China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 55 Week of 16 June 2025
(1) Star-Studded Shanghai Film Festival Launches with Giuseppe Tornatore’s Message of Global Peace and Coexistence
The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival opened with a star-studded gala and a strong message of peace, celebrating cinema’s power to connect cultures, honor its history, and drive innovation.
(2) Jimmy O. Yang Returns to Hong Kong for Sold-out Stand-up Debut at Hong Kong Coliseum
Hong Kong-born comedian Jimmy O. Yang made a triumphant hometown return with a sold-out stand-up show at the Hong Kong Coliseum, blending local culture, celebrity guests, and heartfelt tributes to his roots.
(3) iQIYI Wins RMB30 Million Copyright Case Against Short Video App Over “The Knockout”
iQIYI’s RMB30 million court victory over a short video app, Kuaishou, marks a major step in China’s crackdown on digital copyright infringement.
(4) Edison Chen Involved in Heated Exchange with Flight Attendant on Tokyo to New York Flight
Edison Chen was involved in a dispute with a flight attendant over disembarkation priority on a Japan Airlines flight, prompting ongoing talks with the airline.
(5) Headphone Maker Beyerdynamic Sold to China’s Cosonic for US$139 Million
Shenzhen-based Cosonic Intelligent Technologies has acquired German premium headphone maker Beyerdynamic for €122 million (US$139 million), marking its strategic entry into the global consumer audio market.
(6) AI Revives Kung Fu Cinema: Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li Set for Digital Comeback
China’s Kung Fu Film Heritage Project is using AI to restore 100 classic martial arts films and launch the world’s first fully AI-produced animated feature, signaling a new era for Chinese cinema.
(7) Nicholas Tse Spotted in Sichuan Filming Food Show
Nicholas Tse announced his August Hangzhou concert while filming season two of “The Taste of the People”, continuing to captivate fans through both music and television.
(8) Hong Kong singer Karen Mok Acquires Luxury Mid-Levels Apartment for HK$84.5 Million
Singer Karen Mok purchased a luxury HK$84.5 million apartment in Hong Kong’s Mid-Levels, marking another strategic addition to her growing real estate portfolio.
(9) “How to Train Your Dragon” Flies to No. 1 at China Box Office
Universal’s live-action “How to Train Your Dragon” topped the China box office with US$11.1 million, pushing the country’s 2025 total box office to US$3.91 billion.
(10) Hong Kong Man Scammed out of HK$4,900 Trying to Buy Blackpink Tickets
A Hong Kong man was scammed while buying Blackpink concert tickets online, highlighting a surge in shopping scams and prompting police warnings about online transaction safety.
(11) Cao Baoping Brings Tianjin Dialect Comedy “One Wacky Summer” to Shanghai Film Festival
“One Wacky Summer” marks director Cao Baoping’s comedic turn, celebrating Tianjin’s culture and humor through a theatrical black comedy premiering at the Shanghai International Film Festival.
(12) Public Shock as Taiwan Actress Posts Photos of Her Face Pinned with Needles from Skin Therapy
Joe Chen Chiao-en’s dramatic acupuncture photos stirred online debate, highlighting both the beauty benefits and health risks of the intense traditional treatment.
(1) Star-Studded Shanghai Film Festival Launches with Giuseppe Tornatore’s Message of Global Peace and Coexistence
(Photo Credit: Shanghai International Film Festival)
The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival opened with grandeur at the Grand Theatre, featuring a star-studded lineup including Zhang Ziyi, Tony Leung Ka-fai, and Yang Mi. The event began with a moving orchestral and children’s choir performance, setting the tone for a celebration of cinema. Jury president Giuseppe Tornatore and Indian filmmaker Kiran Rao emphasized cinema’s power to unite across cultures, with Tornatore calling for peace and coexistence through film.
Festival organizers highlighted a three-pronged strategy to rejuvenate the film industry by blending historical reflection with innovation. Zhao Jiaming stressed the importance of integrating art and technology, while Wang Xiaozhen of China Media Group linked the festival to major cinematic anniversaries — 130 years of global cinema and 120 years of Chinese cinema. The programming includes tributes to classic films and showcases of new industry developments.
This year’s theme, “Cinema as a Medium,” aims to foster global cultural exchange and promote Chinese storytelling. The festival also focuses on audience engagement through “film+” initiatives that merge cinema with tourism, commerce, and more. Shanghai’s ambition to become a global film hub was underscored by an open invitation to international filmmakers to collaborate and innovate in the city.
News Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/shanghai-film-festival-giuseppe-tornatore-peace-message-1236431640/
(2) Jimmy O. Yang Returns to Hong Kong for Sold-out Stand-up Debut at Hong Kong Coliseum
(Photo Credit: IG Jimmy O. Yang)
Hong Kong-born Hollywood actor and comedian Jimmy O. Yang made a celebrated return to his hometown on 14 June 2025, launching the first of five sold-out stand-up shows at the iconic Hong Kong Coliseum. The opening night drew a star-studded crowd, including his comedy idol Dayo Wong, actress Brigitte Lin, and singers Hacken Lee and Leo Koo. Yang’s family joined him on stage during the curtain call, and local hip-hop duo FAMA made a surprise guest appearance.
Yang had long promised that his first Asian tour would begin in Hong Kong, and he delivered a performance rich in local flavor, incorporating Cantonese phrases and cultural references that resonated deeply with the audience. His grand entrance to The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” in a Beyoncé-style reveal set an energetic tone for the evening, earning thunderous applause.
Having risen to fame through roles like the lead in “Interior Chinatown”, Yang credits Dayo Wong for inspiring his stand-up journey. Born in Hong Kong and a former Wah Yan College student, he moved to the U.S. at 13 and pursued comedy after earning an economics degree. His Coliseum shows mark a heartfelt homecoming, blending his Hollywood success with a tribute to his roots, while preserving the live experience by limiting filming.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/jimmy-o-yang-returns-to-hong-kong-for-sold-out-stand-up-debut-at-hk-coliseum/
(3) iQIYI Wins RMB30 Million Copyright Case Against Short Video App Over “The Knockout”
(Photo Credit: Weibo)
Beijing iQIYI Technology Co. has won a landmark copyright infringement case against a short video app, Kuaishou, that illegally distributed clips from the hit drama “The Knockout”. The Jiangsu High People’s Court upheld the ruling, ordering the app to pay RMB30 million (approx. USD 4.1 million) in damages and legal costs. iQIYI, the exclusive digital rights holder of the series, discovered that the app had created a dedicated topic page and hosted over 453,000 related videos, amassing 11.6 billion views. The court found the app’s actions exceeded fair use and constituted direct infringement, especially as it profited from livestreams and failed to prevent user violations.
The ruling highlights the growing tension between short video platforms seeking traffic through popular IP and content creators defending their rights. Legal experts noted that such platforms often aggregate and promote unauthorized content, undermining the return on investment for original productions. The court’s decision to hold the platform jointly liable with users sets a strong precedent for future copyright enforcement in China’s digital media landscape.
This case also aligns with China’s broader crackdown on online piracy. The 2025 “Sword Net” campaign targets illegal distribution of audiovisual content, including short videos and livestreams, reinforcing the message that copyright violations will face serious legal consequences.
News Source: https://news.qq.com/rain/a/20250611A096F700
(4) Edison Chen Involved in Heated Exchange with Flight Attendant on Tokyo to New York Flight
(Photo Credit: Tencent News)
Edison Chen was recently involved in a dispute aboard a Japan Airlines flight from Tokyo Haneda to New York, drawing media attention. The controversy reportedly began during disembarkation, when Chen expressed frustration over the process and allegedly told a flight attendant, “Bring your complaint letter. I will get you fired!” This remark sparked public debate, prompting his manager to clarify the situation.
According to the manager, the incident occurred after landing when Chen was retrieving his luggage. Passengers behind him began moving forward before the aircraft door had opened, prompting Chen to politely ask if he could finish collecting his belongings first. A flight attendant intervened to assess the situation and informed Chen that the other passenger was a JMB Diamond member entitled to priority disembarkation.
Chen was surprised by this, as he believed he also held JMB Diamond status, leading to a misunderstanding. The manager emphasized that the exchange was not confrontational and that Chen had communicated respectfully. Discussions between Chen and Japan Airlines are ongoing to resolve the matter and clarify any miscommunication. The incident highlights the challenges of managing elite travel privileges and the importance of clear communication in high-pressure situations.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/edison-chen-involved-in-heated-exchange-with-flight-attendant-on-tokyo-to-new-york-flight/
(5) Headphone Maker Beyerdynamic Sold to China’s Cosonic for US$139 Million
(Photo Credit: Mika Baumeister on Unsplash)
Cosonic Intelligent Technologies, a Shenzhen-listed audio component manufacturer, has acquired Germany’s Beyerdynamic for €122 million ($139 million), marking its entry into the premium consumer audio segment. Beyerdynamic, founded in 1924 and known for its professional-grade headphones and microphones, has remained family-controlled for over a century. The acquisition includes Beyerdynamic’s subsidiaries in the US, China, and India, and gives Cosonic access to a global network of over 100 business partners and major e-commerce platforms like Amazon, JD.com, and Tmall.
The deal values Beyerdynamic at approximately 14 times its 2024 net profit and is expected to close swiftly due to the absence of antitrust or national security concerns. Cosonic, which has historically operated as an original equipment manufacturer for brands like Philips, JBL, and Huawei, aims to leverage Beyerdynamic’s established sales channels to expand into European and American markets. Despite a 69% drop in net profit in 2024, Cosonic’s revenue grew slightly, and the company sees this acquisition as a way to diversify its product offerings and strengthen its resilience against global trade uncertainties.
This transaction is part of a broader trend of consolidation in the premium audio industry. Recent deals include Samsung’s Harman acquiring Sound United for US$350 million, Sony Interactive Entertainment purchasing gaming headphone maker Audeze, and Bose acquiring McIntosh Group, known for luxury audio brands. These moves reflect growing competition and strategic positioning in the high-end audio market.
News Source: https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/headphone-maker-beyerdynamic-sold-to-chinas-cosonic-for-139m/
(6) AI Revives Kung Fu Cinema: Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li Set for Digital Comeback
(Photo credit: Shanghai International Film Festival)
At the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, China unveiled the Kung Fu Film Heritage Project, a major initiative to digitally restore 100 classic martial arts films using artificial intelligence. Iconic titles like “Fist of Fury, Drunken Master,” and “Once Upon a Time in China” will be enhanced with AI-driven image and sound upgrades, preserving their cultural legacy. RMB100 million has been allocated for the first phase, with ten films prioritized. Industry leaders emphasized the importance of combining AI technology with creative storytelling to rejuvenate Chinese martial arts cinema.
The event also premiered “A Better Tomorrow: Cyber Border,” the world’s first fully AI-produced animated feature. Created by just 30 people using a full-stack AI pipeline, the cyberpunk reinterpretation of the John Woo classic showcases how AI has dramatically shortened production cycles. Producers urged Chinese creators to expand their IPs into interactive formats like fighting games, citing the global popularity of Chinese martial arts moves.
Regulatory support and infrastructure were highlighted as key to the initiative’s success. Officials cited new AI content labeling rules and render farms that have drastically reduced visual effects processing times. The launch concluded with tributes to kung fu film veterans, reinforcing the project’s mission to honor and evolve the genre.
News Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/bruce-lee-jackie-chan-better-tomorrow-ai-kung-fu-shanghai-1236435967/
(7) Nicholas Tse Spotted in Sichuan Filming Food Show
(Photo Credit: Dim Sum Daily)
Hong Kong singer and actor Nicholas Tse has officially announced his upcoming concert in Hangzhou, scheduled for 9–10 August, following his recent performance at the Kai Tak Concert in Hong Kong. The announcement has sparked excitement among fans as Tse prepares for his mainland tour. Meanwhile, he was recently seen in Chengdu filming season two of the food reality show “The Taste of the People”, alongside Mainland artist Tenzing Tsondu.
Produced in collaboration with Jiangsu TV, the show explores local cuisines and the stories behind them, with Tse serving as the “Food Exploration Officer.” During filming, Tse visited scenic spots and engaged warmly with fans, drawing large crowds and requiring security presence. The second season continues the show’s theme of “Discovering Human Stories, Sampling Life’s Flavours,” building on the first season’s journey through Tibetan herder communities and Chaozhou’s culinary traditions.
Tenzing Tsondu expressed interest in learning acting from Tse, who offered to teach him, though their busy schedules made it difficult to follow through. With his concert and filming commitments, Tse remains active in both music and television, reinforcing his status as a versatile entertainer admired across Greater China.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/nicholas-tse-spotted-in-sichuan-filming-food-show/
(8) Hong Kong singer Karen Mok Acquires Luxury Mid-Levels Apartment for HK$84.5 Million
(Photo Credit: Prestige)
On 14 June 2025, Hong Kong singer Karen Mok made a major real estate investment by purchasing a luxury three-bedroom apartment at Dynasty Court in the upscale Mid-Levels district for HK$84.5 million. The 2,153-square-foot unit, which includes two storage rooms and a parking space, was acquired directly from the developer, highlighting the exclusivity of the deal. The price translates to approximately HK$39,220 per square foot.
Public records show the buyer as “Morris Karen Joy,” which matches Mok’s full legal name, strongly indicating her ownership of the property. This purchase adds to her growing real estate portfolio and reflects her continued financial success and strategic investment choices. The Mid-Levels area is known for its prime location and high-end residential offerings, making it a popular choice among celebrities and affluent buyers.
Karen Mok has a history of savvy property investments. In 2016, she bought four interconnected industrial units in CEO Tower, Cheung Sha Wan, for nearly HK$27 million. Those units covered a total of 4,251 square feet, purchased at a much lower rate of HK$6,351 per square foot. Her latest acquisition underscores her evolving investment strategy and her strong ties to Hong Kong’s property market.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/hk-singer-karen-mok-acquires-luxury-mid-levels-apartment-for-hk84-5-million/#google_vignette
(9) “How to Train Your Dragon” Flies to No. 1 at China Box Office
(Photo Credit: Everett Collection)
Universal’s live-action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon” soared to the top of the China box office over the 13–15 June weekend, earning RMB79.7 million (USD$11.1 million). The film’s strong debut included US$1.6 million from Imax screenings, which accounted for 15% of its opening weekend revenue. This marks a successful launch for the adaptation in one of the world’s largest film markets.
After two weeks at No. 1, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” slipped to second place with US$4.7 million, bringing its cumulative total in China to US$55.8 million. The film remains one of the top-performing Hollywood imports of 2025. In third place was the Chinese animated fantasy “Endless Journey of Love”, which added $2.4 million to its total, now reaching US$21.3 million. Set in 1930s China, the film follows a village girl with time-controlling powers, voiced by Karry Wang and others.
Rounding out the top five were the romantic comedy “Love List”, debuting with US$1.5 million, and Lionsgate’s assassin thriller “Ballerina”, starring Ana de Armas, which earned US$1.4 million in its second week. Overall, the 13–15 June weekend box office reached US$27.1 million, pushing China’s 2025 year-to-date total to US$3.91 billion, up 24.6% from last year.
News Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/box-office/how-to-train-your-dragon-china-box-office-1236432671/
(10) Hong Kong Man Scammed out of HK$4,900 Trying to Buy Blackpink Tickets
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
A 25-year-old man in Hong Kong was scammed out of HK$4,900 while attempting to buy two tickets for Blackpink’s upcoming concerts at Kai Tak Stadium. He found the seller on Threads and completed the transaction via FPS, only to receive a fake dynamic QR code. This case is part of a broader surge in online shopping scams, with police reporting 200 incidents in the past week alone, amounting to HK$5.5 million in losses.
Among the recent scams, 14 were linked to Threads, with 10 involving concert tickets. The Hong Kong Police’s Cyber Defender team issued a warning urging residents to verify seller details, such as account creation dates and user comments, and to meet in person when possible. They also advised cancelling any transaction if doubts arise during the process.
Blackpink’s concerts, scheduled for January next year, are the final shows of their world tour. Tickets sold out in just over 90 minutes, reflecting the group’s immense popularity. The K-pop quartet—Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé—last performed in Hong Kong in 2023 with three sold-out shows at AsiaWorld-Expo.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3314530/hong-kong-man-scammed-out-hk4900-trying-buy-blackpink-tickets
(11) Cao Baoping Brings Tianjin Dialect Comedy “One Wacky Summer” to Shanghai Film Festival
(Photo Credit: Shanghai International Film Festival)
Director Cao Baoping premiered his latest film “One Wacky Summer” at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, marking a shift from his usual crime thrillers to black comedy. The film, which features the rarely heard Tianjin dialect, stars Guo Qilin, Qi Xi, Sun Anke, and child actor Hu Langquan. Cao described the project as a lighter, more fun endeavor after a multi-year break from filmmaking, aiming to highlight Tianjin’s unique humor and culture.
Guo Qilin, a Tianjin native, expressed pride in showcasing his hometown’s customs, noting that filming took him to unfamiliar areas like the Dagang oil fields and Lutai salt factories. The cast faced challenges with the dialect, especially Sun Anke, who found it difficult to avoid slipping into other regional accents. Qi Xi praised Cao’s collaborative and playful directing style, while Hu Langquan found the story humorous and true to Tianjin’s character.
Cao emphasized the film’s exaggerated, theatrical tone, designed to amplify its comedic appeal. He noted Tianjin’s reputation for low depression rates and its residents’ ability to find joy in hardship, making it an ideal setting for a comedy. “One Wacky Summer” is one of 12 films competing in the festival’s main competition, with 11 being world premieres.
News Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/cao-baoping-one-wacky-summer-shanghai-film-festival-1236434692/
(12) Public Shock as Taiwan Actress Posts Photos of Her Face Pinned with Needles from Skin Therapy
(Photo Credit: SCMP composite/Weibo)
Taiwanese actress and singer Joe Chen Chiao-en shocked fans by sharing photos of herself undergoing a full-body acupuncture treatment, sparking widespread discussion on mainland Chinese social media. Known for her roles in hit dramas like “Fated to Love You” and “The Prince Who Turns into a Frog”, Chen posted images on Weibo showing over 100 needles inserted into her face, back, feet, and scalp. She described the procedure, known as thread acupuncture, as part of her beauty regimen, claiming it helps with skin whitening, pore reduction, and facial tightening.
Chen explained that the back treatment was particularly painful but effective for slimming and relieving shoulder and neck pain. She also noted improvement in leg numbness after two sessions. Her post quickly gained traction, with thousands of likes and comments, many expressing disbelief at the intensity of the procedure. Some netizens humorously questioned the origins and safety of such treatments, while others admired her pain tolerance and dedication to beauty.
Medical experts weighed in, acknowledging some benefits of acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine but warning of potential risks. Gao Ao from Dongfang Hospital cautioned that overuse could lead to scarring and that individuals with weak qi and blood might suffer adverse effects. She emphasized that internal health should not be compromised for cosmetic gains.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3313879/public-shock-taiwan-actress-posts-photos-her-face-pinned-needles-skin-therapy?module=perpetual_scroll_0&pgtype=article
