China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 63 Week of 11 August 2025
(1) Jet Li becomes a father-in-law and gifts an electric car worth 300,000 RMB to daughter as wedding present
Jet Li gifts an electric car worth 300,000 RMB to his eldest daughter, Li Si as a wedding gift, sparking debate about its perceived modesty given Li’s estimated 2 billion RMB fortune with some speculating a brand collaboration.
(2) Zhao Lusi’s Ongoing Conflict with Agency
Zhao Lusi publicly accused her management company of severe mistreatment by live-streaming on Xiaohongshu for 3 consecutive days.
(3) HK actor and singer Alex Fong, 45, clinches gold at World Aquatics Masters Championships in Singapore
Alex Fong secured gold in the men’s 200m backstroke in the 45-49 age group at the World Aquatics Masters Championships in Singapore, proving his competitive prowess endures decades after retiring from professional swimming.
(4) Nicholas Tse shouts on new stage spectacle at Hangzhou’s “Big Lotus” concert: “Can’t believe I did this!”
Nicholas Tse re-engineered the stage specifically for Hangzhou. Hangzhou fans supported Tse with subway station “support walls” plastered with Tse’s photos and lyrics and a helicopter flying over Qiantang River broadcasting his music while trailing a banner visible across Hangzhou.
(5) “Nobody” makes another animation hit in China after Ne Zha 2 with box office surpassing 500 million
Produced by Shanghai Animation Film Studio and directed by Yu Shui, “Nobody” achieved a box office milestone of 500 million yuan on August 10, having premiered on August 2.
(6) Japanese idol Kenshin Kamimura convicted of indecent assault on Hong Kong interpreter
Kenshin Kamimura, a former member of the Japanese boy group ONE N’ ONLY has been found guilty of indecent assault on a 27-year-old Hong Kong interpreter during the celebratory dinner at a Mong Kok restaurant in March.
(7) ByteDance’s Hongguo microdrama platform has over 200 million monthly users
ByteDance’s Hongguo app emerges as China’s top microdrama platform, hitting 212 million monthly active users and overtaking Youku, leveraging Douyin’s algorithm while eyeing global expansion amid TikTok’s US challenges.
(8) Tencent Music Posts $1.18 Billion Q2 Revenue as Profit Rises 43% on Subscription Momentum and SVIP Surge
Tencent Music reported a 17.9% increase in its revenue in the second-quarter 2025 year-over-year for its successfully expansion of content ecosystem through collaboration with K-pop companies and unique product and membership innovation.
(9) Taiwanese artist Yipei Chou (Taya) announced divorce with her badminton coach husband
Taiwanese artist Yipei Chou announced divorce with her husband peacefully after 5 years of marriage, noting that the love between them has faded.
(10) HK superstar Aaron Kwok’s wife shows off baby bump, shares how husband kept her comfortable during her pregnancy
Hong Kong singer-actor Aaron pampers pregnant wife, Moka Fang, Chinese model, with expensive massage chair and steriliser as they expect the third child.
(11) Eason Chan concludes the “FEAR and DREAMS” World Tour in Macau
Eason Chan wraps 3-year global tour in Macau with six concerts, delivering marathon 4-hour final performance featuring career-spanning hits and special fan experiences at Galaxy Arena.
(12) Korean entertainment companies prepare for China market re-entry as ban lifting anticipated
Korean entertainment firms brace for renewed business prospects as China’s restrictions on K-pop are expected to ease.
(13) G.E.M. Emerges as Savvy Business Investor Alongside Music Success
Hong Kong singer G.E.M. proves business acumen with 10x return on 2019 AI investment, plus $1.26B net worth from concerts, real estate and private jet, as she prepares August shows in Kai Tak.
(1) Jet Li becomes a father-in-law and gifts an electric car worth 300,000 RMB to daughter as wedding present
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Veteran martial arts star Jet Li, 62, recently embraced a new role as father-in-law and took to Weibo on August 8th to share a heartfelt wedding gift for his eldest daughter, Li Si (from his marriage to ex-wife Huang Qiuyan). He revealed the purchase of a Luxeed R7 electric car valued at approximately 300,000 RMB, emphasizing his daughter’s fondness for its design and comfort. “Ensuring her genuine happiness was paramount,” Li wrote, expressing his contentment as a father and eagerness to accompany the newlyweds on future drives once the car is delivered.
While many fans extended congratulations, the gesture sparked online debate about its perceived modesty given Li’s estimated 2 billion RMB fortune, with some speculating a brand collaboration. This attention contrasts with Li’s recent low-profile lifestyle dedicated to Buddhist practices; he’s been spotted in Nepal, Japan, and Taiwan engaging in spiritual rituals. The actor has historically guarded his private life, rarely speaking publicly about Li Si or his other daughter with Huang Qiuyan, Li Taimi – now an ophthalmologist – whom he humorously acknowledged in a rare social media post last May.
Li’s family journey has been complex; he divorced Huang Qiuyan in 1991 after meeting current wife Nina Li Chi on the set of “Dragon Fight”, with whom he shares daughters Jane and Jada. Recently, Li celebrated a significant milestone: all four of his daughters have now graduated from university. Reflecting on his evolution as a father, he expressed profound joy at this achievement, openly acknowledging past challenges in finding true love while cherishing his present fulfilment in seeing his children thrive.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/jet-li-becomes-a-father-in-law-and-gifts-electric-car-worth-300000-rmb-to-daughter-as-wedding-present/
(2) Zhao Lusi’s Ongoing Conflict with Agency
(Photo Credit: Jayne Star)
Popular Chinese actress Zhao Lusi (赵露思) publicly accused her management company Galaxy Cool Entertainment of severe mistreatment, alleging they confined her to a hotel while ill, hired a “master” to perform an exorcism ritual on her, and forced her to personally pay ¥2.05 million on her own.
Following her August 2 social media posts, Zhao live-streamed for three consecutive days on Xiaohongshu, gaining over 1.7 million followers as she defended her position: “I’m not asking people to speak on my behalf. I just want those who support me to feel assured – I haven’t gone crazy, and I haven’t done anything wrong.” Despite her current success (2023 income reportedly exceeding ¥100M), she contrasted this with her humble beginnings, revealing she earned only ¥2,500 monthly upon entering the industry in 2016, later rising to ¥5,000, emphasising she’d “stayed true to herself” throughout her career journey.
Addressing claims she weaponised public opinion, Zhao clarified she initially sought private negotiations but was met with company threats of an industry “ban” to silence her. “If everyone knows the truth, they’ll see things more clearly”, she asserted during streams, adding that without transparency, “it just becomes me frantically speaking alone.” Her decision to publicly expose the dispute reflects both her refusal to be silenced and the power imbalance facing artists within China’s entertainment management systems.
News Source: https://www.jaynestars.com/news/zhao-lusis-ongoing-conflict-with-agency/
(3) HK actor and singer Alex Fong, 45, clinches gold at World Aquatics Masters Championships in Singapore
(Photo Credit: IG@alexfongliksun)
Hong Kong actor-singer Alex Fong, 45, secured gold in the men’s 200m backstroke (45–49 age group) at the World Aquatics Masters Championships in Singapore, proving his competitive prowess endures decades after retiring from professional swimming. Fong – a former Olympian who represented Hong Kong in the 200m backstroke and 400m individual medley at the 2000 Sydney Games – officially retired in 2004 to pursue entertainment but never lost his connection to the sport.
In an emotional Instagram post, Fong revealed his love for swimming reignited after completing a 45km charity island swim in 2018, which reshaped his perspective: “I thought I’d never enjoy swimming again… [but] letting go of my attachments allowed me to find joy without pressure.” Since then, he’s maintained a rigorous routine – training with a team three mornings weekly plus solo sessions—attributing his progress to consistency and happiness. His philosophy emphasizes that improvement follows passion, not just speed.
Fong’s athletic triumph caps a transformative year: he announced his marriage to Maple Yip on Valentine’s Day 2025, shared pregnancy news in June (expecting a daughter), and recently launched a swimming school to mentor new talent. Having held nine Hong Kong records during his peak, Fong now channels his expertise into inspiring others while celebrating personal and professional fulfilment.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/hk-actor-and-singer-alex-fong-45-clinches-gold-at-world-aquatics-masters-championships-in-singapore/
(4) Nicholas Tse shouts on new stage spectacle at Hangzhou’s “Big Lotus” concert: “Can’t believe I did this!”
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Nicholas Tse launched the mainland concert of his “Evolution Nic Live” tour at Hangzhou’s “Big Lotus” Olympic Stadium, performing to a sold-out crowd of nearly 50,000. Contrary to assumptions that the stage was replicated from Hong Kong, Tse emphasised it was a completely new design, “Totally wrong! This is an evolved stage specifically engineered for this venue.” He explained the original indoor Hong Kong setup couldn’t withstand outdoor elements like rain and wind, requiring comprehensive re-engineering of floating spheres, arches, and track systems. A new waterproof canopy (outfitted with hundreds of extra lights) was added to protect musicians and equipment, pushing lighting counts beyond Hong Kong’s record 2,200 fixtures—a budget Tse jokingly admitted he “didn’t want to look at.”
The concert featured extraordinary fan initiatives, including subway station “support walls” plastered with Tse’s photos and lyrics, and the most extravagant gesture – a helicopter flying over Qiantang River broadcasting his music while trailing a banner visible across Hangzhou. During the show, a deeply moving montage highlighted Tse’s 13-year travel series Chef Nic, featuring appearances by idols like Maggie Cheung, Michelle Yeoh, Donnie Yen, Jay Chou, Eason Chan, and Jolin Tsai. Tse bowed to the screen afterward, visibly emotional, “Every time I turned to watch, I nearly cried… Gathering these incredible friends was a once-in-a-century opportunity.”
Tse reflected on his unconventional career pivot: “For the first five years of Chef Nic, everyone said I was crazy – ‘Why cook? Why film this?’ Now you see what I’ve built.” He acknowledged getting chills discussing the journey, which fans celebrated online by dubbing him the “ultimate king” of the entertainment industry. The Hangzhou concert ultimately showcased both Tse’s relentless perfectionism in stagecraft and the profound personal legacy forged through his multifaceted career beyond music.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/%E7%9C%BE%E6%A8%82%E8%BF%B7/60265464/
(5) “Nobody” makes another animation hit in China after Ne Zha 2 with box office surpassing 500 million
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Following the recent acclaim of “Nezha 2”, another Chinese animated film “Nobody” has catalysed a new wave of popularity for animation in the country as it has surpassed a box office of 500 million yuan within a mere eight days of its release.
The blockbuster – adapted from the classic mythological novel “Journey to the West” – earned much praise by making lesser demons as the movie protagonists and offering a fresh narrative through their unique pilgrimages.
The film’s character contrasts and metaphorical elements, alongside the depiction of familial relationships and humour associated with workplace dynamics, have been noted for their depth and relatability. Netizens remarked that these aspects signify that Chinese animated films have ascended to a first-tier status on the global stage.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/china-news/article/308666/
(6) Japanese idol Kenshin Kamimura convicted of indecent assault on Hong Kong interpreter
(Photo credit: Reuters)
Kenshin Kamimura, a former member of the Japanese boy group ONE N’ ONLY has been found guilty of indecent assault on a 27-year-old Hong Kong interpreter. The verdict was delivered in a Hong Kong court, where emotional fans gathered to witness the sentencing. Kamimura was arrested in March in Hong Kong and subsequently had his contract terminated due to serious compliance violations. He pleaded not guilty in April but was convicted of the charge of indecent assault, resulting in a fine of 15,000 Hong Kong dollars.
Arriving at the court 30 minutes early in a black suit, Kamimura appeared visibly thinner compared to his earlier court appearances. Supporters from Hong Kong, mainland China, and Japan lined up outside the courthouse to attend the trial.
During the celebratory dinner at a Mong Kok restaurant in March, Kamimura allegedly touched the interpreter’s thigh multiple times and made suggestive remarks through a translation app, asking her to accompany him to the restroom. The judge found the interpreter’s testimony credible, noting a deliberate pattern of Kamimura’s actions and his persistence despite her refusals. The defence argued cultural differences and emotional intoxication as factors in Kamimura’s behaviour. Following the conviction, emotional scenes unfolded in the courtroom as Kamimura was fined 15,000 Hong Kong dollars with no immediate prison term, despite facing a maximum sentence of 10 years.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/japanese-idol-kenshin-kamimura-convicted-of-indecent-assault-on-hong-kong-interpreter/
(7) ByteDance’s Hongguo microdrama platform has over 200 million monthly users
(Photo Credit: DAO Insights)
Microdrama was once thought to be a fad, faced the pressure of regulations, and went through many phases, including a free viewing model, top-up and subscription viewing, as well as microdrama marketing. Mainstream platforms, especially long-form video and streaming platforms have also tried their hand at them. However, as microdrama continues to bloom, a winning platform is starting to emerge: Hongguo app (红果) from ByteDance, the Chinese tech company behind TikTok.
Hongguo was the most downloaded app in China in May. Questmobile data showed that in June 2025, Hongguo’s user base grew 179% year-on-year (YoY) and ranked number 3 in its app category. It already had 212 million monthly active users, surpassing the long-form video platform Youku and trailing behind BiliBili by only 13 million. This also marks the first time a microdrama app has overtaken a long-form video platform.
Hongguo is not only free for viewers and pays creators ad revenue, but it also benefits from Douyin’s algorithm. It has a recommendation programme that has helped many series surpass 1 billion views. Hongguo is now ByteDance’s biggest hit after Douyin and TikTok, and the company is working to monetise it further and expand overseas. Not only is Hongguo introducing an ad-free membership, but it is also considering more content formats, such as Douyin-like non-fiction short-form videos. With TikTok still in limbo in the US, figuring out how to bring Hongguo and microdrama abroad might be the next objective from ByteDance.
News Source: https://daoinsights.com/news/bytedances-hongguo-microdrama-platform-has-over-200-million-monthly-users/
(8) Tencent Music Posts $1.18 Billion Q2 Revenue as Profit Rises 43% on Subscription Momentum and SVIP Surge
(Photo Credit: Galaxy Corporation)
Tencent Music Entertainment Group, China’s dominant online music and audio platform, reported second-quarter 2025 revenue of $1.18 billion, up 17.9% year-over-year. The performance was powered by growth in online music services, particularly subscriptions and new SVIP premium offerings, while social entertainment services continued to decline. SVIP is Tencent Music’s “Super VIP” tier, a higher-priced premium membership offering perks such as enhanced audio quality, early concert ticket access, exclusive digital albums, and collectible artist merchandise.
Tencent Music expanded its content ecosystem through new deals with K-pop companies The Black Label and H M Music, and a collaboration with Chinese star Wang Feng. The company partnered with SM Entertainment to release NCT Chenle’s Chinese EP “Lucid,” supported by extensive promotions. It also created the theme song for “The Lychee Road” and increased content development with Zhejiang Satellite TV. Live events contributed strongly, with G-Dragon’s concert tour in Macau drawing 36,000 fans and selling out merchandise. The company also staged concerts with Fiona Sit, Tia Ray, and rapper GAI, and supported over 300 offline shows via its City Live and Buff Live platforms.
Product and membership innovation remained central. New features included Viper HiFi and one-click audio enhancement 2.0 on Kugou Music, plus an AI Chorus tool. SVIP users enjoyed exclusive benefits such as early concert ticket access, artist digital albums, and collectible star cards from artists including A-Lin, JJ Lin, Jolin Cai, G-Dragon, Blackpink, JC-T, Silence Wang, and Aespa. Tencent Music also launched “bubble” on QQ Music in partnership with DearU, enabling K-pop and Chinese music fans to connect directly with artists.
News Source: https://variety.com/2025/music/asia/tencent-music-q2-revenue-2025-1236487221/
(9) Taiwanese artist Yipei Chou (Taya) announced divorce with her badminton coach husband
(Photo Credit: Yahoo! News)
Taiwanese artist Yipei Chou (周怡霈 (大牙)) has announced the end of her marriage to badminton coach, her junior by seven years. In an official statement released through her agency on August 14, Chou revealed the couple had legally divorced on July 24 after five years of marriage.
Chou emphasised that their separation was mutual and peaceful, stating, “We’ve tried our best, but had to accept the love between us has faded.” The statement clarified there were no severe conflicts or the involvement of any third party, with the couple realising they were better suited as friends and family than romantic partners.
Regarding the property in Xizhi District, Chou’s agent confirmed the apartment was purchased by Daya before marriage and remains undisputed as her sole asset. The agency specifically denied any connection between the divorce and Chou’s 2023 sexual harassment allegations against Blackie Chen, noting, “The support they gave each other during that time was genuine, and they weathered that storm together.”
(10) HK superstar Aaron Kwok’s wife shows off baby bump, shares how husband kept her comfortable during her pregnancy
(Photo Credit: The Star)
Hong Kong singer-actor Aaron Kwok revealed in June that his wife, Chinese model Moka Fang, is pregnant with their third child. Since then, the 59-year-old has been showering Fang, 38, with love and care, ensuring she remains happy and comfortable throughout her pregnancy.
In a recent video posted on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, Fang said she had just returned from a trip and needed to spend more time resting at home. The model, at seven to eight months pregnant, proudly showed off her baby bump, though she also noted some swelling in her calves. Fang revealed that at this stage, she often experiences back and waist pain. To help ease her discomfort, Kwok thoughtfully surprised her with an expensive massage chair.
The actor also went the extra mile by purchasing a sterilisation cabinet for his wife’s closet, ensuring all her clothes remain fresh and germ-free. “Hygiene is especially important during the later stages of pregnancy, so every piece of clothing I wear has to be sterilised before I put it on,” she shared. Kwok and Fang, who tied the knot in April 2017, have two daughters together – Chantelle, seven, and Charlotte, five.
News Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2025/08/14/hk-superstar-aaron-kwok039s-wife-shows-off-baby-bump-shares-how-husband-kept-her-comfortable-during-her-pregnancy#goog_rewarded
(11) Eason Chan concludes the “FEAR and DREAMS” World Tour in Macau
(Photo Credit: MediaOutReach)
Hong Kong superstar Eason Chan brought his monumental “FEAR and DREAMS World Tou” to a spectacular close at Galaxy Arena in Macau, marking the finale of his 182-show global journey spanning nearly three years across 30+ cities.
The six sold-out performances attracted over 60,000 attendees, featuring electrifying renditions of 30+ hits. The tour’s climactic moment came during a nine-song “Party Medley” that had the entire audience dancing. The final show set a venue record with a marathon four-hour performance, including a 12-song encore and a poignant solo piano performance of his debut single.
Galaxy Macau enhanced the concert experience with elaborate installations including a 5-meter-tall “Space Eason” statue, FEAR and DREAMS-themed floral displays, and a dedicated exhibition. The resort also hosted Macau’s largest-ever drone shows themed around the concert, further solidifying the city’s reputation as a global entertainment hub. These activations created unforgettable memories for Chan’s devoted fanbase while showcasing Macau’s capabilities as “Asia’s Premier Entertainment Destination” and “2025 East Asian City of Culture.”
Galaxy Arena’s cutting-edge 360-degree acoustics and unobstructed sightlines provided optimal conditions for Chan’s triumphant finale. The venue’s advanced HD broadcasting technology ensured every audience member experienced the full impact of the production. “We’re honored Eason chose our world-class facility to conclude this historic tour,” said a Galaxy Entertainment representative, noting the performances exemplified Macau’s growing status as an international performance capital. The record-breaking event not only celebrated Chan’s artistic legacy but also demonstrated Macau’s emergence as a premier destination for large-scale cultural events.
News Source: https://china.media-outreach.com/news/macau/2025/08/12/401760/%e3%80%8a%e9%99%b3%e5%a5%95%e8%bf%85fear-and-dreams%e4%b8%96%e7%95%8c%e5%b7%a1%e8%bf%b4%e6%bc%94%e5%94%b1%e6%9c%83-%e6%be%b3%e9%96%80%e6%9c%80%e7%b5%82%e7%ab%99%e3%80%8b-%e6%96%bc%e9%8a%80%e6%b2%b3/
(12) Korean entertainment companies prepare for China market re-entry as ban lifting anticipated
(Photo Credit: SM Entertainment)
Since President Lee Jae-myung took office, South Korean entertainment firms have been actively preparing for the potential easing of China’s Hallyu ban, which has restricted K-pop activities since 2017 due to the THAAD dispute. Leading the charge is SME, which in May acquired a 9.66% stake in Tencent Music Entertainment, China’s largest music platform. The partnership aims to develop a localised idol group within 2-3 years, combining SME’s production expertise with Tencent’s distribution network to create a new “idol success model” in China. Meanwhile, former SME chief Lee Soo-man, now with A2O Entertainment, is also expanding in China with his newly debuted girl group, A2O MAY.
HYBE and YG Entertainment have taken significant steps to position themselves for China’s reopening. HYBE established its Beijing subsidiary in April, its fourth overseas base, to support artist activities and stabilise operations in the market. Similarly, YG acquired full ownership of its Beijing subsidiary to streamline decision-making for future opportunities. While YG remains cautious about the market’s reopening, both companies are building infrastructure to act quickly if restrictions ease. These moves reflect cautious optimism, with industry leaders awaiting clearer signals from October’s APEC summit, where potential discussions between Presidents Lee and Xi could shape the ban’s future.
The entertainment industry sees President Xi’s expected visit to South Korea in October as a pivotal moment that could unlock China’s market after nine years of restrictions. An industry insider noted that resumed artist performances in China would provide a major growth boost for Korean firms. However, companies remain in a preparatory phase, balancing strategic investments with measured expectations. The outcome of high-level diplomatic talks will likely determine whether these corporate efforts translate into tangible business opportunities, making the APEC summit a critical event for Korea’s entertainment sector.
News Source: https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-industry/2025/08/14/YBLLZTC3RFAH5K6LD4SNKSFYJA/
(13) G.E.M. Emerges as Savvy Business Investor Alongside Music Success
(Photo Credit: Singtao Headline)
Hong Kong singer G.E.M., 33, has proven herself not only as a top-tier performer but also as a shrewd business investor. As she prepares for her upcoming concert series at Kai Tak Sports Park from August 15-20, it’s revealed that her 2019 investment in an AI startup – made years before ChatGPT’s popularity surge – has yielded a remarkable 10-fold return. The singer disclosed this during a recent conversation with Chinese host Li Dan, noting this marks her third successful business venture, having profited from all her investments to date.
G.E.M. attributed her AI investment success to thorough research and a faith-based connection. After being introduced to the AI entrepreneur through mutual acquaintances from her religious community, she conducted extensive research on the technology’s fundamentals before committing funds. Her early bet on the then-niche AI sector demonstrated her exceptional foresight, particularly as this predated the current AI boom and ChatGPT’s global dominance.
G.E.M. has built an estimated net worth exceeding RMB 1.256 billion. Her wealth stems from multiple income streams including last year’s RMB 500 million concert earnings, private jet ownership, and substantial real estate holdings. As she returns to the stage, G.E.M. continues to redefine success as both an entertainment powerhouse and astute businesswoman.
