Ethical Dilemma: Husband of China's First Cryopreserved Woman Finds New Love

At age 48, Zhan Wenlian became the first cryopreservation patient in China after her husband Gui Junmin signed a 30-year preservation agreement.

A significant ethical controversy has emerged in China following the news that the husband of the nation's first cryogenically preserved woman has formed a new relationship. This situation has prompted widespread discussion about concepts of love, commitment, and the ethical implications of life-extension technologies, according to reporting by South China Morning Post.

In 2017, Gui Junmin, a 57-year-old sports industry professional, made the decision to have his wife Zhan Wenlian cryogenically preserved after she received a terminal lung cancer diagnosis with only months of life expectancy. Believing cryopreservation offered the only possibility of not losing her forever, Gui entered into a 30-year contract with the Shandong Yinfeng Life Science Research Institute. At 48 years old, Zhan became China's pioneering cryopreservation subject through an experimental procedure offered without charge to early volunteers via collaboration between the institute and Qilu Hospital of Shandong University.

Following the procedure, Gui lived by himself for two years. However, in 2020, he experienced a severe gout attack that left him completely immobilized for two days until family members had to force entry into his home. He later revealed to Southern Weekly that this incident made him realize the dangers of living without companionship.

Shortly afterward, a mutual acquaintance introduced him to Wang Chunxia, who was working as an insurance salesperson and initially approached Gui as a potential customer. Their relationship gradually developed, and she eventually became his partner. Gui has described Wang as compassionate, genuine and attentive, noting how she cared for him after his coronary stent procedure and supported him in his daily activities.

Despite this, Gui has acknowledged substantial differences in their life experiences and financial circumstances. He admitted that his decision to form a relationship with Wang was partially "utilitarian," stating that she has "not entered his heart" and that his late wife remains irreplaceable in his affections.

These statements have ignited intense public debate online. Critics have accused him of practicing "emotional polygamy," questioning how he can justifiably hold "one woman in his arms while waiting for another to return." Others suggest his devotion to his wife has transformed into an unhealthy attachment, describing his treatment of Wang as emotionally distant and unfair.

Gui himself appears conflicted about the situation, contemplating whether marrying Wang might constitute bigamy if Zhan is eventually revived, and wondering how their assets would be managed in such a scenario. While he maintains he cannot forget his past relationship, he also admits he cannot live without Wang's companionship, leaving him caught between memories, moral considerations, and an unpredictable future.