Beautiful Civil Servant Who Committed Adultery with 58 Subordinates Receives 'Political Death Sentence' in China

13-Year Prison Sentence and 190 Million Won Fine
'Political Death Penalty' Including Party Membership Revocation

A senior female official in southwestern China was ultimately sentenced to 13 years in prison and fined 1 million yuan (approximately 188.7 million KRW) on charges of having sexual relations with 58 subordinates and accepting bribes totaling 60 million yuan (about 11.3 billion KRW).

Zhongyang (52), originally from Guizhou Province, China, who held various high-ranking positions including Party Secretary of Tiannan County and Governor of the Miao Autonomous Prefecture, was ultimately sentenced to 13 years in prison and fined 1 million yuan (approximately 188.7 million KRW) on charges of having sexual relations with 58 subordinates and accepting bribes totaling 60 million yuan (approximately 11.3 billion KRW).
[Image source=Photo by South China Morning Post (SCMP), Hong Kong]

On the 20th, the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that Zhongyang (52), who hails from Guizhou Province and has held various high-ranking positions including county magistrate and deputy party secretary of Tiannan County, as well as governor of the Miao Autonomous Prefecture, caused such a scandal. She grew up in a wealthy family, studied history at university, joined the Chinese Communist Party at age 22, and rose to become vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC). Known for her striking appearance, she attracted attention during her tenure for her beauty. However, she never married.

While serving in high office, Zhongyang engaged in extramarital affairs with male subordinates under the pretexts of "overtime" and "business trips." She had a total of 58 subordinates as lovers. Among these subordinates, some chose to become her lovers voluntarily to gain personnel advantages provided by Zhongyang, but others became her lovers under the pressure of her authority.

Zhongyang was also found to have accepted bribes totaling 60 million yuan by intervening in various government projects and securing land development approvals in exchange for huge profits.

In April last year, the Guizhou provincial government launched an investigation, and after corruption charges were proven, Zhongyang was sentenced to 13 years in prison. The news about Zhongyang resurfaced recently because on the 1st, the Chinese Communist Party stripped her of party membership. In China, expulsion from the Communist Party is considered the most severe punishment, often referred to as a "political death sentence."

Through a media outlet, Zhongyang reflected, "My corruption stemmed from a mistaken belief that I needed to cultivate some trustworthy businessmen to help handle political matters," adding, "I feel ashamed of my actions. Coveting what is not yours can destroy you." She also expressed regret, saying, "After I became a public official, my parents prepared simple dishes of green vegetables and boiled tofu every Lunar New Year, hoping I would become an honest official, but I failed to deeply internalize that wish."