China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 105 Week of 15 June 2026
(1) BIGBANG brings world tour to HK for three Kai Tak Stadium shows this November
K-pop icons BIGBANG will bring their 20th anniversary world tour to Hong Kong for three nights from November 13 to 15, 2026. Performing at the new Kai Tak Stadium, the shows mark the group’s massive return following an explosive comeback performance at Coachella earlier this year.
(2) Scalpers and bots cause chaos among scramble for BTS concert tickets
Recent ticket scalping controversies for BTS’s upcoming stadium concerts have sparked intense debate in Hong Kong. Local fans were locked out of digital queues while professional scalpers bypassed the system using VPNs. Industry observers warn that inadequate ticketing platforms threaten Hong Kong’s reputation as Asia’s premier entertainment hub.
(3) Wham! documentary explores legacy of the band’s landmark 1985 visit to China
A new music documentary titled Wham! 10 Days In China will be released in global cinemas on July 28, 2026. The film features newly restored footage and explores the monumental 1985 tour when George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley became the first Western pop group to perform in communist China.
(4) 5 Seconds of Summer is coming to Hong Kong in November for “Everyone’s a Star!” tour
Australian pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer added a Hong Kong stop to their 2026 “Everyone’s a Star!” world tour. Scheduled for November 27, the highly anticipated concert marks the group’s first performance in the city in ten years, highlighting Hong Kong’s continuous appeal to major international music acts.
(5) HK singer Tyson Yoshi disputes HK$641,000 concert disc bill, says price never approved
Hong Kong singer songwriter Tyson Yoshi publicly disputes claim against him and his affiliated companies over HK$641,000 concert disc bill, claims that a contract was never formed.
(6) Italian Screens spotlights filmmaking opportunities
At the 28th Annual Shanghai International Film Festival, cultural counsellor of the Italian embassy in China and the head of the International Department at Cinecitta came together for a public forum to discuss media collaborations between China and Taiwan. During the panel, discussions were made over Italy’s comprehensive support system for international audio-visual cooperation, covering project development, production and distribution, and welcoming Chinese filmmakers and production sets to take place in Italy.
(7) How the Shanghai Film Festival Is Tapping Into China’s Movie Tourism Boom
A government-led “film-plus” initiative is fueling a massive screen tourism boom across China, helping the domestic economy offset a sluggish post-pandemic box office recovery. Blockbusters like Pegasus 3 and the indie sensation Dear You are driving massive visitor spikes to their respective shooting locations, a cultural phenomenon now taking center stage at the 2026 Shanghai International Film Festival.
(8) Taiwan Scores Four Official Selections at Annecy 2026 as TAICCA Brings Packed Slate to MIFA
Taiwan showcased a large lineup at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Supported by government initiatives, over twenty-four projects entered major competitions and pitch markets. This aggressive push highlights Taiwan’s growing influence within the broader Chinese-language media and entertainment ecosystem.
(9) Meet Taiwan-born actor Justin Chien, who’s starring in “The Season”
Actor Justin Chien is having a breakout year in 2026. He is starring in the new Hong Kong revenge drama “The Season” and has joined the upcoming second season of Netflix’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender”. These major roles follow his popular debut in the action comedy “The Brothers Sun”.
(10) 53 film deals worth 2.8B yuan signed at Chongqing animation week
Chongqing’s Yongchuan District secured fifty-three major entertainment projects worth 2.8 billion yuan at its 2026 Animation Film Week. Backed by state support, the deals unite regional film academies, AI tech firms, and international partners to establish a massive digital production hub.
(11) Film Director Anthony Chen Urges Emerging Asian Filmmakers to ‘Break Conventions’ at Shanghai Film Festival
Jurors for the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival gathered to share their judging criteria for the festival’s prestigious Golden Goblet Awards. Panel leaders emphasized creative sincerity, structural exploration, and cross-cultural empathy as the key values that will guide their selections for this year’s top honors.
(12) Chinese film-tech firms gain ground in Hollywood
Chinese manufacturers dominated the 2026 Cine Gear Expo LA at the Universal Studios lot, marking a major shift in Hollywood’s hardware ecosystem. Once sidelined, Chinese-made lighting systems, advanced camera rigs, and wireless workflows are now core tools for major American film studios.
(1) BIGBANG brings world tour to HK for three Kai Tak Stadium shows this November
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
K-Pop legends BIGBANG will bring their 2026 world tour to Hong Kong for three nights in November, marking one of the group’s biggest returns to the city in years as they celebrate their 20th anniversary.
The concerts are scheduled for November 13 to 15 at Kai Tak Stadium, according to the tour itinerary released on Thursday. Hong Kong is one of several major stops on the group’s new global run, which is set to begin in South Korea this August before moving on to cities including Paris, London, Singapore, Taipei, Sydney, Bangkok and Tokyo.
The announcement has generated strong excitement among fans across Asia, particularly after BIGBANG’s recent stage comeback at Coachella. During that appearance, G-Dragon surprised audiences by revealing that the group would head back on the road this year, fuelling speculation that a large-scale anniversary tour was in the works.
The Hong Kong dates are expected to be among the most closely watched on the itinerary, given the city’s large K-pop fan base and the significance of Kai Tak Stadium as a major new performance venue. However, organisers have not yet released information on ticket prices, seating plans or sale dates.
It also remains unclear whether former member T.O.P, who left the group in 2023, will take part in the tour. For now, the confirmation of the Hong Kong stop alone is likely to be enough to send fans scrambling for updates.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/entertainment/article/334372/BIGBANG-brings-world-tour-to-HK-for-three-Kai-Tak-Stadium-shows-this-November
(2) Scalpers and bots cause chaos among scramble for BTS concert tickets
(Photo Credit: AFP / Getty Images / TNS)
The scramble for BTS concert tickets in Hong Kong this week has exposed a problem the city can no longer afford to ignore. For many fans trying to buy seats for the group’s upcoming Kai Tak Stadium shows, the process was marked by technical barriers, confusion and a sense that the system was stacked against ordinary buyers.
On presale day, some users reported being repeatedly shut out of the virtual queue, while others said changing their VPN location appeared to improve their chances of getting in. By the time many genuine fans reached the ticketing page, large sections had already sold out. Soon after, tickets began surfacing on resale platforms at sharply inflated prices, fuelling suspicion that professional scalpers had once again out-manoeuvred regular concertgoers.
The backlash has revived wider questions about whether Hong Kong’s ticketing systems are equipped to support the city’s ambitions as a regional hub for mega events. Kai Tak Stadium was built to host world class entertainment, but the fan experience begins long before anyone enters the venue. If buyers believe access is unfair, public confidence in the city’s event infrastructure will suffer.
Other international markets have introduced stricter controls on resale, identity linked ticketing and stronger anti bot measures. In China, the government strictly enforces a “dual real-name system” for events with over 5,000 attendees. In the UK, the government has implemented laws to ban reselling of concert tickets for a profit. If Hong Kong wants a world class events reputation, it may need a ticketing system that feels just as credible.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/opinion/letters/article/3356826/bts-ticket-chaos-hong-kong-must-get-serious-bots-and-scalpers
(3) Wham! documentary explores legacy of the band’s landmark 1985 visit to China
(Illustration Credit: BBC)
Sony Music Vision and Sony Music Entertainment UK have announced the upcoming global theatrical release of Wham! 10 Days In China. Scheduled to hit cinemas worldwide on July 28, 2026, the ninety-minute documentary focuses on the legendary English pop duo’s groundbreaking ten-day tour of mainland China in April 1985. The historic journey made George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley the first major Western pop act to perform in the country following its turbulent Cultural Revolution.
Directed by Mike Christie, the film chronicles the intense political negotiations and cultural impact of the group’s landmark performances in Beijing and Guangzhou. The narrative draws heavily on newly digitized, never-before-seen archival footage alongside fresh interviews with Ridgeley, the original touring crew, and Chinese fans who experienced Western pop culture for the very first time. Production executives described the project as a unique exploration of a singular historical moment where international pop music collided with delicate global politics.
Reflecting on the documentary, Ridgeley noted that the film finally reveals the complex human contradictions and high-stakes financial risks behind the bold venture. The project has received full cooperation from George Michael Entertainment and the late singer’s estate, both of whom expressed pride in re-examining a brave foray into unknown cultural territory. Following its worldwide theatrical run, the documentary will be broadcast on BBC Two and the BBC iPlayer streaming platform later this summer.
(4) 5 Seconds of Summer is coming to Hong Kong in November for “Everyone’s a Star!” tour
(Photo Credit: 5SOS/Instagram)
Australian pop-rock group 5 Seconds of Summer will officially return to Hong Kong on November 27, 2026, as part of their massive “Everyone’s a Star!” world tour. Driven by overwhelming ticket demand across the region, the band expanded the Asian leg of their tour by adding seven extra concert dates to their initial itinerary.
The upcoming performance marks a notable milestone for local music fans, as it has been a decade since the quartet last performed in the city during their 2016 tour. The group is touring in support of their latest studio album, an ambitious record that showcases their return to heavier rock roots and a distinct early-2000s visual style. The expansive Asian trek will span the entire month of November, taking the band through major cultural hubs including Bangkok, Manila, Tokyo, and Taipei before arriving in Hong Kong.
Concertgoers can expect a diverse setlist featuring tracks from the new album alongside career-defining hits like “She Looks So Perfect” and “Youngblood.” Adding a unique dynamic to this run, the band members will also perform individual solo material during the show. While the November date is locked in, regional organizers have stated that venue selection, official seating layouts, and public ticket sale dates will be finalized later.
(5) HK singer Tyson Yoshi disputes HK$641,000 concert disc bill, says price never approved
(Photo Credit: Londoner Macau)
Hong Kong independent singer and songwriter Tyson Yoshi is facing legal action over a merchandise manufacturing dispute. Arturistic (International) Limited filed a civil writ in the District Court on 8 June 2026, accusing the artist and his affiliated agencies of breaching a contract. The production company is seeking total damages of approximately HK$640,000 to cover unpaid design fees, manufacturing costs, and accumulated warehouse storage expenses.
According to court filings, the dispute stems from a verbal and written agreement reached between late 2024 and early 2026 for a premium, custom-designed Blu-ray and DVD box set. The collectible merchandise was intended to commemorate Tyson’s high-profile two-night concert series, The Villain Live in Hong Kong, which took place at the newly opened Kai Tak Arena in July 2025. The plaintiff alleges that the defendants, including Tyson’s management firm Just Kidding Limited and Cart Cart Cart Limited, committed to purchasing 1,000 finished units for roughly HK$641,000.
The lawsuit states that after sample units were delivered for fan pre-sales in January, the complete production run was completed and placed in storage. However, the plaintiff claims that the singer’s team repeatedly declined to take delivery of the items, ultimately attempting to terminate the contract and refusing to clear the final invoices. As independent artists increasingly rely on physical media and high-end collectibles for revenue generation, this litigation highlights the legal risks surrounding fast-moving entertainment merchandise partnerships.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/hk-singer-tyson-yoshi-sued-over-hk640000-concert-box-set-dispute/#google_vignette
(6) Italian Screens spotlights filmmaking opportunities
(Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
Italy positions itself as a premier global tourist hotspot renowned for its exquisite cuisine, but the European nation is also an attractive destination for international film and television production.
Earlier this week on Monday, “Italian Screens,” an initiative aimed at expanding the global reach of Italian cinema, promoted the country’s enticing incentives and tax policies for audiovisual productions. The presentation took place during a special campaign titled “Italy Offers Everything You Need” at the Italian Cultural Institute in Beijing.
The international campaign has reached more than 20 countries and 50 cities around the world, showcasing and celebrating the creativity, vitality and achievements of modern day Italian cinematics to international audiences and industry professionals.
During panel discussion, Roberto Stabile, head of the International Department at Cinecitta discussed and highlighted the comprehensive infrastructure Italy has in place for project development, production and distribution. Stablile also spotlighted a wide array of support available for foreign producers, “whether it be a feature film, television series, documentary or animation project, corresponding support can be found in Italy,” he said.
The panel gave special emphasis to the funding, tax incentives, and supportive policies established for foreign productions, making a strong case for shooting in Italy. Stabile noted the significance of the film coproduction agreements signed between China and Italy in February, expressing hope that these initiatives will bring the two nations closer by creating fresh opportunities for industrial cooperation.
News Source: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202606/16/WS6a310d34a310986e2b4604d1.html
(7) How the Shanghai Film Festival Is Tapping Into China’s Movie Tourism Boom
(Photo Credit: Damai Entertainment)
The Chinese film industry is actively boosting the domestic economy through a government-led film tourism strategy called “film-plus”. Supported by the China Film Administration, this initiative connects box office releases with local commerce and travel. The economic impact has been immediate and measurable. For instance, the Lunar New Year hit Pegasus 3 triggered a seventy-one percent spike in hotel bookings in Qinghai province. Similarly, the recent family drama Dear You caused flight bookings to double in its three shooting locations in eastern Guangdong province.
Government data indicates that every single yuan earned at the domestic box office generates over fifteen yuan for related service industries, with tourism being the primary winner. Recognizing this massive entertainment trend, the current Shanghai International Film Festival has launched a special screening program titled “Grand Landscape: A Cinematic Portrait of China.”
The curated showcase features fifteen celebrated film classics that highlight the diverse geography and cultural heritage of different regions, ranging from the snowy peaks of Heilongjiang to the tropical islands of Hainan. Festival organizers are strategically using these historical and contemporary films to inspire younger audiences to embark on urban walking tours. By turning scenery from the silver screen into trendy travel destinations, China is successfully using its media sector to revitalize regional tourism economies.
News Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/shanghai-china-film-tourism-boom-1236620106/
(8) Taiwan Scores Four Official Selections at Annecy 2026 as TAICCA Brings Packed Slate to MIFA
Taiwan established a massive presence at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival and its accompanying market. Backed by the Taiwan Creative Content Agency, the regional delegation brought four official competition selections and over twenty additional projects to the global stage. This large showcase highlights the island’s rising influence within Sinophone entertainment and global media.
The highlight of the lineup is the feature film “Welcome to Dolly’s House”, which opened the prestigious Contrechamp section. The movie modernizes a story from a classical Chinese literary anthology. It follows a fame-seeking influencer into a mysterious mansion, blending traditional roots with a contemporary digital themes. Furthermore, the film marks a technical milestone as one of the first regional features to combine rotoscoping with traditional animation.
Other notable entries span diverse formats and genres. The short film “Praying Mantis” competed in the midnight category after successful screenings at major international festivals. Meanwhile, projects like the sci-fi feature “Wilderness of the Greenriver” and the historical drama “A Girl Named Chao-ti” targeted international buyers. By blending classical folklore, modern technology, and historical narratives, Taiwan is successfully positioning its creative industry as a major hub for high-quality animation production in Asia.
News Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/markets-festivals/taiwan-taicca-annecy-mifa-2026-1236770071/
(9) Meet Taiwan-born actor Justin Chien, who’s starring in “The Season”
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Actor Justin Chien is experiencing a breakout year in 2026 with high-profile roles across major streaming platforms. He is currently starring in “The Season”, an English-language revenge drama set in Hong Kong. The six-episode series focuses on a wealthy social circle whose lives are disrupted by a mysterious newcomer. Critics are already comparing the show to hit projects like “Crazy Rich Asians” and “The White Lotus”. Chien plays a charming, recently divorced lawyer and is part of a strong ensemble cast that includes Chris Pang, Yvonne Chapman, and Celina Jade.
In addition to this project, Chien has joined the cast of the second season of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender”. He will play King Kuei, the naive ruler of the Earth Kingdom. These new roles mark a significant step forward for the actor, who first gained widespread recognition in 2024. In that year, he played a skilled gangster in the hit Netflix series “The Brothers Sun” alongside Michelle Yeoh. The role allowed him to showcase his real-life martial arts background, as he has over a decade of intensive training in Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu.
Chien was born in Taiwan to a prominent family of business professionals and diplomats, but he spent his early childhood in Hong Kong. He discovered his love for performance during a church play before eventually moving to the United States to earn a fine arts degree from the USC School of Dramatic Arts. Though English is his first language, the actor has expressed an eagerness to take on roles in multiple languages and international markets to further challenge his skills.
(10) 53 film deals worth 2.8B yuan signed at Chongqing animation week
(Photo Credit: China.org.cn)
The 2026 Chongqing International Animation Film Week Investment Session concluded with the signing of fifty-three major entertainment and media projects in the city’s Yongchuan District. Totaling an investment of 2.8 billion yuan, the signed agreements heavily focus on AI-generated content, advanced film technology research, local talent cultivation, and large-scale animation production. The massive summit drew nearly three hundred high-profile delegates, uniting industry leaders, AI technology developers, and film academy representatives from across the country.
To accelerate the district’s evolution into a high-tech entertainment ecosystem, prominent cultural figures, including directors Zhang Jizhong and Jiang Ping, officially established new production studios in Yongchuan. Simultaneously, key national organizations like the China Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers and cinema giant Orange Sky Golden Harvest launched regional operations. Local officials confirmed that Yongchuan is already home to over one hundred and seventy entertainment businesses, including streaming giant iQiyi, which have collectively produced over one hundred and forty film and television works.
To maintain this growth, regional authorities unveiled a comprehensive support policy package. The state-backed incentive program offers target enterprises direct financial funding, physical studio space, subsidized computing power for digital rendering, and optimized regional distribution channels. Highlighting the festival’s focus on international diplomacy, the event also marked the launch of Our Day, a major co-production backed by the SCO Film Producers Association Alliance. The feature-length project will patch together short films from various international creators, establishing a new milestone for cross-border media collaboration in southwestern China.
News Source: http://www.china.org.cn/2026-06/14/content_118547763.shtml
(Photo Credit: Shanghai International Film Festival)
Jury members from the Asian New Talent, Short Film, Animation, and Documentary sections of the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival met recently to share their evaluation criteria for the annual Golden Goblet competition. As the prestigious Chinese festival showcases over four hundred global films, the distinct panels are prioritizing authentic emotional expression and narrative innovation over technical experience.
The Asian New Talent panel is chaired by acclaimed Singaporean director Anthony Chen. He emphasized that age and background do not influence his voting process. Chen noted that he specifically looks for cinematic sincerity and a willingness to break traditional industry conventions. Chinese actress Wen Qi supported this stance, expressing her preference for emerging directors who display strong individual artistic voices. Meanwhile, the short film and documentary panels are focusing on human connection. Documentary juror Geeta Gandbhir highlighted the genre’s unique power to build cross-cultural empathy by revealing shared human experiences.
The animation panel took note of the rapidly rising international profile of Chinese animation, which has increasingly gained attention in global arenas like the Academy Award selection process. Panel chair Will Becher expressed hope that more Chinese animated features will achieve commercial theatrical distribution in overseas markets like the United Kingdom. Chinese animator Yu Shui added that dedicating a strict commitment to artistic craft is the only way for animators to truly earn an audience’s trust.
News Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/festivals/anthony-chen-shanghai-film-festival-golden-goblet-break-conventions-1236780985/
(12) Chinese film-tech firms gain ground in Hollywood
(Photo Credit: China Daily)
Chinese manufacturers are gaining ground in Hollywood’s film technology market, with their growing presence at Cine Gear Expo LA reflecting a broader shift in the industry. Once viewed with scepticism, Chinese made lighting systems, camera rigs and production tools are now widely used by studios, rental houses and independent filmmakers, helping lower costs while pushing technical innovation.
At this year’s event on the Universal Studios lot, Chinese brands such as LED lighting companies Aputure and Nanlux, wireless video transmitter company Accsoon, professional camera accessory company SmallRig and audio and video transmission equipment company Hollyland were among the busiest exhibitors, showcasing products ranging from professional lights and monitors to wireless transmission systems and robotic camera platforms. Industry figures said these companies are winning market share by combining affordability with rapid research and development, allowing them to respond quickly to the changing needs of filmmakers.
Cinematographer Shane Hurlbut said Chinese lighting products have made significant progress in areas such as colour science and control systems, while other industry participants praised their practicality and ease of use. Executives also stressed that Hollywood remains a crucial market and a proving ground for new technology.
The trend highlights China’s expanding influence in the tools that shape modern filmmaking, from virtual production and wireless workflows to AI assisted content creation. Even amid broader US China trade tensions, industry players say cooperation on the ground remains strong, with studios focused less on geopolitics than on performance, speed and value.
News Source: https://www.chinadailyasia.com/hk/article/635048
