China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 46 Week of 14 April 2025
(1) Coldplay’s Chris Martin Shares How He Stays “Grateful, Happy” with Hong Kong Fans
Chris Martin shared mental health tips and thanked fans after Coldplay’s successful concerts in Hong Kong, which drew around 200,000 attendees.
(2) Chinese Actress Fan Bingbing Secretly Settles in Hong Kong, Living in Luxury Mansion and Adapting to Local Life
Fan Bingbing has reemerged in Hong Kong’s elite circles and social media with a mix of luxury and humility, rebuilding her career after a mainland China scandal.
(3) Shu Qi Celebrates 48th Birthday with Husband Stephen Fung and Reflects on Life
Shu Qi marked her 48th birthday with humility and gratitude, celebrating life’s simplicity and honoring her mother’s sacrifices while sharing reflections on aging, contentment, and self-discovery.
(4) Hu Bing Appears at Milan Design Week, Promoting Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage Clothing on the World Stage
Hu Bing continues to elevate China’s intangible cultural heritage on the global stage, merging Suzhou embroidery and intangible cultural heritage craftsmanship with modern design to bridge Eastern tradition and international fashion.
(5) Hong Kong’s Sunbeam Theatre Finds New Home, Set to Reopen as Soon as Mid-June
Sunbeam Theatre will reopen in Whampoa mid-June, continuing its legacy with live Cantonese opera performances and films.
(6) Hong Kong’s Cinema Day Returns on 10 May with Tickets Priced at HK$30
Hong Kong’s Cinema Day on 10 May offers HK$30 tickets to boost the struggling film industry, with past events showing strong public support.
(7) G.E.M. Reveals Completion of Her Novel “Apocalypse”
G.E.M. has completed her 200,000-word novel “Apocalypse,” fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a signed author.
(8) Ronald Cheng and Sammie Yu Face Divorce Rumors Amid Turmoil
Ronald Cheng and Sammie Yu are under intense public scrutiny amid divorce rumors, with their recent court appearance and social media activity fueling speculation about their marital status.
(9) J-pop Idol Kenshin Kamimura Pleads Not Guilty to Indecent Assault in Hong Kong
Kenshin Kamimura denied indecent assault allegations in a highly emotional court hearing attended by numerous fans, leading to his contract termination and ongoing legal proceedings.
(10) Former TVB Artist Mason Chun Assaulted in Prince Edward, 36-year-old Assailant Arrested
Mason Chun and another former artist were assaulted in separate incidents, leading to the arrest of a suspect who is believed to be responsible for both attacks.
(11) Filmmaker Wong Jing Addresses Criticism of Keung To, Points to Industry and Fan Culture as the Real Issue
Wong Jing’s critique of Keung To sparked controversy, leading to a clarification where Wong expressed hope for Keung’s future improvement.
(12) Fan of China Boy Group Throws Herself at Band’s Moving Car, Raises Safety, Privacy Concerns
An obsessive fan’s dangerous behavior towards the boy band Teens in Times sparked shock and debate online, highlighting the issue of “sasaeng fans” and their invasive actions.
(1) Coldplay’s Chris Martin Shares How He Stays “Grateful, Happy” with Hong Kong Fans
(Photo Credit: Harvey Kong)
Coldplay’s frontman, Chris Martin, shared tips for combating depression and expressed gratitude to fans in Hong Kong after the band’s four-night run of sold-out concerts. In a video posted on social media, Martin thanked fans for their support and mentioned his own struggles with depression. He offered advice such as free-form writing, transcendental meditation, watching the film “Sing Sing,” reading about breathing techniques, and listening to music by Jon Hopkins and Chloe Qisha.
During the video, Martin was interrupted by the sounds of barking dogs and laughing children, which he embraced as part of life. A fan on a mainland Chinese social media platform claimed to have inspired the video by messaging one of the band’s crew members about their depression and requesting the song “Up&Up.”
Coldplay’s concerts at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park were part of their “Music of the Spheres” world tour, attracting around 200,000 attendees. Tickets for the initially announced three shows sold out quickly, leading to the addition of a fourth show. Fans from across the city, mainland China, and beyond gathered at the 50,000-seat stadium hours before the events to enjoy the atmosphere and purchase merchandise. The concerts were a significant success, highlighting the band’s global appeal and the strong connection with their audience.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3306565/coldplays-chris-martin-shares-tips-fighting-depression-thanks-hong-kong-fans?module=top_story&pgtype=homepage
(2) Chinese Actress Fan Bingbing Secretly Settles in Hong Kong, Living in Luxury Mansion and Adapting to Local Life
(Photo Credit: IG@bingbing_fan)
Fan Bingbing, 43, has reportedly established herself in Hong Kong as a “New Hongkonger,” residing in a lavish 5,000-square-foot mansion on Barker Road at The Peak with a monthly rent of HK$650,000. The actress, accompanied by her mother, has integrated into the city’s elite circles, socializing with figures like Kimbee Chan (wife of billionaire Joseph Lau) and Hsieh Ling-ling (ex-wife of tycoon Peter Lam). Her career revival was highlighted in December 2024 when she attended a Christmas party hosted by wealthy businessman Cecil Chao, where she was seen dancing hand-in-hand with the host, signaling her resurgence in high society.
Fan’s comeback follows her 2018 downfall in mainland China due to a high-profile tax evasion scandal involving “yin-yang contracts,” which led to her exclusion from the mainland entertainment industry. Since relocating to Hong Kong, she has focused on rebuilding her career overseas while maintaining a low-key presence. Recently, however, Fan shared candid social media photos depicting a stark contrast to her glamorous persona: dressed in casual overalls, she posed in Hong Kong’s back alleys holding orange juice and squatted outside a closed shop with Buddhist prayer beads on her wrist.
These images reflect her efforts to reinvent her public image, blending humility with her enduring star power. Meanwhile, her opulent lifestyle and elite connections underscore her strategic pivot toward Hong Kong’s affluent social scene.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/chinese-actress-fan-bingbing-secretly-settles-in-hong-kong-living-in-luxury-mansion-and-adapting-to-local-life/
(3) Shu Qi Celebrates 48th Birthday with Husband Stephen Fung and Reflects on Life
(Photo Credit: Weibo@舒淇)
Shu Qi celebrated her 48th birthday on 16 April 2025 with a heartfelt social media post titled “Happy Birthday To Me,” sharing a candid photo of herself and husband Stephen Fung preparing to cut her birthday cake. The makeup-free actress radiated joy in the simple, intimate moment, reflecting her embrace of life’s quieter pleasures. In her post, Shu Qi paid tribute to her mother, acknowledging the sacrifices made during childbirth and expressing eternal gratitude for her unconditional love, stating, “Today I celebrate myself, but I also celebrate her.”
The actress reflected on her evolving outlook, noting how age has shifted her priorities from grand ambitions to appreciating everyday moments. “True happiness is living a simple, healthy life without worries,” she wrote, emphasizing the value of gratitude, letting go of unmet expectations, and finding peace in acceptance. Shu Qi also highlighted her newfound joy in life’s small indulgences, like sitting in a café with coffee, and vowed to “keep striving forward” without complaint.
Concluding her message, Shu Qi wished kindness and happiness for all beings, health for loved ones, and reserved a private wish for herself. Her celebration blended introspection with warmth, underscoring her journey toward contentment and self-acceptance.
News Source: https://s.weibo.com/weibo?q=%23%E8%88%92%E6%B7%87%E7%94%9F%E6%97%A5%E9%95%BF%E6%96%87%23&t=547&band_rank=10&Refer=top
(4) Hu Bing Appears at Milan Design Week, Promoting Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage Clothing on the World Stage
(Photo Credit: ifeng)
Chinese supermodel Hu Bing has become a pivotal bridge between Eastern and Western fashion, recently spotlighting China’s intangible cultural heritage at Milan Design Week. To mark the 55th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic ties, Hu starred in the viral video Bloom in Milan by People’s Daily, wearing a Suzhou embroidery ensemble that fused the 1,000-year-old craft with contemporary design. Alongside Chinese cultural inheritors and Italian models, he led a dynamic showcase at landmarks like Milan Cathedral, transforming traditional motifs like Suzhou’s “needle-as-pen, thread-as-ink” artistry into globally resonant fashion statements.
Hu’s advocacy for cultural fashion spans decades. In 2019, he stunned audiences with a Yunnan-inspired collection celebrating ethnic craftsmanship, and at recent events like Beijing China International Fashion Week and Shanghai’s Ralph Lauren, he championed emerging designers while reinterpreting Western aesthetics through an Eastern lens. His “100 Fashion Faces” initiative has propelled young Chinese designers onto global runways, earning him recognition as a “key driver of China’s fashion globalization.”
From his early days as China’s first supermodel to his current role as a cultural ambassador, Hu has dedicated over 30 years to translating China’s intangible heritage into universal design language. By blending intangible cultural heritage elements with modern silhouettes—whether striding through Milan or London—he proves that cultural preservation thrives through innovation. As he once stated, “Chinese fashion’s global rise hinges on transforming cultural DNA into shared aesthetic symbols.”
News Source: https://i.ifeng.com/c/8ibCp958Lxk
(5) Hong Kong’s Sunbeam Theatre Finds New Home, Set to Reopen as Soon as Mid-June
(Photo Credit: Sam Tsang)
Beloved Cantonese opera venue Sunbeam Theatre, which closed in North Point last month, has found a new home in Whampoa, Hong Kong. The theatre’s chairman, Edward Li Kui-ming, announced the move during a signing ceremony with Hutchison Property Group. The new venue, Sunbeam Whampoa, will take over the site of the recently closed GH Whampoa cinema in Hung Hom and is expected to reopen in June or July.
Sunbeam Whampoa will continue the legacy of the original theatre by hosting live performances of Cantonese opera excerpts and screening Cantonese opera films and regular movies. Li revealed that ten Cantonese opera films are currently in production, each running around 3½ hours, allowing audiences to appreciate the performers’ expressions and movements. The original Sunbeam Theatre, which opened in 1972, faced multiple threats of closure over the years but remained a cultural landmark until its recent closure.
Li praised Whampoa’s prime location and infrastructure, highlighting its proximity to an MTR station, ample parking spaces, and diverse dining options. He also announced plans to transform one of the rooms into a “little Hong Kong Coliseum” for smaller-scale concerts and performances by local and emerging talent. The new venue aims to establish itself as a cultural landmark for entertainment and film in Hong Kong.
(6) Hong Kong’s Cinema Day Returns on 10 May with Tickets Priced at HK$30
(Photo credit: Sam Tsang)
Hong Kong’s Cinema Day is set to return on 10 May, offering movie tickets at a reduced price of HK$30 (US$3.90). This annual event, now in its third year, is part of the “Happy Hong Kong” campaign aimed at boosting morale amid the ongoing challenges faced by the city’s film industry. The announcement was made through a 30-second advertisement featuring martial artist Donnie Yen Ji-dan, encouraging residents to participate.
The Hong Kong Theatres Association, which organizes the event, reported a record single-day attendance of nearly 222,000 film-goers during the inaugural Cinema Day in 2023. Despite the success of such events, the local film industry continues to struggle with declining audiences and the closure of cinemas. From a peak of over 125,000 seats in 112 cinemas in 1994, the city now has fewer than 40,000 seats in 56 cinemas.
One of the latest closures is the Whampoa branch of Golden Harvest Cinema, which shut its doors on 10 April after its lease expired. This closure reduces the chain’s presence in Hong Kong to six outlets. The upcoming Cinema Day aims to provide a much-needed boost to the industry by attracting more viewers to theaters.
(7) G.E.M. Reveals Completion of Her Novel “Apocalypse”
(Photo Credit: Weibo@GEM鄧紫棋)
On 2 April 2025, renowned singer G.E.M. (Gloria Tang Tze-kei) announced on social media that she has fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a signed author. She shared that her novel “Apocalypse,” which spans over 200,000 words, is finally complete. This milestone comes 20 years after she first envisioned becoming a writer at the age of 13.
G.E.M. revealed that her novel is based on the stories from her album “Apocalypse,” and has evolved to include themes such as quantum mechanics, the origin of the universe, and artificial intelligence. She emphasized the need for a clear mind and dedicated time to complete the novel, which she plans to publish this year. Her journey from writing 110,000 words in January to finishing the novel demonstrates her commitment to the project.
Born on 16 August 1991, in Shanghai, G.E.M. is a celebrated Mandopop singer, songwriter, and music producer. She gained fame with her debut EP “G.E.M.” in 2008 and achieved widespread recognition through her participation in the music show “I Am a Singer” in 2014, where she finished as the runner-up. Her accomplishments include performing at the CCTV Spring Festival Gala in 2015.
News Source: https://cbgc.scol.com.cn/news/6193739
(8) Ronald Cheng and Sammie Yu Face Divorce Rumors Amid Turmoil
(Photo Credit: LIANHE ZAOBAO)
Ronald Cheng and Sammie Yu are facing intense public scrutiny amid rumors of their impending divorce. The couple recently appeared separately at the Wan Chai Family Court, fueling speculation about their marital status. Cheng, a well-known figure in the Hong Kong entertainment industry, has been dealing with personal struggles, including emotional health issues and alcohol rehabilitation, which have impacted his career and personal life.
The rumors of their divorce began circulating in February 2025, just before Yu’s 45th birthday. The couple’s decision to unfollow each other on Instagram and Cheng’s evasive responses to reporters have only intensified public curiosity. Despite the challenges, Cheng’s father expressed hope that the situation would not adversely affect their children, emphasizing the importance of protecting them from the fallout.
As the couple navigates this turbulent period, the media and public remain focused on their next moves. Cheng’s diminished public presence and Yu’s social media posts hint at ongoing marital strife. The unfolding story highlights the pressures faced by public figures and the complexities of maintaining personal happiness in the spotlight.
News Source: https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/ronald-cheng-and-sammie-yu-face-divorce-rumors-amid-turmoil-323931
(9) J-pop Idol Kenshin Kamimura Pleads Not Guilty to Indecent Assault in Hong Kong
(Photo Credit: Edmond So)
J-pop star Kenshin Kamimura denied allegations of indecent assault against a female interpreter during a hearing at West Kowloon Court in Hong Kong. Dressed in a black suit, the former member of ONE N’ ONLY appeared before Magistrate Li Chi-ho, pleading not guilty to the charge related to an incident on 2 March at Ming Kee Restaurant in Mong Kok. Kamimura, visibly distressed, broke down in tears multiple times during the hearing, which was attended by about 170 fans.
Kamimura was removed from his boy band following the alleged incident, with the group continuing to perform in Japan. During the hearing, Kamimura’s supporters, including local, Japanese, and mainland Chinese fans, filled the courtroom and watched a live recording from a separate area. Police were deployed to maintain order as fans lined up early in the morning to show their support. Kamimura was arrested and charged on the same day as the alleged assault and is currently out on bail.
The hearing will resume on 30 July and is expected to last three days. Kamimura’s talent agency, Stardust Promotion, terminated his contract shortly after his arrest, citing a serious breach of compliance. Despite the controversy, fans have continued to show their support, leaving messages on the group’s social media profiles. Kamimura’s Instagram account has been deleted since the incident.
(10) Former TVB Artist Mason Chun Assaulted in Prince Edward, 36-year-old Assailant Arrested
(Photo Credit: TVB “Scoop”)
On 8 April, former TVB artist Mason Chun was assaulted while crossing the road in Prince Edward. A man confronted Chun, shouting aggressively before punching him in the left eye and ripping off his mask. Chun reported the incident to the police, leading to the arrest of a 36-year-old man, surnamed Ng, on 10 April. Ng was granted bail and must report back to the police in early May.
During an interview on the TVB programme “Scoop,” Chun expressed his distress over the attack, noting that he tried to avoid eye contact with the aggressor. Despite his efforts, he was assaulted, resulting in injuries to his eyes and a sprained hand. Chun lamented the lack of assistance from bystanders, who did not help him contact the police.
In a related incident, another former artist was assaulted in Mong Kok, raising suspicions that the same individual might be responsible for both attacks. The police confirmed receiving a report from a 44-year-old man who claimed to have been assaulted by the same suspect during a dispute at 256 Sai Yeung Choi Street South. Emergency services treated the victim’s facial and hand injuries and transported him to Kwong Wah Hospital.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/former-tvb-artist-mason-chun-assaulted-in-prince-edward-36-year-old-assailant-arrested/
(Photo Credit: Yahoo News)
On 12 April, Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Jing sparked controversy by posting a harsh critique of pop star Keung To on Weibo, questioning his status as a top-tier celebrity and criticizing his appearance and performance skills. The post quickly ignited widespread debate online. In response, Keung To uploaded a video with the caption, “What a joke…” seemingly addressing Wong’s criticism. Wong has since deleted the post.
The following morning, Wong clarified his views on Weibo, admitting his previous comments were harsh. He explained that his criticism was aimed at the entertainment industry’s excessive promotion and the blind adoration of Keung’s fans, rather than Keung personally. Wong lamented the decline in the calibre of Hong Kong’s leading entertainers, comparing Keung to past icons like Sam Hui, Alan Tam, Leslie Cheung, Anita Mui, Jacky Cheung, and Eason Chan.
Wong expressed hope that Keung could one day prove himself by refining his skills and improving his performance quality, citing examples of stars like Andy Lau and Nicholas Tse, who overcame early criticism to become celebrated figures. He added, “I hope there will come a day when I can genuinely call him a top-tier idol—if I’m still alive by then.”
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/filmmaker-wong-jing-addresses-criticism-of-keung-to-points-to-industry-and-fan-culture-as-the-real-issue/
(12) Fan of China Boy Group Throws Herself at Band’s Moving Car, Raises Safety, Privacy Concerns
(Photo Credit: SCMP composite/Sohu/Douyin)
On 4 April, at Jiangxi Jingdezhen Airport, an obsessive fan of the Chinese boy band Teens in Times (TNT) threw herself at their moving car, was knocked down, and then chased the vehicle again. The incident, captured in a video clip, sparked widespread shock and debate on social media. TNT, a seven-member group that debuted in 2019, has a large following and has been frequently disturbed by “sasaeng fans”—obsessive fans who invade celebrities’ privacy.
The fan’s behavior led to heated discussions online, with many disapproving of such extreme actions. Sasaeng fans have previously caused accidents, sneaked into hotel rooms, and stolen items from the band’s rubbish bins. An entertainment influencer highlighted the profitable business of selling close-up photos and videos of the band, urging fans to meet their idols in more respectful ways. Despite the controversy, TNT’s social media account called on fans to stop such dangerous behavior.
Scenes of fans chasing the band’s car were likened to zombie films, and the influencer pleaded for fans to stop buying photos taken by sasaeng fans. The band did not specifically respond to this incident, but their social media account emphasized the dangers of such actions. Observers online expressed concern for the fan’s safety and criticized the extreme measures taken to get close to the band.
