Actor Ryan Lian, 39, reveals extent of injuries from alleged knife attack outside NEX, calls society 'sick' for online hate

Singaporean actor Ryan Lian, 39, revealed he is recovering well after he was allegedly stabbed in the face outside NEX shopping mall in Serangoon.

On Nov. 22, 2024, Lian was allegedly stabbed at least three times in the face by 21-year-old Aaron Samuel Yukon.

Yukon was charged on Nov. 23 with one count of voluntarily causing hurt with a dangerous weapon.

According to court documents, Yukon used a knife to slash Lian multiple times, resulting in several lacerations and abrasions.

After undergoing a three-hour operation and receiving numerous stitches, Lian is reportedly recovering well, according to Shin Min Daily News.

In a better mood

The actor's good friend Zhou Weiyi (transliteration), 32, told Shin Min that he visited Lian in the hospital the day after the attack.

Zhou expressed feeling deeply saddened when he saw the extent of Lian's facial injuries.

"He is an artist after all, and relies on his image to make a living," Zhou said.

The most noticeable injury was near Lian's brow bone, with additional wounds under his mouth and near his eye.

Fortunately, Lian's eyes were not harmed.

Zhou added that Lian's mood has improved thanks to the care and companionship of his girlfriend and friends.

"I was quite worried about him at first because he had just come out of a low point after the 'lock-breaking incident' not long ago, and now he has encountered something like this again," Zhou said.

His loved ones are staying by his side, providing support as he recovers.

Working hard

Since his discharge from the hospital, Lian has reportedly been putting in the effort to get back to work.

Zhou shared that the pair plans to collaborate on a short video for Lian's studio, Longmao Studios.

Lian has been guiding Zhou through the process of creating the videos, and Zhou expressed his gratitude for Lian’s mentorship.

"We are not sure whether he will appear on camera in the future, but he will help me shoot on Friday. I am an amateur and knew nothing about acting before. He has been selflessly teaching me and is my mentor. I am very grateful to him."

Online commenters not too kind

Despite Lian’s positive attitude, not all reactions have been kind.

One online commenter wrote "rip Ryan", to which the artist replied, "I am still alive."

On Nov. 26, Lian took to Instagram to express his frustration after encountering such online comments about him in the aftermath of the incident, some of which included laughing emojis.

"Usually when I head home from work, I don't interact with anyone. I won't even kill a single ant and neither have I ever harmed anyone's livelihood for my own benefit," Lian wrote.

Lian added that he did not say speak badly about his attacker when speaking to reporters but yet found himself berated by online commenters.

"How badly do they want to destroy me?!" he wrote.

"I thought I was mentally ill and blamed myself. Now I realised, it's the society that is sick."

Related stories

Top photo from Shin Min Daily News