China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 40 Week of 3 March 2025
(1) Khalil Fong’s Music Dominates Streaming Charts Across East Asia Following His Passing
Hong Kong singer-songwriter Khalil Fong’s music has surged to the top of streaming platforms in Hong Kong, mainland China, and Taiwan after his death at 41, with his final album The Dreamer hits reigniting fan devotion.
(2) Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park Debuts with Star-Studded Opening, Hailed as World-Class Venue
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu joined celebrities and athletes at the grand opening of Kai Tak Sports Park, a 50,000-seat venue praised for its world-class acoustics and facilities, set to boost the city’s sports and entertainment sectors.
(3) 2025 CPPCC Session: Donnie Yen Urges Hong Kong Film Industry to Strengthen Collaboration with Mainland
Donnie Yen advocates for Hong Kong-mainland film industry collaboration and content adaptation at the 2025 CPPCC, highlighting strategic reforms to boost market relevance.
(4) Shu Qi dazzles at Paris Fashion Week, welcomed by brand’s global CEO
Shu Qi, serving as global ambassador for a luxury brand, captivated Paris Fashion Week attendees in a sheer ensemble and received a personal welcome from the brand’s CEO, while sharing her travel adventures humorously on social media.
(5) ByteDance short video service Douyin offers users quick access to AI chatbot
ByteDance is testing direct access to its AI chatbot Doubao within its Chinese short-video app Douyin, aiming to expand Doubao’s reach to 880 million monthly users while integrating upgraded AI models into its office tool Feishu.
(6) Tencent’s AI Chatbot Yuanbao Tops China’s iOS App Store, Surpassing DeepSeek
Tencent’s AI chatbot Yuanbao has overtaken DeepSeek as China’s most downloaded free iOS app, fueled by its integration of DeepSeek’s R1 reasoning model and promotion via WeChat’s 1.3 billion-user platform.
(7) Nicholas Tse’s Central Hong Kong retail space leases to jeweller at 25% reduced rate
Hong Kong actor Nicholas Tse has leased his vacant 1,200-square-foot retail space in Central’s Lyndhurst Terrace to a jeweler at HK$60,000 per month, a 25% reduction from its previous rate, reflecting broader declines in Hong Kong’s prime retail market.
(8) Oscars Honor Late Martial Arts Icon Cheng Pei-pei with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Tribute
The 97th Oscars honored late martial arts star Cheng Pei-pei with a Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon clip, celebrating her iconic career and role in bridging Eastern and Western cinema.
(9) Jason Zhang’s Music Film Yao De Sweeps Six International Awards
Jason Zhang’s debut music film Yao De wins six international awards, blending dystopian sci-fi narratives with his musical legacy and rapid cross-industry success.
(10) Taiwanese Actor Darren Wang Talu Granted Bail After Arrest for Alleged Incitement of Uber Driver Assault
Taiwanese actor Darren Wang Talu was arrested for allegedly inciting an assault on an Uber driver during a fare dispute but later released on NT$5 million bail after charges were downgraded from attempted murder to assault.
(11) Angelababy Celebrates Birthday Amid Career Challenges and Friendship Spotlight
Angelababy’s birthday highlights her career challenges and enduring friendships, as she seeks to reinvent herself amid public scrutiny and industry setbacks.
(12) ‘Asia’s most beautiful’ Taiwan Actress Joey Wong Opens Wellness Centre after 20-year Hiatus
Taiwanese screen icon Joey Wong opens a Vancouver moxibustion therapy center after 20 years, pivoting from acting to champion traditional Chinese medicine and holistic well-being.
(1) Khalil Fong’s Music Dominates Streaming Charts Across East Asia Following His Passing
(Photo Credit: Handout)
Khalil Fong, the acclaimed Hong Kong R&B artist, passed away on 21 February 2025, after a five-year battle with an undisclosed illness, his record label announced on 1 March. The news triggered a massive resurgence of his music across East Asia, with his tracks occupying half of Hong Kong’s Spotify Top 20 by 4 March. Classics like Love Love Love, Love Song, and his cover of Faye Wong’s Red Bean claimed the top four spots, while Twenty-three—a single from his final album The Dreamer (October 2024)—ranked second.
Fong’s poignant comeback album The Dreamer, recorded during his illness, resonated deeply with fans, blending his signature soulful vocals with introspective lyrics. In mainland China, his ballad Special Person topped QQ Music’s charts, while Taiwanese platforms saw similar spikes in streams. Fans flooded social media with tributes, praising his artistry and resilience, with many noting how his music provided solace during their own struggles. The surge underscores Fong’s enduring influence in Mandarin and Cantonese pop. Known for fusing jazz, soul, and R&B, Fong cultivated a loyal following over his 20-year career, earning titles like “King of Chinese Neo-Soul.” His death at 41 has sparked reflections on his legacy, with industry peers and listeners hailing him as a trailblazer who redefined East Asian contemporary music while maintaining humility and authenticity.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3300985/hong-kong-singer-khalil-fongs-music-tops-streaming-sites-across-east-asia
(2) Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park Debuts with Star-Studded Opening, Hailed as World-Class Venue
(Photo Credit: Singtao)
The Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong’s largest sports and entertainment complex, officially opened on 1 March 2025, with a star-studded ceremony attended by Chief Executive John Lee, martial arts icon Donnie Yen, singers Joey Yung, Hacken Lee, and Sally Yeh, as well as mainland Chinese artist Li Yuchun. Lee toured the venue, engaging with performers and athletes—including Olympic badminton champion Lin Dan and table tennis star Fan Zhendong—who lauded the park’s cutting-edge acoustics, expansive LED screens, and seating capacity. The event featured a martial arts performance by Yen and a fireworks finale, symbolizing Hong Kong’s ambition to become a regional hub for major events.
Performers highlighted the venue’s superior facilities, with Yung calling it a “new landmark” and Yeh praising the sound system’s clarity. Li Yuchun, a mainland pop star, expressed eagerness to return for concerts, while Lin Dan noted the park’s potential to host international tournaments. Industry leaders, including Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild representatives, compared the acoustics favorably to the Hong Kong Coliseum, a benchmark for Asian entertainment venues.
Lee emphasized the park’s role in advancing sports, cultural tourism, and community engagement, citing upcoming events like the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament. He declared, “We are all Team Hong Kong,” urging collaboration to maximize the venue’s impact. With its blend of athletic and entertainment infrastructure, Kai Tak Sports Park aims to rival global arenas, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a “super connector” between mainland China and international markets.
News Source: https://std.stheadline.com/sc/realtime/article/2055716/即時-港聞-啟德體育園開幕禮-李家超訪演出體藝人員-甄子丹容祖兒讚場館世界級音效出色
(3) 2025 CPPCC Session: Donnie Yen Urges Hong Kong Film Industry to Strengthen Collaboration with Mainland
(Photo Credit: Hong Kong Economic Journal)
At the 2025 Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, Hong Kong actor and national committee member Donnie Yen called for deeper exchanges between Hong Kong and mainland filmmakers to revitalize the city’s cinema sector. Yen acknowledged a recent decline in local productions but highlighted standout successes, emphasizing the need to reassess film themes and content to better align with mainland audiences. He cited the blockbuster Ne Zha 2 as a model for cross-border collaboration, urging Hong Kong filmmakers to learn from mainland peers and adapt strategies for broader market appeal.
Yen stressed that while the Hong Kong government has consistently supported the industry, effective resource management—not just funding—is key to overcoming challenges. He advocated for innovative storytelling to enhance competitiveness in the vast mainland market. Separately, addressing safety concerns for performers abroad, Yen praised the security of mainland China and Hong Kong, advising caution when working in less stable regions.
Yen’s remarks reflect broader efforts to integrate Hong Kong’s creative industries with mainland opportunities amid evolving cultural policies. His push for adaptive content reflects a recognition of shifting audience preferences and the growing influence of mainland cinema. The proposal underscores the potential for collaborative ventures to revitalize Hong Kong’s film legacy while navigating geopolitical sensitivities.
News Source: https://std.stheadline.com/sc/realtime/article/2056229/即時-港聞-兩會2025︱甄子丹-港電影業可多與內地業界交流學習-重新評估拍攝題材
(4) Shu Qi dazzles at Paris Fashion Week, welcomed by brand’s global CEO
(Photo Credit: Oriental Daily)
Shu Qi made a striking appearance at Paris Fashion Week as the global ambassador for a leading luxury brand, attending its autumn/winter 2025 showcase. The 49-year-old star documented her 14-hour flight to France on social media, humorously calling it a “silent journey” due to a malfunctioning in-flight entertainment system. Upon arrival, she was greeted by the brand’s global CEO, who personally opened the door for her, underscoring her esteemed status within the fashion house.
Dressed in a sheer, form-fitting two-piece gown that highlighted her toned physique, Shu Qi commanded attention with her signature flowing black hair and minimalist makeup. Her poised entrance drew applause from the international audience, cementing her reputation as a fashion icon. Post-event, she shared candid updates about her three-hour car ride across Paris, quipping, “Paris is still Paris… I am not the same person I was before the flight,” which sparked playful fan replies urging her to rest and eat.
Shu Qi’s blend of glamour and relatability—showcased through her high-fashion moments and witty social media posts—has endeared her to fans worldwide. As one of Asia’s most recognized faces in global luxury campaigns, her Paris Fashion Week presence reinforces her influence in bridging Eastern and Western fashion markets. The event also highlighted her enduring appeal, balancing A-list sophistication with down-to-earth charm.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/taiwanese-star-shu-qi-dazzles-at-paris-fashion-week-welcomed-by-brands-global-ceo/
(5) ByteDance short video service Douyin offers users quick access to AI chatbot
(Photo Credit: Shutterstock)
ByteDance, owner of TikTok, is trialing seamless access to its AI chatbot Doubao within Douyin, China’s dominant short-video platform with 880 million monthly active users (January 2025 data). Selected users can now interact with Doubao via two entry points: the app’s direct messaging section, where the chatbot appears automatically, or through a dedicated button next to video engagement icons (like, comment, share). The feature, tested since mid-December 2024, eliminates the need for separate logins, streamlining AI accessibility for Douyin’s massive user base.
Concurrently, ByteDance announced the integration of its upgraded Doubao 1.5 AI model and DeepSeek’s reasoning model R1 into Feishu, its enterprise collaboration tool. This dual strategy—consumer-facing AI via Douyin and workplace AI via Feishu—positions ByteDance to challenge rivals like Tencent (with WeChat’s AI) and Baidu (Ernie Bot) in China’s competitive AI market. Doubao’s capabilities include text/image generation, coding assistance, and real-time web searches, mirroring features of OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
While Douyin’s vast reach could accelerate Doubao’s adoption, ByteDance faces challenges in balancing user privacy, content moderation, and sustaining engagement. The move reflects China’s tech giants’ rush to embed generative AI into daily-use apps, though regulatory scrutiny over AI ethics and data security remains a hurdle. Success hinges on Doubao’s ability to enhance—not disrupt—Douyin’s core short-video experience.
(6) Tencent’s AI Chatbot Yuanbao Tops China’s iOS App Store, Surpassing DeepSeek
(Photo credit: AFP)
Tencent Holdings’ AI chatbot Yuanbao claimed the No. 1 spot on China’s iOS free app rankings on 3 March 2025, displacing rival DeepSeek, which fell to second place. The surge followed Tencent’s February integration of DeepSeek’s advanced R1 reasoning model into Yuanbao, complementing its proprietary Hunyuan AI system. This hybrid approach boosted Yuanbao’s daily active users from “hundreds of thousands” to 3 million in late February, per AI tracker AIcpb.com, while ByteDance’s Doubao lagged in fourth place.
Tencent leveraged its social media dominance by adding a Yuanbao download button to WeChat, which has 1.3 billion monthly users, driving immediate visibility. The move contributed to a 1.6% rise in Tencent’s Hong Kong-listed shares on 4 March. Yuanbao, launched in May 2024, now offers features like text/image generation and code assistance, positioning it as a versatile competitor in China’s crowded AI market.
The reshuffle underscores the fierce rivalry among Chinese tech giants in generative AI. While DeepSeek’s collaboration with Tencent reflects strategic alliances to enhance capabilities, rivals like Baidu (Ernie Bot) and Alibaba (Tongyi Qianwen) are also investing heavily. As Beijing prioritizes AI sovereignty, Tencent’s dual-model strategy and WeChat integration exemplify how scale and ecosystem advantages are reshaping the sector. However, sustainability hinges on maintaining innovation amid tightening regulations and shifting user preferences.
(7) Nicholas Tse’s Central Hong Kong retail space leases to jeweller at 25% reduced rate
(Photo Credit: Dim Sum Daily)
Nicholas Tse has secured a tenant for his long-vacant retail unit at 28 Lyndhurst Terrace in Central, Hong Kong, leasing the 1,200-square-foot space (700 sq ft ground floor + 500 sq ft mezzanine) to a jeweler for HK$60,000 per month. The deal marks a 25% drop from the previous HK$80,000 monthly rent paid by a wine retailer, which vacated the property in early 2024 after occupying it since 2018. The unit had been listed at HK$100,000 in early 2024 but saw multiple reductions amid weak demand, culminating in a 40% overall price cut.
Originally leased to the wine retailer for HK$85,000 monthly in 2018, Tse temporarily reduced rent to HK$57,000 during the COVID-19 pandemic before renewing at HK$80,000 in 2021. The latest agreement highlights the ongoing struggles of Hong Kong’s luxury retail sector, with rents in prime locations like Central plummeting from pre-pandemic highs. Tse acquired the property in 2012 for HK$91.2 million through a reported gift from Emperor Group chairman Albert Yeung.
At its peak in 2014, the space commanded HK$200,000 per month, but the new rate represents a 70% decline. The current HK$50 per-square-foot rent underscores the stark downturn in Central’s commercial real estate, once Asia’s most expensive retail corridor. Analysts attribute the slump to reduced tourism, economic uncertainty, and shifting consumer habits. Tse’s property journey mirrors broader market trends, with landlords increasingly forced to accept lower returns to fill vacancies in a sluggish post-pandemic recovery.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/nicholas-tses-central-hong-kong-retail-space-leases-to-jeweller-at-25-reduced-rate/
(8) Oscars Honor Late Martial Arts Icon Cheng Pei-pei with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Tribute
(Photo Credit: Visual China)
The 97th Academy Awards paid homage to Hong Kong martial arts legend Cheng Pei-pei during its “In Memoriam” segment on 2 March 2025. Morgan Freeman introduced the tribute, which featured a clip of Cheng as the villainous “Jade Fox” in Ang Lee’s 2000 classic Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Cheng, celebrated as the “Queen of Martial Arts Cinema,” passed away in July 2024 at age 78 after battling atypical Parkinson’s disease. Her daughter, actress Athena Chu, shared gratitude on social media, calling Cheng a lifelong inspiration.
Cheng’s six-decade career defined her as a trailblazer. She rose to fame in the 1960s with Come Drink with Me, solidifying her “swordswoman” image. Her role in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon earned her a Hong Kong Film Award for Best Supporting Actress and contributed to the film’s historic Oscar win for Best Foreign Language Film. Director Ang Lee praised Cheng for elevating the humanity of her antagonist role and mentoring co-star Zhang Ziyi, calling her “the eternal martial arts queen.”
The Oscars’ tribute also honored late stars Gene Hackman, Maggie Smith, Donald Sutherland, and director David Lynch. Cheng’s legacy endures through her groundbreaking roles, which bridged classic wuxia cinema to global audiences. Crouching Tiger remains a landmark film, with Cheng’s performance as Jade Fox etching her into cinematic history.
News Source: https://www.epochtimes.com/b5/25/3/3/n14449837.htm
(9) Jason Zhang’s Music Film Yao De Sweeps Six International Awards
(Photo Credit: Weibo@Zhang Jie Studio)
Chinese pop singer Jason Zhang’s debut music film Yao De (要得) has won six international accolades, including Best Music Video at the Los Angeles Independent Short Film Awards, Best Sci-Fi Short at the London Independent Film Awards, and Best Performance at the American Music Video Awards. The film, directed by Zoe Peng, also earned recognition for Best Female Director and Best Foreign Language Short (Special Jury Prize), while Jason Zhang won Best Actor. Additionally, it was shortlisted for the Digital Griffix Film Award. The project, inspired by five tracks from Zhang’s album, explores a dystopian future where AI dominates humanity.
Zhang credited director Zoe Peng and the crew for their dedication, praising co-star Tang Yan for enhancing the film’s emotional depth. Tang and Peng reciprocated with congratulatory messages on social media. Zhang’s wife, host Xie Na, humorously expressed envy over his acting awards, noting her own background in performance arts. The film was shot during breaks in Zhang’s concert tour, with his scenes completed in just five days.
Released globally in Chengdu in December 2024, Yao De marks Zhang’s bold crossover into cinema. Born in 1982, Zhang rose to fame after winning My Show in 2004 and has since become a household name with hits like Tomorrow and This Is Love. His collaboration with Tang Yan, whom he described as “another version of myself,” underscores the film’s thematic focus on duality and technology.
News Source: https://news.qq.com/rain/a/20250302A05WDA00
(10) Taiwanese Actor Darren Wang Talu Granted Bail After Arrest for Alleged Incitement of Uber Driver Assault
(Photo Credit: Yahoo News)
Taiwanese actor Darren Wang Talu, 32, was arrested on 5 March 2025 for allegedly inciting his friend You Xiangmin to assault an Uber driver following a dispute over a fare in April 2024. The altercation began when Wang accused the driver of taking a longer route and escalated after he left his keys in the vehicle, leading to a second confrontation. Prosecutors initially charged Wang and You with attempted murder, but evidence revealed no intent to kill, resulting in revised charges of assault and unlawful use of personal data.
On 5 March, the New Taipei District Court granted Wang bail of NT$5 million (US$155,000), citing reduced risks of evidence tampering. Wang, dressed in black and flanked by security, apologized briefly to media outside the court, while his management paid the bail. The case surfaced during a probe into Wang’s prior military service evasion, where seized phone data exposed his role in the assault, including photos and videos shared with You.
The Uber driver, whose identity remains protected, is pursuing legal action. Wang admitted to falsifying medical records for military evasion and inciting the attack but denied premeditation. Public backlash has been severe, with mainland Chinese netizens urging his exclusion from future projects. As Taiwan’s legal process continues, the incident underscores the intersection of celebrity misconduct and judicial scrutiny in high-profile cases.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/taiwanese-actor-darren-wang-talu-granted-bail-following-arrest-on-assault-charges/; https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/taiwanese-actor-darren-wang-talu-arrested-for-allegedly-inciting-assault-on-uber-driver-remanded-in-custody/
(11) Angelababy Celebrates Birthday Amid Career Challenges and Friendship Spotlight
(Photo Credit: Guang Ming Daily)
On 28 February, Chinese actress and model Angelababy (Yang Ying) marked her birthday under renewed public attention as actor Li Chen publicly sent her warm wishes via social media. The gesture gained traction due to Angelababy’s recent career struggles, including a soft ban from platforms following her attendance at the controversial “Crazy Horse Show” in Paris, which led to her removal from the long-running variety show Keep Running. Fans noted Li’s support as a rare display of loyalty in an industry often criticized for superficial relationships.
Angelababy, once a leading figure in Chinese entertainment, has faced setbacks in recent years. Criticisms over her acting in projects like The Lonely Phoenix (accusations of excessive use of body doubles) and her post-divorce career decline from A-list status have overshadowed her earlier successes. Despite these challenges, Li Chen defended her professionalism in interviews, recalling her dedication during filming, such as performing wire stunts despite injuries.
Born in 1989, Angelababy rose to fame as a model and cemented her stardom through Keep Running. While her career trajectory remains uncertain, supporters highlight her enduring influence in bridging fashion and pop culture. The birthday tributes, including Li Chen’s nod to their Keep Running camaraderie, underscore her complex legacy: a star navigating both adoration and controversy in China’s fickle entertainment landscape.
News Source: https://guangming.com.my/angelababy化身-月光公主庆生; https://www.backchina.com/news/2025/03/01/960394.html
(12) ‘Asia’s most beautiful’ Taiwan Actress Joey Wong Opens Wellness Centre after 20-year Hiatus
(Photo Credit: SCMP composite/Douyin/IG@joeywong19670131)
Legendary actress Joey Wong, once hailed as “Asia’s most beautiful woman,” has opened a traditional Chinese therapy center in Vancouver, marking her first public venture since retiring from acting 20 years ago. The 58-year-old announced the launch via a serene social media video on 24 February, showcasing her performing moxibustion—a TCM practice using burned mugwort to relieve pain and improve circulation. Dressed in a white gown, Wong demonstrated the therapy and emphasized her commitment to promoting health and inner peace.
Wong rose to fame in the 1980s-90s with iconic roles in films like A Chinese Ghost Story and Green Snake, becoming a pan-Asian cultural icon. After retreating from the spotlight in the early 2000s, she settled quietly in Canada. Her new moxibustion center reflects a shift toward wellness advocacy, blending her Taiwanese heritage with TCM philosophies. Fans praised her graceful transition, with many noting her timeless elegance in the promotional video.
While Wong has ruled out an acting comeback, she aims to share “peace and wisdom” through her therapy practice. The center’s launch has reignited global interest in her legacy, underscoring how the star continues to inspire beyond cinema. Her journey from cinematic goddess to wellness advocate symbolizes a quest for authenticity in life’s second act.
