China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 39 Week of 24 February 2025
(1) Alibaba makes Sora-style video models open source, as tech giant shows AI capabilities
Alibaba has made four advanced video-generation models freely available to researchers and businesses worldwide, expanding access to its AI tools amid China’s open-source push.
(2) Baidu’s YY Live, now infused with DeepSeek, adopts YYDS name in Chinese meme-inspired joke
Baidu’s Live-streaming platform YY Live has launched a chatbot called YYDS in a reference to DeepSeek and a popular meme used to express admiration.
(3) NetEase Cloud Music partners with Starship Entertainment to boost K-pop access in China
Chinese streaming platform NetEase Cloud Music has signed a copyright deal with Starship Entertainment to broaden access to K-pop content, including releases from girl group IVE, as it competes with Tencent Music for dominance in China’s music market.
(4) China’s “Korea Ban” Shows Signs of Thawing, Boosting South Korean Entertainment Stocks
Optimism over China’s potential easing of its unofficial 8-year “Korea ban” has driven surges in South Korean entertainment, cosmetics, and tourism stocks, fueled by cultural exchange initiatives ahead of the 2025 APEC summit.
(5) Chen Xiao and Chen Yanxi: A Decade-Long Romance Ends in Divorce Amid Public Speculation
Chen Xiao and Chen Yanxi end their nine-year marriage amid long-standing rumors, highlighting their separation through social media and a lack of recent public interaction.
(6) Yang Mi Demonstrates Resilience Amid Health Challenges and Career Evolution
Chinese actress Yang Mi is navigating a calcification-related arm injury with optimism while continuing her professional pursuits, including a transformative role in an upcoming drama.
(7) Eason Chan’s daughter’s boyfriend fully integrates into family during ski trip in Japan
Shou Honda, the Japanese-New Zealand boyfriend of Eason Chan’s daughter Constance, solidified his integration into the Chan-Tsui family during a high-profile ski holiday in Niseko, Japan, joined by actor Tony Leung and documented through social media.
(8) Chinese Director Huo Meng Wins Silver Bear for Best Director at Berlinale 2025
Chinese post-80s director Huo Meng won the Silver Bear for Best Director at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival for his film Land of Life (生息之地), which explores rural Chinese life through a child’s perspective.
(9) UMG artist Jacky Cheung sets new record in China with 1,000th concert milestone
Hong Kong superstar Jacky Cheung, under Universal Music Group (UMG), marked his 1,000th concert in Haikou, China, solidifying his legacy as a global icon of Chinese pop music.
(10) China actor Hu Ge, 42, criticised for ‘overly dramatic’ comment that life is ‘counting down’
Blossoms Shanghai star sparks online debate after ‘negative’ comments about ageing, reveals ‘fear of death’ has gripped him since school days.
(11) Netflix’s New Taiwanese Drama Explores Realistic Love Stories
Netflix’s latest Taiwanese drama, “I am Married…But!“(童话故事下集), which delves into the complexities of modern relationships and marriage, is receiving significant attention.
(12) BLACKPINK’s Rosé Withdraws Her Contract From Korea Music Copyright Association
BLACKPINK’s Rosé has withdrawn from the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) after 22 years, opting for U.S.-based copyright management to align with her international career, sparking fan praise and record-breaking chart success.
(1) Alibaba makes Sora-style video models open source, as tech giant shows AI capabilities
(Photo Credit: Reuters)
Alibaba Group has open-sourced four video-generation models from its Wan2.1 series, part of its Tongyi Wanxiang AI platform, to accelerate adoption of its AI technologies. All four Wan2.1 models were trained on 14 billion parameters, except for the small parameter Wan2.1-T2V model, which was trained on 1.3 billion parameters. These models enable high-quality video creation and support text effects in both Chinese and English. Available on platforms like Alibaba’s Model Scope and Hugging Face, they are accessible to academic, research, and commercial users globally, reflecting Alibaba’s strategy to position itself as a leader in generative AI.
The move aligns with a broader trend in China’s tech sector, driven by startups like DeepSeek, which have popularized open-source AI models to rival costly proprietary systems. By offering free access, Alibaba aims to foster innovation and attract developers to its ecosystem, similar to how DeepSeek’s affordable models spurred enterprise AI adoption. The Wan2.1 series, released in January 2025, is noted for its multilingual capabilities and advanced text-to-video synthesis.
This initiative underscores Alibaba’s effort to compete with global players like OpenAI while catering to China’s demand for localized AI solutions. As enterprises increasingly leverage open-source tools for cost efficiency, Alibaba’s decision may strengthen its cloud and AI divisions amid fierce domestic competition. However, success hinges on developer engagement and the models’ adaptability across industries, from entertainment to e-commerce.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3300251/alibaba-makes-sora-style-video-models-open-source-tech-giant-shows-ai-capabilities
(2) Baidu’s YY Live, now infused with DeepSeek, adopts YYDS name in Chinese meme-inspired joke
(Photo Credit: Captured from YY Live)
Baidu has rebranded its newly acquired live-streaming platform YY Live with a meme-inspired AI chatbot called YYDS, integrating open-source models from Chinese AI startup DeepSeek. The name “YYDS” (short for yongyuan de shen, meaning “eternal god”) references a popular internet slang term used to express admiration. The chatbot supports DeepSeek’s advanced V3 foundation and R1 reasoning models, offering AI-driven interactions to users on both mobile and desktop. This move follows Baidu’s acquisition of YY Live from Joyy at a 42% discounted price of $2.1 billion. Following the deal, Baidu said US$1.6 billion held in escrow accounts had been released, with plans to reinvest the funds into its cloud and AI infrastructure.
YYDS’s launch aligns with a broader trend of Chinese tech giants adopting DeepSeek’s AI tools. Competitors like Tencent and Alibaba have also incorporated the startup’s models into their services, including search engines and e-commerce platforms. Baidu itself uses DeepSeek’s tech in its search product despite developing its own AI systems, highlighting the industry’s rush to capitalize on cost-effective, open-source solutions to enhance user engagement and innovation.
The rebranding underscores Baidu’s push to gain traction in China’s competitive live-streaming and short-video sector, dominated by ByteDance’s Douyin (TikTok) and Kuaishou. By merging AI capabilities with YY Live’s existing infrastructure, Baidu aims to differentiate itself in a market where rivals like Alibaba and WeChat are also expanding through live-streaming e-commerce and in-app video services. However, success hinges on balancing meme-driven appeal with robust AI functionality to attract users in a saturated digital landscape.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3300202/baidus-yy-live-now-infused-deepseek-adopts-yyds-name-chinese-meme-inspired-joke
(3) NetEase Cloud Music partners with Starship Entertainment to boost K-pop access in China
(Photo Credit: mang2goon / Creative Commons)
NetEase Cloud Music has entered a partnership with South Korea’s Starship Entertainment, aiming to enhance K-pop accessibility for its 206 million monthly active users in China. The deal grants NetEase rights to distribute Starship’s catalog, including the latest tracks and third mini-album IVE EMPATHY from the popular girl group IVE, whose songs have already amassed over 100,000 favorites on the platform shortly after release. The collaboration also ensures Chinese fans receive timely access to future Starship releases, leveraging NetEase’s community-driven platform, where 31.4% of users engage with algorithmically recommended tracks.
The move strengthens NetEase’s K-pop offerings amid fierce competition with Tencent Music Entertainment (TME), which dominates the market with 576 million monthly users and 119 million paying subscribers (Q3 2024). NetEase, which reported 44.12 million paying subscribers in 2023, positions itself as a hub for younger listeners, making it an ideal partner for Starship to tap into emerging demographics. IVE has already gained over 349,000 followers on NetEase, reflecting K-pop’s growing traction in China.
This partnership follows NetEase’s earlier deals with major Korean labels like SM Entertainment, JYP, YG, and Kakao Entertainment, the latter being Starship’s majority owner. A prior agreement with Kakao granted NetEase users 30-day exclusive access to its distributed music. The Starship deal underscores NetEase’s strategy to secure exclusive content and differentiate itself in a market where Tencent’s scale remains unmatched. As K-pop’s influence in China surges, such alliances highlight the critical role of licensing in capturing loyal fanbases and driving subscriber growth.
News Source: https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/netease-cloud-music-partners-with-starship-entertainment-to-boost-k-pop-access-in-china/
(4) China’s “Korea Ban” Shows Signs of Thawing, Boosting South Korean Entertainment Stocks
(Photo Credit: BLACKPINK Facebook)
Speculation about China loosening its unofficial restrictions on South Korean cultural imports (known as the “Korea ban”) has intensified after plans emerged for a Chinese cultural envoy to visit South Korea in March 2025. The delegation, organized by China’s Asia-Pacific Cooperation Center, aims to strengthen people-to-people ties ahead of the APEC summit in Gyeongju later this year, where Chinese President Xi Jinping may attend. This follows South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik’s recent meeting with Xi, during which Xi acknowledged cultural exchanges as a “key pillar” of bilateral relations.
While South Korean films and TV shows remain barred from mainstream Chinese platforms, collaborations are advancing. For example, the Chinese adaptation of the Korean reality show My Sibling’s Romance aired on Tencent Video, while HYBE’s VR concert featuring boy band TXT drew large audiences in Shenzhen and Shanghai despite steep ticket prices. AmazeVR, the concert’s producer, plans to expand to more Chinese cities under local partnerships. These developments have lifted shares of major K-pop agencies like HYBE (up 3.5%), SM Entertainment (4.2%), and YG Entertainment, which hit a 52-week high partly due to Blackpink’s 2025 world tour announcement.
However, analysts caution that China may opt for gradual easing rather than a full repeal of the “Korea ban,” which Beijing has never officially acknowledged. Cosmetics giants LG Household & Health and Amorepacific also saw stock gains, reflecting hopes for revived tourism and consumer demand. With APEC as a diplomatic backdrop, Seoul continues pushing for normalized cultural trade, but market players remain wary of Beijing’s preference for incremental, politically low-risk openings.
News Source: https://www.enanyang.my/国际财经/中国”限韩令”解禁现曙光-韩国娱乐文化类股大涨
(5) Chen Xiao and Chen Yanxi: A Decade-Long Romance Ends in Divorce Amid Public Speculation
(Photo Credit: China Times)
Chinese actors Chen Xiao and Chen Yanxi, known for their roles in the 2014 TV drama The Romance of the Condor Heroes, announced their divorce on 18 February 2025, via Weibo, stating they would co-parent their son. The split follows months of speculation after rumors emerged in June 2024 about marital issues, with reports claiming Chen Xiao had proposed divorce in late 2023, offered a “clean break” financial settlement, and cut off contact. The couple, who married in 2016 and have a son born that same year, had not been seen together publicly for nearly a year, and Chen Xiao was absent during Chen Yanxi’s father’s funeral in December 2024.
Their relationship, once celebrated for its romance—including a viral wedding “veil kiss”—had faced persistent divorce rumors since 2019. While Chen Yanxi occasionally referenced their bond in interviews, Chen Xiao rarely addressed the speculation directly. Both had scrubbed their social media of shared content prior to the announcement, and Chen Xiao did not publicly acknowledge Chen Yanxi’s 41st birthday in May 2024. Business records also show no financial ties between them, with Chen Xiao’s remaining studio solely under his name.
The divorce marks the end of a decade-long relationship that captivated fans but ultimately succumbed to reported communication breakdowns and prolonged separation. Analysts note the announcement aligns with a trend of Chinese celebrities opting for transparency in personal matters amid public scrutiny.
News Source: https://news.southcn.com/node_179d29f1ce/e262910ea4.shtml
(6) Yang Mi Demonstrates Resilience Amid Health Challenges and Career Evolution
(Photo credit: Singtao)
Yang Mi, a prominent figure in China’s entertainment industry, recently opened up about her ongoing health struggles, revealing that years of skiing improperly led to calcification in her right arm, causing persistent pain and limited mobility. Despite the physical setback, she has maintained a constructive outlook, humorously referring to her condition as a catalyst for personal “transformation” and emphasizing her commitment to recovery. Fans have rallied around her, praising her transparency and resilience in balancing health management with her career.
Professionally, Yang Mi remains active, transitioning into diverse roles that challenge her artistic range. Her 2024 projects, including the fantasy drama Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact and the espionage series Harbin 1944, garnered mixed reception but underscored her willingness to explore varied genres. She is now preparing for The Cycle of Life and Land, a rural period drama in which she plays a 1920s farmer’s wife—a stark departure from her previous glamorous roles. Co-starring veteran actors Ni Dahong and Qin Hailu, the project highlights her pursuit of artistic growth.
Outside her career, Yang Mi has prioritized time with her 10-year-old daughter, who resides in Hong Kong with her ex-husband, actor Liu Kaiwei. While public appearances have been less frequent, she has shared glimpses of her life through social media, blending moments of personal joy with updates on her health journey. Industry observers note her pragmatic approach to this transitional phase, framing it as a period of recalibration rather than retreat. Her resolve to embrace new challenges, both on-screen and in her personal recovery, reflects a steadfast dedication to reinvention.
News Source: https://std.stheadline.com/sc/realtime/article/2055069/即時-娛樂-劉愷威前妻楊冪認健康出問題-身體一部位劇痛無法抬起-人氣急跌打擊連連
(7) Eason Chan’s daughter’s boyfriend fully integrates into family during ski trip in Japan
(Photo Credit: TODAY online)
Hong Kong singer Eason Chan, his wife Hilary Tsui, and their 20-year-old daughter Constance Chan were spotted on a family ski trip in Niseko, Japan, alongside acclaimed actor Tony Leung. The vacation highlighted the growing closeness between Constance’s boyfriend, Shou Honda, and the family. Hilary Tsui shared photos on social media showing Honda participating in group activities, signaling his seamless acceptance into their inner circle.
Shou Honda, described as a tall, handsome, and skilled skier of Japanese and New Zealand heritage, has been openly embraced by the Chan-Tsui family. His active social media presence, including recent videos from the Niseko trip featuring Tsui, underscores his rapport with Constance’s parents. The couple’s relationship, which began last year, appears stable—Honda visited Hong Kong in November 2024 for a fashion event, where he posted a selfie with Constance, further hinting at familial approval.
The ski trip marks another milestone in Honda’s integration, following a previous Japan vacation where Tsui shared images of him with Constance. Eason Chan and Hilary Tsui’s mutual social media followings with Honda reflect their endorsement of the relationship. Observers note the couple’s frequent public interactions and shared interests in skiing, aligning with the family’s active lifestyle. As Constance navigates adulthood under the spotlight, her bond with Honda continues to draw attention, offering a glimpse into the private lives of one of Hong Kong’s most celebrated families.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/eason-chans-daughters-boyfriend-fully-integrates-into-family-during-ski-trip-in-japan/
(8) Chinese Director Huo Meng Wins Silver Bear for Best Director at Berlinale 2025
(Photo Credit: Southern Metropolis Daily)
At the 75th Berlin International Film Festival held on 22 February 2025, Chinese director Huo Meng, born in 1984, was awarded the Silver Bear for Best Director for his film Land of Life. The movie, set in 1991 rural China, depicts the struggles and resilience of a four-generation family through seasonal cycles, using local dialects and a cast of mostly first-time actors. Huo dedicated the award to his crew and actors, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of filmmaking and the universal power of sincerity in storytelling. He stated, “Film is never the creation of a director alone,” and expressed hope that “ordinary, kind-hearted people can lead hopeful lives.”
Land of Life, premiered in Berlinale’s main competition, received acclaim for its intimate portrayal of rural traditions and emotional bonds. Huo, known for his earlier works like Crossing the Border (2018), drew from his childhood experiences in a rapidly modernizing Chinese village, highlighting qualities like diligence and perseverance. The film’s year-long production mirrored its narrative timeline, capturing the “field” where millennia-old lifestyles meet inevitable change. Critics praised its focus on everyday life over grand historical themes, distinguishing Huo’s approach from earlier generations of Chinese directors.
The festival’s top prize, the Golden Bear, went to Norway’s Sex, Dreams & Love Trilogy: Dream, directed by Dag Johan Haugerud. Australian actress Rose Byrne won Best Lead Performance for If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You. Two Chinese films competed in the main category: Huo’s Land of Life and Vivian Qu’s Girls Who Want to Fly. The jury, chaired by American director Todd Haynes, celebrated global storytelling, underscoring Berlinale’s role as a bridge for diverse cinematic voices.
News Source: https://m.mp.oeeee.com/a/BAAFRD0000202502231053947.html
(9) UMG artist Jacky Cheung sets new record in China with 1,000th concert milestone
(Photo Credit: Shen Jing)
Jacky Cheung, revered as the “God of Songs,” achieved a groundbreaking milestone with his 1,000th concert on February 23, 2025, in Haikou, China, as part of his ongoing Jacky Cheung 60+ World Tour. The event, attended by Universal Music Greater China (UMGC) executives, celebrated his 40-year career with a commemorative three-meter scroll depicting his 38-year journey across 10 global tours. Cheung, who debuted in 1984 under PolyGram (now UMG), has released over 50 albums and maintained a lifelong partnership with the label.
Cheung’s touring career began in 1987 and spans 100+ cities across 18 countries, including record-breaking tours like the 1/2 Century World Tour (146 shows) and A Classic Tour (233 shows). His 2010–2012 tour holds a Guinness World Record for drawing over 2 million attendees in one year. The 60+ Tour, launched in 2023, has already hosted 218 shows, reflecting his enduring appeal. UMG, which also represents Jay Chou and recently signed veteran Liu Huan, highlighted Cheung’s role in elevating Chinese music globally through partnerships with labels like Modern Sky and TF Entertainment.
At the milestone concert, Cheung tearfully thanked fans: “These 1,000 shows were made possible by your unwavering love.” UMG executives praised his professionalism and cultural impact, with Timothy Xu (UMGC CEO) calling him a “defining figure” and Adam Granite (UMG EVP) noting his “extraordinary accomplishment.” As UMG expands in China—launching Universal Music China Greater Bay Area—Cheung’s legacy continues to inspire new generations, cementing his status as a bridge between Hong Kong’s pop heritage and global audiences.
(10) China actor Hu Ge, 42, criticised for ‘overly dramatic’ comment that life is ‘counting down’
(Photo Credit: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Weibo)
Chinese actor Hu Ge, celebrated for roles in hit dramas like Nirvana in Fire and Blossoms Shanghai, has ignited online debate after stating in a February 2025 Elle interview that he views life as “counting down” and harbors a deep-seated fear of death since childhood. The 42-year-old star, nicknamed “the ceiling of middle-aged actors” for his enduring popularity, admitted his “carpe diem” outlook stems from an acute awareness of mortality, prompting backlash from critics who dismissed his remarks as melodramatic. Social media users accused him of “wallowing in negativity” and seeking attention, with some questioning his perspective despite his successful career and 72 million-strong fanbase.
Hu Ge, who rose to fame with 2015’s Chinese Paladin and later starred in Wong Kar-wai’s Blossoms Shanghai (2023), elaborated that his existential reflections began in school and intensified with age. While some fans defended his honesty, calling it relatable and brave, others argued such pessimism conflicts with societal expectations of resilience. The actor’s candidness contrasts with his polished public image, revealing a rarely seen introspective side.
The discourse highlights broader cultural tensions around aging and mortality in China, where open discussions about mental health remain stigmatized. Supporters noted Hu’s willingness to address universal anxieties, while detractors framed his comments as a privileged artist’s indulgence. Amid the debate, Hu’s career momentum remains unaffected, with Blossoms Shanghai cementing his status as a leading figure in Chinese entertainment. His remarks, however, underscore the complex interplay between celebrity vulnerability and public perception in a society navigating evolving attitudes toward emotional expression.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3299462/china-actor-hu-ge-42-criticised-overly-dramatic-comment-life-counting-down
(11) Netflix’s New Taiwanese Drama Explores Realistic Love Stories
(Photo Credit: China Times)
Netflix’s new Taiwanese drama, “I am Married…But!“, challenges the traditional notion of “happily ever after” by portraying the realistic struggles of married life. The series features a star-studded cast, including Ko Chia-yen, Liu Yi-hao, and Tseng Jing-hua, and is directed by award-winning filmmaker Li Nian-xiu. The drama aims to depict the ups and downs of marriage, highlighting the challenges faced by couples in their daily lives.
The storyline follows the lives of Lin Yi-ling (played by Ko Chia-yen) and Tseng Hsueh-yu (played by Liu Yi-hao), who, despite their fairy tale-like beginning, encounter numerous obstacles in their marriage. The show addresses issues such as household chores, in-law relationships, and the temptation of old flames, providing a relatable and thought-provoking narrative for viewers. The production team conducted extensive interviews with real-life couples to ensure the authenticity of the series.
“I am Married…But!” has been praised for its realistic portrayal of marriage and its ability to resonate with audiences. The drama’s English title, “I am Married…But!“, reflects the ongoing challenges and humorous moments that couples face. The series aims to offer a fresh perspective on love and marriage, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own relationships.
News Source: https://www.chinatimes.com/cn/hottopic/20250216000794-261109?chdtv
(12) BLACKPINK’s Rosé Withdraws Her Contract From Korea Music Copyright Association
(Photo Credit: Instagram)
Rosé of BLACKPINK has made history as the first K-pop idol in 22 years to exit the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA), following Seo Taiji’s 2003 decision. Filed in October 2024 and finalized in January 2025, her departure transfers copyright management to Atlantic Records in partnership with U.S. organizations ASCAP and BMI. This strategic shift aims to streamline royalty collection for her global promotions, avoiding “double fees” from dual U.S.-Korea systems, per insider reports.
The move aligns with Rosé’s growing focus on Western markets, highlighted by her chart-topping collaboration with Bruno Mars, APT, which spent 15 weeks atop Billboard’s Global Excl. US chart—breaking Mariah Carey’s record. Since leaving YG Entertainment, Rosé has prioritized cross-border projects, leveraging her husky vocals and international appeal. Her exit from KOMCA mirrors trends among global artists seeking centralized copyright oversight.
Fans celebrated the decision, with social media buzzing about the “perks of having lawyers in the family,” referencing her family’s legal background. Meanwhile, BLACKPINK’s upcoming world tour reunites Rosé with Jisoo, Jennie, and Lisa, thrilling fans. As Rosé pioneers new paths for K-pop idols in global markets, her bold administrative shift underscores the industry’s evolving dynamics amid increasing Western crossover ambitions.
