On the evening of January 15, Li Yapeng hosted a long livestream in which he shared the challenges facing the Smile Angel Children’s Hospital, which he co‑founded with his ex‑wife Faye Wong. The hospital, dedicated to treating children with cleft lip and palate, has fallen into significant debt and was at risk of shutting down due to unpaid rent and financial strain.

Moved by his heartfelt appeal, many viewers began donating throughout the livestream. According to several Chinese news outlets, the broadcast attracted approximately 180,000 live viewers, and the total amount of donations reportedly exceeded 10 million yuan (about 1.4 million USD). Upon hearing the figure, Li Yapeng’s eyes filled with tears as he expressed deep gratitude, saying the support had warmed his heart. He explained that he could not stop fans from sending gifts and promised to use the funds responsibly.

During the livestream, Li Yapeng admitted that he had failed in managing the hospital financially. He revealed that the hospital faced imminent closure because it could not pay past‑due rent for its facilities. While respecting the court’s decision, he also expressed hope that children who had started surgeries at the hospital would be able to complete their treatments. “The hospital may become part of the past, but we will stand firm until the end,” he said. He shared that in its ten years of operation, the hospital had focused on cleft lip and palate treatments, performing more than 11,000 surgeries, with 7,000 of them fully sponsored at no cost to the families.

Earlier, on January 11, the People’s Court of Chaoyang District in Beijing ruled that the Smile Angel Children’s Hospital, where Li Yapeng served as legal representative, must repay five years of unpaid rent to its landlord and relocate. The case originated from a rent dispute first heard in 2022, with enforcement actions beginning in November 2023. However, to date, the hospital has not completed its relocation and continues to operate at its original address.

Li Yapeng’s situation sparked widespread discussion online, drawing mixed reactions. Some commenters praised his compassion and selfless work, saying, “He may not be good at business, but his heart is admirable,” and “He never embezzled charity funds he 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 sustain such a large charitable enterprise.

Li Yapeng and Faye Wong share a daughter, Li Yan, who was born with cleft lip and palate an experience that inspired them to establish the Smile Angel Foundation in 2006 and later the Smile Angel Children’s Hospital in 2012 to help underprivileged children with similar conditions. After their divorce in 2013, Li Yapeng became chairman of the hospital’s board and oversaw its operations.

Born in 1971, Li Yapeng is a celebrated Chinese actor known for roles in The Legend of the Condor Heroes, Laughing in the Wind, and other popular dramas and films. Over the years, his personal life has also drawn attention: he dated several well‑known figures, 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, though the couple has recently divorced.

In recent years, Li Yapeng has faced financial difficulties following failed business ventures, accumulating debts approaching 6 million USD. With assets seized and ongoing financial pressure, the support from fans has provided a crucial lifeline not only for him but for the vulnerable children the hospital has served for over a decade.

Sources: Ngoisao