China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 44 Week of 31 March 2025
(1) Hundreds Gather in Hong Kong to Pay Tribute to Film, Cantopop Legend Leslie Cheung
Hundreds of fans from across Asia gathered in Hong Kong to honor Cantopop legend Leslie Cheung on the 22nd anniversary of his death, celebrating his enduring cultural legacy and emotional impact across generations.
(2) Nicholas Tse Earns $206M from Sausage Business
Hong Kong actor Nicholas Tse has earned $206 million over four years through his thriving mainland China sausage brand, diversifying into a food and lifestyle empire while maintaining his entertainment and investment ventures.
(3) Jay Chou Appears with Wife and Mother at Art Basel Hong Kong, Announces Additional Concert Tickets
Jay Chou dazzled Hong Kong with dual appearances at Art Basel and Dior’s Lady Art exhibition alongside his family, while sparking fan pandemonium with a last-minute ticket release for his Kai Tak Sports Park concert.
(4) Zhang Ziyi and Zhang Linghe Dazzle at Fashion Event
Chinese stars Zhang Ziyi and Zhang Linghe captivated fans as a refined “noble sibling duo” at a Shanghai fashion event, blending timeless elegance with effortless camaraderie.
(5) Jisoo Surprises Hong Kong Fans with Flash Appearance at Causeway Bay
Blackpink’s Jisoo thrilled Hong Kong fans with a surprise pop-up store visit ahead of her Asia Fan Tour 2025, showcasing exclusive merchandise and themed photo spots tied to her latest album Amortage.
(6) Kim Soo-hyun Tearfully Denies Dating Kim Sae-ron When She Was a Minor
Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun tearfully denied allegations of dating the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor and rejected responsibility for her suicide during a press conference, as legal battles escalate over claims made by her family and a controversial YouTube channel.
(7) China’s $6B-valued Kunlun Tech Debuts “World’s First” Music Reasoning Model
Chinese tech giant Kunlun Tech has launched its advanced AI music models Mureka V6 and O1, boasting superior vocal customization and structural coherence, while navigating a competitive and legally fraught AI music market.
(8) Keung To’s Apartment Rental Income Soars as He Celebrates 26th Birthday
MIRROR star Keung To’s 26th birthday sparks citywide fan tributes and highlights his savvy property investments, with his Hong Kong apartment’s rental yield surging 17.5% since 2023.
(9) Chinese Singer Huang Xiaoyun Faces Plagiarism Accusations Over Cover Version of Hua Chenyu’s Song
Singer Huang Xiaoyun has sparked controversy for allegedly using unauthorized elements from Hua Chenyu’s live performance in her cover of “Dust in the Fireworks” (烟火里的尘埃), prompting conflicting statements from both artists’ teams about copyright compliance.
(10) ByteDance-owned Douyin Sheds Light on Recommendation Algorithm amid Regulatory Pressure
Douyin has launched a website to explain its recommendation system and address public concerns, reflecting broader efforts to increase algorithm transparency.
(11) Lay Zhang’s Film “Silent Love” Leads Qingming Festival Box Office
Lay Zhang’s “Silent Love” leads the Qingming Festival box office with over 10 million yuan in pre-sales, followed by “Minecraft: The Movie” and the re-released “Hot Blooded.”
(12) Chinese Livestreamer “Ququ Da Nüren” Fined 7.58 Million Yuan for Tax Evasion
Influencer Le Chuanqu, known as “Ququ Da Nüren,” has been fined 7.58 million yuan ($1.05 million) for evading taxes by funneling income through personal accounts and shell companies while underreporting earnings.
(1) Hundreds Gather in Hong Kong to Pay Tribute to Film, Cantopop Legend Leslie Cheung
(Photo Credit: Elson Li)
Hundreds of admirers flocked to Hong Kong’s Mandarin Oriental hotel and Tsim Sha Tsui’s Avenue of Stars on 1 April 2025, to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of Leslie Cheung’s tragic death. The hotel’s pavement, where the 46-year-old icon fell to his death in 2003, was transformed into a floral shrine with chrysanthemums, lilies, and roses from fans in mainland China, South Korea, Singapore, and beyond. Attendees ranged from elderly devotees in wheelchairs to tearful young fans like 20-year-old Cao Duoer, who traveled from Guangxi to honor Cheung’s humility and mentorship legacy, noting, “His values influence me greatly.”
The memorial highlighted Cheung’s cross-generational appeal. University student Hayden Huang, a “post-Leslie-era” fan from Guangzhou, praised how Cheung’s music and films like Farewell My Concubine bridge linguistic and cultural divides. Meanwhile, 65-year-old Sue Kwok recalled her disbelief at his 2003 death, moved by the growing youth turnout: “Even after 22 years, Hongkongers still remember him.” At the Avenue of Stars, crowds sang along to his hits near his handprints, embodying the communal spirit of his legacy.
Affectionately called Gor Gor (“big brother”), Cheung rose from a tailor’s son to a Cantopop titan and cinematic pioneer, starring in classics like A Better Tomorrow and releasing over 40 albums. His 1977 breakout with “American Pie” ignited a career that redefined Asian entertainment. As fans bonded over karaoke sessions and film discussions, the tributes underscored his timeless resonance—a cultural force uniting families and strangers alike.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3304753/hundreds-gather-hong-kong-pay-tribute-film-cantopop-legend-leslie-cheung
(2) Nicholas Tse Earns $206M from Sausage Business
(Photo Credit: ifeng.com)
Hong Kong actor and singer Nicholas Tse, 45, has built a lucrative food empire, generating 1.5 billion yuan ($206 million) in revenue since 2021 through his fresh sausage brand. Partnering with a Hangzhou-based company, Tse’s premium sausages—sold in sets of three boxes (24 total sausages) for 109 yuan—dominated China’s fresh sausage market for three consecutive years, with monthly sales exceeding 10 million yuan during its launch phase. The brand leverages Tse’s celebrity status through Douyin (TikTok) promotions, amassing 2.6 million followers on its sales channel.
Expanding beyond sausages, Tse now offers popcorn, coffee, instant noodles, and mooncakes, alongside trend-focused products like blind boxes and tote bags targeting Gen Z consumers. His business acumen has significantly boosted his net worth, which surpassed $130 million by 2020. Despite his entrepreneurial success, Tse remains active in film and music, balancing ventures across Greater China with roles in acclaimed movies such as Raging Fire and New Police Story.
Tse’s high-profile personal life continues to draw public attention, including his 2006–2011 marriage to actress Cecilia Cheung and his long-term relationship with singer Faye Wong. His multifaceted career—spanning entertainment, F&B innovation, and strategic investments—cements his status as one of Asia’s most versatile celebrity entrepreneurs.
News Source: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/companies/hong-kong-actor-nicholas-tse-earns-206m-from-sausage-business-4866942.html
(3) Jay Chou Appears with Wife and Mother at Art Basel Hong Kong, Announces Additional Concert Tickets
(Photo Credit: Tencent News)
Global music icon Jay Chou made a high-profile appearance in Hong Kong this week as Dior’s ambassador, headlining the luxury brand’s Lady Art exhibition opening alongside South Korean star Han So-hee. The event, running through 30 March, merged digital installations and haute couture, with Chou and his wife Hannah Quinlivan donning coordinated looks from Dior’s early autumn menswear collection. The couple’s rare public styling synergy drew cheers from attendees at the K11 Musea venue, which featured collaborations with artists like Joana Vasconcelos and Zhang Zhoujie.
Chou’s visit doubled as a family cultural excursion, with his mother and Quinlivan joining him to explore Art Basel’s “Art Space” zone. The trio lingered at installations such as Lanternfly Ballet—a multimedia piece blending sculpture and dance to critique humanity’s relationship with nature. The singer later shared snapshots of their tour, emphasizing his appreciation for cross-disciplinary art.
Amid these engagements, Chou abruptly announced additional tickets for his Carnival World Tour stop at Kai Tak Sports Park, sending fans scrambling when sales opened just two hours later. Despite 50,000+ notifications, tickets vanished instantly, with social media flooded by frustrated yet devoted comments like, “Jay’s power crashed the ticketing app—legendary!” The chaos underscores Chou’s undiminished star power nearly 25 years into his career.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/jay-chou-appears-with-wife-and-mother-at-art-basel-hong-kong-announces-additional-concert-tickets/
(4) Zhang Ziyi and Zhang Linghe Dazzle at Fashion Event
(Photo Credit: Sina)
Veteran actress Zhang Ziyi, 46, and rising actor Zhang Linghe, 27, turned heads at a Shanghai luxury brand event on 30 March 2025, with their sophisticated styling hailed as “aristocratic perfection.” Zhang Ziyi radiated confidence in a plunging black suit paired with voluminous curls and crimson lips, while the 1.9-meter-tall Zhang Linghe embodied intellectual charm in a tailored black ensemble accented by gold-framed glasses. Their coordinated monochrome looks sparked immediate social media buzz, with fans dubbing them “the royal siblings of Chinese cinema.”
Seated side by side, the duo displayed striking chemistry, conversing animatedly under the glare of flashing cameras. Zhang Ziyi, known for her poise in films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, adopted a warm mentorship role, while Zhang Linghe maintained respectful humility befitting his junior status. Their unscripted laughter and relaxed body language defied typical red carpet formality, drawing praise for their authentic dynamic.
The interaction peaked when Zhang Linghe leaned in to adjust a misplaced microphone for Zhang Ziyi, prompting her to affectionately pat his shoulder—a moment fans dubbed “sibling goals.” Observers noted how their partnership bridges generations in China’s entertainment industry, merging Zhang Ziyi’s legacy with Gen Z idol appeal. As the event trended nationwide, netizens clamored for future collaborations, cementing the pair as 2025’s most unexpectedly beloved fashion duo.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/zhang-ziyi-and-zhang-linghe-dazzle-at-fashion-event/
(5) Jisoo Surprises Hong Kong Fans with Flash Appearance at Causeway Bay
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Jisoo of Blackpink sent fans into a frenzy with an unannounced appearance at Causeway Bay’s Hysan Place on 28 March 2025, ahead of her weekend fan meetings. The star, dressed in a chic striped shirt and black skirt, arrived at 4:55 PM, flashing her signature heart gesture to crowds who rushed to snap photos. Though her visit lasted just five minutes, fans can still engage with her Amortage album-themed installations at the pop-up store, featuring four photo zones inspired by her music and visuals.
The Hong Kong-exclusive store offers limited-edition merch, including photocards, T-shirts, and a purple plush “Shumon” keychain available only locally. Open through 30 March, the pop-up aligns with Jisoo’s Asia Fan Tour 2025, which includes stops in Macau, Taipei, and Tokyo. Her Hong Kong leg began with two fan gatherings at AsiaWorld-Expo on 28-29 March, featuring intimate Q&A sessions and performances of solo tracks like Flower and All Eyes On Me.
Jisoo’s surprise visit underscores her hands-on approach to fan engagement, blending accessibility with high-energy promotion. As the tour progresses, anticipation builds for her potential new music teases—a strategy hinted at during recent events. The pop-up’s swift sell-out of “Shumon” keychains highlights her enduring influence, cementing her status as a K-pop icon adept at bridging global fandoms with localized experiences.
(6) Kim Soo-hyun Tearfully Denies Dating Kim Sae-ron When She Was a Minor
(Photo credit: Reuters)
Kim Soo-hyun, a prominent Korean actor, held an emotional press conference denying claims by the family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron that he dated her while she was underage. The allegations surfaced after Kim Sae-ron’s suicide in February 2024, with her family accusing him of a six-year relationship starting when she was 12–15 years old. They cited photos, messages, and a handwritten letter allegedly from Kim Soo-hyun in 2018, when he was 30 and she was 18. The actor admitted to a one-year relationship five years prior but insisted it occurred when she was an adult, vehemently denying any role in her death or pressure over her debts.
Kim Sae-ron had been managed by Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, which paid her debts after a 2022 drunk-driving incident. Her family claimed she had a verbal repayment agreement but received a sudden $480,000 legal demand in 2024. After failing to contact Kim Soo-hyun, she posted a photo of them on Instagram, sparking dating rumors he initially dismissed. At the press conference, Kim Soo-hyun framed his silence as protecting his career and colleagues, citing his hit Netflix series Queen of Tears (2024).
Kim’s legal team filed criminal complaints against Kim Sae-ron’s family and the far-right YouTube channel “Garo Sero Yeonguso,” seeking $8.2 million in damages. The channel retaliated by announcing a follow-up video titled “Devil Kim Soo-hyun additional reveal of ‘video dating a minor.'” The case highlights tensions between celebrity privacy, public accountability, and exploitative media.
(7) China’s $6B-valued Kunlun Tech Debuts “World’s First” Music Reasoning Model
(Photo Credit: Kunlun Tech)
Kunlun Tech, a $6 billion-valued Chinese tech firm, has unveiled its “music reasoning large model” Mureka V6 and O1, claiming it outperforms rivals like Suno V4 in audio mixing, vocal quality, and instrumental arrangement. The new V6 and O1 models generate music across genres (jazz, EDM, rock) and emotions (happiness, sadness, mystery), introducing groundbreaking tools: a “Music Reference Function” for audio/YouTube inputs to guide compositions and a vocal timbre selector that clones users’ voices. Both models are accessible via open APIs (application program interface), enabling third-party integration, while a “Mureka Store” lets users sell AI-generated tracks. Kunlun’s AI subsidiary Skywork emphasized the use of “chain-of-thought” (CoT) technology, which pre-plans music structures for better coherence, eliminating manual annotations.
The company is expanding its AI music ecosystem, which includes the mood-based streaming service Melodio (launched in 2023) and customized model fine-tuning for artists and brands. Skywork reports over 100 countries using Mureka (a blend of “Music” and “Eureka”), supporting 10 languages. CEO Fang Han signaled increased global investment in AI music tech, targeting musicians and industries like gaming. Kunlun, owner of Opera and ex-owner of Grindr, positions itself against rivals like ByteDance’s Sponge Band and Tencent’s Tianqin Lab.
Kunlun’s push comes amid legal turbulence in AI music. Competitor Suno faces lawsuits from major labels (e.g., Universal, Sony) for allegedly training models on copyrighted tracks without permission—a risk Kunlun has sidestepped by focusing on structural innovation and user-generated inputs. As the sector grapples with copyright battles, Kunlun’s hybrid approach (commercialization + open APIs) aims to redefine music creation while testing IP boundaries.
(8) Keung To’s Apartment Rental Income Soars as He Celebrates 26th Birthday
(Photo Credit: TO ZERO)
Hong Kong boy band sensation Keung To is set to be celebrated in grand style for his 26th birthday on 30 April 2025, as his fanbase “Keung Tang” launches a citywide tribute campaign. Fans have booked prominent ad spaces on shopping malls, trams, and delivery vans across Hong Kong, alongside curating pop-up exhibitions to honor the MIRROR member. These displays, blending archival photos and interactive installations, aim to underscore To’s cultural imprint as both a pop idol and a millennial icon.
Beyond music, Keung To has proven adept in real estate. His two-bedroom Harbour One apartment in Sai Wan, purchased for HK$18 million in 2023, now commands an annual rent of HK$406,800—a 13% year-on-year increase and a 17.5% jump from its initial rental value. The property’s appreciation mirrors To’s rising clout, with analysts noting its prime location and his strategic renovations as key drivers.
The dual focus on fandom spectacle and financial success reflects Keung To’s unique position in Hong Kong’s entertainment industry. While fans rally to “flood the city with Keung’s glow,” his investment portfolio signals a deliberate shift toward long-term financial stability, a narrative resonating with his Gen Z audience. As birthday ads light up Causeway Bay and Kowloon, the celebrations double as a testament to Hong Kong’s enduring idol culture and its stars’ crossover ambitions.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/keung-tos-apartment-rental-income-soars-as-he-celebrates-26th-birthday%ef%bf%bc/
(9) Chinese Singer Huang Xiaoyun Faces Plagiarism Accusations Over Cover Version of Hua Chenyu’s Song
(Photo Credit: Sina)
Chinese singer Huang Xiaoyun is under fire after her cover of “Dust in the Fireworks,” originally performed by Hua Chenyu, was accused of incorporating unauthorized vocal arrangements from Hua’s 2018 live rendition of “Child” (孩子). Huang’s studio responded on 31 March, asserting they secured proper licensing for the original song through its copyright agency. However, Hua Chenyu’s global fan association countered on 1 April, clarifying that while Huang licensed “Dust in the Fireworks,” she allegedly used humming vocals (“吟唱”) specifically adapted by Hua for his “Child” performance on “Singer 2018” (a variety show) without permission. The fan group emphasized that covers must respect original adaptations and secure explicit permissions to avoid undermining creators’ rights.
The dispute has ignited debates about intellectual property in China’s music industry. Hua’s supporters argue that directly borrowing unique arrangements without credit devalues artistic innovation, while Huang’s team maintains their compliance with base copyright laws. Huang, a 26-year-old vocalist known for her runs on “The Voice of China 2015” and “Singer: Year of the Breakout 2020”, has yet to personally address the claims.
Huang Xiaoyun, a Central Music Academy graduate and rising star, gained fame through competition shows and released her debut single “Open” (打开) in 2018. The controversy coincides with her recent appearance on “Singer 2024”, reigniting discussions about ethical standards in cover performances. Hua Chenyu, a trailblazer in experimental pop, has not publicly commented, but his fanbase insists the case highlights systemic gaps in protecting derivative works within China’s fast-evolving music scene.
News Source: https://news.qq.com/rain/a/20250401A07MQI00
(10) ByteDance-owned Douyin Sheds Light on Recommendation Algorithm amid Regulatory Pressure
(Photo Credit: Shutterstock)
ByteDance-owned Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, has launched a special website to address public concerns about its powerful recommendation system. The site explains how algorithms track user behavior, such as likes, follows, shares, and viewing time, to predict preferences. It also clarifies that the app does not spy on users, despite occasional feelings of being monitored due to targeted advertisements.
The initiative reflects efforts by Douyin and competitors like Kuaishou Technology and Tencent Holdings to increase transparency in online recommendation systems amid a government crackdown on algorithm misuse. China’s internet users, who spend an average of 2.5 hours daily watching short videos, are affected by these algorithms, which are considered valuable assets. The Chinese government has banned the export of such technology, complicating the proposed sale of TikTok’s US operations.
At the recent China Internet Media Forum, executives from major social-media platforms, including Douyin, Tencent’s WeChat, and Weibo, pledged to improve their algorithms. Douyin’s president emphasized that their recommendation system does not rely on traditional content or user labeling. Tencent and Weibo executives also highlighted efforts to promote healthy browsing habits and positive trending topics.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3304799/bytedance-owned-douyin-sheds-lights-recommendation-algorithm-amid-regulatory-pressure?module=perpetual_scroll_0&pgtype=article
(11) Lay Zhang’s Film “Silent Love” Leads Qingming Festival Box Office
(Photo Credit: Sina)
As of 30 March, the pre-sale box office for new films during the Qingming Festival has surpassed 17 million yuan, with Lay Zhang’s “Silent Love” leading the pack, breaking the 10 million yuan mark. The film, which focuses on the hearing-impaired community, has received positive feedback for its emotional impact. Lay Zhang plays a deaf father, and the story revolves around his relationship with his daughter and the challenges they face. Zhang has also promoted sign language at his concerts, further supporting the hearing-impaired community.
Following “Silent Love,” the game adaptation film “Minecraft: The Movie,” starring Jason Momoa, ranks second in pre-sales with over 2.61 million yuan. The film features a group of characters navigating a magical adventure in the Minecraft world, emphasizing creativity and teamwork. The movie aims to stay true to the spirit of the game, using real props and top-notch visual effects to create an immersive experience.
In third place is the re-released film “Hot Blooded,” starring Huang Bo and Wang Yibo, with pre-sales exceeding 2.34 million yuan. The film tells the story of a street dance veteran and a young performer who face numerous challenges in their pursuit of dreams. Other notable films in the Qingming lineup include “Fox Hunt,” starring Tony Leung and Duan Yihong, based on a real-life international manhunt, and the highly anticipated “Sunflower,” directed by Feng Xiaogang and starring Zhao Liying, which has yet to start pre-sales.
News Source: https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1828073343029679355&wfr=spider&for=pc
(12) Chinese Livestreamer “Ququ Da Nüren” Fined 7.58 Million Yuan for Tax Evasion
(Photo Credit: YouTube)
Shanghai tax authorities uncovered a sophisticated tax evasion scheme by livestreamer Le Chuanqu, who operated under the pseudonym “Ququ Da Nüren.” Despite generating substantial revenue from private consulting, online courses, and exclusive membership services, Le reported only 600,000 yuan in personal income over two years. Investigations revealed she diverted over 10 million yuan through shell companies registered to relatives and associates, disguising personal income as business revenue to exploit lower tax rates for sole proprietorships (个体工商户). Funds were funneled back to her personal accounts for luxury spending.
The Shanghai Taxation Bureau’s Fourth Inspection Division traced irregularities using big data analysis and bank records. Le initially denied wrongdoing, claiming her income surge was recent, but evidence exposed her use of fake invoices and fabricated transactions. Authorities recovered 7.58 million yuan in back taxes, late fees, and penalties under China’s Tax Collection and Administration Law, which mandates fines of 50% to 500% of evaded amounts.
Le admitted guilt, acknowledging her actions harmed public trust, and vowed to comply with tax laws. The case highlights China’s intensified crackdown on high-earning influencers and celebrities, aiming to close loopholes in the rapidly growing digital economy. Tax authorities emphasized that such schemes, including private account off-platform payments and income restructuring, will face severe penalties to uphold fiscal integrity.
News Source: https://www.bjnews.com.cn/detail/1743490295129508.html
