Public Concern Grows Over Wei Dongyi’s Health as Online Fame Surges
Chinese Math Prodigy’s Modest Persona Wins Over Millions Online
Chinese mathematics prodigy Wei Dongyi, a 33-year-old assistant professor at Peking University, has taken China’s social media by storm after launching his first-ever Douyin (Chinese TikTok) account. Known for his unassuming lifestyle and extraordinary academic record, Wei attracted 23 million followers in just five days. His debut video — a simple four-second self-introduction — amassed over 13 million likes, sparking both admiration and concern from viewers about his physical appearance and dental health.
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Viral Fame Rekindles Public Concern for His Well-Being
Wei first became a viral sensation in 2021 when a street interview showed him dressed in worn clothes, clutching a water bottle and a plastic bag of steamed buns. Social media users affectionately nicknamed him “God Wei” for his humility and intellect. However, as his recent video spread, viewers noted his missing front teeth and thin physique. Wei’s cousin later confirmed he suffers from periodontitis, having undergone treatment twice last year, with more planned. While he has been a vegetarian since childhood, his family ensures he maintains his health with milk and eggs.
Family Defends Wei’s Privacy Amid Rapid Online Growth
Despite his newfound online fame, Wei remains focused on his passion for mathematics. His family clarified that the Douyin account was created with his consent to help him connect with the outside world, though he has no plans for regular livestreams. Some commentators, including former CCTV host Zhao Pu, voiced concerns about the emotional toll of sudden fame on Wei, urging the public and his family to prioritize his health over celebrity status.
A Lifelong Math Genius Who Lives Simply Despite Success
Wei Dongyi’s brilliance has been evident since childhood, with gold medals at the International Mathematical Olympiad and the creation of the “Wei Dongyi Inequality”, a breakthrough in fluid mechanics. Remarkably, he entered Peking University without taking the national entrance exam and now earns over 600,000 yuan annually, yet lives modestly, spending less than 300 yuan a month in Beijing. Notably, he declined a 1-million-yuan prize from Damo Academy, choosing instead to stay dedicated to his research, far from material pursuits.
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