Pang Mailang, once the living proof that overnight internet fame could transform a life, has quietly exited the entertainment world after a dramatic rise and fall no one saw coming. Born Pang Mingtao in rural Shaanxi Province, he taught himself music, recording, and production with dreams of international success. Even his chosen stage name, Joseeh Punmanlon, was meant to signal a bold step onto the global stage. Yet the fame he briefly tasted ultimately collapsed under the weight of its own fragility.

The turning point came in 2014 when his song My Skateboard Shoes unexpectedly became a viral sensation. With its simple melody and unpolished lyrics, the track piqued widespread curiosity. Within three days, it had garnered more than 500,000 views on Weibo and then swept music charts with 8.18 million streams on Xiami. A song once dismissed as a joke propelled an ordinary man to sudden fame.

But while My Skateboard Shoes sparked a craze, it also marked the start of Pang Mailang’s downward spiral. Along with attention came harsh criticism, including mocking comments about his regional accent and vocal ability. After signing with an entertainment company, disputes quickly arose. He refused scheduled tours, was sued for breach of contract, and ultimately found himself blacklisted in the industry.

Left without support, Pang Mailang attempted to prove himself with a multi‑city tour in 2015. That effort ended in embarrassment: his opening concert in Guiyang sold only seven to nine tickets, leaving the venue nearly empty. The pressure, ongoing disputes, and lack of opportunities took a devastating toll on his mental health.

By late 2020, Pang Mailang was hospitalized with a serious illness, and his departure from showbiz went largely unnoticed. Earlier this year, he briefly resurfaced in a video from a comeback performance before a crowd of 400 people, where the once‑viral star was seen in tears, overwhelmed simply to be back on stage.

Sources: Sixth Tone