China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 33 Week of 13 January 2025
(1) Shout! Studios Gets Worldwide Rights to 156 Classic Hong Kong Films
Shout! Studios has made a landmark acquisition of the Golden Princess movie library, securing worldwide rights to 156 classic Hong Kong films.
(2) Tencent Music Announces New Hong Kong Office Location
Tencent Music Entertainment Group is relocating its principal place of business to Hong Kong, a move to enhance its presence in the prominent financial hub.
(3) CoCo Lee Remembered: A Tribute on Her 50th Birthday
CoCo Lee, the beloved singer who passed away in July 2023, is being remembered on what would have been her 50th birthday with the release of her song “下弦月”.
(4) Over Half a Million ‘TikTok Refugees’ Flock to China’s RedNote
The Chinese social media app RedNote has seen a surge of over 700,000 new users in just two days amid the potential U.S. ban on TikTok,
(5) Eason Chan Cancels Bangkok Concert Amid Chinese Actor’s Kidnapping Incident
Eason Chan has canceled his Bangkok concert due to safety concerns following a recent incident involving a missing actor in Thailand.
(6) FC Barcelona ‘Signed’ to Play in Hong Kong – But ‘Unsent Email’ Row Pauses Venue Talks
Barcelona’s summer tour in Hong Kong is at risk due to a miscommunication over venue bookings at Kai Tak Stadium.
(7) Chinese Scientist Names New Spider Species After ‘King of Mandopop’ Jay Chou Songs
Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou has recently gained quirky attention for being named in 16 new spider species discovered by Chinese scientists.
(8) JD.com Upgrades JD PLUS Membership Program
JD.com has upgraded its JD PLUS membership with new benefits, including a “Lifestyle Service Package” and co-branded cards with Tencent Video.
(9) Philip Colbert’s Iconic Lobster Artworks to Swarm Macau
UK artist Philip Colbert has unveiled “Coastal Fantasia: The Lobster King’s Vacation”, a major city-wide exhibition in Macau showcasing his iconic lobster-themed art across five locations.
(10) HK star Nicholas Tse Posts Pictures of Himself Snowboarding with Son Lucas
Nicholas Tse shared photos from a family Christmas vacation in Niseko, Hokkaido, where he enjoyed skiing with his son Lucas and the family.
(11) Hyukoh & Sunset Rollercoaster’s ‘AAA’ Hong Kong Pop-Up Lands in Heath
The “AAA Pop-Up” is set to take place in Hong Kong on 18 and 19 January, showcasing exclusive merchandise of indie bands HYUKOH and Sunset Rollercoaster.
(12) Edison Chen’s adidas Originals Collab Celebrates the Year of the Snake
CLOT and adidas have unveiled an exciting collaboration for the Year of the Snake, introducing a redesigned Superstar sneaker alongside a stylish apparel collection.
(1) Shout! Studios Gets Worldwide Rights to 156 Classic Hong Kong Films
(Photo Credit: Everette Collection)
In a groundbreaking development for the Hong Kong film industry, Shout! Studios has secured worldwide rights to the Golden Princess movie library, a collection of 156 Hong Kong cinema classics that have largely vanished from Western markets for decades. This acquisition marks a significant step in revitalizing iconic films from Hong Kong’s cinematic golden age.
The deal unites Shout! Studios, known for its indie film expertise, with one of Hong Kong cinema’s most esteemed catalogs, featuring works from legendary directors like John Woo and Tsui Hark. Highlights include Woo’s acclaimed films “Hard Boiled”, “The Killer”, and the complete “Better Tomorrow” trilogy, alongside titles like Ringo Lam’s “City on Fire” and Tsui Hark’s “Peking Opera Blues”.
Jordan Fields, senior vice president of acquisitions at Shout! Studios, shared his thoughts on the latest deal “Golden Princess sits alongside Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest in the pantheon of Hong Kong cinema. Its influence is evident in modern action and crime genres, and we have ambitious plans to reintroduce these legendary titles to global audiences.” In addition to the company’s plan to remaster select films for home video and reissue some classics in theaters, the entire collection will also be featured on Shout! TV with special programming such as film marathons and viewing events.
News Source: https://bleedingcool.com/movies/shout-studios-gets-worldwide-rights-to-156-classic-hong-kong-films/
(2) Tencent Music Announces New Hong Kong Office Location
(Photo Credit: Shutterstock)
Tencent Music Entertainment Group has announced a change in its principal place of business in Hong Kong, effective 10 January 2025. This strategic move aims to strengthen the company’s presence in a key financial hub, which will have implications for its operational logistics and stakeholder engagement in the region.
As a prominent player in the online music entertainment industry, Tencent Music is recognized for offering a comprehensive range of music streaming services and entertainment products. The company primarily targets the Chinese market, and it leverages its extensive digital platforms to deliver diverse music content and interactive experiences to users.
The relocation represents Tencent Music’s commitment to adapting to the evolving landscape of the music industry while maintaining a significant presence in Hong Kong as one of the key markets. By strategically positioning itself in this financial center, the company seeks to enhance its operational capabilities and strengthen connections with stakeholders in the area.
News Source: https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/tencent-music-announces-new-hong-kong-office-location-1034213877
(3) CoCo Lee Remembered: A Tribute on Her 50th Birthday
(Photo Credit: Sony Music)
CoCo Lee, the beloved singer who passed away on 5 July 2023 at the age of 48 after battling illness, is known for her powerful voice and emotional performances; her music has also left an indelible mark on her fans who remember her as a defining figure of their youth. As the anniversary of her birth approaches, her sister, Nancy Lee, announced a poignant tribute: the release of CoCo’s song “下弦月” at midnight on 17 January, inviting fans to celebrate Coco’s enduring legacy.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Nancy Lee expressed her deep affection for her sister, stating, “Every year at this time, I would be the first to wish you a happy birthday.” In addition, Nancy also shared that the song “Signifies the end of grievances and love affairs. On your 50th birthday, I hope everyone can still feel your warmth and strength.” (每年這個時候，我都是第一個跟你說生日快樂的人。下弦月，恩怨盡，情事了。在妹妹50歲冥誕這一天，《下弦月》這首歌將會在17日00:00，同步各大平台，希望大家依然能感受她留下的溫暖與力量。想她的時候就看看月亮，因為太陽暖人，但月光愛人。) Her words resonate with fans, who are encouraged to look to the moon when they miss CoCo.
CoCo Lee’s career was marked by numerous accolades, including Golden Melody Awards and Golden Horse Awards, highlighting her exceptional talent. Iconic songs like “Di Da Di,” “Daw Ma Dan” and “A Love Before Time” have also cemented her status as a music legend. As fans around the world prepare to honor her memory on this significant day, they are invited to listen to “下弦月”, a warm and loving tribute to the iconic artist who have touched so many lives.
News Source: https://star.setn.com/news/1596228
(4) Over Half a Million ‘TikTok Refugees’ Flock to China’s RedNote
(Photo Credit: Reuters/Dado Ruvic)
In light of a potential U.S. ban on TikTok, the Chinese social media app RedNote has experienced a significant influx of new users. Known as Xiaohongshu in China, the platform has become a haven for American users seeking alternatives to ByteDance-owned TikTok.
In just two days, RedNote welcomed more than 700,000 new users, a surge that reflected the social media market landscape in the country. U.S. downloads of the app skyrocketed by over 200% year-over-year this week, which prompted executives of Rednote to address the challenges of moderating English-language content and developing translation tools for its rapidly expanding international audience.
Valued at US$17 billion, RedNote allows users to curate and share their experiences through photos, videos, and text. As the 19 January deadline for ByteDance to divest TikTok approaches, many users view their shift to RedNote as a stance against government overreach. However, some express skepticism about recreating the organic community-building experience unique to TikTok, which raises and develops into broader questions about the future of social media in the U.S.
News Source: https://www.reuters.com/technology/over-half-million-tiktok-refugees-flock-chinas-rednote-2025-01-14/
(5) Eason Chan Cancels Bangkok Concert Amid Chinese Actor’s Kidnapping Incident
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Hong Kong singer Eason Chan has recently canceled the Bangkok leg of his world tour, “Fear And Dreams,” originally scheduled for 22 February at the Impact Arena. This decision comes in response to rising safety concerns among Chinese travelers following the recent disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing in Thailand, which has raised alarms about security in the region.
In a statement on Weibo on 10 January, concert organizer SFEG emphasized that the safety of concertgoers is their highest priority. “The safety of audience members is of utmost importance to Eason and us. Considering the recent safety concerns regarding travel to Thailand for Chinese citizens and fans from other countries, the concert stop in Bangkok has been cancelled after much internal discussion”, the statement read.
The organizer promised refunds to all ticket holders and urged travelers to remain vigilant. They advised individuals to be cautious of strangers and to opt for legitimate transportation and accommodation options. The cancellation comes in the wake of the case of actor Wang Xing, who went missing on 3 January after being lured to Thailand with a fake acting opportunity, although he was subsequently rescued from the scam center on 7 January and has returned to China safely since.
(6) FC Barcelona ‘Signed’ to Play in Hong Kong – But ‘Unsent Email’ Row Pauses Venue Talks
(Photo credit: Reuters)
Plans for Spanish football club Barcelona to visit Hong Kong this summer are in jeopardy due to a miscommunication regarding venue bookings. Winman Advertising and Entertainment Group, the event’s organizer, revealed last week that its request to use the new 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium in July was declined. Initially claiming that no such application was received, a spokesperson for Kai Tak Sports Park (“KTSP”) later added that while they had indeed received inquiries from Winman, a formal application was never submitted after KTSP requested the necessary documents. Nevertheless, the frustration came when Edwin Wong, CEO of Winman, subsequently revealed that KTSP had confirmed with Winman the email to request for documents were actually never sent out due to “technical errors”.
Since the unfolding of the incident, Wong has expressed his dismay and has criticized KTSP’s management for allegedly misrepresenting the situation. Despite this setback, Wong confirmed that Barcelona remains willing to play in Hong Kong, contingent on the availability of either Kai Tak Stadium or Hong Kong Stadium.
As negotiations continue, Wong indicated that if the match proceeds, it would feature Barcelona’s star players, with partial refunds available should any key players be absent. Organizers also plan to distribute half of the tickets for a training day on 26 July free to underprivileged families, while 10 percent of match tickets will be priced at HK$80 to ensure accessibility for all.
(7) Chinese Scientist Names New Spider Species After ‘King of Mandopop’ Jay Chou Songs
(Photo Credit: AFP)
A Chinese researcher has recently captured wide attention for naming 16 newly discovered spider species after songs by Taiwanese pop icon Jay Chou. Mi Xiaoqi, a professor at Tongren University in Guizhou Province, detailed the findings in a paper published in the journal “Zoological Research: Diversity and Conservation”. Since its release last month, the paper has gone viral on Weibo, racking up over 26 million views, with users dubbing Mi the “Ultimate Fan.”
Among the new species is the 3.5mm-long Cyclosa xingqing sp. nov., or “Starry Mood spider”, named after a popular love song from Chou’s debut album “Jay”. Other species include the “Rainbow spider”, “Dragon Fist spider”, and “Excuse spider”, all of which incorporated direct reference to Chou’s hit songs. Mi, who has supported Chou’s music since his university days, explained to the media “Naming spiders after Jay Chou’s songs brings scientific research closer to the public. I hope more people will pay attention to scientific research and support ecological protection”.
Chou, renowned for his romantic ballads and pop hits, has sold over 30 million records and remains one of the most influential figures in the modern Mandarin music scene. While his music talent has made marks in the latest conservation discovery, this is not the first time Chou has been honored scientifically; in 2020 a master-degree student in China named a newly discovered trilobite dating back about 500 million years “Fantasy” as a nod to Chou’s second studio album, whereas 4 astronomy and Jay Chou enthusiasts discovered an asteroid back in 2009 and subsequently named it after the artist as a tribute.
News Source: https://hongkongfp.com/2025/01/05/chinese-scientist-names-new-spider-species-after-king-of-mandopop-jay-chou-songs/
(8) JD.com Upgrades JD PLUS Membership Program
(Photo Credit: JD.com)
JD.com has announced a major upgrade to its JD PLUS membership program with an introduction of several new features aimed at improving customer experience and loyalty. A key addition is the “Lifestyle Service Package”, which allows members to redeem PLUS credits for services like home cleaning, laundry, car washes, telemedicine consultations, e-book subscriptions, and health checkups.
The program also includes a “180-Day Premium Replacement” policy, which provides replacements for self-operated products, such as smartphones and appliances. Additionally, JD PLUS has expanded its “Unlimited Free Shipping” service to JD NOW, covering businesses like 7FRESH and JD Grocery which offers free and minute-level delivery without a minimum order. To further enhance its offerings, JD PLUS has also partnered with Tencent Video and NetEase Cloud Music to launch co-branded membership cards priced at RMB298, providing shopping, streaming, and music benefits valued at over RMB1,200.
Since its launch in 2015, JD PLUS has led paid memberships in China’s e-commerce sector, offering discounts, dedicated customer service, and over 100 lifestyle benefits.
News Source: https://retailasia.com/news/jdcom-upgrades-jd-plus-membership-programs
(9) Philip Colbert’s Iconic Lobster Artworks to Swarm Macau
(Photo Credit: Macau Daily Times)
UK contemporary pop artist Philip Colbert has launched a city-wide exhibition titled “Coastal Fantasia: The Lobster King’s Vacation” in Macau, presented by Sands China. This vibrant showcase, a project facilitated by Art Partners and featuring Colbert’s iconic Lobster cartoon persona, marks a significant addition to his portfolio of over 50 solo exhibitions worldwide. Colbert previously exhibited in Macau during Art Macau in 2023 and is enthused about the scale of this new project.
In an interview at the ART SPACE in Macau Cultural Centre, Colbert described Coastal Fantasia as his most ambitious exhibition to date, spanning five locations throughout the city. A key highlight is the 15-meter-high inflatable installation Lobster Submarine which will be located near the Macau Science Centre to symbolize his arrival from the sea with a nod to British pop culture. The exhibition also includes the seven-meter-high Lobster Flamingo at The Venetian Macau and a solo exhibition titled “The Journey to the Lobster Planet Macau”, featuring over 20 new works from the artist. The installations will be on display until 16 March, while the solo exhibition runs through 15 February.
Colbert aims for his art to resonate with audiences of all ages, as he seeks to focus on themes of creative freedom and accessibility. Speaking about Colbert’s latest project, Sands China Executive Vice Chairman Wilfred Wong Ying-wai, is thrilled by the opportunity to introduce the artist’s works to the city, as he also recognized the exhibition’s potential to enhance Macau’s coastal tourism and cultural landscape.
News Source: https://www.macaubusiness.com/philip-colberts-iconic-lobster-artworks-to-swarm-macau/
(10) HK star Nicholas Tse Posts Pictures of Himself Snowboarding with Son Lucas
(Photo Credit: chefnicookies/Instagram)
Actor and singer Nicholas Tse recently celebrated the arrival of New Year 2025 with a family ski trip to Japan. Sharing the adventure on Weibo, Tse posted photos of himself and his two sons, Lucas and Quintus, outfitted in protective gear as they enjoyed the slopes together.
In particular, seventeen-year-old Lucas attracted attention for his notable height as he is visually surpassing his father in stature. A video that circulated later on social media also showed that the trip included Lucas’ younger brother, Quintus, along with their grandparents, who were enjoying the winter sports getaway together as a family.
This skiing excursion marks another chapter in Tse’s ongoing tradition of winter sports with his sons, having previously introduced Lucas to skiing during a trip to Australia last year. At 44, Tse continues to balance his successful career in entertainment – having transitioned from a prominent singer to an accomplished actor, director, and entrepreneur – while also nurturing cherished family experiences.
News Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/hk-star-nicholas-tse-shares-pictures-of-himself-snowboarding-with-son-lucas
(11) Hyukoh & Sunset Rollercoaster’s ‘AAA’ Hong Kong Pop-Up Lands in Heath
(Photo Credit: Zhong Lin)
Anchoret, in collaboration with Triple Happiness Club, is set to host the “AAA Pop-Up” in Hong Kong, featuring indie bands HYUKOH from South Korea and Sunset Rollercoaster from Taiwan. Following successful events in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Shenzhen, this pop-up will showcase exclusive items created with Little Tokyo Table Tennis, a burgeoning LA-based fashion label.
Merchandise of the latest pop-up include jersey-style tees, shorts, and caps that feature the signature “LTTT” and AAA tour branding that the 2 bands held previously. In addition, merchandise from Taiwan-based label WISDOM® will be available, featuring products such as a roll-top REUSABLE TYVEK BAG, jewelry, caps, hoodies, and album tees. This diverse range of artist merchandise exemplifies the creativity behind the collaboration between the artists and the fashion brands.
Crossing music cultures between South Korea and Taiwan, indie bands HYUKOH and Sunset Rollercoaster has evolved through the years. Recently, they have joined forces for their first full-length album in four years titled “AAA”, which carries multiple meanings including “good stuff” and “quality assurance” while also serving as an abbreviation for “Access All Areas”. As the “AAA Hong Kong Pop-Up 2025” is set to be launched on 18 and 19 January at the shopping mall Heath, the latest collaboration between the two bands will offer fans with the opportunity to experience their artistic flair through a unique and exclusive way.
News Source: https://www.lifestyleasia.com/hk/style/hyukoh-sunset-rollerocaster-aaa-hong-kong-pop-up-heath-news-info/
(12) Edison Chen’s adidas Originals Collab Celebrates the Year of the Snake
(Photo Credit: CLOT/Adidas)
CLOT and adidas have joined forces once again to celebrate the Year of the Snake with a dynamic new collaboration featuring a revamped version of the iconic Superstar sneaker. Accompanying the shoe is a stylish apparel range that includes a track top, long-sleeve tee, combat pants, and socks, all showcasing prominent co-branding.
Meanwhile, the “Lunar New Year” Superstar combines festive elements with contemporary design. Its all-black upper, crafted from a blend of leather, suede, and silky textile, features co-branding in a distinctive Chinese-style pattern. Decorative details include golden star embroidery and gold-tone ornaments on the heel collar, tongue, and laces, while an ornamental charm – a gold-tone Chinese coin with red tassels – adds a touch of cultural significance.
Completing the design, the CLOT x adidas Superstar “Lunar New Year” boasts black ripple outsoles, consistent with previous releases in the line. This collaboration merges traditional symbolism with modern style, making it a highly anticipated addition for sneaker enthusiasts and Lunar New Year celebrations alike.
