Well-wishers help math scholar's video go viral

As millions of Chinese students sat for the grueling national college entrance exam, or gaokao, over the weekend, an understated video featuring Wei Dongyi — a renowned mathematics researcher at Peking University — unexpectedly went viral, turning his comment section into a digital "wishing well "during exam season.

In a brief clip posted on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, the 33-year-old scholar stands in front of a blackboard in a striped shirt and simply says, "Hello everyone, I'm Wei Dongyi. This is my account." Despite its modest tone, the four-second video has drawn more than 13 million likes and over 1.3 million comments as of Sunday afternoon, three days after it was posted online.

Wei, affectionately referred to online as "Wei Shen" or "God Wei", is widely admired for both his mathematical brilliance and humble demeanor. His newly verified account — created with the assistance of his family — has already attracted more than 21 million followers as of Sunday afternoon. According to media reports, the account is expected to feature math-related content to promote academic engagement.

Wei first entered the public spotlight in 2021, also ahead of the gaokao, after an interviewer on the street captured him carrying a large bottle of water where he modestly introduced himself. In the now-iconic clip, he described himself as a former undergraduate and graduate student at Peking University's School of Mathematical Sciences, the top scorer in Shandong's provincial math league and a gold medalist at the International Mathematical Olympiad — credentials that had earned him direct admission to Peking University.

Netizens were quick to realize that this soft-spoken figure was no ordinary teacher. Often hailed as a successor to legendary mathematician Chen Jingrun, Wei has been described as a rare mathematical genius.

In response, Peking University addressed his rising fame through its affiliated Beijing International Center for Mathematical Research, stating: "Mathematics research requires a quiet academic environment. We sincerely hope all sectors of society can join us in creating a supportive atmosphere for young scholars to pursue their research undisturbed."

Wei has continued to attract attention for reasons closely tied to his talent and lifestyle — his dedication to mathematics, his low-key personality and his indifference to wealth or fame.

Born in 1991, Wei rose to prominence in high school, earning gold medals with perfect scores at the 49th and 50th International Mathematical Olympiads.

After winning two consecutive gold medals at the IMO, Wei enrolled in the School of Mathematical Sciences at Peking University, where he completed his bachelor's, master's, doctoral and postdoctoral studies.

In 2019, he joined the university's faculty and now serves as a researcher at the School of Mathematical Sciences.

Despite his public image as a "genius recluse", Wei's short video has become a spiritual gathering point for gaokao students and their families.

A commenter from Jiangsu province wrote: "I'm here to soak up your wisdom and good luck." Another, from Liaoning province, added: "Mr Wei, please bless my daughter to perform well in the 2025 gaokao."

luowangshu@chinadaily.com.cn