Chinese actor Li Yapeng has sparked controversy by announcing he would transfer ownership of a kindergarten he founded for free, despite his wife and daughter having to move from a villa to an apartment.
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Chinese actor Li Yapeng (L), his wife Haiha Jinxi (R) and their daughter. Photo from Haiha’s Weibo |
According to
Sinchew
During an International Children’s Day celebration at the preschool he runs, Li stunned the audience by announcing his intention to donate the facility to an educational administrator without charging any fees.
The actor stated that upon entering this world, individuals should contribute something to society,’ adding ‘this doesn’t pertain to accumulating riches but rather pertains to one’s individual principles.’
In 2011, Li founded the kindergarten through an initial investment of 100 million yuan (approximately US$13.9 million). After 14 years of development, he created a distinctive approach that integrates aspects of Chinese culture, establishing it as one of the leading private kindergartens in the country.
His decision to give away the school, however, has sparked heated debate. While Li framed the act as a contribution to society, some critics argue that it’s a result of his financial struggles following failed business ventures. They suggest that his donation is a way of offloading his assets due to his inability to pay off debts.
“He fails at everything!” one commenter said.
“Pay off your debts first,” said another.
A third person commented, ‘While his spouse and children are leasing a place, he is distributing his possessions,’
Last month, Li’s spouse, model Haiha Jinxi, revealed during a live stream that the family is experiencing financial difficulties due to
an unpaid debt of 40 million yuan (US$5.6 million)
From Li’s unsuccessful venture into real estate in 2015.
Haiha similarly shared a clip of herself handling
the transition from a villa to a more compact apartment
even when Li was absent due to work commitments. Regardless of these difficulties, she underscored her continued backing for him.
Li, who is 54 years old, was previously one of China’s foremost television celebrities, recognized for starring in hit shows like “The Legend of the Condor Heroes,” “Laughing in the Wind,” “The Singer,” and “Eternal Moment.” In 2011, he decided to leave the world of acting behind to concentrate on pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities.
Haiha, aged 35, achieved acclaim following her participation in the 2011 Miss World China competition and subsequently venturing into modeling.
The pair got married in 2022. This marks Li’s second wedding; earlier, he was hitched to renowned pop star Faye Wong from 2005 to 2013. They have a daughter named Li Yan together. Meanwhile, Wong has resumed her romance with musician Nicholas Tse.
