Selina of the legendary girl group SHE is often considered one of the most tragic figures in Chinese entertainment. Once celebrated as a youth icon for generations born in the ’80s and ’90s alongside fellow members Hebe Tien and Ella Chen, Selina’s life was forever changed after a terrible on-set accident that left her with lifelong physical and emotional scars.
In October 2010, Selina and actor Yu Haoming were seriously injured in a fire accident during filming “I have a date with spring” in Shanghai, China. A propeller malfunction reportedly triggered a massive explosion, turning the set into an uncontrollable sea of flames within seconds.
The tragedy left Selina with third-degree burns covering 54 percent of her body. At the time, reports stated that his survival rate had dropped to only 46%.
Fortunately, the singer’s face did not suffer serious damage. However, he underwent numerous skin graft surgeries in different parts of his body and even suffered from severe infections that put his life in grave danger. Selina reportedly spent 90 days fighting for survival before recovering enough to leave intensive care.
After the accident, the once charming idol underwent a dramatic transformation. His body became swollen and covered in scars, and even simple movement became painful and difficult. In addition to her physical injuries, Selina also suffered psychologically, suffering from recurring nightmares about the explosion and relying on sleeping pills and sedatives.
During the darkest period of her life, Selina was supported not only by her group members and fans, but also by her boyfriend, lawyer Richard Chang. In late 2011, the couple went ahead with their wedding despite Selina still using a wheelchair and recovering from severe burns.
Many believed that Selina had finally found happiness after years of suffering. However, the marriage later faced major difficulties after photos allegedly showing Richard Chang with another woman surfaced in 2015.
In March 2016, Selina officially announced her divorce after five years of marriage, explaining that their relationship had gradually broken down beyond repair. During media interviews, her ex-husband revealed that the couple rarely shared a bed after marriage because Selina continued to experience intense pain throughout her body following the incident.
Reports also stated that Selina struggled with fertility issues because she often needed antibiotics and painkillers during recovery. Her former in-laws were reportedly worried that she would not be able to have children. The financial differences have further added tension to the marriage, with Selina reportedly earning around TWD120 million a year while her ex-husband earned much less, leading him to face criticism online for alleged financial dependence on his famous wife.
After the divorce, Selina reportedly completely cut off contact with her ex-husband.
As her health gradually improved, Selina slowly returned to the entertainment industry. In 2022, she publicly revealed her relationship with a boyfriend seven years her junior who works outside of the entertainment industry.
The couple had reportedly been dating since 2019 and eventually moved in together, although they never legally registered their marriage. According to Selina, her boyfriend was one of the few people who never judged her scarred body and instead helped heal her emotional wounds.
He once shared, “He says the skin graft scars on my legs look like fish scales and calls me a little mermaid. His love has helped me overcome my insecurities and learn to love myself again.”
Although Selina once believed she would never become a mother, she shocked fans in March 2023 by announcing her first pregnancy at age 42.
The singer revealed that she discovered she was pregnant while traveling in Phu Quoc. Because of the meaningful memory, she gave her baby the nickname “Little Cashew,” inspired by the Vietnamese cashews she had enjoyed on the trip.
In September 2023, Selina safely gave birth to her first child.
The actress then revealed that her boyfriend had asked her to marry him, but she refused because she no longer felt the need for marriage to feel secure in a relationship. According to Selina, the couple already shares a happy and compassionate life together without needing legal documents to define their bond.
Sources: K14
