China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 112 Week of 3 August 2026
(1) Tencent Music and SM Entertainment Form Joint Venture in Beijing to Expand Asian Entertainment Business
Tencent Music Entertainment Group (TME) and South Korea’s SM Entertainment have established a joint venture in Beijing, named Aisteng (Beijing) Cultural Communication Co., Ltd., to co-develop idol groups, IP projects, and live concerts for the Asian market.
(2) Ivana Wong Captivates Mainland Audiences on Guoyue Wushuang
Hong Kong singer-songwriter Ivana Wong has made a remarkable debut on the Mainland music variety show Guoyue Wushuang (Peerless Chinese Music), earning widespread acclaim for her multifaceted artistry.
(3) China’s Summer Box Office Surpasses 7 Billion Yuan, Powered by Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Soccer
China’s summer box office has surpassed the 7 billion yuan (approximately US$1.03 billion) milestone, driven by a 22-day streak of daily revenues exceeding 100 million yuan.
(4) Stars Gather in Hong Kong for Memorial of Legendary Producer Nansun Shi
Over 100 celebrities and industry figures from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Taiwan gathered at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong for the memorial service of veteran film producer and media executive Nansun Shi.
(5) CAC Action Targets Low-Taste Group Live Streaming as Over 1,840 Accounts Penalized
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has launched a major enforcement campaign under its “Clear and Bright”initiative, penalizing over 1,840 accounts for violations in group live streaming.
(6) Spider-Man: Brand New Day Achieves Strongest Hollywood Superhero Opening in China in Years
Sony Pictures and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day delivered one of the strongest Hollywood openings in the Chinese market in years, grossing approximately US$121 million in its first five days of release.
(7) Netflix Series Bloody Smart Adapts Junji Ito Classics, Sparking Mixed Fan Reactions
Taiwanese live-action series Bloody Smart, streaming on Netflix and Viu, has sparked intense online debate for its adaptation of Junji Ito’s iconic horror manga.
(8) “Lyrical Maverick” Peter Lai, Who Wrote Multiple Hits for Cantopop Stars, Dies at 76
Veteran Hong Kong lyricist and character actor Peter Lai Bei-dak, known as the “Lyrical Maverick,” died on 5 August 2026 at the age of 76 after suffering a stroke earlier in the year.
(9) Lisa Ch’ng and Mat Yeung Tie the Knot in Kuala Lumpur
Hong Kong actor Mat Yeung and Malaysia-born actress Lisa Ch’ng held a star-studded wedding reception on 2 August at the JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur after a decade-long relationship.
(10) Taiwan’s Evergreen Symphony Orchestra Makes Japan Debut under Jaap van Zweden
Taiwan’s only fully private professional orchestra, the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra (ESO), made its Japan debut under Dutch conductor Jaap van Zweden, former Music Director of the New York Philharmonic.
(11) Jessie J and John Legend Headline International Line-up on China’s Singer 2026
International stars Jessie J and John Legend featured in the current season of the long-running Chinese music competition Singer 2026 on Hunan TV and Mango TV, widely noted for its strongest international cast to date.
(12) MIRROR Promotes New Group Song and December Concert on Commercial Radio
Hong Kong boy band MIRROR sent ten members to Commercial Radio on 5 August to promote their latest group track on the programme Ultimate, while also previewing their upcoming December concerts in Hong Kong.
(1) Tencent Music and SM Entertainment Form Joint Venture in Beijing to Expand Asian Entertainment Business
(Photo Credit: United Daily News)
Tencent Music Entertainment Group (TME) and South Korea’s SM Entertainment have officially established a joint venture in Beijing, named Aisteng (Beijing) Cultural Communication Co., Ltd., with a registered capital of RMB 40 million. This collaboration aims to leverage SM Entertainment’s expertise in talent scouting, training, and production, while TME will contribute its robust promotion, streaming, and distribution networks.
The joint venture will focus on co-developing idol groups, intellectual property projects, and live concerts tailored for the Asian market. This partnership builds on TME’s strategic investment in SM Entertainment in 2025, where it acquired a 9.7% stake, signaling a deeper integration of K-pop and C-pop industries. The venture reflects a broader trend of cross-border collaboration in the entertainment industry, as Chinese and Korean companies seek to expand their influence in the pan-Asian market.
For Western audiences, this highlights the growing integration of K-pop and C-pop industries, as well as the role of digital platforms in shaping the future of Asian entertainment. It also underscores the commercial potential of leveraging local talent and digital ecosystems to create pan-regional entertainment content.
This joint venture is expected to accelerate the development of new idol groups and IP projects, further solidifying the position of both TME and SM Entertainment in the Asian entertainment landscape.
News Source: https://udn.com/news/story/7333/9670785
(2) Ivana Wong Captivates Mainland Audiences on Guoyue Wushuang
(Photo Credit: Wen Wei Po)
Hong Kong singer-songwriter Ivana Wong has captivated Mainland audiences with her debut appearance on the music variety show Guoyue Wushuang (Peerless Chinese Music). Wong’s performances, which included original songs like Greek Girl at the Wishing Well and Star in a Troubled World, showcased her ability to seamlessly blend music, theater, and visual arts. Her soft-spoken yet deeply reflective stage presence has resonated with Mainland viewers, positioning her as a cultural bridge between Hong Kong and China.
Wong’s participation in the show highlights the growing influence of Hong Kong artists in Mainland China’s entertainment industry. It also underscores the cultural exchange between the two regions, as Wong’s performances bridge linguistic and artistic gaps, appealing to a broader audience. This trend is particularly significant as it demonstrates how Hong Kong’s creative talent is gaining traction in the Mainland market, fostering greater cultural integration.
For Western audiences, Wong’s success on Guoyue Wushuang offers a glimpse into the dynamic cultural exchanges happening within the Sino-region. It also highlights the increasing opportunities for Hong Kong artists to expand their reach and influence in the Mainland entertainment industry.
Wong’s unique artistic style and her ability to connect with audiences across different cultural backgrounds make her a standout figure in the current entertainment landscape.
News Source: https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202607/31/AP6a6bae3ee4b0c1e50022eeab.html
(3) China’s Summer Box Office Surpasses 7 Billion Yuan, Powered by Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Soccer
(Illustration Credit: CGTN)
China’s summer box office has surpassed the 7 billion yuan (approximately US$1.03 billion) milestone, driven by a 22-day streak of daily revenues exceeding 100 million yuan. Stephen Chow’s sports comedy Kung Fu Soccer has been a major contributor, amassing over 2.1 billion yuan since its release. The film, a spiritual successor to Chow’s 2001 classic Shaolin Soccer, follows a grassroots Chinese women’s football team that incorporates martial arts into their play.
The success of Kung Fu Soccer and other domestic titles like the mythological animation All Wishes Come True highlights the resilience of China’s film industry. With more than 40 new films scheduled for August, including Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, the summer season is expected to maintain its strong momentum. This demonstrates the growing appeal of domestic films and their ability to compete with international blockbusters.
For Western audiences, this underscores the growing influence of Chinese cinema on the global stage and its ability to attract large audiences. It also highlights the importance of local storytelling and cultural elements in driving box office success.
The robust performance of China’s summer box office is a testament to the country’s thriving film industry and its potential to become a major player in the global entertainment landscape.
News Source: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-08-02/China-summer-box-office-hits-7-billion-yuan-in-22-day-streak-1Pho7czL2Fi/p.html
(4) Stars Gather in Hong Kong for Memorial of Legendary Producer Nansun Shi
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Over 100 celebrities and industry figures from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Taiwan gathered at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong for the memorial service of veteran film producer and media executive Nansun Shi, who passed away last month at the age of 75. The event, titled “Encore Nansun,” featured tributes from close friends and industry heavyweights, including Brigitte Lin, Tsui Hark, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, and Chow Yun-fat. Shi was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Chinese-language cinema, having produced numerous acclaimed films during Hong Kong’s golden era.
Shi’s contributions to the film industry were celebrated as extraordinary, with many attendees left visibly emotional. Her work not only shaped the trajectory of Hong Kong cinema but also influenced generations of filmmakers across the Sino-region. The memorial service served as a testament to her lasting impact on the industry and the deep respect she commanded among her peers.
For Western audiences, this event highlights the profound influence of Hong Kong’s film industry on the broader Sino-region and the enduring legacy of its pioneers. It also offers a glimpse into the strong sense of community and shared history among filmmakers in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
The memorial service for Nansun Shi was a poignant reminder of the contributions of legendary figures in shaping the cultural and artistic landscape of the Sino-region, and their enduring impact on global cinema.
(5) CAC Action Targets Low-Taste Group Live Streaming as Over 1,840 Accounts Penalized
(Photo Credit: on.cc)
The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has intensified its regulatory oversight with a crackdown on low-taste content, financial exploitation, and minor protection violations in group live streaming. Penalties include temporary bans, permanent account closures, and traffic throttling for platforms hosting non-compliant content. This campaign is part of China’s broader effort to clean up its digital entertainment ecosystem, which has seen rapid growth but also rising concerns over ethical and cultural standards.
For clients in digital media, broadcasting, or live streaming, this enforcement action underscores the critical importance of compliance with Chinese regulations. Haldanes’ regulatory compliance practice can assist clients in navigating content restrictions, platform liability, and minor protection laws to avoid penalties. The crackdown also signals a heightened risk environment for foreign platforms operating in China, where non-compliance can lead to fines, bans, or reputational damage.
The CAC’s actions reflect China’s zero-tolerance approach to content that violates its cultural norms or exploits vulnerable groups. Businesses must ensure their content moderation policies, user agreements, and operational practices align with local laws to mitigate legal risks.
This regulatory shift is expected to reshape the live-streaming industry, pushing platforms to adopt stricter compliance measures and content review processes to operate safely in the Chinese market.
News Source: https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/news/20260803/bkn-20260803160406402-0803_00822_001.html
(6) Spider-Man: Brand New Day Achieves Strongest Hollywood Superhero Opening in China in Years
(Photo Credit: Variety)
Sony Pictures and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day delivered one of the strongest Hollywood openings in the Chinese market in years, grossing approximately US$121 million in its first five days of release. The film topped the mainland China box office over the July 31–August 2 weekend with RMB 463.5 million (about US$68.1 million) in the three-day frame alone.
IMAX performances were particularly robust, contributing more than US$19 million and setting franchise records for both opening day and opening weekend in China. IMAX accounted for 16% of the film’s nationwide opening-weekend box office despite representing only about 1% of screens—the highest IMAX index in the live-action Spider-Man series history.
The result provides a much-needed boost for Hollywood in China, where the market had seen a sharp year-to-date decline and limited success for recent American tentpoles. Trackers project a final China gross in the US$255–265 million range. Chinese netizens noted the strong IMAX performance while continuing to compare it with concurrent domestic hits.
News Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/china-box-office-spider-man-brand-new-day-121-million-1236826171/
(7) Netflix Series Bloody Smart Adapts Junji Ito Classics, Sparking Mixed Fan Reactions
(Photo Credit: Bloody Smart)
Taiwanese live-action series Bloody Smart, streaming on Netflix and Viu, has sparked intense online debate for its adaptation of Junji Ito’s iconic horror manga. Starring Gigi Leung, Cheryl Chen and Elly Hsu, the show weaves classic stories such as Tomie, The Slug Girl and Souichi into a unified narrative set against a localised Taiwanese backdrop.
Viewer reactions have been sharply divided over character fidelity and visual execution. Elly Hsu’s portrayal of the “Slug Girl” received strong praise for her desolate expressions and the viscous special-effects work, while the practical body-horror makeup and Souichi’s eerie presence were widely celebrated for capturing the unsettling atmosphere of the original manga.
Conversely, newcomer Zheng Weiling’s portrayal of Tomie drew criticism from many fans for lacking the character’s fatal, manipulative aura. Purists argued that relocating and localising the backstories into Taiwanese folklore and everyday settings diluted Junji Ito’s distinctive sense of existential dread, turning some segments into more conventional thriller material.
Supporters of the series defended the narrative changes as necessary for creating a cohesive live-action script and for giving the stories cultural resonance with Taiwanese and broader Chinese-speaking audiences. Discussions on platforms such as PTT, Dcard and Weibo continue to reflect the tension between strict fidelity to the source material and the practical demands of adaptation.
(8) “Lyrical Maverick” Peter Lai, Who Wrote Multiple Hits for Cantopop Stars, Dies at 76
Veteran Hong Kong lyricist and character actor Peter Lai Bei-dak (黎彼得), known as the “Lyrical Maverick,” died on 5 August 2026 at the age of 76 after suffering a stroke earlier in the year. He rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s through a highly productive partnership with Sam Hui and went on to write lyrics for many of the era’s biggest Cantopop stars, including Leslie Cheung (“Monica”), Anita Mui, Roman Tam and Alan Tam.
Sports commentator Eric Chung, a close friend, confirmed that Lai had been bedridden in a nursing home since a stroke in March. Chung visited him on his birthday in May and found him unresponsive. Condolences flooded social media, with fans and industry colleagues describing him as a “grandmaster” and “legendary genius” whose playful yet precise wordplay defined a generation of Cantopop hits.
Beyond his work as a lyricist, Lai was a familiar face as a character actor, most notably as “Uncle Pau” in TVB’s long-running sitcom Come Home Love. He also contributed as a screenwriter and producer earlier in his career. His seven-year collaboration with Sam Hui remains one of the most celebrated creative partnerships in Hong Kong popular music.
Lai’s death has prompted renewed appreciation of the foundational lyricists who helped establish Cantopop as a distinct cultural form. Colleagues and younger writers have paid tribute to both his craft and his generous personality within the industry.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363107/lyrical-maverick-peter-lai-who-wrote-multiple-hits-cantopop-stars-dies-76
(9) Lisa Ch’ng and Mat Yeung Tie the Knot in Kuala Lumpur
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Hong Kong actor Mat Yeung and Malaysia-born actress Lisa Ch’ng held a star-studded wedding reception on 2 August at the JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur after a decade-long relationship that began on the set of TVB’s long-running sitcom Come Home Love. Approximately 200 guests, many of them colleagues from the Hong Kong television industry, travelled from Hong Kong for the occasion.
The celebrations began with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, after which the couple hosted a 30-table banquet. Among the guests were veteran actress Nancy Sit, singer-actress Kayee Tam, Kenneth Ma, Roxanne Tong and other cast members from Come Home Love. Lisa’s sister Jacquelin Ch’ng and actor-host Derek Wong served as emcees.
Lisa Ch’ng, daughter of the late Malaysian tycoon Bill Ch’ng, chose Kuala Lumpur in part to honour her father’s memory and to gather her extended family. The couple have indicated they will organise a further celebration in Hong Kong for friends and colleagues unable to attend the Malaysia event. Bridal wardrobe costs alone were reported to exceed HK$1 million.
Although primarily a personal milestone, the high-profile gathering highlighted the continuing social and professional networks that link Hong Kong’s television community with regional Chinese-speaking entertainment circles. Coverage in both Hong Kong and Malaysian media reflected the couple’s long-standing public profile.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/entertainment/article/338834/Lisa-Chng-and-Mat-Yeung-tie-the-knot-in-Kuala-Lumpur
(10) Taiwan’s Evergreen Symphony Orchestra Makes Japan Debut under Jaap van Zweden
(Photo Credit: Japan Forward)
Taiwan’s Evergreen Symphony Orchestra (ESO), the island’s only fully private professional orchestra, made its Japan debut under the baton of Dutch conductor Jaap van Zweden. The performances took place at Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre and featured baritone Thomas Hampson in selections from Mahler’s Des Knaben Wunderhorn, followed by Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 “Titan.”
Van Zweden, who led the New York Philharmonic from 2018 to 2024 and previously served as Music Director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic, has been Artist-in-Residence with the ESO since 2025. The partnership aims to raise the orchestra’s artistic standards and to develop Taiwanese musicians, young conductors and composers through educational and outreach work.
Founded just 24 years ago with support from the Chang Yung-fa Foundation, the ESO has grown rapidly within Taiwan’s classical music scene. Its leadership has stressed that engaging a conductor of van Zweden’s international standing is essential to elevating the ensemble’s profile and creating professional opportunities for Taiwanese players trained abroad.
Japanese and Taiwanese classical music observers described the Tokyo concerts as a significant milestone for a privately funded Taiwanese orchestra and as part of a broader effort to position the ESO as a cultural ambassador on the international stage.
News Source: https://japan-forward.com/taiwan-evergreen-symphony-orchestra-zweden-japan-debut/
(11) Jessie J and John Legend Headline International Line-up on China’s Singer 2026
(Photo Credit: The Star)
International stars Jessie J and John Legend took the stage in the currently airing season of Singer 2026, the long-running music competition broadcast on Hunan TV and Mango TV. The season has been described as featuring the strongest international line-up in the programme’s history.
Jessie J, a returning favourite on the show, delivered powerful performances of “My Way” and “California,” drawing praise for her vocal control and dynamic range. John Legend, making his debut on the series, performed “All of Me” and “Imagine,” accompanying himself on piano. His warm tone and understated delivery were reported to have moved both the studio judges and large online audiences.
In addition to the two established stars, the season also showcases emerging international artists, including American singer Stanaj and Malaysian artist Azora Chin. Their appearances continue the show’s recent strategy of blending well-known Western names with rising regional talent.
Singer remains one of Mainland China’s most prominent platforms for cross-cultural musical exchange. The participation of high-profile international artists such as Jessie J and John Legend reinforces the programme’s role as a bridge between global pop and the Chinese television market, generating extensive discussion among Mainland viewers and Chinese-speaking netizens.
News Source: https://www.thestar.co.uk/must-read/jessie-j-john-legend-singer-2026-8837516
(12) MIRROR Promotes New Group Song and December Concert on Commercial Radio
(Photo Credit: Ming Pao)
Hong Kong boy band MIRROR sent ten members to Commercial Radio on 5 August to promote their latest group track on the programme Ultimate. The appearance drew a large crowd of fans who waited outside the station despite the hot weather, holding lightsticks and support banners.
Members present included Lokman, Stanley, AK, Keung To, Jer, Ian, Jeremy, Frankie, Alton and Tiger. Anson Lo and Edan were absent due to other work commitments. The group greeted fans upon arrival and maintained a friendly atmosphere throughout the promotional session.
During the live broadcast, the members discussed the creative process behind their latest group track, shared their thoughts on the song’s message, and answered questions from the hosts. They also gave an early preview of their upcoming December concerts in Hong Kong, confirming that the shows will focus on full-group performances without individual solo segments.
The appearance continues MIRROR’s steady stream of group promotions this year. Even with individual members pursuing solo projects, the ten who attended demonstrated strong team chemistry and sustained fan interest through direct engagement and the release of new music.
News Source: https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%e5%a8%9b%e6%a8%82/article/20260806/s00016/1785947223749/mirror%e7%9b%b8%e9%9a%945%e5%b9%b4%e8%a8%aa%e6%b8%af%e5%8f%b0-%e6%ad%a3%e5%bc%8f%e7%a0%b4%e5%86%b0-%e9%a0%90%e5%91%8a12%e6%9c%88%e6%bc%94%e5%94%b1%e6%9c%83%e4%b8%8d%e8%a8%ad%e7%8d%a8%e5%94%b1%e7%92%b0%e7%af%80
