelling him to stardom through his lead role as the time-displaced prince Zhang Peng (also known as Jiu Wang), a character navigating palace intrigue and romance over 35 episodes. This role showcased his comedic timing and appeal, earning him recognition as an emerging talent in the web drama scene.[43] In 2017, Yu appeared in the fantasy romance epic Eternal Love, playing the supporting role of Bai Zhen, the fourth prince of the Fox Clan and a skilled healer known for his witty and protective nature, across 58 episodes; his portrayal added levity and emotional support to the central love story, further boosting his visibility in major productions. That year, he also took the lead role of Mu Yun / Bai Yi in the historical fantasy Xuan-Yuan Sword: Han Cloud.[9][3] Yu took a lead role in 2018's All Out of Love, a modern romance drama spanning 70 episodes, where he portrayed Cheng Tian'en, a devoted yet conflicted businessman entangled in a love triangle; the series' focus on heartfelt relationships highlighted his ability to convey vulnerability, resonating with audiences and enhancing his reputation in romantic genres. The year 2019 marked two significant roles for Yu. In The Legend of White Snake, he starred as Xu Xian, the kind-hearted scholar and romantic lead opposite the mythical White Snake spirit, in a 36-episode adaptation of the classic folktale; his sincere performance in this fantasy romance amplified his popularity among fans of mythological dramas.[44] Later that year, in the youth drama Hot Blooded Youth (also known as Unstoppable Youth), he played the main role of Fu An Yan, a passionate young man navigating friendships and ambitions in a 40-episode coming-of-age story set in early 20th-century Shanghai, which allowed him to explore more dynamic, ensemble-driven characters. He also led as Lu Xiang in Who's Not Rebellious Youth.[3] Yu continued with main roles in subsequent years, including Lin Fang in The Moon Brightens for You (2020) and Shan Liang in Wenderella's Diary (2023). His final filmed television roles included a supporting role as Li Zhun in the 2024 fantasy web series Love Game in Eastern Fantasy across 32 episodes, blending Eastern mythology with romantic elements; a guest role as Xuan Tian envoy in Feud (2025); and a supporting role as Quan Neng Xia in Hidden Master (2025).[3]Discography
Albums
Yu Menglong released his debut extended play (EP), Toy (玩具), on December 31, 2015, under Tianyu Media, marking his entry into the music industry amid his rising acting profile from roles in web dramas like Go Princess Go. The EP features three original tracks—"凝视" (Stare), "梦游" (Sleepwalking), and "世界" (World)—blending pop elements with varied tempos, including two upbeat songs that showcased his versatility beyond ballads.[45] This release captured his early career ethos of simple yet witty expression, addressing life's imperfections through light-hearted, introspective lyrics, as evident in the philosophical undertones of "世界," which welcomes listeners to his imperfect personal realm. In 2017, following the massive success of his role in the fantasy romance drama Eternal Love, Yu Menglong issued his self-titled EP Yu Meng Long (于朦胧) on January 1, produced again by Tianyu Media to capitalize on his newfound fame. The six-track collection—"无罪" (Innocent), "自导自演" (Self-Directed and Acted), "入戏" (Into the Play), "一个人过" (Passing Time Alone), "那些你教我的事" (Those Things You Taught Me), and "梦未完待续" (Dream Yet to Continue)"—explores romantic and emotional introspection, with dynamic melodies in tracks like "自导自演" highlighting relational complexities and personal growth. The album's promotion intertwined with his acting breakthrough, emphasizing themes of love and self-reflection that resonated with his on-screen persona, contributing to its recognition in China's pop music scene.[46]Singles
Yu Menglong's solo music output primarily consisted of standalone singles and contributions to television drama soundtracks, often blending pop and ballad styles that complemented his acting roles. His debut single, "Just Nice" (刚好), marked his entry into the music industry shortly after placing in the top ten of the 2013 season of Super Boy. Subsequent releases included holiday-themed hits and introspective tracks, while his soundtrack work frequently featured emotional themes tied to romantic or fantasy narratives in dramas. These pieces highlighted his clear, gentle vocal delivery, which resonated with fans and enhanced the storytelling in the associated productions.[3][47] The following table lists his key non-album singles and soundtrack contributions up to 2024:| Year | Title (English/Chinese) | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Just Nice (刚好) | Debut single, post-Super Boy release | [48] |
| 2013 | Whirlpool (漩涡) | With Sandee Peng, from Lost World | |
| 2014 | Every Star (每一颗星辰) | Standalone single | |
| 2015 | Go Home and Have the Spring Festival (回家过年吧) | Collaborative holiday single (with Jiang Chao, Tan Lina et al.), Yu directed MV, popular among youth for its festive vibe | [49][42] |
| 2015 | This Is Me (就这Young) | Standalone single | |
| 2017 | Half (一半) | Insert song for the drama Xuan-Yuan Sword: Han Cloud | [50][41] |
| 2018 | Mirror (镜) | Standalone single with poetic lyrics exploring reflection and emotion | [51] |
| 2019 | Millennial Wait (千年等一回) | Theme song for the drama The Legend of White Snake, performed by Ju Jingyi featuring Yu Menglong in MV | [52][53] |
| 2019 | You Already Knew (你早就知道) | Standalone single evoking themes of unspoken love | [54] |
| 2020 | Moonlight (月光) | Ending theme for the drama The Moon Brightens for You (明月曾照江东寒) | [41][22] |
| 2024 | Half Time Mist (半场烟雨) (with Li Zixuan) | Insert song for the drama A Love Story of Oiled Paper Umbrella | [41] |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Result | For work | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2nd Macau International Movie Festival | Best Actor | Won | A Tibetan Love Song Along the River | [55] |
| 2014 | All-Star Fashion Gala | Fashion Rising Male Actor | Won | — | |
| 2017 | 2nd Asia Gold Melody Awards | Most Popular All-Round Artist in Mainland China | Won | — | |
| 2017 | 1st Weibo Influence Gala | Annual Emerging Artist | Won | — | |
| 2017 | Weibo TV Online Video Awards | Best New Artist | Won | — | [56] |
| 2018 | 3rd Golden Bud Network Film and Television Festival | Newcomer Award | Won | — | |
| 2018 | China TV Quality Ceremony | Annual Star Sharp Drama Star | Won | — | [57] |
| 2019 | 4th Golden Bud Network Film and Television Festival | Breakthrough Actor of the Year | Won | The Legend of the White Snake | [58] |
| 2021 | Figaro Fashion Gala | Annual Fashion Starlight Charm Award | Won | — | [59] |
| 2022 | 7th China Online Video Academy Awards | Best Actor | Won | — | [60] |
| 2022 | 18th Chinese American TV Festival Golden Angel Awards | Outstanding Actor | Won | — | [60] |
| 2022 | Zhenshan Awards | Annual Zhenshan Star | Won | Charity contributions | [61] |
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