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Taiwanese Novelist Chiung Yao Dies at 86 in Apparent Suicide

Dec 4, 2024, 08:00 AM

Renowned Taiwanese romance novelist Chiung Yao, born Chen Che, passed away on December 4, 2024, at the age of 86 in her home in New Taipei City, Taiwan. Her death was reported as an apparent suicide, with local authorities confirming the discovery of a farewell letter addressed to her son. Rescue personnel arrived at her residence at approximately 1:22 pm and found her with no pulse or breathing. Chiung Yao was a prolific writer whose works, including 'My Fair Princess,' 'Fantasies Behind the Pearly Curtain,' and 'Fire and Rain,' were widely celebrated and adapted into over 100 films and TV series. Her influence extended across generations in the Chinese-speaking world and beyond. In a farewell video, she described her decision as a graceful departure and referenced her video 'When Snowflakes Fall' as her final message. Police have ruled out external involvement in her death.