LayarHijau – Ningbo police have denied confirming the death of Chinese influencer Athena Liya after reports claiming she was killed in a kidnapping case in the Philippines went viral on Weibo.
On August 10, 2026, several media outlets reported that Athena Liya, who has more than 1.27 million followers on Douyin, had been confirmed as a victim of murder. The reports quickly spread across Chinese social media, including Weibo.
Support Layar Hijau
Layar Hijau is an independent media outlet dedicated to sharing news and stories about the Asian dramas you love. If you enjoy our content, your support helps us keep going and bring more stories to fellow drama fans.
Every bit of support means a lot to us. Thank you for reading, following, and being part of Layar Hijau's journey.
For supporters in Indonesia
For international supporters
For more information, click here.
Some of the material circulating online included a video featuring a screenshot attributed to Ningbo police. The screenshot showed the name “Athena Liya” and was subsequently described in reports as part of a list of victims.
The material was cited as evidence that Ningbo police had officially confirmed Athena Liya’s death.
However, on August 11, Red Star News reported that a source familiar with Ningbo police said neither the series of cases involving Liu Hanwen nor the alleged kidnapping of Athena Liya was handled by the Ningbo police department.
Ningbo police also explained the origin of the material cited in the reports.
According to the information obtained by Red Star News, the screenshot came from a video published through Ningbo police’s official video account on August 16, 2023. The video was an anti-fraud awareness production made by Yinzhou police in collaboration with online creator “Rancha Gege.”
At the end of the video, Rancha Gege referenced information gathered from the internet. One of the materials used in the video included the name “Athena Liya.”
The appearance of her name in that material, therefore, was not an official victim list issued by Ningbo police and did not constitute confirmation from the department that Athena Liya had died.
Red Star News also conducted its own search on August 10 and 11 and said it had found no official announcement from Chinese or Philippine authorities confirming Athena Liya’s death or releasing details of her alleged killing.
Athena Liya Has Been Missing Since 2023
Athena Liya is the online name of Kong Limei, a native of Jieyang in China’s Guangdong province. She placed third in the Macau regional competition for Miss World in 2021.
Kong Limei later built a following of more than 1.27 million on Douyin.
Her last Douyin post was published on April 9, 2023. She has not updated the account since then.
In June 2023, Kong Limei reportedly traveled to Manila, Philippines, after being invited by a female friend she had known for around two years. The trip was reportedly connected to plans for an overseas photoshoot.
Her friend allegedly canceled the trip at the last minute for personal reasons. Kong Limei then traveled to Manila alone and subsequently lost contact with people close to her.
Various theories about her whereabouts have circulated since her disappearance. One claim alleged that Kong Limei was abducted by a criminal network operating in the Philippines.
Alleged Death Linked to Liu Hanwen
Reports about Athena Liya’s alleged death gained renewed attention after Liu Hanwen, a key suspect in a transnational criminal network accused of targeting Chinese nationals in the Philippines, was returned to China from the United States on July 20, 2026.
Several reports have linked Kong Limei’s disappearance to the network allegedly led by Liu Hanwen.
According to those reports, the group allegedly took control of Kong Limei’s social media accounts after abducting her and used them to post misleading updates. The group was also accused of demanding a large ransom from her family.
Some reports later claimed that Kong Limei was killed even after the ransom was paid.
However, those claims have not been accompanied by an official announcement from Chinese or Philippine authorities confirming her death.
For that reason, reports claiming that Athena Liya was killed should be distinguished from an official confirmation of her fate.
As of August 11, 2026, Athena Liya’s death has not been officially confirmed by authorities in either China or the Philippines.
The latest statement from Ningbo police also does not establish that Athena Liya is alive. It simply confirms that the department never verified her death and that the material being cited in support of the claim was not an official Ningbo police victim list.
Liu Hanwen Returned to China
Liu Hanwen is a suspect in several kidnapping and murder cases involving Chinese nationals in the Philippines.
One of the cases linked to him occurred in June 2024, when two Chinese nationals traveled to Manila for a medical business meeting before being kidnapped by a criminal group.
Their families reportedly paid a ransom of 3 million yuan, but both victims were allegedly killed. Their bodies were later found in Camarines Sur province in the Philippines.
Liu fled to the United States after the case.
According to Chinese authorities, Beijing police investigated the case under the coordination of China’s Ministry of Public Security and determined that a criminal group led by Liu had been involved in multiple kidnapping and murder cases targeting Chinese nationals in the Philippines.
Chinese authorities subsequently worked with U.S. law enforcement and used Interpol channels in their efforts to locate Liu. He was arrested in the United States in October 2024.
Liu was ultimately returned to China on July 20, 2026, to face legal proceedings.
His repatriation has brought renewed attention to the disappearance of Athena Liya. However, there has still been no official announcement confirming that Kong Limei has died.
For now, the latest development does not amount to confirmation of Athena Liya’s death by Ningbo police. The department has instead clarified that it did not handle her alleged kidnapping case and that the material cited in recent reports was not an official confirmation that the influencer had been killed.
Chinese dramas products
Rosy Zhao Rosydoedian Authentic Dachshund Plush Doll Squeaky Soft Stuffed Decorative Throw Pillow Collectible Gift
Authenthic Dachshund plush doll from Zhao Lusi's Rosydoedian.
It's only available for shipping to certain countries.
Official Genuine Pursuit of Jade Drama Collectible Photocards Zhang Linghe Tian Xiwei Photo Trading Cards Holiday Gift
Official genuine collectible photocards These Pursuit of Jade Drama collectible photocards are officially licensed and authentic, featuring beloved characters Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei. Perfect for fans seeking genuine memorabilia from the popular drama.
High-quality packaging and design Each card comes in a premium original box with clear, vibrant printing. The 100000015 measurement unit ensures precise packaging for collectors who value neat organization and presentation.
New Drama Fangs Of Fortune Official Merch Collectible Cards Zhao Yuanzhou, Wen Xiao Characters HD Photocard Cosplay Gift
Official Merchandise from Fangs of Fortune This collectible card set is officially licensed Fangs of Fortune merchandise, featuring beloved characters Zhao Yuanzhou and Wen Xiao in high-definition detail for true fans.
High-Quality HD Photocard Design Crafted with sharp, vibrant visuals, each card delivers HD photocard quality, capturing character expressions and costumes with stunning clarity and color accuracy.
