Imagine getting a glimpse into someone’s personal life, one they’d never share otherwise. For this, many turn to the internet, particularly Reddit’s “Am I the Asshole?” sub. A recent BBC story has brought up an unusual case on Chinese social media. In 2017, Gui Junmin cryogenically froze his late wife Zhan Wenlian, a first for China. Now, he’s dating again, sparking debate over whether this is fair to both women involved.
The complexity of the situation raises questions about respect and love. Gui claims his new partner Wang Chunxia was not the “love” of his life but rather someone he found useful during a period of illness. This has led some to ask if it’s unfair that his frozen wife might be revived – a prospect that seems unlikely, given the current state of cryonics.
What strikes me about this story is the human struggle with letting go. Gui believed his wife was just resting and not truly dead before freezing her. His new relationship suggests he’s moving on, which is hard to watch. Cryogenics and biohacking efforts seem melancholic because they’re often driven by personal motivations, like preserving a loved one.
It’s essential to acknowledge the risks involved in cryonics and its limitations. The chances of revival are unknown, but what’s certain is that death is inevitable. This story highlights the difficulties of coping with loss and the dangers of delaying it for experimental reasons.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/nov/20/man-who-froze-his-wife-and-got-a-new-girlfriend-cryogenics