During a talk show on Chinanews on 28/9, Li Yapeng explained his reasons for retiring from acting. He recalled an event in the early 2000s, a time when he achieved significant fame for his role as Linghu Chong in "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer". At a public appearance in Jinan, Shandong province, he was overwhelmed by tens of thousands of people who had gathered in the square to see him.
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Li Yapeng and Xu Qing in "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" 2001. *Photo: Sohu* |
The event, initially planned for the day, stretched into the evening due to the dense crowd. Organizers resorted to powerful spotlights to illuminate the stage. These dazzling lights prevented Li Yapeng from seeing the audience clearly, allowing him only to hear the roar of the crowd.
“I should have been happy then, but I wasn't,” Li Yapeng recalled. “My mind finds peace when the effort I put in balances what I receive. However, as an actor, a star, I often felt I received far more than the effort I expended. This imbalance made me feel insecure.”
Unable to find emotional balance or stability, the actor gradually lost interest and passion for filmmaking. Li Yapeng decided to be true to himself and pursue a different direction in life.
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Actor Li Yapeng, 55 years old. *Photo: Chinanews* |
Li Yapeng fully withdrew from the entertainment industry in 2011 to focus on business. His ventures, however, were unsuccessful, resulting in court-ordered debt repayments. He once described himself as a "failure," acknowledging his capabilities fell short of his ambitions. He admitted to being unrealistic and overestimating his capacity when investing in real estate and other businesses.
In recent years, Li Yapeng has ventured into livestream sales, along with managing a coffee shop and homestays. Early this year, he achieved notable success by selling 162 million yuan (23 million USD) worth of goods during one livestream. According to Sichuan Guancha, he promoted Pu-erh tea, drawing 40 million views in 6 hours. Despite urging viewers to "buy rationally," all product lines sold out rapidly.
Li Yapeng broke his own sales record, securing a spot among the most influential actors in livestream commerce. His previous record was set on 23/1, generating 100 million yuan (nearly 14,4 million USD) in revenue.
Li Yapeng was married to singer Faye Wong, divorcing in 2013. In 2022, he remarried model Hai Ha Kim Hy, and they had a daughter. The couple divorced last year, with their child residing with the mother.
During the 28/9 livestream, when fans asked for advice on "how to live harmoniously as a couple," Li Yapeng replied that, having been divorced twice, he felt "unqualified" to offer counsel on such a topic.
Nhu Anh
