On January 22, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange attracted public attention by updating information on the relationship between Zhao Wei and businessman Huang Youlong. According to official data from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, all shares and common stakes held by Zhao Wei in Huang Youlong’s Shunlong Holdings company, totaling 3.5 billion shares, were officially removed on July 23, 2021, citing as a reason for divorce. The removal took effect the same day the couple finalized their divorce.
In particular, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange revealed that the confidential divorce files relating to Zhao Wei and Huang Youlong were submitted by the actress herself on January 20 to update the documents. All revised information will be published on the official website of companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This move is seen as a way for Zhao Wei to indirectly make his divorce and relationship status public, as he is fully aware that such data is accessible to the public.
Chinese media are interpreting Zhao Wei’s move as another attempt to completely sever ties to her ex-husband’s business. By submitting her divorce documents to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Zhao Wei ensured that the information would be disclosed publicly. Previously, at the end of 2024, he had already announced his divorce, stating that it had occurred years ago, effectively ending any family ties with Huang Youlong.
On Weibo, many netizens have speculated that Zhao Wei is distancing herself from Huang Youlong in anticipation of potentially serious problems involving her ex-husband. On January 21, Xu Shengmei, a prominent media specialist and entertainment journalist, suggested that Zhao Wei had decided to reveal her divorce after years of secrecy because a major scandal involving Huang Youlong may soon emerge.
Xu Shengmei explained: “Some believe that Zhao Wei made her divorce public to avoid sharing her ex-husband’s large debts. However, their marriage ended in 2021, and Zhao Wei has had no involvement with Huang Youlong’s debts since then. His sudden announcement of their divorce at the end of 2024 suggests that something much worse for Huang Youlong is on the horizon. This forced Zhao Wei to act quickly to escape the impending unrest.”
Xu Shengmei also pointed out that although Huang Youlong is a billionaire, his business practices have long been shrouded in controversy. She noted that Zhao Wei’s inexplicable media ban could also be linked to her involvement in her ex-husband’s business and investment operations.
It is suspected that Huang Youlong’s wealth was acquired through unethical means. He was formerly the driver of Xu Zongheng, the former mayor of Shenzhen, who was found guilty of corruption and sentenced to death in 2011. Investigations revealed that between 2005 and 2009, Xu Zongheng abused his power to manipulate the Shenzhen real estate market, allegedly significantly contributing to Huang Youlong’s ill-gotten riches.
Allegations have recently surfaced implicating Huang Youlong and his cousin Xia Kailun in human trafficking and fraud operations in Myanmar. Xia Kailun was arrested in 2022 for leading a telecom fraud and trafficking ring that exploited 330,000 victims. Huang Youlong, however, fled abroad. Zhao Wei was also suspected of aiding and abetting her ex-husband’s inhumane actions.
This scandal has increased public skepticism in China regarding Huang Youlong’s mysterious fortune. At the same time, Zhao Wei’s sudden media ban remains unexplained, fueling numerous theories. Some speculate that the couple may have carried out illegal activities abroad, which could be the main cause of their downfall.
