China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 23 Week of 4 November 2024
Renowned Chinese actor Liu Yifei won “Actor of the Year” at the Weibo TV & Internet Video Summit 2024 for her role in “The Tale of Rose”, and shared her joy on social media with a photo of her award and a bouquet of yellow roses.
(2) G-Dragon Shines at CHANEL’s Hong Kong Fashion Show
K-pop star G-Dragon made a striking appearance at CHANEL’s 2024/25 Collection show at the Hong Kong Design Institute on 5 November, along with icons such as Chow Yun-fat and Carina Lau.
The re-release of the “Harry Potter” series has become a box office success in China, as it drew younger audiences and tapped into a mood of nostalgia amid a shortage of new blockbusters.
(4) Billboard China Partners With TME Chart to Select a Billboard Global No. 1 for China: Voting Is Now Open
Billboard China has launched its first Global No. 1s selection, featuring 50 artists with voting beginning on 6 November.
(5) Joey Yung Takes the Stage to Apologize for Voice Loss as Fans Demand Refunds
Joey Yung faced criticism in China for her brief performances due to health issues, with audience demanding refunds.
(6) Mainland Chinese Actresses’ Pay Rankings: Yang Mi Surprises with Fifth Place
Zhou Dongyu topped the latest rankings of highest-paid actresses in mainland China with RMB100 million for “Behind The Scenes”, with Yang Mi and Dilraba ranked fifth and sixth respectively.
(7) Fan-captured images of Fan Bingbing raise questions over possible staged encounter
Fan Bingbing sparked social media buzz after viral candid photos raised authenticity speculation, prompting the original poster to clarify they were
(8) Riot Games Announces Worlds Finals 2025 to be Hosted in Chengdu, MSI in Canada
Riot Games will host the 2025 League of Legends World Championship Final in Chengdu, China, while launching two new regional leagues to support talent development in the esports industry.
(9) Johnnie To Addresses Hong Kong Censorship Challenges in Tokyo Festival Conversation With Yu Irie
In a recent discussion at the Tokyo Film Festival, Johnnie To expressed concerns about regulations stifling creativity and urged for more investment to revitalize Hong Kong cinema amid censorship challenges.
(10) Taiwan-Singapore Agree Cooperation on First Day of Taiwan Creative Content Fest
Taiwan and Singapore strengthened their collaboration in film and television by signing a memorandum of understanding at the Taiwan Creative Content Fest, which featured 101 booths and over 300 international professionals.
(11) Eason Chan Shatters 18-Year Silence with Surprise Performance of His “Forbidden Song”
Eason Chan thrilled fans at his Quanzhou concert by performing “Fear and Dreams”, a song he had called “forbidden” since 1999.
(12) Koki’s Special Christmas Appearance in Hong Kong
Koki, daughter of Japanese star Takuya Kimura, will return to Hong Kong next week for a Christmas lighting ceremony at Harbour City with special guest Tatsuya Tanaka.
(13) A Captivating Chinese Rendition of “Les Misérables” Enchants French Theatregoers
The Chinese adaptation of “Les Misérables,” performed in Mandarin, offered a fresh take on the classic musical as it captivated sold-out audiences in Lyon.
(1) Liu Yifei Shines Bright at Weibo TV & Internet Video Summit 2024, Winning Annual Actor Award for “The Tale of Rose”
(Photo Credit: Weibo of Liu Yifei)
On 5 November, Liu Yifei was honored with the “Actor of the Year” award at the Weibo TV & Internet Video Summit 2024 for her performance in the hit drama “The Tale of Rose.” At the ceremony, she held a bouquet of yellow roses which resonated with her character Huang Yimei who was nicknamed “Rosie” in the drama, “The love an actor gives to a role is reciprocated. I am very grateful for the profession of acting.” Following the event, Liu also shared her excitement on social media with a photo of her holding both the award and the glamorous bouquet of yellow roses, and said “A beautiful day, looking forward to more wonderful moments”.
“The Tale of Rose” which premiered this year, has garnered widespread acclaim, especially for Liu’s portrayal of Rosie. The series follows Rosie’s journey from a naive young woman to a confident business partner and single mother, which seeks to explore themes of female independence and personal growth. It quickly broke viewership records on Tencent Video, achieving a popularity score exceeding 31,000, the highest for urban dramas on the platform, and currently holds a Douban rating of 7.4/10 from over 240,000 ratings.
During the awards ceremony, Liu also honored her team by presenting yellow roses to staff members backstage, a gesture that symbolizes her character Rosie and Liu’s personal appreciation for the collaborative spirit of filmmaking. Liu’s heartfelt tribute marks her commitment not only to her craft but also to the people who contributed to bringing the story to life.
News Source: https://ent.huanqiu.com/article/4K8qe3xwJPI
(2) G-Dragon Shines at CHANEL’s Hong Kong Fashion Show
(Photo Credit: HK01)
The French luxury house CHANEL held its 2024/25 Collection fashion show on 5 November at the Hong Kong Design Institute, featuring both afternoon and evening presentations. The star-studded event showcased the vibrant intersection of fashion and entertainment as it drew notable figures such as Chow Yun-fat, Carina Lau, Penélope Cruz. Among the highlight was the appearance of G-Dragon, the leader of the K-pop group BIGBANG, who made a striking return after a taking seven-year break from the music world.
G-DRAGON stunned in a pink houndstooth blazer and silver shoes, whilst was seen cheerfully thanking the media and sharing playful moments with fellow attendees. Photos from the fashion show also revealed him seated at the front row alongside Hong Kong’s icons Chow Yun-fat and Carina Lau, enjoying the show and mingling with guests, embodying the synergy that defines today’s fashion landscape where pop culture icons and high fashion converge.
After the show, G-DRAGON attended the after-party during which he went live on social media to capture his reactions to his new song “Power” and his hit “Crooked”. Carina Lau and others also shared highlights online, including a fun photo of G-DRAGON with Chow Yun-fat. Chow noted that this was his first meeting in nine years with G-Dragon as he recalled their last encounter at the 2015 MAMA Awards where he presented an award to BIGBANG. This event exemplified how the worlds of fashion and entertainment continue to influence and inspire each other, creating unforgettable moments that resonate across both industries.
News Source: https://news.now.com/watch/content/chanel%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E6%99%82%E8%A3%9D%E9%A8%B7%EF%BD%9Cg-dragon%E8%88%87%E5%91%A8%E6%BD%A4%E7%99%BC%E3%80%81%E5%8A%89%E5%98%89%E7%8E%B2%E5%90%8C%E6%A1%86%E5%90%88%E7%85%A7%E3%80%80ig%E6%99%92/
(3) “Harry Potter” Works Its Box Office Magic Again in China, Outshining New Releases with Its Second Re-Release
(Photo Credit: “Harry Potter” series)
The re-release of the Harry Potter film series has taken Chinese cinemas by storm as it topped the weekly box office and drew in younger audiences eager to experience the magic on the big screen for the first time. With the last sequel, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” having been released 13 years ago, this revival offers a fresh opportunity for a new generation of fans to engage with the beloved franchise.
This surge in interest comes at a pivotal time for the Chinese cinema market, which is increasingly relying on classic films to attract audiences amid a shortage of new blockbusters. Theaters are enhancing the cinematic experience with advanced formats such as IMAX and Dolby Cinema to encourage fans to revisit the series with upgraded visuals and sound. This strategy not only capitalizes on the vast Harry Potter fan base but also significantly boosts box office revenues during a challenging period for the industry.
The success of the Harry Potter re-release highlights a broader trend in China’s cinematic landscape, where nostalgia plays a crucial role in drawing viewers. Previous re-releases like “Titanic” and “Avatar” have shown that classic films can still capture audiences’ interests and dominate the box office. By bringing back iconic franchises like Harry Potter, theaters are not only reinforcing their cultural significance but also creating new opportunities for engagement among fans, proving that the magic of the series endures.
News Source: https://www.worldjournal.com/wj/story/124251/8310728
(4) Billboard China Partners With TME Chart to Select a Billboard Global No. 1 for China: Voting Is Now Open
(Photo Credit: Billboard China)
Billboard China has officially unveiled its inaugural Billboard Global No. 1s selection for the China region. In collaboration with TME Chart, part of the Tencent Music Entertainment Group, Billboard China has analyzed annual performance data to curate a shortlist of 50 prominent tracks and their respective artists. This nominee list features the most influential figures in China’s music market, highlighting their standout releases from the past year.
Started on 6 November, a one-week voting period allows fans to support their favorite artists. The ultimate No. 1 will be decided based on fan recommendations and will earn a feature in Billboard’s official overseas honor report, gaining global visibility alongside leading international artists. This initiative marks a significant step in recognizing and promoting Chinese artists on a global stage.
Every December, Billboard celebrates the year’s most impactful chart-topping artists in its No. 1s issue. This year, Billboard will spotlight top acts from key markets worldwide as well as its inaugural Global No. 1s series. The series will showcase cover stars selected by Billboard’s global partners, telling each artist’s story through photos, videos, and written narratives. Having kicked off the voting, anticipation continues to grow for which artist will emerge as the sole representative from China to secure this prestigious global honor.
News Source: https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/billboard-china-tme-chart-global-no-1-china-voting-1235820854/
(5) Joey Yung Takes the Stage to Apologize for Voice Loss as Fans Demand Refunds
(Photo Credit: Weibo)
Joey Yung’s recent performances in China were marked by disappointment and criticism from fans due to her inability to perform effectively while battling a severe illness. On 1 November, while already suffering from a fever and hoarseness, Yung insisted continuing with the recording of Season 2 of the hit music reality show “Infinity and Beyond” in Changsha. During the recording, she took the stage to apologize to her audience about her condition, and was seen overcome with emotion as she shed tears while addressing her fans. Nevertheless, her health had limited her to only a brief speech and a collective sing-along instead of a solo performance, leaving many feeling let down.
Later that evening, Yung had to attend another music festival in Huaihua. While at the festival, Yung explained in a faint voice to the audience “I knew I wouldn’t be able to sing today, so I had to get an injection to relieve the pain just so I could speak”. Knowing Yung’s poor condition, the host of the festival led the audience to sing Yung’s hit song “Girl Who Has Spread Her Wings To Fly” to show their collective support for her.
However, the backlash intensified during her concert in Jiangmen the following day, where her voice remained strained. During her brief 10-munite appearance, Yung apologized to the audience and watched them sing ” Girl Who Has Spread Her Wings To Fly” without joining in. After she left the stage, many fans chanted for refunds, frustrated by the organizers’ poor communication with Yung about her condition. Later on, the guest of the show Aska Yang took the stage to apologize on Yung’s behalf, though many fans continued to shout for refunds, with some remarking “In the end, it’s Aska Yang who bears the brunt of it all”.
News Source:https://tw.nextapple.com/entertainment/20241104/06FF9CDD383C226353831E4AB4D0E9B1
(6) Mainland Chinese Actresses’ Pay Rankings: Yang Mi Surprises with Fifth Place
(Photo credit: Weibo)
The latest rankings of the highest-paid actresses in mainland China have garnered significant attention, shedding light on the competitive nature of the entertainment industry. Leading the rankings is Zhou Dongyu, who earned an impressive RMB100 million (approximately HKD110 million) for her role in the popular Chiense drama “Behind The Scenes”, while the second place belonged to Zhou Xun for her role in the TV series “Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace” which earned her a salary of RMB95 million (approximately HKD105 million).
Meanwhile, Dilraba Dilmurat, who has consistently captured audience attention, ranked sixth with a salary of RMB22.4 million (approximately HKD24.8 million) for her role in the romance TV series “Eternal Love of Dream”. Despite the ranking, Dilraba’s continuous popularity reflects the high demand for her performances throughout her career.
Yang Mi, a prominent figure in the industry, secured fifth place with earnings of RMB27 million (approximately HKD30 million) for her work in the Chinese historical fantasy TV series “Novoland: Pearl Eclipse”. Known for her influence and contributions to the entertainment landscape, Yang Mi’s ranking is a testament to her continued relevance and appeal in a competitive market.
On the other hand, ahead of Yang Mi is Zhao Liying who was in third place with a salary of RMB80 million (approximately HKD89 million) for her performance in the novel-based YV show “Princess Agents”, and Sun Li in fourth with RMB60 million (about HKD67 million) for the hit Chinese TV series “Empresses in the Palace”. These figures not only highlight the financial success of these actresses but also reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of the industry, especially in light of recent salary caps imposed on performers.
News Source: https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/entertainment/20241105/bkn-20241105150123765-1105_00862_001.html
(7) Fan-captured images of Fan Bingbing raise questions over possible staged encounter
(Photo Credit: Weibo)
Chinese actress Fan Bingbing has recently created a stir on social media after candid photos of her at a gathering with friends went viral. The images, featuring Fan with minimal makeup and recording her expressive gestures—such as raising her glass and sticking out her tongue—have drawn praises from fans for her natural charm and beauty exemplified by her striking looks from various angles.
However, the photos have been circulated widely which gave rise to netizens’ suspicions as to whether the “candid encounter” was staged, with some suggesting that Fan might have hired a photographer to boost her online presence. In response to the growing controversy, the original poster of the photos clarified went online to clarify, “I am not someone she hired to take these pictures. I am just a passerby who was excited to encounter a star, and she is indeed very beautiful.”
To further dispel doubts about the authenticity of the moment captured, the poster also expressed enthusiasm about the encounter and stated that the dinner was well worth it, despite initial hesitation to ask for a photo with Fan. The poster also addressed criticism regarding her friend’s hand obstructing Fan’s view in one of the images, as she explained that it was an unintentional attempt to discreetly capture the moment only. In fact, a recent online clip featuring an individual resembling Chinese actress Fan Bingbing has caused confusion, as closer inspection revealed that the person was, in fact, a male. This scene, originating from a Halloween street cosplay event by the popular internet celebrity “Xia Bing”, has amused the internet world.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/fan-captured-images-of-fan-bingbing-raise-questions-over-possible-staged-encounter/
(8) Riot Games Announces Worlds Finals 2025 to be Hosted in Chengdu, MSI in Canada
(Photo Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games)
Riot Games has officially named Chengdu, China, as the host city for the “2025 League of Legends World Championship Final”. This decision follows Chengdu’s successful hosting of the “2024 Mid-Season Invitational” (MSI), where the city’s vibrant atmosphere and passionate fans left a lasting impression. Riot is excited to return to Chengdu, with which it promises an exhilarating showdown as the world’s top teams compete for the championship.
This announcement demonstrates Riot’s commitment to enhancing its presence in China, a crucial market for esports. By bringing the World Championship to Chengdu, Riot aims to engage local fans and showcase the increasing popularity of League of Legends in the region. The event is anticipated to draw large crowds and significant media attention which will further establish Chengdu as a central hub in the esports community.
In addition, Riot is launching two new regional leagues: the “League of Legends Championship Pacific” (LCP) and the “League of Legends Championship of the Americas” (LTA). These initiatives aim to cultivate regional rivalries and support the development of emerging talent to ensure that China remains a prominent force in the global League of Legends esports scene.
News Source:https://earlygame.com/news/lol/worlds-finals-2025-to-be-hosted-in-chengdu-msi-in-canada
(9) Johnnie To Addresses Hong Kong Censorship Challenges in Tokyo Festival Conversation With Yu Irie
(Photo Credit: Ming Pao)
During a recent discussion at the Tokyo International Film Festival (“TIFF”) with Japanese director Yu Irie, veteran Hong Kong director Johnnie To shared his thoughts on the pressing challenges facing the film industry in Hong Kong. He expressed concern over the increasing regulations that stifle creative expression, stating “There is a lot of regulation in Hong Kong, especially when it comes to expression. You have to think carefully about what you are going to say. It’s about responsibility.” To highlighted the impact of censorship on filmmakers, particularly in the context of his own Fresh Wave film festival, which was hit with censorship by the Hong Kong government in 2023.
To emphasized that the current social environment requires filmmakers to adapt and respond proactively to these challenges. “Filmmakers can’t be bystanders. They have to take action, in a smart way,” he asserted, urging creators to navigate the complexities of the industry with resilience and creativity. Previously at the Berlinale in 2023, To shared his view that cinema would be among the first to be hit when totalitarian rule arises and freedoms are lost.
Reflecting on the industry’s future during his exchange with Irie, To voiced further concern about the decline of major studios such as Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest, lamenting that “the governmental grants are not enough” to sustain the creative landscape. He urged the Hong Kong government for increased investment to revitalize Hong Kong cinema, and emphasized the importance of nurturing local talent and production. More recently following the TIFF, To expressed similar sentiments about Hong Kong in an interview with BBC during which he spoke about the industry’s regulatory “red lines” and his decision to avoid films that align with Beijing’s ideology, stating that the city is very important to him but it currently lacks “soul” a sentiment he also applies to himself.
News Source: https://www.aol.com/johnnie-addresses-hong-kong-censorship-104723679.html
(10) Taiwan-Singapore Agree Cooperation on First Day of Taiwan Creative Content Fest
(Photo Credit: Patrick Frater)
On 5 November, during the opening of the Taiwan Creative Content Fest, the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (“TAICCA”) and Singapore’s MediaCorp signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at fostering collaboration in the film and television sectors. This agreement seeks to facilitate co-productions, enhance skills training, and increase the volume of high-quality content suitable for international distribution.
The signing ceremony was attended by TAICCA Chair Homme Tsai and MediaCorp Chief Content Officer Virginia Lim, who both emphasized the significance of this partnership. Tsai expressed his aspiration for Taiwanese production staff to benefit from training opportunities in Singapore, while Lim remarked on the importance of broadening the creative cooperation between the two regions.
The festival, held in Taipei, commenced with considerable enthusiasm, featuring 101 exhibitor booths and attracting over 300 international professionals from 30 countries. Among the distinguished attendees were representatives from various trade offices in France, Chile, Malaysia, Belgium, and Japan. Tsai noted that the new venue at the Nangang Exhibition Center represents “a new chapter” for the festival, focusing on industry engagement and commercial viability, thereby addressing the evolving demands of Taiwan’s dynamic creative content landscape.
News Source: https://variety.com/2024/film/asia/taiwan-singapore-cooperation-creative-content-fest-1236200865/
(11) Eason Chan Shatters 18-Year Silence with Surprise Performance of His “Forbidden Song”
(Photo Credit: On.cc)
Hong Kong music icon Eason Chan delighted fans during his recent concert in Quanzhou by performing his song “Fear and Dreams” a track he had previously deemed a “forbidden song.” In a surprising turn of events, Chan broke his long-standing vow, originally made in 1999, not to sing the song again as he was dissatisfied at the time that the lyrics could not adequately express the emotions of the song.
Having decided that the lyrics could not compliment the music, Chan went on to announce his decision that he would no longer perform “Fear and Dreams”. However, he subsequently performed the song twice in 2005 and 2006 respectively, after describing the decision as his own “naive decision”. Most recently, after an 18-year hiatus, fans were thrilled to finally hear him sing the “forbidden song” once more.
Before performing “Fear and Dreams” again during the concert in Quanzhou, Chan shared a touching moment by mentioning a song request he received in a letter from one of his fans, saying, “This song may be unfamiliar to many because I haven’t sung it in a long time. It’s from my first Cantonese album released on 16 August in 1996.” This rare performance marked a special moment for both Chan and his audience as being a nostalgic return of the track that marked Chan’s first ever Cantonese album in his career.
News Source: https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/entertainment/20241104/bkn-20241104000102814-1104_00862_001.html
(12) Koki’s Special Christmas Appearance in Hong Kong
(Photo Credit: Harbour City)
Koki, the talented daughter of Takuya Kimura and Shizuka Kudo, is set to return to Hong Kong next week for an exciting Christmas lighting ceremony at the shopping mall Harbour City. This highly anticipated event will see her join other special guests to officially usher in the festive season, such as the renowned Japanese miniature artist Tatsuya Tanaka.
Started as a model in May 2018, Koki has been active in the entertainment industry. After having made her acting debut in the 2022 horror film “Ox-Head Village”, Koki is set to star as Reina Takagawa in the upcoming live-action adaptation of the popular Korean comics “True Beauty” which is scheduled for release in March 2025. Additionally, she appeared in the Icelandic film “Touch”, which was released in Hong Kong earlier this year.
Koki’s participation in the lighting ceremony at Harbour City this year will certainly add to the festive spirit, making this occasion a memorable celebration for all attendees, as they gather to enjoy the holiday magic together.
(13) A Captivating Chinese Rendition of “Les Misérables” Enchants French Theatregoers
(Photo Credit: Magnificent Culture Co. Ltd.)
The Chinese play of the iconic French musical “Les Misérables” recently captivated audiences at the National People’s Theatre in Lyon, which coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France. With all tickets sold out two months prior, the production enjoyed a warm reception. After its run in France, the play will return to Beijing for a final performance at the National Grand Theatre.
Created through a collaboration of Chinese and French artists, this adaptation featured an all-Chinese cast performing in Mandarin, which allowed the audience to connect with the emotional depth of the story despite language barriers. After the end of the performance, artistic director Wang Keran expressed gratitude for the audience’s support as he emphasized that the universal emotions portrayed resonated deeply throughout the musical.
During a post-performance discussion, Deputy Consul General Li Zhenping spoke about the importance of cultural exchanges in strengthening ties between nations. Marc Drouet, Cultural Affairs Director for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, praised the fresh perspective brought to the show, while the mayor of Villeurbanne Cédric Van Styvendael also celebrated the profound emotional impact of experiencing a Mandarin play, all of which made it a truly memorable night of theatrical performance.
