Netflix’s “3 Body Problem” Exec Sentenced to Death After Poisoning Billionaire in China

The dark side of “3 Body Problem”, a tragedy, and the fate of the billionaire-poisoner

Behind the success of the science-fiction blockbuster “3 Body Problem”, which swept the globe, lay a brutal tale of revenge and blood. The death sentence against the former executive “Xuyao”, who poisoned a billionaire founder who once ruled China’s gaming industry, has finally been carried out. It is the kind of horrific ending fueled by greed and jealousy.

On the 27th, according to local Chinese media and the British BBC, the brother of “Xuyao” (45), a lawyer-turned-attorney who was sentenced to death for allegedly killing “LinQi”, the CEO and founder of the game company “YOOZOO”, was recently executed. The case stemmed from an internal power struggle that erupted shortly after the “Netflix” deal for the drama adaptation of “3 Body Problem”.

In 2017, “Xuyao” joined “YOOZOO”, and the following year he was promoted to chief executive officer (CEO) of “San Ti Universe”, the company’s intellectual property (IP) unit. Even though he had led efforts to seal the “Netflix” contract, he was pushed aside in core business, demoted, and had his pay cut, and he then harbored an unforgivable grudge toward “LinQi”. His revenge was calculated and cruel. In December 2020, he fed “LinQi” poison disguised as a probiotic, and the victim died at 39 after a nine-day fight for survival. A Chinese court had handed down the death sentence, calling his method “extremely vile and malicious” after he allegedly obtained poison on the dark web and carried out animal experiments.

“3 Body Problem” captivated the world—made a sacrifice of those behind the grand vision

Net asset valuation: 1.5 trillion won. “LinQi” was a young self-made businessman who represented China. Through game production based on the U.S. popular drama “Game of Thrones”, he amassed wealth and fame. He became captivated by author Liu Cixin’s “3 Body Problem” trilogy and poured enormous capital into securing film and video adaptation rights.

The original “3 Body Problem” won the “Hugo Award”, widely regarded as the Nobel Prize of the SF world, as Asia’s first such winner in 2015, and has been translated into more than 30 languages worldwide. “LinQi” had an ambitious vision to expand that massive universe into a global project, but he could not fully realize his dream at the hands of a betrayer who was closest, and he ultimately had to close his eyes.

“Justice was carried out.” Deep mourning from those left behind—and the unfinished legacy of “3 Body Problem”

Right after news of the execution was reported, “San Ti Universe” said in an official social media post that it would send its condolences to “LinQi”. Within the firm message that “the case has finally been concluded and justice has finally been realized,” the grief and anger accumulated over the past four years were laid bare.

It added, “The deceased devoted everything to helping “3 Body Problem” grow into a cultural symbol that has gained fame around the world,” and “We would like to thank the judiciary for its fair ruling and convey our deepest condolences to the bereaved family.” Although the founder died tragically, the vast universe of “3 Body Problem” that he launched will continue to stimulate the imaginations of people around the world—and live on forever.