China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 21 Week of 21 October 2024
NetEase Cloud Music partners with Kakao Entertainment to provide exclusive access to K-Pop tracks for 30 days starting October 24 2024 as NetEase aims to boosts its streaming services.
“The Rap of China” has teamed up with Universal Music Group to distribute music from its 2024 contestants globally and to support emerging local artists.
(3) Swimming World Cup: Hong Kong’s Haughey Bags Gold, Bronze to End Shanghai Event on High
Siobhan Haughey won both a bronze and a gold medal within 10 minutes at the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in Shanghai, as she sets a new Hong Kong record in the 50 meters breaststroke and dominating the 100m freestyle.
(4) Apple Music Gains Foothold in China Through China Mobile Deal
Apple Inc. collaborates with China Mobile to improve access to Apple Music for its extensive subscriber base, with aims to strengthen its market presence in China’s competitive music streaming sector.
(5) Hong Kong Clockenflap Festival 2024 Full Line-Up Unveiled, Including Headliner Central Cee
Hong Kong’s “Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival,” set for 29 November to 1 December 2024, will showcase headliner Central Cee and a diverse array of Asian artists.
(6) Actor Christopher Lee, Singer Tanya Chua Win at Taiwan’s Prestigious Golden Bell Awards
At the 59th Golden Bell Awards on 19 October 2024, Christopher Lee won “Best Leading Actor” for “Port Of Lies” while Tanya Chua received her first award for “Best Original Song”.
(7) 150,000 Jay Chou Concert Tickets Sell Out in 5 Minutes
Tickets for Jay Chou’s concerts at Taipei Dome sold out in an astonishing five minutes as 890,583 fans competed for just 150,000 tickets, generating over US$20.48 million in sales.
(8) Chow Yun-fat’s Daily Runs Turn Beijing Park into a Selfie Hotspot for Eager Fans!
At 69, Chow Yun-fat has become a beloved figure in Beijing’s Chaoyang Park, where his running has attracted crowds of fans eager to connect and take selfies with.
(9) Daniel Wu Takes on a Leading Role in Latest Hollywood Film “Love Hurts” as he Faces Off Against Jonathan Quan in Epic Villain Role
Daniel Wu acts as a villain in the upcoming Hollywood movie “Love Hurts” starring alongside Oscar-winning actor Jonathan Quan.
(10) Day6 ‘Forever Young’ Tour in 2025: New Date Added for the Hong Kong Concert
Day6 will perform in Hong Kong on 25 and 26 January 2025, adding a second show to their ‘Forever Young’ world tour in response to overwhelming demand.
(11) Eel Festival 2024 Set to Return to Taipei This November
The second-ever “Eel Festival” will return on 16 November, featuring a diverse line-up of international DJ’s and artists, along with captivating visual designs at the Dome Theater in Taipei.
(1) NetEase Cloud Music Inks Deal to Give its Subscribers in China 30-day Exclusive Access to Releases from K-Pop Firm Kakao Entertainment
(Photo Credit: KrAsia)
NetEase Cloud Music has entered a significant partnership with South Korea’s Kakao Entertainment, which grants NetEase’s users exclusive access to music distributed by Kakao for 30 days from the moment of the global release. This deal, which officially commenced on 24 October 2024, allows users to explore Kakao’s extensive library of tens of thousands of tracks from popular K-Pop artists like IU, Jay Park, Kiss of Life, and The BOYZ. The duration of the exclusivity arrangement has not yet been specified as of 25 October 2024.
This collaboration marks a major expansion of the licensing agreement initiated in May this year, where NetEase aimed to leverage Kakao’s vast catalog to attract younger audiences in China. The partnership comes on the heels of previous licensing deals with other prominent K-pop companies, including SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment in 2022, as well as JYP Entertainment earlier this year. These strategic moves underscores NetEase’s commitment to enhancing its K-pop offerings and solidifying its presence in the competitive music streaming market.
Meanwhile, the collaboration is poised to strengthen Kakao’s influence in China amidst ongoing challenges, including allegations of stock price manipulation during a bidding war for SM Entertainment against K-pop giant HYBE. With NetEase Cloud Music’s expanding user base and Kakao’s rich music catalog, both companies aim to capitalize on the burgeoning K-pop market in China.
News Source: https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/netease-cloud-music-inks-deal-to-give-its-subscribers-in-china-30-day-exclusive-access-to-releases-from-k-pop-firm-kakao-entertainment/
(2) Universal Makes Big Move in China’s Hip-Hop scene, Inking Deal to Distribute Artists from ‘The Rap Of China’
(Photo Credit: Universal Music China)
Since its launch in 2017, “The Rap of China” has become a cultural sensation, drawing billions of views from audiences across the Greater China region. In a significant move to enhance its impact, the show has partnered with Universal Music Group (“UMG”), a partnership deal announced on 18 October. This strategic agreement enables Universal Music Greater China (“UMGC”) to exclusively distribute new music from contestants of “The Rap of China 2024” on a global scale. The partnership also includes an integrated support network designed to assist emerging artists from the show in developing their careers and reaching international audiences.
Timothy Xu, Chairman and CEO of UMGC, highlighted the collaboration’s role in nurturing Chinese rap talent while expanding their reach on the world stage. As part of the deal, the top three finalists will gain unique opportunities to visit UMG’s global music labels and studios, to help foster potential collaborations with international artists. Zuo Jin, Chief Director of “The Rap of China 2024”, emphasized the impressive talent showcased in the latest season, which attracted over 500 young artists through global auditions. Rapper JinJiBeWater_隼, the winner of “The Rap of China 2024”, also spoke about how the competition has opened doors for him to collaborate with a leading music label like UMG. He hopes his journey will inspire other Chinese rap artists to pursue similar opportunities.
This latest partnership marks a crucial step in amplifying the global influence of Chinese rap, as it positions “The Rap of China” as a vital platform for cultural exchange and musical innovation.
(3) Swimming World Cup: Hong Kong’s Haughey Bags Gold, Bronze to End Shanghai Event on High
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Hong Kong star athlete Siobhan Haughey recently made a remarkable impact at the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in Shanghai as she clinched both a bronze and a gold medal within just 10 minutes. Her evening began at the SPD Bank Oriental Sports Centre with a bronze in the women’s 50 meters breaststroke, marking her second medal of the competition. Haughey finished in 29.74 seconds, setting a new Hong Kong record, while China’s Tang Qianting claimed gold with an Asian record time of 28.76 seconds.
Haughey then dominated the 100m freestyle, leading from start to finish with a time of 51.89 seconds. China’s Yang Junxuan followed in second place at 52.11 seconds, while Australia’s Milla Jansen took third with a time of 52.43 seconds. Reflecting on her quick turnaround between races, Haughey said, “I think I had about 10 minutes in between each race… the 50 breast is a fun event. I’m happy with it.”
This remarkable achievement came in her first race since competing at the Paris Olympics, where she faced expectations with a sense of humility. “I was a little rusty and wasn’t really expecting much, but I think it’s a pretty good time” Haughey remarked. Haughey’s latest performance not only solidified her dominance in the sport but also resonated with the audience, as she took a moment to thank the home crowd for their support, and switched to speaking in Mandarin to connect with fans at the venue.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3283126/swimming-world-cup-hong-kongs-haughey-bags-gold-bronze-end-shanghai-event-high
(4) Apple Music Gains Foothold in China Through China Mobile Deal
(Photo Credit: Apple Music)
Apple Inc. has entered into a partnership with China Mobile, the leading telecommunications operator in China, to enhance access to its Apple Music platform for the operator’s extensive subscriber base. With over 1 billion customers, China Mobile users will now have simplified methods to sign up for Apple Music. Subscribers can easily link their accounts and complete the registration process through the China Mobile app or by visiting physical retail locations, which will eliminate obstacles that have previously hindered the adoption of the service.
Wang Gang, General Manager of China Mobile’s digital content division, Migu, explained the strategic rationale behind the partnership. He expressed optimism that this collaboration will improve user experience and promote a broader appreciation of music. Additionally, there are plans to bundle Apple Music with various products offered by China Mobile to provide added value to subscribers, further enhancing the appeal of the service.
As the largest telecom provider in the world by subscriber count, China Mobile serves as a significant distribution channel. Its own Migu streaming platform boasts over 130 million paying users, which indicates a substantial potential audience for Apple Music. Currently, Apple Music faces stiff competition in the Chinese market, lagging behind domestic giants like Tencent Music and NetEase Music which have over 100 million and 40 million paying users respectively, as well as QQ Music and Kugou with an estimated 117 million paying users as of Q2 2023. By facilitating the onboarding process through China Mobile, Apple Music may be able to narrow the competitive gap and boost its market share.
(5) Hong Kong Clockenflap Festival 2024 Full Line-Up Unveiled, Including Headliner Central Cee
(Photo Credit: Clockenflap)
Hong Kong’s “Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival” has unveiled its complete 2024 line-up with a list a strong presence of Asian and Chinese artists. The festival, taking place from 29 November to 1 December, will feature the highly anticipated Saturday night headliner, Central Cee, alongside local talents such as Serrini and Jer Lau from boy band Mirror. This year’s event promises to celebrate a vibrant mix of regional and international music.
Central Cee, a 26-year-old rapper born in London with Guyanese heritage and Chinese ancestry, rose to fame in 2022 with his hit single “Doja” which captured attention on TikTok. As a leading figure in the drill genre, he has garnered multiple accolades, including nominations for “British Artist of the Year” at the Brit Awards in 2022. With a notable international fame, Central Cee’s participation adds to the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse talent.
In addition to Central Cee, the line-up includes a variety of Asian artists, such as South Korean band “The Black Skirts” and Taiwanese singer-songwriter Misi Ke, alongside Filipino-Japanese pop star Ena Mori. Apart from the biggest names, the festival also features indie acts from around the world, including Canadian bands and Japanese artists “Last Dinosaurs” and “Bubble Tea and Cigarettes”. With this year’s event to be kicked off in a month, organizers are hopeful that the diverse array of artists will enhance ticket sale and excitement for the much-anticipated yearly music performances.
(6) Actor Christopher Lee, Singer Tanya Chua Win at Taiwan’s Prestigious Golden Bell Awards
(Photo credit: Voco News)
The annual Golden Bell Awards, Taiwan’s prestigious ceremony celebrating excellence in television and radio, took place on 19 October 2024, as actors and artists gathered to honor outstanding achievements in the industry. In a notable moment of sibling rivalry, celebrated actor Christopher Lee, 53, claimed his fourth Golden Bell Award, winning “Best Leading Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film” for his role in the legal drama “Port Of Lies”. He triumphed over his younger brother, 48-year-old Malaysian actor Frederick Lee, who was also nominated in the same category.
After Christopher’s victory was revealed, Frederick escorted him to the stage, a display of a heartwarming family dynamic amidst the competitive spirit. Later in his acceptance speech, Christopher humorously thanked his brother, suggesting that he would take on the role of escort next time. He also expressed his appreciation for his wife, Singaporean actress Fann Wong, and their son Zed, for their support which enabled him to pursue international projects. Moreover, the event also saw Singaporean singer-songwriter Tanya Chua celebrate her first Golden Bell Award for “Best Original Song” with “Finland” composed during the later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic for the drama series “Imperfect Us”. In her acceptance speech, she encouraged more collaboration with directors, emphasizing her ongoing passion and creativity in songwriting.
Often regarded as Taiwan’s equivalent of the Emmys, the Golden Bell Awards marked its 59th edition with this year’s ceremony, a significant milestone in recognizing the best in Taiwanese television and radio. The grand ceremony was also a testament to the vibrant talent in the region, leaving attendees eager for the next celebration of artistic excellence.
(7) 150,000 Jay Chou Concert Tickets Sell Out in 5 Minutes
(Photo Credit: Instagram of Jay Chou)
Tickets for the music megastar Jay Chou’s highly anticipated concerts at the Taipei Dome were snatched up in a breathtaking five minutes on Wednesday. Initially, 150,000 tickets were available for the four concerts scheduled from 5 to 8 December, which will be among the first major musical performances at the newly opened Taipei Dome, launched last October.
A total of 890,583 eager fans flocked to the ticketing website Tixcraft at noon on release day, vying for the limited tickets in what turned into an intense race. JVR Music, Chou’s management company, confirmed that the tickets were sold out almost instantly, an impressive representation of the overwhelming demand.
Tixcraft’s CEO, Chiu Kuang-tsung, revealed that the company had to deploy over 10,000 virtual machines—its highest ever—to handle the massive influx of users. The site also saw 20 million visits throughout the day of the sale with multiple crashes to the site. Following the impressive tale, the box office value of Chou’s tickets has been estimated to reach more than US$20.48 million. Commenting on the extraordinary phenomenon, Chiu remarked, “In the future, there might only be Jay Chou who’s capable of breaking that record”.
News Source: https://focustaiwan.tw/culture/202410230011
(8) Chow Yun-fat’s Daily Runs Turn Beijing Park into a Selfie Hotspot for Eager Fans!
(Photo Credit: Xiaohongshu)
At 69 years old, international film icon Chow Yun-fat has reduced his on-screen appearances to focus on health and fitness, particularly through running. Recently, he has been spotted running in Beijing’s Chaoyang Park, during which Chow attracted a crowd of fans eager to catch a glimpse of the beloved star. Fans have taken to the social media platform Xiaohongshu to share photos with Chow, who has become a popular figure at the park.
Dressed in black athletic wear, Chow has been seen jogging at a comfortable pace of about seven minutes per kilometer, which enabled fans to follow him without difficulty. Chow’s running style has also drawn comparisons to a scene from the film Forrest Gump, where a character is followed by a large crowd. Nevertheless, attendees have shown to respect his space, as they approached him only when he takes breaks to rest.
Since Chow’s appearance at the recreational ground, Chaoyang Park has become a vibrant hotspot for fans eager to meet Chow Yun-fat, who is renowned for his approachable demeanor and down-to-earth personality despite his fame and popularity. This genuine connection has made Chow not only a beloved icon, but also a cherished figure in the hearts of his admirers.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/%E5%8D%B3%E6%99%82%E5%A8%9B%E6%A8%82/1068075/%E5%91%A8%E6%BD%A4%E7%99%BC%E9%80%A3%E6%97%A5%E5%88%B0%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%E8%B7%91%E6%AD%A5%E8%AE%8A%E6%89%93%E5%8D%A1%E7%86%B1%E9%BB%9E-%E5%A4%A7%E6%89%B9%E7%B2%89%E7%B5%B2%E5%88%B0%E5%91%A2%E5%80%8B%E5%9C%B0%E9%BB%9E%E5%AE%88%E5%80%99%E9%9B%86%E9%83%B5
(9) Daniel Wu Takes on a Leading Role in Latest Hollywood Film “Love Hurts” as he Faces Off Against Jonathan Quan in Epic Villain Role
(Photo Credit: “Love Hurts”)
Daniel Wu is set to star in another Hollywood movie as he takes on the role of a formidable villain in his latest project alongside Oscar-winning actor Jonathan Quan in the upcoming film “Love Hurts”. This marks another significant moment in Wu’s remarkable acting career, alongside standout performances in films like “Reminiscence” and the acclaimed series “Westworld”.
In a recent interview on a YouTube show, “This Week with Jer” by the Hong Kong musician Jerald Chan, Wu shared his motivations for pursuing a career in Hollywood. He emphasized that his move was driven by a desire to create opportunities for future generations, especially for his daughter, Raven. Wu also revealed that it is his hopes to inspire children globally to see acting and filmmaking as viable paths, stating, “I never thought about being an actor before, as it was never a consideration.”
Scheduled to be released in February 2025, the trailer of “Love Hurts” features exhilarating fight scenes that are sure to captivate audiences. As excitement mounts for its approaching release date, fans are eagerly looking forward to Daniel Wu’s return to the big screen.
(10) Day6 ‘Forever Young’ Tour in 2025: New Date Added for the Hong Kong Concert
(Photo Credit: Day6)
South Korean pop-rock group Day6 is set to perform in Hong Kong on 25 and 26 January 2025, as part of their ongoing ‘Forever Young’ world tour. Originally, the group had announced only one concert date for 26 January 2025, but due to overwhelming demand, an additional show has been added for 25 January 2025.
Debuting in 2015 under JYP Entertainment, the group initially comprised of six members: Sunjin, Young K, Wonpil, Dowoon, Junhyeok, and Jae. Since then, Junhyeok left in 2016 and Jae departed in 2021, leaving the group with 4 members. Despite the members’ departure, Day6 quickly made a name for themselves with their EP ‘The Day’ which peaked at number two on the Billboard World Chart. Also known for their active involvement in writing and producing their music, Day6 gained recognition for their ambitious ‘Every Day6’ project in 2017, as they released two new songs each month.
In their latest appearance, Day6 kicked off their third world tour in September, starting with three nights in Incheon, Korea. The band continued their tour through October with performances in Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Surabaya, and Jakarta. They will wrap up the year with concerts in Singapore and Bangkok before heading to Hong Kong to begin 2025. Following their Hong Kong shows, Day6 will perform in Osaka and Tokyo before concluding the tour in Manila.
News Source: https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/lifestyle/culture-plus-entertainment/day6-hong-kong-concert-forever-young-tour-date-venue-ticket-details/
(11) Eel Festival 2024 Set to Return to Taipei This November
(Photo Credit: Vogue Taiwan)
Last year, the first ever electric music event “Eel Festival” delivered a stunning audiovisual experience; and this year, it will return with the same ambitious spirit as it is set to kick off on 16 November. The festival promises an exciting lineup of talented DJ’s and artists from around the world, including Italian synth composer Caterina Barbieri, Japanese techno giant DJ Nobu, the experimental group LUDU & XTRUX from Taipei, and the British internet music duo Two Shell.
Apart from the musical elements, a highlight of this year’s festival will be its impressive visual and lighting design, with the Taiwanese media artist Chang Fang-yu crafting an environment using minimalist lasers and digital imagery to reshape the space. This will be complemented by the organic hybrid works of Italian sculptor VVXXII and Japanese installation artist runurunu, which will create a blend of illusion and reality that enhances the overall experience.
Following last year’s success, the festival will again take place at the “Dome Theater” where fans have been amazed by the event’s futuristic architectural style, particularly when paired with the thoughtfully designed sound and lighting installations. This venue promises to be a rejuvenating space, perfect for immersing oneself in the festival’s dynamic atmosphere.
News Source: https://hypebeast.com/hk/2024/10/eel-festival-2024-info
