China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 29 Week of 16 December 2024
(1) NetEase Cloud Music Expands Galaxy Album Writing Camp’s Reach with Global Talenta
NetEase Cloud Music’s Galaxy Album Writing Camp has opened to international songwriters for the first time in its 10-season history to promote cross-market collaborations.
(2) Breaking Hong Kong Box Office Records: “The Last Dance” Becomes Top-Grossing Local Film
Dayo Wong’s drama “The Last Dance” has become the highest-grossing Chinese-language film in Hong Kong, surpassing HK$122 million in just four weeks.
(3) Hong Kong Football Team Soars to Victory, Securing Spot in East Asian Championship Finals
The Hong Kong football team triumphed over Guam 5-0 in the East Asian Football Championship qualifying finals, securing their spot in the finals for the third consecutive time.
(4) ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ Trailer: Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan Team Up and Bring the Franchise Back to the Big Screen
Sony has released the official trailer for “Karate Kid: Legends”, set to premiere in theaters on 30 May 2025.
(5) Team Taiwan’s Championship Journey to Hit the Big Screen: ADATA Announces Film and Documentary on WBSC Premier 12
Taiwan’s national baseball team’s victory at the 2024 WBSC Premier 12 has inspired the film “Team Taiwan”, announced by ADATA Chairman Simon Chen, to chronicle their journey to a historic international title.
(6) Tencent Music Entertainment Group Officially Launches in Xiuzhou
Tencent Music Entertainment Group launched new initiatives at the Xiuzhou Canal Cultural Park in Jiaxing, an expansion to boost the region’s cultural and economic growth.
(7) “Squid Game” Takes Center Stage: Kaohsiung to Host Immersive Event for Season 2 Premiere
In anticipation of “Squid Game” Season 2, Netflix will hold a promotional event in Kaohsiung from 21 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, featuring a giant Young-hee doll and themed activities.
(8) YouTube Reveals Hong Kong’s Most Popular Videos and Trends for 2024
YouTube Hong Kong’s annual report ranked the top creators and music videos for 2024, revealing a 40% increase in local uploads and highlighting the rise of Cantonese music.
(9) Bentley Bentayga EWB Delivered To Peninsula Hong Kong
The Peninsula Hong Kong elevates its chauffeur service with the arrival of four customized Bentayga EWB Azure SUVs from Bentley Motors.
(10) Daniel Wu’s Icelandic Adventure: Family Bonds and the Magic of the Northern Lights
Daniel Wu took a family vacation to Iceland, where they explored its stunning landscapes and experienced the breath-taking northern lights.
(11) Gigantic Outdoor Exhibition for Three Months
Hong Kong will host Asia’s first “HSBC Insurance The Big Bounce World Tour,” the world’s largest inflatable bounce party, featuring a variety of attractions at the West Kowloon Cultural District.
(12) CLOT Transforms the adidas Superstar Into an Elegant Dress Shoe
Edison Chen unveils the CLOT adidas Dress Superstar, a stylish twist on the classic sneaker, along with a matching blazer and slacks.
(1) NetEase Cloud Music Expands Galaxy Album Writing Camp’s Reach with Global Talenta
(Photo Credit: NetEast Cloud Music)
NetEase Cloud Music’s (“NCM”) Galaxy Album Writing Camp, a key initiative supporting domestic music artists, has officially opened its doors to international songwriters for the first time this season. Now in its 10th iteration, the camp, held at the China Musical Techno Base in Xiaoshan, Hangzhou, aims to foster cross-market collaborations and cultural exchange within the music industry.
This season’s camp welcomed participants from the United States, Canada, Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia, featuring collaborative writing sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Under the theme “Life’s BGM,” the camp encouraged artists to incorporate music into daily life. Esteemed mentors, including producers Marc Dold and Howe Chen, provided invaluable guidance, enhancing the creative process for all participants.
The inclusion of Quebequois artist JORDANN, whose recent duet with Chinese pop star Joseph Zeng broke streaming records in China, also encapsulated the camp’s commitment to international collaboration. With over 732,000 original musicians registered, NCM’s Galaxy Album Camp is poised to redefine the musical landscape in China, paving the way for innovative projects and fostering global partnerships in the evolving music industry.
News Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/netease-cloud-music-expands-galaxy-album-writing-camps-reach-with-global-talent-302328814.html
(2) Breaking Hong Kong Box Office Records: “The Last Dance” Becomes Top-Grossing Local Film
(Photo Credit: “The Last Dance”)
Actor and comedian Dayo Wong Tze-wah’s drama, “The Last Dance”, has become the highest-grossing Chinese-language film in Hong Kong, surpassing HK$122 million just four weeks after its release. Starring veteran actor Michael Hui Koon-man and actress Michelle Wai, the film has outperformed the previous record holder, “A Guilty Conscience”, which grossed a total of HK$121.79 million.
Directed by Anselm Chan Mou-yin, “The Last Dance” explores Hong Kong’s funeral trade and family traditions. It achieved the highest opening day for a Hong Kong film and set a single-day record for a Chinese-language film with HK$9.18 million on 16 November, and attracted over 120,000 viewers. Overall, it ranks 7th in box office receipts, trailing behind major Hollywood hits like “Titanic” and the “Avatar” series.
Industry experts believe “The Last Dance” could eventually reach HK$150 million, driven by its unique themes and strong local appeal. With effective marketing and a star-studded cast, the film has resonated with both older and younger audiences. Following its series of record-breaking performances, it is emerging as a strong contender for the 2026 Oscars.
News Source: https://www.epochtimes.com/b5/24/12/11/n14389297.htm?utm_term=djy_a_rec_in
(3) Hong Kong Football Team Soars to Victory, Securing Spot in East Asian Championship Finals
(Photo Credit: Dickson Lee)
In a stunning display of football, the Hong Kong football team defeated Guam 5-0 in the East Asian Football Championship qualifying finals at the iconic Hong Kong Stadium. This victory not only secures Hong Kong’s spot in the finals for the third consecutive time but also demonstrated the team’s impressive skill and determination. The match sparked jubilant celebrations among fans, who filled the streets singing and cheering as they exited the stadium after the match.
This triumph marks the 5th occasion Hong Kong has qualified for the prestigious East Asian Football Championship finals, which is set to be hosted in South Korea from 7 to 16 July 2025. The team, under head coach Jersy Westwood, showcased their dominance, with standout performances from players like Chen Zhaojun and Everton, who each contributed significantly to the scoreline. The electric atmosphere created by fans clad in red and white also fueled the players’ confidence and attacking flair throughout the match.
The excitement surrounding this victory revitalizes optimism for the future of Hong Kong football. With the anticipation building for the finals, supporters are eager to see how the team will perform on this grand stage, paving the way for what could be a historic chapter in Hong Kong’s footballing history.
News Source: https://www.footboom1.com/en/news/football/2200470-hong-kong-football-team-soars-to-victory-securing-spot-in-east-asian-championship-finals
(4) ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ Trailer: Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan Team Up and Bring the Franchise Back to the Big Screen
(Photo Credit: “Karate Kid: Legends”)
Sony has unveiled the official trailer for “Karate Kid: Legends”, the latest installment in the beloved martial arts franchise, set to hit theaters on 30 May 2025. This film reunites Ralph Macchio, who portrayed Daniel LaRusso in the original 1984 classic, with Jackie Chan, who played Mr. Han in the 2010 remake. They are joined by Ben Wang, known for “American Born Chinese”, playing a new student named Li Fong, who will become the latest protege of both Daniel and Mr. Han.
Wang was selected after a worldwide search that drew thousands of young actors, thanks to his diverse martial arts skills, including karate, wing chun, kung fu, gumdo, kempo, and taekwondo. In an interview, Wang shared his excitement of being selected “I was the target audience when that movie came out. I was exactly the age of the character. I’d just come back from living in Beijing and grew up watching Jackie Chan movies. It was all of my favorite things in one place”.
The film also features Ming-Na Wen as Li Fong’s mother, along with Joshua Jackson and Sadie Stanley in supporting roles. With a blend of nostalgia and new talent, “Karate Kid: Legends” promises an exciting adventure for fans of the franchise.
News Source: https://variety.com/2024/film/news/karate-kid-legends-trailer-ralph-macchio-jackie-chan-1236250830/
(5) Team Taiwan’s Championship Journey to Hit the Big Screen: ADATA Announces Film and Documentary on WBSC Premier 12
(Photo Credit: CNA)
The recent victory of Taiwan’s national baseball team at the 2024 World Baseball Softball Confederation Premier 12 has sparked the production of a new film titled “Team Taiwan”. This film will chronicle the team’s extraordinary journey to their first major international title, achieved at the Tokyo Dome, to capture a pivotal moment in Taiwanese sports history.
ADATA Technology Chairman Simon Chen, a lifelong baseball enthusiast, announced the film project at an event on 17 December. Growing up in Chiayi, Chen has deep-rooted ties to the game of baseball, and he has hopes that the film will resonate with audiences by portraying the players’ challenges, determination, and spirit.
The film announcement event also drew notable figures, including President Tsai Chi-chang of Chinese Professional Baseball League and standout players from the tournament, such as Chen Kuan-yu and Kuo Chun-lin. With the production of “Team Taiwan”, Chen aims to inspire future generations by sharing the national team’s journey and to showcase both their triumphs and challenges on a global stage.
News Source: https://www.rti.org.tw/news/view/id/2231700 l
(6) Tencent Music Entertainment Group Officially Launches in Xiuzhou
(Photo credit: Sina)
The Xiuzhou Canal Cultural Park in Jiaxing celebrated the official entry of Tencent Music Entertainment Group (“TME”). The ceremony also saw the attendance by Zhang Donghe, a member of the Jiaxing Municipal Committee, as a sign of the local government’s support to this collaboration. The launch of the Park signifies TME’s commitment to expanding its operations in Xiuzhou, a local region poised for cultural and economic growth.
At the launch event, TME introduced two major initiatives: the “Fresh Manufacturing” label (新鲜制造) and the “Venus” platform (啓明星). The studio of the new label focuses on producing hit music, while the “Venus” platform enhances copyright protection and industry partnerships. These initiatives have led to the set up of Tengyuan Jiayin (Jiaxing) Technology Co., Ltd. (騰遠嘉音 (嘉興) 科技有限公司) which will offer various services, including music production, copyright transactions, and AI music composition, all of which help to further establish Xiuzhou as a growing hub for the music industry.
TME, a leader in China’s digital music sector, attracts a vast user base with its operations of popular streaming platforms such as QQ Music and Kugou Music. With the latest project in the country, TME’s expansion into Xiuzhou is set to propel the region’s strategic initiatives to enhance its service sector and boost competitiveness in information technology.
News Source: https://finance.sina.com.cn/jjxw/2024-12-13/doc-inczhtrx9249301.shtml
(7) “Squid Game” Takes Center Stage: Kaohsiung to Host Immersive Event for Season 2 Premiere
(Photo Credit: Netflix)
As anticipation builds for the premiere of “Squid Game” Season 2, Netflix has announced a major promotional event in Kaohsiung, Taiwan from 21 December 2024 to 5 January 2025. The festivities will feature a giant Young-hee doll at the Kaohsiung Music Center, along with themed light rail trains and a massive pink party. This initiative aims to immerse fans in the world of “Squid Game” while celebrating the series’ return.
The festivities will kick off with the Young-hee doll’s dramatic unveiling, accompanied by a spectacular drone show that will display key scenes and themes from “Squid Game.” This performance will invite the public to dress as pink guards, culminating in a vibrant pink party at the Kaohsiung Music Center. The event aims to create a thrilling atmosphere, and to draw in both local residents and tourists eager to engage with the beloved series.
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai shared his excitement for the partnership, as he noted the city’s efforts to promote its film and television industry. He anticipates that the event will not only enhance the global visibility of “Squid Game” but also showcase the scenic beauty of Kaohsiung’s harbor, making it a must-visit destination for fans and visitors alike.
(8) YouTube Reveals Hong Kong’s Most Popular Videos and Trends for 2024
(Photo Credit: am730)
On 16 December, YouTube Hong Kong unveiled its annual report on the top creators, music videos, and viewing trends for 2024. Based on the report, local channels experienced a significant increase in content compared to previous years, with total upload hours rising over 40% year-on-year. As of December 2024, more than 1,300 local channels boast over 100,000 subscribers, with over 75 channels exceeding one million subscribers each.
In particular, the report identified three key trends in Hong Kong’s viewing habits: first, YouTube is a primary source for news and current affairs; second, local artists are cultivating a “Cantonese music dynasty”; and third, more viewers are streaming YouTube content on television. In terms of rankings, among the top creators, “Dangerous Person 2.0”, run by solicitor and actress Mary Jean Reimer, topped the list with her analyses of complex legal cases she releases on her channel. Other notable creators include “Mr. Atom” (fourth) who explores various trending topics through documentaries, “Z File” (eighth) who focuses on investigative content, and “mingjai14” (tenth), known for his compelling storytelling formats.
In the music category, local artists dominated the rankings, with Kaho Hung’s “Tinted Windows” securing the top spot for music videos, which is closely followed by MC Cheung Tinfu’s “Permanent Damage”. Hit local boyband MIRROR’s Keung To also made a strong showing with three entries on the list, namely: “You’re Out of This World” (fifth), “Darn Moon” (sixth), and “Every Single Time” (ninth). Other popular Cantonese songs also include Yan Ting’s “Three Lives of Luck” (third) and Hins Cheung’s “The Last Mad Surge of Youth” (fourth), all of which underscored the rise of Cantonese music on the platform. Overall, the report demonstrates the continuously dynamic engagement of local talents with the audience online, and reflects the changing viewing habits and a thriving content landscape within the local region.
News Source: https://www.am730.com.hk/%E7%A7%91%E6%8A%80/youtube%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E5%85%AC%E5%B8%832024%E5%B9%B4%E5%BA%A6%E5%8D%81%E5%A4%A7%E6%8E%92%E8%A1%8C%E6%A6%9C-%E7%BF%81%E9%9D%9C%E6%99%B6%E6%88%90%E7%86%B1%E9%96%80%E5%89%B5%E4%BD%9C%E8%80%85-%E9%BB%91%E7%8E%BB%E7%92%83-%E5%A4%A7%E5%8B%9D/516511
(9) Bentley Bentayga EWB Delivered To Peninsula Hong Kong
(Photo Credit: Bentley Motors)
Bentley Motors has delivered four customized Bentayga EWB Azure SUVs to The Peninsula Hong Kong, which elevates the iconic hotel’s legendary chauffeur service. This strategic partnership follows the successful introduction of bespoke Bentayga Hybrids at the hotel chain’s London establishment. The Peninsula, a flagship property since 1928, aims to enhance the guest experience with these extended-wheelbase vehicles known for their spaciousness and sophistication.
Each Bentayga EWB Azure showcases meticulous craftsmanship and design, featuring a signature Peninsula Green finish specially formulated by Bentley’s artisans. The vehicles also boast a contemporary aesthetic with painted brightware and a distinctive two-piece coachline, along with the emblem of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Limited to honour the hotel’s prestigious heritage. Inside, the cabins are a blend of rich Saddle leather and Burr Walnut veneer, equipped with mood lighting and rear seat entertainment systems for maximum comfort and luxury. Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, shared his pride in the project as he emphasized the artisanal craftsmanship that went into creating the vehicles at Bentley’s factory in England.
This collaboration signifies more than just an upgrade to the chauffeur fleet; it embodies a shared commitment to excellence and exceptional customer experience between two luxury brands. As these bespoke Bentayga EWB Azure models hit the streets of Hong Kong, they are poised to set new standards in the luxury hospitality sector.
News Source: https://www.salonprivemag.com/bentley-bentayga-ewb-delivered-to-peninsula-hong-kong/
(10) Daniel Wu’s Icelandic Adventure: Family Bonds and the Magic of the Northern Lights
(Photo Credit: Weibo)
Recently, actor Daniel Wu took time off to embark on an exciting trip to Iceland with his wife and daughter, immersing themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Icelandic landscape. Wu documented their experiences on social media throughout their travels, during which he referred to Iceland as “the land of fire and ice” and marveled at the stunning vistas shaped by molten lava flowing beneath glaciers.
A highlight of their journey was witnessing the northern lights, an experience Wu described as unforgettable. He shared that during his filming of “Love Hurts” in Canada, he had a brief sighting of the phenomenon but could only capture it in photos. This trip, however, offered him a vibrant display of the natural light display, which he found to be “brilliant and enchanting” as they danced across the sky.
In addition to the awe-inspiring sights, the family also enjoyed exploring Iceland’s unique landscapes and natural wonders, making the most of their time together in this remarkable setting.
News Source: https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/entertainment/20241216/bkn-20241216191708220-1216_00862_001.htmlz
(11) Gigantic Outdoor Exhibition for Three Months
(Photo Credit: The Big Bounce)
This Christmas and New Year, Hong Kong will welcome “HSBC Insurance The Big Bounce World Tour,” the world’s largest inflatable bounce party. Organized by Incubase Studio, the event runs from 21 December 2024, to 5 January 2025, at the Art Park lawn in the West Kowloon Cultural District.
The Big Bounce has gained international acclaim, having attracted over 1 million participants in its previous launches across cities in the United States, Australia, and Canada. As the first stop in Asia, this event aims to redefine bouncing entertainment by combining playful elements with a lively party atmosphere. Attendees can expect a variety of inflatable attractions, including a giant slide, basketball court, and a massive wave pool, all designed to deliver an exhilarating experience during the festive season.
In addition, the event also features “Night Bounce Parties” in the evenings for those aged 16 and up, which will be completed with live DJ music. Sion, founder of Incubase Studio that brought The Big Bounce to Hong Kong, shared his excitement about the introduction of this vibrant event to Hong Kong, which aims to uplift the community’s spirits during the holiday season.
News Source: https://www.etnet.com.hk/www/eng/attraction/214/The+world%27s+largest+inflatable+bounce+party+%22HSBC+Insurance+The+Big+Bounce+World+Tour+Hong+Kong+Station%22+comes+to+Hong+Kong+at+the+end+of+the+year.+Dance+day+and+night.+Let+Hong+Kong+bounce+happily+together%21
(12) CLOT Transforms the adidas Superstar Into an Elegant Dress Shoe
(Photo Credit: Adidas/CLOT)
Edison Chen’s collaboration with adidas has taken an exciting turn as he introduces the CLOT adidas Dress Superstar. This latest iteration of the iconic Superstar silhouette combines Chen’s distinctive design language with a sophisticated twist, featuring a new derby sole and his signature ripple sole for a fresh look.
Maintaining the classic shape and shell toe, the Dress Superstar is entirely enveloped in glossy patent leather to elevate its status from casual sneaker to chic footwear. To complement the shoe, Chen has also launched a matching blazer and dress slacks, both adorned with Three Stripes detailing, which merges street style with high fashion.
Set to release on 20 December via JUICE channels, including JUICESTORE.com and select retail locations in Asia, the CLOT adidas Dress Superstar is poised to attract attention among fashion enthusiast and redefine the sneaker culture.
