China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 25 Week of 18 November 2024
(1) Universal Music Strikes ‘Landmark’ Strategic Distribution Deal with China’s Modern Sky
Universal Music Group has announced a distribution agreement with China’s Modern Sky, enabling its roster of over 150 artists to access UMG’s global network and promote Chinese music internationally.
(2) Riot Games Transitions LPL English Broadcast to Co-Streaming Model
The Chinese League of Legends esports tournament, LPL, will transition to a co-streaming-only model in 2025, ending traditional broadcasts format.
Donnie Yen directs and stars in “The Prosecutor”, a HK$300 million film exploring wrongful conviction and justice.
(4) Angelababy Attends Manager Kim Chou’s Birthday in Rare Public Outing
Angelababy made a rare public appearance at her manager’s birthday gathering, alongside Louis Koo and Stephy Tang, as she shares photos of the celebration on social media.
(5) Mayday Concert Rocks Shanghai: Shaking Reported in Over 10 Buildings Nearby!
Mayday’s concert on 19 November caused vibrations in nearby buildings, leading organizers to advise attendees to wave instead of jump.
(6) Around 12,000 Runners Join Once-in-a-Life-Time Race on HK’s Third Runway
The “Three-Runway System 10km Race” at Hong Kong International Airport drew nearly 12,000 participants, marking the launch of the new runway operations.
(7) Edison Chen’s Autographed Trading Cards Create Buzz Among Fans
Edison Chen’s recent video showcases his autographed trading cards personalised doodling’s and reflective designs.
(8) Ang Lee Honored with Arts Prize at Ceremony in Tokyo
Filmmaker Ang Lee was honoured as the first Taiwanese laureate of the Praemium Imperiale in Tokyo, a celebration of his significant contributions to global arts.
(9) ComplexCon Hong Kong to Return for Its Second Edition in March 2025
ComplexCon Hong Kong will return on 21-23 March 2025, following a successful inaugural event that drew over 30,000 visitors earlier this year.
(10) Shu Qi Celebrates Friendship with Ruby Lin and Kelly Lin on Social Media
Taiwanese actress Shu Qi shared a video of a getaway with friends Ruby Lin and Kelly Lin, delighting fans with their close friendship and playful moments.
(11) Japan-Taiwan Music and Dance Festival Set to Ignite This Weekend
The “Shirakaba-ha” vinyl event will collaborate with Taiwan’s “POPLOCK PARK” for a hip-hop festival featuring live performances and a street dance competition.
(12) Dragon Ball Tackles FIFA as Japan vs China Spawns Soccer’s Greatest Promo
A poster for the Japan-China World Cup Qualifiers, featuring Sun Wukong and Goku, gained attention for its cultural references despite China’s 3-1 defeat.
(1) Universal Music Strikes ‘Landmark’ Strategic Distribution Deal with China’s Modern Sky
(Photo Credit: Universal Music Group)
Universal Music Group (“UMG”) has announced a landmark strategic distribution agreement with Modern Sky, a leading independent music company based in China. The partnership, revealed in a press release on 20 November, will give Modern Sky’s extensive catalog and roster of over 150 artists access to UMG’s global distribution network, paving the way for expanded collaboration between the two companies.
Founded in 1997, Modern Sky is known for its significant contributions to China’s independent music scene, boasting a catalog of thousands of original songs and over 500 released albums. The agreement is expected to elevate and introduce China’s original music and vibrant youth culture to international audiences. Modern Sky’s founder and CEO, Shen Lihui, expressed excitement about the collaboration, as he sees this partnership as an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective of Chinese originality to the global stage.
Timothy Xu, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, also emphasized the importance of the deal between the companies in amplifying Chinese music on the global platform. “This collaboration not only broadens the global reach of Chinese music but also highlights the distinct energy and creativity of China’s young generation today,” he stated. Adam Granite, UMG’s Executive Vice President of Market Development, added that this partnership supports Modern Sky’s journey to global prominence while offering UMG’s international artists new opportunities to connect with Chinese audiences.
News Source: https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-music-strikes-landmark-strategic-distribution-deal-with-chinas-modern-sky/
(2) Riot Games Transitions LPL English Broadcast to Co-Streaming Model
(Photo Credit: Riot Games)
The Chinese League of Legends esports tournament series, the LPL, has announced a major shift in its broadcasting strategy, moving from traditional broadcasts featuring casters to a co-streaming-only model. This change signifies the end of the familiar broadcast format that fans have come to expect.
In an early morning post on social media platform X, the official LoL Esports account revealed, “In 2025, we’re excited to introduce a new approach for the LPL English broadcast by moving to a co-streaming-only model.” Riot Games stated that this transition aims to foster a more community-focused viewing experience, allowing English-speaking fans to engage more intimately with the action by tuning into their preferred streamers.
While the traditional official broadcast will end, Riot Games promises fans can still follow matches through options like “Clean Feeds” and co-streamed video content. Co-streaming recently has gained traction among esports fans, with individual streamers providing live commentary. Esports Charts reports that co-streaming accounted for 25% of League of Legends regional league viewership in 2024, with Twitch streamer Marc “Caedrel” Lamont generating 18.4% of total viewership.
News Source: https://esportsadvocate.net/2024/11/riot-games-transitions-lpl-english-broadcast-to-co-streaming-model/
(3) Donnie Yen Takes the Lead as Actor and Co-Producer in New Movie “The Prosecutor” to be Premiered in Christmas
(Photo Credit: Sing Tao Headline)
Donnie Yen takes on the dual roles of co-producer and lead actor in his highly anticipated film The Prosecutor, set to release this Christmas. With a substantial budget of HK$300 million, the excitement has heightened following a full trailer released on 18 November in which it showcased Yen’s powerful presence as a prosecutor and thrilling action sequences, including a dramatic train fight.
In “The Prosecutor”, Yen portrays a prosecutor investigating a wrongful conviction linked to a drug case. Inspired by a true story from Hong Kong, the film follows a young man who was wrongfully imprisoned for 27 years due to a package he collected for a friend. As Yen’s character seeks to achieve justice, he uncovers deeper systemic issues that complicate his quest for the truth.
Apart from Yen, the film also features a talented cast, including Julian Cheung, Kent Tsang, and Francis Ng. With its blend of intense courtroom drama and exhilarating action, “The Prosecutor” promises to be a must-see for fans this holiday season.
News Source: https://www.stheadline.com/realtime-entertainment/3402499/%E8%AA%A4%E5%88%A4%E9%87%8B%E5%87%BA%E5%AE%98%E6%96%B9%E9%A0%90%E5%91%8A%E7%89%87%E6%96%99%E8%81%96%E8%AA%95%E6%AA%94%E4%B8%8A%E6%98%A0-%E7%94%84%E5%AD%90%E4%B8%B9%E9%80%A3%E5%A0%B4%E6%89%93%E9%AC%A5%E9%A1%AF%E8%BA%AB%E6%89%8B-%E6%B3%95%E5%BA%AD%E6%88%B2%E6%99%92%E7%B2%BE%E6%B9%9B%E6%BC%94%E6%8A%80
(4) Angelababy Attends Manager Kim Chou’s Birthday in Rare Public Outing
(Photo Credit: Weibo and Instagram of Angelababy)
Chinese actress Angelababy was recently spotted at a birthday gathering for her manager, Kim Chou, marking a rare public appearance for the star. The event, held on Wednesday, featured notable guests including Hong Kong actor Louis Koo and singer Stephy Tang.
Angelababy has reduced her public engagements since facing backlash last September for attending a striptease performance at the Paris cabaret “Crazy Horse”, which featured Blackpink’s Lisa. The criticism arose from accusations of violating Chinese laws that prohibit entertainment industry workers from participating in or promoting sexually related activities. Angelababy’s presence in both the industry and on social media have decreased since.
Angelababy, 35, has diversified her career since her 2007 debut, as she becomes a prominent model, businesswoman, investor, and singer. Her personal life has also attracted wide attention throughout her career, especially following her divorce from actor Huang Xiaoming in 2022, after they married in 2015 and welcomed a son in 2017.
News Source: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/life/celebrities/angelababy-attends-manager-kim-chou-s-birthday-in-rare-public-outing-4816573.html
(5) Mayday Concert Rocks Shanghai: Shaking Reported in Over 10 Buildings Nearby!
(Photo Credit: B’in Music)
Taiwanese rock band Mayday held their “MAYDAY #5525 LIVE TOUR” concert at the Shanghai Sports Center on 19 November, during which local residents nearby the concert arena had reported feeling what they described as “earthquakes”. In fact, in the nearby Huicui Garden community located just a short distance from the Mayday concert arena, reporters from the Chinese news agency “The Paper” has experienced noticeable shaking of the buildings.
Experts attributed the phenomenon to a resonance effect, where sound waves interact with the natural frequencies of nearby structures. When Mayday plays their hit songs like “Party Animal” and “Don’ts Don’ts” reach around 140 BPM, they can cause low-frequency vibrations that resonate with building materials, which explains why the playing of specific songs by the band during the concert triggered the shaking. Interestingly, similar incidents occurred during Mayday’s 2023 concert at the same venue.
As a result of the incident, the organizers encouraged attendees to wave instead of jump to ensure the event could proceed smoothly. The Shanghai Sports Bureau had also announced plans to study the structural integrity of venues and recommended assessments of affected buildings to ensure resident safety, following the band’s concert.
News Source:https://www.epochtimes.com/b5/24/11/21/n14375839.htm
(6) Around 12,000 Runners Join Once-in-a-Life-Time Race on HK’s Third Runway
(Photo credit: Eugene Lee)
Close to 12,000 runners participated in the “Three-Runway System 10km International Race” at Hong Kong International Airport on Sunday. This unique event celebrated the upcoming launch of three-runway operations. Sponsored by Standard Chartered Hong Kong and the Airport Authority Hong Kong, the race allowed participants to run on the new operational runway.
Elite competitions during the event featured Kenya’s Loice Chemung winning the Women’s Elite 10km Challenge in 30 minutes and 25 seconds, while Samwel Nyamai Mailu claimed the Men’s title with a time of 28 minutes. Local runner Virginia Lo was the top local female competitor, finishing in 35 minutes and 34 seconds. The day also featured displays of airport vehicles and helicopters, providing memorable photo opportunities.
This edition of the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon celebrated the full operation of HKIA’s three-runway system and the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Recognized as an “M” Mark event, the race seeks to demonstrate Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s premier sports event destination and its commitment to fostering global connections through sports and infrastructure.
News Source: https://www.marketing-interactive.com/around-12-000-runners-join-once-in-a-life-time-race-on-hk-s-third-runway
(7) Edison Chen’s Autographed Trading Cards Create Buzz Among Fans
(Photo Credit: Instagram of Edison Chen)
On 17 November, Edison Chen shared a video on his social media account featuring a collection of his own autographed “trading cards”. The video showcased over twenty reflective trading cards adorned with his image, each uniquely signed and embellished with his doodles.
Produced by a company specializing in collectible cards for sports figures in the United States, the reflective collectibles personalized by the Hong Kong icon quickly garnered significant interest among fans, notably from an admirer from Taiwan who remarked on the social media post “I’ve loved Edison since I was a kid; I really want an autographed card!” A number of other fans from different countries also echoed this enthusiasm.
In addition to this unique event, Chen is renowned for founding the streetwear brand “CLOT” and for his collaborations with major sports brands around the world, which have resulted in popular sneaker and apparel releases. This recent endeavor highlights Chen’s continued influence in both the entertainment and fashion industries, as fans eagerly seek these distinctive collectibles from the Hong Kong icon.
(8) Ang Lee Honored with Arts Prize at Ceremony in Tokyo
(Photo Credit: AFP)
Renowned filmmaker Ang Lee was recently honoured as the first Taiwanese laureate of the prestigious Praemium Imperiale during a ceremony in Tokyo on Tuesday – a global arts award presented annually by the Japan Art Association. Lee received this honor for promoting “the cultures and arts of the world”, alongside four other distinguished artists who were awarded medals by Princess Hitachi.
In a news conference prior to the ceremony, Lee expressed his pride in being the first recipient from Taiwan as he said “Japanese cinema has a long history of cultural influence, especially for Asian filmmakers, and I’m no exception.” Lee, a two-time Oscar winner for Best Director, also spoke about the significance of theater and film in his life, as he referred to theater as a “temple” and film as a “ritual” that reflects both “truth” and “personal growth”.
While celebrating the milestone achievement, Lee had also took the opportunity to share his sentiments in the significance of Asian voices in the film industry, especially as cinema attendance declines, “We need to cherish our cultural heritage and ensure our voices are heard in cinema,” the filmmaker stated.
News Source:https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2024/11/22/2003827309
(9) ComplexCon Hong Kong to Return for Its Second Edition in March 2025
(Photo Credit: Complex Originals)
ComplexCon Hong Kong is set to make a comeback from 21 to 23 March 2025, following the success of its inaugural event earlier this year. As the largest streetwear and pop culture festival in the region, the upcoming edition promises an enhanced lineup of global music artists and creators, enriching the cultural experience for attendees.
The first ComplexCon, held in March 2024, attracted over 30,000 visitors, with international attendees making up an impressive 55% of the total. Guests hailed from countries including China, the United States, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. The event featured exclusive product launches, collaborations, and merchandise that quickly sold out, alongside showcases from over 200 brands and performances by 30 artists.
The 2025 edition aims to elevate the cultural experience further by combining live performances, brand collaborations, and exclusive merchandise showcases. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant marketplace and diverse food offerings from both local and international vendors. Bonnie Chan-Woo, the organizer of ComplexCon Hong Kong, expressed excitement about the festival’s return, stating, “We are thrilled to bring the festival back to Hong Kong to continue the momentum of the first edition and amplify Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area of China as the epicenter defining luxury urban culture”.
(10) Shu Qi Celebrates Friendship with Ruby Lin and Kelly Lin on Social Media
(Photo Credit: Instagram/sqwhat)
Taiwanese actress Shu Qi shared a video on social media that captures a getaway trip with her friends Ruby Lin and Kelly Lin. The clip includes a playful hotel room photo of the trio which attracted attention and admiration, with fans commenting on their close bond and expressing envy for their friendship.
In the video, Shu Qi, Ruby Lin, and Kelly Lin sport casual attire and baseball caps appropriate for a holiday-getaway occasion. Shu Qi is also seen in a black top, flashing a peace sign with a bright smile, while Kelly Lin looks sweet in a light-colored outfit. Ruby Lin adds to the cheerful atmosphere in her pink top.
Shu Qi also shared a charming photo of the three relaxing in their room and dressed in light pajamas, while getting together for a photo with a playful smile and a heart-themed filter. In her social media post, Shu Qi expressed her happiness, saying “It’s been a long time since the Lin family girls’ trip”.
News Source: https://star.ettoday.net/news/2855794
(11) Japan-Taiwan Music and Dance Festival Set to Ignite This Weekend
(Photo Credit: POPLOCK PARK)
This weekend, the Japanese vinyl music event “Shirakaba-ha” will collaborate with Taiwan’s street dance competition “POPLOCK PARK” for a vibrant festival celebrating music and dance. Featuring prominent artists and elite street dancers from both countries, the event promises an exciting showcase of hip-hop culture, including live DJ performances and dance competitions.
A standout attraction will be the Taiwan debut of DJ MURO, known as the “KING OF DIGGIN’,” who will deliver an electrifying vinyl mix. Tokyo’s underground hip-hop group “THE SEXORCIST” will also perform, along with B.D. (KILLA TURNER), who will present an improvised set combining music and rap.
The festival will culminate in the “POPLOCK PARK” street dance competition, offering five hours of freestyle auditions where dancers can vie for cash prizes and round-trip tickets to Los Angeles. Top performers, including Red Bull Dance Your Style champion THE D SoraKi and Taiwan’s leading dancers, will participate, with THE D SoraKi judging the competition and performing a solo act. The festival is set to become an electrifying celebration of rhythm and creativity.
News Source: https://hypebeast.com/hk/2024/11/poplock-park-dj-beats-live-all-style-battle-info
(12) Dragon Ball Tackles FIFA as Japan vs China Spawns Soccer’s Greatest Promo
(Photo Credit: Weibo)
A poster for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers match between Japan and China, held on 19 November, has sparked significant online interest for its clever cultural references and the blending of Chinese and Japanese influences. Created in China, the artwork features an eye-catching showdown between Sun Wukong, the legendary hero from Chinese mythology, and Goku, the iconic protagonist from Japan’s beloved Dragon Ball series.
The match took place at the Xiamen Egret Stadium, where the Chinese team was defeated by the Japanese team to a score of 3-1. Despite the loss, the poster was prominently displayed throughout the match, donning the phrase, “We might be defeated, but we will never be knocked down” – an encapsulation of the fighting spirit of the Chinese football team and its supporters.
The creative fusion of characters highlights the rich cultural interplay between China and Japan. Goku is widely acknowledged to be inspired by Sun Wukong, creating a narrative where the original mythological figure meets his modern counterpart. This blend is further emphasized by Black Myth: Wukong, a game by Chinese developer Game Science that has reintroduced Sun Wukong to new audiences, which showcases the similarities between these two iconic figures and fostering greater appreciation of their shared cultural heritage.
News Source: https://screenrant.com/dragon-ball-anime-fifa-japan-china-poster/
