China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 58 Week of 7 July 2025
(1) UMGC Strikes Partnership with Mandopop star David Tao and His Company GREAT Entertainment
Mandopop icon David Tao has signed a major partnership with Universal Music Greater China, marking a new chapter in his career with the release of his first album in over a decade.
(2) Joey Yung Stands Firm Amid Emperor Group’s Financial Struggles
Despite Emperor International Holdings’ financial challenges, Cantopop star Joey Yung expressed full confidence in the company and its leadership, assuring fans and colleagues that operations remain stable.
(3) “Ne Zha 2” Sets English-Language U.S. Release from A24, Michelle Yeoh Joins Voice Cast
The English-language version of “Ne Zha 2,” China’s highest-grossing animated film, will hit theaters in August with Michelle Yeoh in the voice cast.
(4) “Island in the Wind” Wins Grand Prize at 27th Taipei Film Awards
The 27th Taipei Film Awards celebrated standout performances and productions, with documentary “Island in the Wind” taking home the top prize and multiple honors.
(5) Yang Mi Praised for Graceful Recovery After Onstage Fall
Chinese actress Yang Mi stunned audiences with her poise and quick recovery after tripping on her gown during a public appearance.
(6) Jay Chou Joins Douyin, Sparks Viral Frenzy and Stock Surge
Jay Chou’s debut on Douyin under the name “Classmate Chou” triggered a viral fan response and sent shares of his affiliated company soaring nearly 100%.
(7) Nicholas Tse and Eason Chan Reunite for Rare Performance at Concert
Nicholas Tse and Eason Chan thrilled fans with a nostalgic backstage reunion after performing separately at a concert, marking their first public interaction in over two decades.
(8) Hong Kong Mourns Loss of Two Stars of Film and Television, Chow Chung and Suet Nei
Veteran actors Chow Chung and Suet Nei, both beloved figures in Hong Kong’s entertainment industry, passed away within days of each other, leaving behind decades of cinematic legacy.
(9) Angelababy Stuns at Paris Fashion Week in Glamorous Comeback Appearance
Angelababy made a dazzling return to the international fashion scene at Paris Fashion Week, impressing with her flawless look and confident presence after nearly two years of public silence.
(10) Aaron Kwok Steals the Spotlight Again at Sha Tin with Dancing Code’s Victory
Cantopop superstar Aaron Kwok thrilled fans at Sha Tin Racecourse as his horse Dancing Code claimed victory, showcasing his enduring passion for horse racing.
(11) Barrister Kimberlie Chu Withdraws from 2025 Miss Hong Kong Pageant to Focus on Legal Career
Kimberlie Chu, a 26-year-old barrister and former pageant contestant, has announced her withdrawal from the 2025 Miss Hong Kong competition, citing personal growth and professional priorities.
(1) UMGC Strikes Partnership with Mandopop star David Tao and His Company GREAT Entertainment
(Photo Credit: Universal Music Greater China)
Universal Music Greater China (UMGC) has announced a strategic partnership with Taiwanese Mandopop star David Tao and his company GREAT Entertainment, further strengthening its footprint in the Greater China region. The deal grants Tao access to UMG’s global infrastructure and creative network, aligning with the release of his long-awaited eighth studio album, “STUPID POP SONGS”—his first full-length project since 2012.
UMGC Chairman and CEO Timothy Xu praised Tao as a visionary figure whose music has shaped Mandopop and inspired generations. Tao echoed the sentiment, expressing excitement about the opportunity to bring Mandarin pop to a broader global audience. He emphasized music as a personal and borderless journey, and said the partnership reflects a shared vision for elevating the genre internationally.
Tao’s early works, including “David Tao, I’m OK,” and “Black Tangerine,” are considered landmark albums in Mandopop history. His career began with a Golden Melody Award-winning debut in 1997, and he has previously collaborated with Warner Chappell Music. This new deal follows UMGC’s recent expansion efforts, including partnerships with Jay Chou, Liu Huan, and other major players, as well as the opening of a new office in Shenzhen, China’s tech hub.
News Source: https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/umg-strikes-partnership-with-mandopop-star-david-tao-and-his-company-great-entertainment/
(2) Joey Yung Stands Firm Amid Emperor Group’s Financial Struggles
(Photo Credit: Tencent)
Emperor International Holdings Limited, founded by Dr. Albert Yeung, recently disclosed significant financial strain, with HK$16.6 billion in bank borrowings overdue or in breach of terms and only HK$639 million in cash on hand. The company’s net current liabilities now exceed HK$13 billion, though it has pledged assets worth over HK$31 billion to secure financing. The news has raised concerns across sectors, including entertainment, where Emperor Entertainment Group operates.
Joey Yung, one of the most prominent artists under Emperor Entertainment, addressed the situation publicly at an event on 7 July. She acknowledged the seriousness of the financial report but expressed unwavering trust in Dr. Yeung’s leadership. Yung emphasized that the company has weathered past crises and believes this situation will be no different. She reassured fans and colleagues that work continues steadily and that there is no panic within the entertainment division.
Yung also shared that Dr. Yeung personally communicates with artists to ease concerns, reinforcing a sense of stability and transparency. Her calm and confident stance has helped dispel rumours and maintain morale, highlighting her loyalty and belief in the company’s resilience during turbulent times.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/joey-yung-remains-confident-despite-emperor-international-holdings-financial-turbulence/
(3) “Ne Zha 2” Sets English-Language U.S. Release from A24, Michelle Yeoh Joins Voice Cast
(Photo Credit: Trinity CineAsia)
The English-language version of “Ne Zha 2,” the record-breaking Chinese animated feature blockbuster, is set to premiere in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand on 22 August. Distributed by A24 and CMC Pictures, the film will be available in IMAX, 3D, and other premium formats. Directed by Yang Yu, the story follows Ne Zha, a boy born with uncontrollable powers, who must rise against an ancient force threatening humanity.
Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh joins the voice cast, though her role remains undisclosed. She expressed excitement about sharing the film’s universal themes and artistry with English-speaking audiences. Yeoh praised “Ne Zha 2” as a landmark in Chinese animation, highlighting its emotional depth and visual spectacle.
Originally released in China during the Lunar New Year, “Ne Zha 2” quickly became the highest-grossing animated and non-English language film ever, earning over US$2.2 billion globally on a budget of just US$80 million. It surpassed “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” in single-territory earnings within 11 days. The film also helped revive China’s box office in 2025, contributing nearly half of the year’s US$4.15 billion total.
News Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/ne-zha-2-english-us-release-a24-michelle-yeoh-cast-1236450535/
(4) “Island in the Wind” Wins Grand Prize at 27th Taipei Film Awards
(Photo Credit: Central News Agency)
The 27th Taipei Film Awards concluded on 5 July at Zhongshan Hall, with the documentary “Island in the Wind” winning the prestigious NT$1 million Grand Prize, along with Best Documentary and Best Editing. Director Hsu Ya-ting and editor Chin Yueh-chih were among the team members who joyfully posed with their trophies, marking a major achievement for the film.
Thai actor Wanlop Rungkumjad won Best Actor for his role in “White Dog,” delivering a heartfelt speech thanking his director and co-stars, and encouraging fellow actors to persevere through challenges. Taiwanese actress Kao Yi-ling was awarded Best Actress for “Family Matters,” using her acceptance speech to honour the sacrifices of mothers, reflecting on how women often give up elegance and comfort to support their families.
Supporting awards went to Lee Kang-sheng for “The Silent Chronicle” and Yang Kuei-mei for “Little Goose and Wu Ai-li”. Yang expressed deep gratitude to the director and her co-star, praising the energy and inspiration she received during filming. Director Lin Shu-yu won Best Screenplay for “Little Goose and Wu Ai-li,” while newcomer Leung Sheung-wa received Best New Talent for “Breaking Waves,” sharing a poetic reflection on transformation and resilience.
News Source: https://www.epochtimes.com/b5/25/7/5/n14545423.htm
(5) Yang Mi Praised for Graceful Recovery After Onstage Fall
(Photo Credit: Young)
Chinese actress Yang Mi attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film Festival, where she experienced a minor mishap while walking on stage. Dressed in a long black satin gown and high heels, she accidentally stepped on her hem and fell. Demonstrating remarkable composure, Yang Mi quickly transitioned into a crouch to soften the fall, stood up gracefully, adjusted her dress, and continued with her speech—all within just 10 seconds.
Her calm and elegant response drew widespread praise from both attendees and online viewers. Witnesses noted that she remained composed, smiled through the incident, and delivered her speech with clarity and confidence, earning applause from the audience. The seamless recovery became a highlight of the evening.
The video of her fall and recovery quickly went viral, sparking admiration and memes across social media. Netizens dubbed it “the most elegant fall ever” and launched a trending “graceful fall challenge.” The incident also prompted discussions about stage safety and the practicality of formal attire for women at public events, with calls for more thoughtful design to prevent similar accidents.
News Source: https://cj.sina.com.cn/articles/view/3995444230/ee25a40600101i7ya?froms=ggmp
(6) Jay Chou Joins Douyin, Sparks Viral Frenzy and Stock Surge
(Photo credit: Douyin)
Mandopop superstar Jay Chou officially joined Douyin on 9 July, launching his second Chinese social media account under the name “Classmate Chou.” His profile, featuring a signature anime-style avatar, gained over 10 million followers within 24 hours. This move marks his return to Chinese social media after joining Kuaishou in 2020, and it quickly became a trending topic across platforms.
The announcement had an immediate impact on the stock market. Shares of Star Plus Legend Group Ltd. (6683.HK), a Hong Kong-listed company founded by Chou’s mother and closely tied to his brand, surged by 94.37%, reaching HK$12.44 and pushing its market cap past HK$10 billion. Analysts attributed the spike to the “Jay Chou effect,” highlighting his immense commercial influence. The company’s revenue in 2024 rose 35.8% year-on-year, driven by IP licensing and branded products like coffee and audio gear.
Currently, Chou is in the midst of his 2025 “Carnival” World Tour, with upcoming concerts in Xiamen from 11 to 13 July. The tour has boosted tourism and local economies across Asia, reinforcing his status as both a cultural icon and a business powerhouse.
News Source: https://i.ifeng.com/c/8kqZnTmWOOP
(7) Nicholas Tse and Eason Chan Reunite for Rare Performance at Concert
(Photo Credit: mreasonchan@IG)
Nicholas Tse and Eason Chan made a rare appearance at a concert held at AsiaWorld-Expo, performing as brand ambassadors for a fast-food chain. Although fans had hoped for a joint performance, Tse opened the show while Chan closed it, and the two never shared the stage. This left many long-time followers disappointed, especially those who had waited over 20 years to see them perform together.
Despite the missed opportunity on stage, the duo reunited backstage after the concert, capturing a moment that quickly went viral. Eason Chan posted a playful photo of the two on social media, referencing their iconic 1999 “JSG Awards” appearance where they dressed as the Japanese pop duo Puffy. The image, featuring both artists sticking out their tongues, was captioned humorously as “Two ‘little brothers’ meet backstage.”
Fans responded enthusiastically to the nostalgic reunion, flooding the post with comments celebrating their chemistry and shared history. Remarks like “Finally, some sweetness!” and “Two funny kids, combined age of just 6!” reflected the public’s affection for the pair and their enduring legacy in Hong Kong’s music scene. The moment served as a heartwarming reminder of their youthful antics and lasting friendship.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/nicholas-tse-and-eason-chan-reunite-for-rare-performance-at-concert/
(8) Hong Kong Mourns Loss of Two Stars of Film and Television, Chow Chung and Suet Nei
(Photo Credit: Handout)
Hong Kong is grieving the deaths of two cherished film and TV veterans, Chow Chung and Suet Nei. Chow, aged 92, died of pneumonia on 4 July after a month-long hospital stay following a COVID-19 infection. Known for his warm, grandfatherly roles in TVB dramas, Chow had a six-decade career and was honoured with a lifetime achievement award in 2016. He was also a respected unionist and served as chairman of the South China Film Industry Union. Chow is survived by four children; his wife passed away in 2018.
Suet Nei, 77, died of pancreatic cancer on 3 July, just ten days after her husband, renowned kung fu choreographer Tang Chia, reportedly took his own life. The couple, married for 56 years, were seen as a model pair in the industry. Suet Nei began her career in Taiwan and became known for her strong, agile performances in kung fu films. After emigrating to Canada in the late 1980s, she returned to Hong Kong in 1997 and acted in several popular TVB series before retiring in 2020.
Their passing marks a significant loss for Hong Kong’s entertainment community. Both stars were admired not only for their talent but also for their enduring contributions to the industry and the lives they touched through their work.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3317048/hong-kong-mourns-loss-2-stars-film-and-television-chow-chung-and-suet-nei?module=perpetual_scroll_0&pgtype=article
(9) Angelababy Stuns at Paris Fashion Week in Glamorous Comeback Appearance
(Photo Credit: Weibo)
Angelababy (Yang Ying) made a striking comeback to the global fashion spotlight at Paris Fashion Week on 7 July, wearing a mint green, crystal-embellished Iris van Herpen haute couture gown. Her elegant silhouette and ethereal makeup—featuring icy blue tones and shimmering accents—earned her the nickname “human fairy” from international media. Her flawless skin and relaxed demeanor in unedited photos left fans in awe, with many praising her effortless beauty and poise.
During an interview with “VOGUE Hong Kong,” Angelababy responded entirely in fluent Cantonese, showcasing her charm and confidence. She warmly interacted with fans, graciously signing autographs and radiating a calm, queen-like presence. Her appearance marked a significant moment, as it was her first major public event since being muted on social media following a controversy related to her attendance at the Crazy Horse cabaret performance in November 2023.
The response online was a mix of admiration and surprise, with fans and industry insiders noting her “unretouched photo supremacy” and graceful image upgrade. Angelababy’s return not only reaffirmed her status as a fashion icon but also demonstrated that true beauty and star power can withstand time and scrutiny.
News Source: https://www.163.com/dy/article/K3T540C00517U8SU.html
(10) Aaron Kwok Steals the Spotlight Again at Sha Tin with Dancing Code’s Victory
(Photo Credit: HKJC)
For the third time this season, Aaron Kwok turned Sha Tin’s post-race presentation area into a celebrity spectacle, drawing hundreds of fans eager to catch a glimpse of the singer-actor. His horse, Dancing Code, won The Philip Chen Trophy over 1,200 meters, ending a streak of unlucky runs since its last win on 1 January. Kwok’s presence and enthusiasm for the sport were praised by trainer Caspar Fownes’ son, Ronan, who highlighted the star’s patience and commitment as an owner.
Kwok, 59, has a long-standing relationship with the Fownes family, dating back to a chance meeting on a flight to London. He has owned five horses since 2012, all of them winners, including Dancing Classics earlier this season. Dancing Code has excelled at the 1,200-meter distance, but the team remains hopeful for success at 1,400 meters, citing strong performances against highly rated competitors.
The win not only reaffirmed Kwok’s credibility as a passionate horse owner but also brought renewed attention to Hong Kong racing. His ten-minute media engagement post-race was seen as a boost for the sport, with fans and insiders alike admiring his dedication and charisma both on and off the track.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-racing/article/306146/Singer-dancer-actor-and-horse-owner-Aaron-Kwok-rocks-Sha-Tin-again
(11) Barrister Kimberlie Chu Withdraws from 2025 Miss Hong Kong Pageant to Focus on Legal Career
(Photo Credit: Dimsum Daily)
The 2025 Miss Hong Kong pageant is underway, but one standout contestant, Kimberlie Chu, has made headlines by announcing her withdrawal. Kimberlie, a 26-year-old barrister and former 2021 pageant candidate, was nominated by actor Huang Xiaoming and initially planned to re-enter the competition. On 9 July, she posted a heartfelt message on Red Note (Xiaohongshu) declaring her exit, reflecting on advice from singer Sammi Cheng that encouraged her to embrace her unique charm and personal growth.
Kimberlie, who qualified as a barrister last year, has been active on social media, sharing her lifestyle and thoughts. While she acknowledged that law and entertainment aren’t inherently conflicting, she ultimately chose to prioritize her legal career. Her decision was influenced by practical considerations and a sense of fulfilment in her current path, emphasizing that she feels confident and content with where she is now.
Her withdrawal has sparked discussion online, with many admiring her maturity and clarity. Kimberlie’s journey highlights the evolving relationship between personal ambition and professional responsibility, and her story adds a thoughtful dimension to this year’s pageant narrative.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/barrister-kimberlie-chu-withdraws-from-2025-miss-hong-kong-pageant/
