On the evening of January 15, Li Yapeng hosted a lengthy livestream in which he shared the challenges facing Smile Angel Children’s Hospital, which he co-founded with his ex-wife Faye Wong. The hospital, dedicated to the care of children with cleft lip and palate, fell into significant debt and was at risk of closure due to unpaid rent and financial difficulties.
Moved by his heartfelt appeal, many viewers began donating during the live stream. According to several Chinese media outlets, the broadcast attracted around 180,000 live viewers and the total amount of donations exceeded 10 million yuan (about $1.4 million). After hearing the figure, Li Yapeng’s eyes filled with tears as he expressed deep gratitude, saying that the support had warmed his heart. He explained that he couldn’t stop fans from sending gifts and promised to use the funds responsibly.
During the live stream, Li Yapeng admitted that he had failed in the financial management of the hospital. He revealed that the hospital faced imminent closure because it could not pay overdue rent on its facilities. While he respected the court’s decision, he also expressed hope that children who began surgeries in the hospital would be able to complete their treatments. “The hospital may become a thing of the past, but we will stand firm until the end” he said. He shared that in its ten years of operation, the hospital has focused on cleft lip and palate treatments, performing more than 11,000 surgeries, of which 7,000 were fully sponsored at no cost to families.
Previously, on January 11, the Chaoyang District People’s Court in Beijing ruled that Smile Angel Children’s Hospital, where Li Yapeng was the legal representative, must repay five years of unpaid rent to the owner and move. The case arose from a rent dispute first heard in 2022, with enforcement actions starting in November 2023. However, to date, the hospital has not completed its move and continues to operate at its original address.
Li Yapeng’s situation has sparked widespread discussion online, eliciting mixed reactions. Some commentators praised his compassion and selfless work, saying: “He may not be good at business, but his heart is admirable,” AND “He has never embezzled charitable funds and deserves recognition.” OR “Good deeds deserve support.” Others criticized his financial management, suggesting that while his intentions were noble, he lacked the business acumen to support such a large charitable undertaking.
Li Yapeng and Faye Wong share a daughter, Li Yan, who was born with a cleft lip and palate, an experience that inspired them to found the Smile Angel Foundation in 2006 and later the Smile Angel Children’s Hospital in 2012 to help disadvantaged children with similar conditions. After their divorce in 2013, Li Yapeng became chairman of the hospital’s board of directors and oversaw its operations.
Born in 1971, Li Yapeng is a famous Chinese actor known for roles in The legend of the Condor heroes, Laughing in the windand other popular dramas and films. Over the years, his personal life has also attracted attention: he has dated several famous people, including Qu Ying, Zhou Xun and Faye Wong. After marrying Faye Wong in 2005, they had daughter Li Yan and divorced in 2013. Li Yapeng remarried in 2022 to actress Haiha Jinxi, with whom he has a second daughter, Li Xia, although the couple recently divorced.
In recent years, Li Yapeng has faced financial difficulties following failed business ventures, accumulating debts approaching $6 million. With assets seized and continued financial pressure, fan support has provided a crucial lifeline not only for him but for the vulnerable children the hospital has served for over a decade.
Sources: Ngoisao
