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China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 61 Week of 28 July 2025

Chinese wartime drama “Dead to Rights,” set during the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, will debut in U.S. and Canadian theaters on 15 August, spotlighting a story of quiet resistance and survival.

Nicholas Tse’s new reality show “Chef of China” is under fire for allegedly copying Netflix Korea’s “Culinary Class Wars,” with Netflix denying any rights transfer.

Masked Chinese singer “Wangzai Xiao Qiao,” with over 22 million followers, has postponed her pioneering concert amid public doubts over authenticity and lip-synching.

(12) Eric Tsang Explains Return to TVB and Dismisses Debt Rumours

Veteran entertainer Eric Tsang has opened up about his unexpected return to TVB and addressed speculation surrounding the broadcaster’s financial health.


(Photo Credit: China Film)

Chinese wartime drama “Dead to Rights,” directed by Shen Ao and produced by Gong Geer, is set to premiere in North America on 15 August through Niu Vision Media and Echelon Studios. The film is based on real events during the 1937 Nanjing Massacre and follows A Chang (played by Liu Haoran), a postman who assumes the identity of a photo developer to survive the Japanese occupation. Operating from a Japanese-controlled studio, he secretly shelters Chinese soldiers and civilians, portraying a powerful act of resistance.

The release marks a continued collaboration between Niu Vision Media of Canada and Echelon Studios of US, who previously partnered on the Chinese thriller “Malice”. Niu Vision CEO Fukun Wang emphasized the film’s emotional depth and historical significance, while Echelon’s Sandro Gohoho praised its bold storytelling and commitment to meaningful narratives. A streaming release is planned for later this year.

Echelon Studios, known for distributing over 20,000 titles across various platforms, and Toronto-based Niu Vision Media, which specializes in global Asian film distribution, aim to bring more auteur-driven cinema to international audiences through this partnership.

News Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/nanjing-massacre-dead-to-rights-north-america-release-1236472087/


(Photo Credit: Tencent)

The Chinese culinary reality show “Chef of China,” starring Nicholas Tse, is facing plagiarism allegations for its striking resemblance to Netflix Korea’s hit show “Culinary Class Wars”. The controversy centres around alleged similarities in set design, competition format, and filming style. The show, which premiered on 17 July, features 84 “Black Chefs” and 16 “White Chefs” in team-based cooking challenges judged by Tse and other culinary figures like Zhang Yong.

Netflix Korea has publicly denied selling the format rights of “Culinary Class Wars” to “Chef of China” and is reportedly considering further action. This statement has fuelled online criticism, with many viewers expressing disappointment over the perceived lack of originality. While some fans speculate that the show may have obtained rights through unofficial channels, the majority view the similarities as too significant to be coincidental.

Despite its celebrity lineup and high production value, the plagiarism claims have overshadowed the show’s debut. “Culinary Class Wars,” which debuted in 2024, gained acclaim for its innovative format pitting amateur chefs against professionals. Its second season is expected later in 2025, further intensifying comparisons between the two shows.


(Photo Credit: Weibo)

The 26th edition of Ani-com & Games Hong Kong (ACGHK) launched on 25 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, marking a record-breaking expansion in scale. With exhibition space nearly doubling from the previous year to 34,872 square meters, the event hosts around 160 exhibitors and over 610 toy designers. Visitors can explore nearly 800 booths showcasing international anime brands, themed pavilions, and immersive tech-driven experiences.

A major highlight is the Hong Kong International Art Toys Expo, featuring nearly 70 designers from 12 countries including Japan, Thailand, Singapore, the U.S., and Spain. Attendees can enjoy live demonstrations, workshops, and sharing sessions that deepen appreciation for toy artistry. Cosplay remains a central attraction, with both a competition and a carnival drawing enthusiastic participation.

The event also includes an international comics gathering and exhibition, presenting over 400 original works from countries such as France, Italy, Japan, and South Korea. ACGHK 2025 runs through 29 July, offering fans a vibrant celebration of animation, comics, and games from around the world.

News Source: https://english.news.cn/20250725/f692202ef63c44629522466d1324bd68/c.html


(Photo Credit: IG)

On 27 July, Hong Kong pop legend Eason Chan celebrated his 51st birthday by posting a warm photo of himself blowing out candles on a cake, accompanied by a heartfelt wish for world peace and harmony. His message, calling for mutual support and less conflict, reflected his enduring humanistic values and resonated deeply with fans.

Adding a personal touch to the celebration, Chan’s 20-year-old daughter, Constance (Chen Kangti), shared two adorable childhood photos via Instagram Stories. One image showed her standing behind her father, who playfully held three bank cards with a humorous expression. The other appeared to be a family birthday moment with her mother, Hilary Tsui, and Chan. Her caption praised her father as “the greatest, craziest, loveliest, kindest,” touching hearts across social media.

The nostalgic tribute and Chan’s sincere birthday wish quickly went viral, with fans celebrating not only his musical legacy but also the warmth of his family life. The post highlighted the close bond between Chan and his daughter, adding a sweet and personal layer to the public celebration.


(Photo Credit: SCMP composite/Baidu/Weibo)

A 20-year-old masked singer known as “Wangzai Xiao Qiao” has postponed her highly anticipated first concert in Shanghai, originally scheduled for 9 August. With over 22 million followers, she rose to fame through a cappella videos and collaborations with stars like Han Hong and Yao Chen. Her identity remains undisclosed due to past stalking trauma and anxiety about her appearance, and she performs wearing a custom-made mask.

The concert, set to be China’s first featuring a masked performer, sparked public concern over whether she would sing live. Warner Music China issued a statement confirming her identity and assuring audiences that the mask’s design allows for clear vocal transmission. Authorities will supervise the event to ensure real-time audio authenticity and prevent lip-synching.

Despite mixed reactions online, many fans support her decision to remain anonymous, praising her vocal talent and creativity. Others question the need for a live concert without visual identity. The singer has expressed a desire for audiences to focus on her music rather than her appearance, aiming to keep her personal life separate from her public persona. A new concert date has yet to be announced.


(6)        “Chronicles of Time” Original Singer Dispute Ends in Ban, Exposing Music Industry Flaws

(Photo credit: Seehua)

The long-standing hit “Chronicles of Time,” originally featured in the 2015 drama “The Journey of Flower,” has become embroiled in a public dispute over its original singer. The controversy was sparked by influencer Wangzai Xiao Qiao’s comments naming Zhang Bichen as the sole original singer, prompting backlash from Wang Sulong’s fans. Both artists released statements: Wang Sulong’s team revoked all performance rights, while Zhang Bichen’s studio defended her status as the first to release the song, citing legal and industry records.

The debate centres on whether the song has a “sole original singer” or “dual original singers,” as both versions were officially released within weeks of each other and included in the same soundtrack. Legal experts clarified that “original singer” is not a formal concept under Chinese copyright law, which instead recognises rights of composers, performers, and producers. Zhang Bichen may claim performer and recording rights, but Wang Sulong retains full copyright as the song’s creator.

This dispute reflects broader challenges in China’s music industry, including vague licensing terms and poor attribution practices on streaming platforms. It also underscores the need for clearer copyright frameworks and respect for creative contributions, especially in the age of viral content and influencer-driven music culture.


(Photo Credit: Xinhua News)

The acclaimed original Cantonese musical “The Attorney King” opened its mainland China debut at Shanghai Culture Square, following its sweeping success in Hong Kong where it won ten major stage awards. The production will run for 12 performances and features two generations of actors in a dual cast, bringing fresh energy and depth to the show. The musical’s arrival in Shanghai evokes nostalgia for earlier Cantonese productions like “Snow Wolf Lake,” and highlights Hong Kong’s unique influence on Chinese-language musical theatre.

Inspired by the real-life Qing dynasty lawyer Fong Tong Geng, the musical blends traditional Cantonese opera elements with Western musical theatre forms, including rap, folk, and electronic music. The show opens with a dramatic 18-minute courtroom scene, showcasing complex vocal arrangements and rhythmic transitions. Veteran actor Liu Shouzheng delivers a powerful portrayal of the morally conflicted protagonist, anchoring the emotional core of the production.

Having undergone a decade of development, “The Attorney King” premiered in Hong Kong in 2019 and became a sold-out sensation. The Shanghai run features a refreshed cast, including award-winning performers Leung Chung-hang and Yuen Ho-yeung. Their commitment to preserving the musical’s reputation underscores its cultural significance and enduring appeal.


(Photo Credit: Light House Productions/Kleos Entertainment Group)

“Masala Boba,” an action-adventure comedy currently in pre-production, has officially become the first film collaboration between Taiwan and Jordan. The project was launched at the Cannes market and recently received formal support from the Taiwan Government Film Commission, solidifying Taiwan’s commitment through a signed letter of intent. The film is being produced by Taiwan’s Light House Productions and India’s Kleos Entertainment Group, with Uzair Merchant set to direct.

Leaders from both countries praised the film’s cultural significance. Jennifer Jao of the Taipei Film Commission highlighted its potential to connect Taiwan with global audiences, while Raja Gargour of Jordan’s Royal Film Commission called it a powerful example of cinema’s ability to unite cultures. The production will feature talent and locations from Taiwan, Jordan, India, and beyond, with principal photography scheduled to begin in mid-2026.

Cindy Shyu of Light House Productions and Gayathiri Guliani of Kleos Entertainment emphasized the film’s role in fostering future international collaborations. Merchant described “Masala Boba” as a fun, emotional, and action-packed story rooted in friendship and love, celebrating the diversity and energy of the regions involved.

News Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/taiwan-jordan-first-film-collaboration-masala-boba-1236471661/


(Photo Credit: SCMP composite/Weibo)

Zhu Jiejing, a 39-year-old principal dancer with the Shanghai Dance Theatre Company, has continued performing despite undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy for breast cancer. Known for her appearances in CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala, Zhu returned to the stage in January 2025, even before her surgical wounds had fully healed. She secretly joined rehearsals in Beijing, driven by her unwavering passion for dance, saying, “I must dance. Dancing is more important than life.”

Zhu’s dedication to her craft began at age six and led her to prestigious institutions like the Shanghai Dance School and Shanghai Theatre Academy. She has won multiple top honours, including four China Lotus Awards and, most recently, the Plum Performance Award for her role in the dance drama Ibis—making her the first dancer in two decades to receive the prize. Ibis has been performed over 400 times in China and Japan since 2014.

Her story has inspired widespread admiration on Chinese social media, with many praising her resilience and artistic spirit. Zhu believes that only dance and the stage can heal her, and she continues to shine through her performances, turning personal struggle into powerful expression.


(Photo Credit: Sina)

Five months after the passing of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu (Big S), her husband DJ Koo (具俊曄) was photographed sitting alone at her grave in Jinbaoshan Cemetery, quietly mourning. The image, shared online, stirred deep emotions among viewers, who were touched by his silent devotion. Despite her death, DJ Koo continues to express his love through daily visits, embodying a profound and unconditional bond that many find both heartbreaking and inspiring.

Their love story, which began over two decades ago, was rekindled when DJ Koo reached out using her old phone number. The couple reunited and married swiftly, defying public scrutiny and fulfilling a long-lost promise. DJ Koo’s declarations of love—emphasising his affection for Barbie’s soul rather than her appearance—have become iconic expressions of enduring romance. Sadly, their time together was cut short, but his grief and loyalty remain unwavering.

Reports suggest DJ Koo visits Barbie’s grave regardless of weather, finding solace in his routine. Though many wish to comfort him, his quiet mourning appears to be his way of staying connected. Their story continues to resonate, reminding the public that true love can endure even after death.

News Source: https://finance.sina.cn/2025-07-27/detail-infhxvcn2339427.d.html


(Photo Credit: IG)

Jennifer Tse, sister of Hong Kong star Nicholas Tse, has announced the birth of her second child, a baby boy named Brooklyn Milne, born on 20 July, weighing 8lbs. Sharing the news on Instagram, she posted sweet photos of her newborn and captioned them, “Welcome to the world Brooklyn Milne… Now a family of four. Mixed doubles forever.” The former actress, who has been living in Canada for six years, now has both a daughter and a son.

Jennifer revealed her pregnancy in May, shortly after confirming her relationship with partner Matthew. She previously stepped away from the spotlight in 2019 following the birth of her daughter, Sara, and has remained private about Sara’s father. Her current partner, however, has been more publicly involved, appearing in photos lovingly cradling their newborn son.

As the daughter of veteran actor Patrick Tse and sister to Nicholas Tse, Jennifer’s growing family has drawn warm congratulations from fans. Her decision to focus on motherhood away from the public eye reflects a new chapter in her life, one filled with love and quiet joy.

News Source: https://sg.style.yahoo.com/jennifer-tse-welcomes-baby-boy-033000628.html


(Photo Credit: AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Eric Tsang, 72, revealed his reasons for returning to TVB as General Manager during a recent appearance on the mainland Chinese show “Amazing Friends”. Initially rejoining in 2021 as Deputy General Manager, Tsang admitted that management duties can be tedious but said he felt compelled to share his decades of television experience with the younger generation. He emphasised the importance of passing on industry knowledge, stating, “It’s something I can’t take with me.”

Addressing rumours of TVB’s financial troubles, Tsang dismissed claims of massive debt, asserting that the company has returned to profitability. He credited improved programming for attracting advertisers back to the network. “We’re making money now,” he said, noting that steady content upgrades have helped restore confidence in the broadcaster.

Tsang also offered advice to aspiring entertainers, encouraging them to “endure losses” while they’re young. He explained that learning to accept setbacks is a valuable skill early in one’s career, as time becomes more limited with age. His comments reflect both his personal philosophy and a broader message about resilience in the entertainment industry.

News Source:  https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/eric-tsang-reveals-reasons-for-returning-to-tvb-and-addresses-debt-rumours/    


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