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A Chinese drama based on a notorious real-life murder case has ignited heated debate, with the victim’s family accusing the show of exploiting their tragedy for profit and causing them significant distress.
The series Who is He, starring award-winning actor Zhang Yi, has drawn public attention for its storyline inspired by the infamous “Nanda Dismemberment Case.” The crime, which occurred in 1996, involved the brutal murder and dismemberment of Nanjing University student Diao Aiqing, whose killer remains unidentified nearly three decades later.
The “Nanda Dismemberment Case,” one of China’s most infamous unsolved murders, occurred in January 1996. Diao Aiqing, a 19-year-old freshman at Nanjing University, disappeared on January 10 after leaving her dormitory, telling her roommates she needed to handle a dorm-related issue.
Nine days later, her dismembered body parts were discovered scattered across various locations in Nanjing. Some were discarded in garbage bags, while others were left in public areas. Investigators noted the killer’s chilling precision in dismembering her body, suggesting a possible familiarity with anatomy and the use of specialized tools.
Despite extensive investigations at the time, limited forensic technology and the absence of key evidence hindered progress. Police interviewed numerous witnesses and followed countless leads but were unable to identify the perpetrator. The case has since become a haunting cold case, symbolizing justice delayed for Diao Aiqing and her grieving family.
On December 17, Diao Aiqing’s brother-in-law, Qian, addressed Zhang Yi on social media, expressing the family’s anguish. “This show has caused immense pain to our family,” Qian wrote. He criticized the creators for sensationalizing the murder and treating Diao Aiqing as mere material for entertainment, disregarding her humanity and the ongoing suffering of her loved ones.
The family’s distress led them to pursue legal action earlier this year. In May 2023, Diao Aiqing’s parents, through their lawyer Zhou Zhaocheng, filed a lawsuit in Beijing’s Haidian District Court against the show’s producers: Wanda TV Production Company, Youku Information Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., and Alibaba (Beijing) Software Service Co., Ltd.
The lawsuit accuses the producers of violating the family’s rights, seeking compensation for financial losses and emotional damage. Lawyer Zhou stated that the lawsuit aims to hold those responsible accountable for their insensitivity and to raise awareness about ethical storytelling in media.
The Nanda Dismemberment Case has haunted China for 28 years. Despite advancements in technology, the case remains unsolved due to limited evidence and outdated investigative tools at the time of the crime.
Authorities have vowed to continue pursuing the truth. “Although decades have passed, we have not forgotten this case,” said a police spokesperson. They expressed hope that future technological breakthroughs or new evidence might finally crack the case and bring justice to the victim and her family.
Many netizens empathize with the family’s pain, echoing calls for justice. “The show may generate profits, but it disregards the dignity of the deceased and her family’s suffering,” one commenter wrote.
The controversy has reignited discussions about the ethics of adapting real-life tragedies for entertainment. Critics argue that the creators prioritized sensationalism over sensitivity, reducing Diao Aiqing’s life and death to a dramatic plotline while ignoring the ongoing trauma of her family.
“She was a real person, not just a gruesome story to exploit,” one netizen remarked. “The pain of her family should never be used as a tool for entertainment.”
Others called for greater accountability from actors and producers. “Zhang Yi is a talented actor, but as a public figure, he has a responsibility to consider the impact of his work. Did he think about how the victim’s family would feel?”
Some, however, defended the show, arguing that it could bring renewed attention to the unsolved case. “If handled correctly, such dramas can keep cold cases alive in the public’s mind and even prompt new leads,” one user suggested.
For Diao Aiqing’s family, the wounds of her tragic death remain fresh. “They didn’t see her as a living, breathing person who once shared meaningful connections with the world,” Qian lamented in his social media post. “We are still enduring the torment of her loss.”
The family’s outcry has sparked widespread reflection on how society approaches unresolved tragedies and the ethical boundaries of storytelling. Many hope the controversy will prompt a reevaluation of media practices and lead to more compassionate portrayals of real-life events.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the case of Diao Aiqing is not just a story for entertainment. It is a painful reminder of justice delayed and the enduring anguish of those left behind.
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