China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 65 Week of 25 August 2025
(1) Ex-top Chinese star Li Yifeng hit with $54.3M asset freeze after prostitution scandal
Beijing authorities froze ¥49.9 million (HK$54.3M) in assets belonging to Chinese actor Li Yifeng for advertising contract breaches and undelivered projects due to his prostitution scandal.
(2) The C-pop marketing playbook: Chinese girl group A2O May shattered U.S. records less than a year after debuting
Founder of SM Entertainment, Lee Soo-man, launched a new girl group A20 May together with A2O Entertainment with their singles charted on the US Mediabase Top 100.
(3) Faye Wong’s former husband Li Yapeng faces financial crisis as hospital property faces enforcement
Faye Wong’s ex Li Yapeng battles ¥40M+ debt amid failed ventures, while wife Hai Ha Jinxi denies divorce rumors. Their Smile Angel Foundation faces court enforcement, compounding financial woes since his acting exit.
(4) Ma Jingtao, 63, is the same age as Dad of his girlfriend, who’s 26 years younger than him
Taiwanese actor Ma Jingtao, 63, confirms romance with Chinese investor Jane, 37, ending speculation. Jane defends their 26-year age gap, citing mutual love and financial independence, with no marriage plans.
(5) Tiffany Chen raised her husband’s ex-wife Betty Ting’s alimony 20x to HK$100K/month
Tiffany Chen raised Betty Ting’s alimony 20x to HK$100K/month after her amicable divorce from Charles Heung. Their families remained close until today.
(6) Tony Leung competes for Best Actor at 82nd Venice Film Festival with European debut in “Silent Friend”
Tony Leung receives Venice Lifetime Achievement Award while competing for Best Actor in Silent Friend – his first European film as a neuroscientist opposite Léa Seydoux, sporting a bold shaved-head look.
(7) Dylan Wang’s 27-Minute Argument with an Alleged Girlfriend Gets Leaked
Leaked audio sparks speculation about Dylan Wang’s decade-long secret girlfriend, but studio dismisses it as invasion of privacy. Debate continues over whether the argument was personal or work-related.
(8) SEVENTEEN’s Hong Kong Concert Sells Out Instantly as K-pop Fever Peaks
SEVENTEEN’s Hong Kong concerts sell out instantly, marking their first show there since 2018. Member Hoshi to enlist Sept 16, while Mingyu gears up for solo fan event on Sept 5.
(9) Singer JJ Lin collaborates with superstar Jackie Chan on new song ‘Skibidi’
JJ Lin & Jackie Chan release Skibidi—a high-energy EDM track celebrating resilience, blending Chan’s first electronic music attempt with Lin’s vocals. Follows their April Sincere Hero duet, leveraging viral slang’s appeal.
(10) Taiwan Selects “The Left-Handed Girl” as Oscar Submission
Taiwan picks Cannes-winning “The Left-Handed Girl” (a night market-set family drama) for Oscar consideration, banking on its feminist themes and festival success to follow 2023’s “Marry My Dead Body” nomination.
(11) Top Chinese Actress Yu Shuxin Sparks Fresh Controversy Over Father’s Cash Luxury Purchases
Chinese star Yu Shuxin trends as her debt-listed father’s cash luxury purchases (during court high-spending ban) surface, sparking regulatory evasion claims. Her denial fails to stop 720K fan exodus amid PR crisis.
(12) Sui He, Chinese supermodel and girlfriend of Hong Kong actor William Chan, clears her Weibo account
Sui He fuels marriage/pregnancy rumours with William Chan after wiping her Weibo and disappearing for months. The model’s past fleeting marriage and on-off ties with Chan keep fans guessing.
(13) The Hong Kong Jockey Club and XIX Entertainment have unveiled Ariel Tsang as Now United’s first member from Hong Kong, China, following a global talent search and training initiative.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club and XIX Entertainment have unveiled Ariel Tsang as Now United’s first member from Hong Kong, China, following a global talent search and training initiative.
(1) Ex-top Chinese star Li Yifeng hit with $54.3M asset freeze after prostitution scandal
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Chinese actor Li Yifeng, who vanished from public view after a 2022 prostitution scandal, resurfaced in headlines when Beijing authorities froze ¥49.9 million (HK$54.3M) in assets belonging to his company on August 21. The enforcement action, which is linked to advertising contract breaches and undelivered projects following his legal downfall, signals ongoing financial and professional repercussions nearly three years after his detainment. This move abruptly ended Li’s attempted low-profile comeback, which included a tentative return via a concert in Bangkok earlier this year.
In 2022, Li was arrested for “soliciting prostitution on multiple occasions” in Beijing. He confessed soon after being detained. Major brands like Prada immediately terminated partnerships, while streaming platforms purged his film and drama catalog. His disappearance marked one of China’s most dramatic celebrity downfalls, underscoring the industry’s zero-tolerance policy toward ethical violations. The asset freeze now formalizes the financial toll of his actions, extending beyond reputational damage.
Once celebrated as China’s youngest Golden Eagle Award winner and a “Top 10 Representative Figure,” the 38-year-old’s career imploded overnight when his solicitation scandal erupted. The case highlights the severe, long-term consequences for Chinese celebrities embroiled in legal or moral controversies. Beyond criminal penalties, offenders face contractual liabilities (e.g., undelivered endorsements and unaired projects) that can trigger massive financial claims. Media scrutiny of Li’s asset freeze reinforces Beijing’s stance on holding public figures accountable, serving as a cautionary tale about the intersection of personal conduct and professional survival in China’s tightly regulated entertainment landscape.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hk-and-china-showbiz/article/309688/Ex-top-Chinese-star-Li-Yifeng-hit-with-543M-asset-freeze-after-prostitution-scandal
(2) The C-pop marketing playbook: Chinese girl group A2O May shattered U.S. records less than a year after debuting
(Photo Credit: A2O Entertainment)
Lee Soo-man, founder of SM Entertainment and architect of K-pop’s global expansion, has launched a groundbreaking venture with A2O Entertainment after departing his former company. His new group A2O May – featuring Chinese-American twins Kat and Miche alongside Chinese idols Shijie, Quchang, and Chenyu, pioneers “Zalpha Pop,” a genre explicitly designed for Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences. Lee’s “Beyond K-pop” vision drives the group’s global strategy, with offices across four countries and record-breaking achievements: A2O May became the first Chinese act to perform at LA’s Wango Tango festival, while their singles “Under My Skin” and “Boss” simultaneously charted on the U.S. Mediabase Top 100, with “Boss” hitting #1 on QQ Music’s New Song Chart.
A2O May’s bilingual releases blend English and Mandarin with a deliberate cultural hybridity. CUHK cultural studies professor Xuenan Cao notes their sound evokes late-90s/early-2000s Taiwanese pop nostalgia and Jay Chou’s signature rap style – featuring “foreign-sounding” Mandarin tones that intrigue Chinese audiences by presenting “patriotism with Western elements.” This contrasts sharply with traditional C-pop’s diversity, which Hot Pot China’s Lu Zhao clarifies is often misunderstood: “C-pop isn’t K-pop imitation.” She cites China’s 2021 ban on idol competitions and fan-spending crackdowns that disrupted K-pop-style pipelines, leading to diverse breakthroughs like ballad singer Mao Buyi and actress-singer Esther Yu.
C-pop’s marketing playbook emphasizes authenticity in celebrity partnerships. Recent examples include Liu Yuning’s ambassadorship for Alibaba’s Xianyu – resonating due to his “grassroots-to-stardom” journey mirroring the platform’s user base – and luxury collaborations like Dior with Coachella performer Xin Liu. Lu Zhao, marketing manager at the Hot Pot China consultancy, emphasizes that brands must align deeply with artists’ narratives and fan values: “Fans reciprocate when brands genuinely champion their idols,” driving purchases and campaign amplification. As A2O May expands globally, their success highlights C-pop’s evolution into a distinct ecosystem blending nostalgic sounds, strategic globalization, and highly engaged fandoms.
News Source: https://jingdaily.com/posts/can-a2o-may-help-c-pop-go-global
(3) Faye Wong’s former husband Li Yapeng faces financial crisis as hospital property faces enforcement
(Photo Credit: Li Yapeng/Weibo)
Faye Wong, the iconic Mandopop diva, and mainland Chinese actor Li Yapeng were once regarded as a golden couple. Despite their divorce, they maintained a philanthropic connection through the establishment of the Smile Angel Foundation for their daughter, Leah Dou.
In 2022, Li Yapeng, now 53, married Hai Ha Jinxi, the Chinese winner of the Miss World pageant, who is 19 years his junior. The couple welcomed a daughter that same year. Although Li has stepped away from the entertainment industry in recent years to focus on business, reports of failed investments have continuously surfaced. Most recently, the Smile Angel Hospital, founded by Li and Wong, was embroiled in financial troubles, resulting in court enforcement action. Li remains burdened by over ¥40 million (RM23.5 million) in debt from a failed 2012 tourism investment in Yunnan. Despite exiting the entertainment industry in 2014 to focus on business, his financial situation has not improved since publicly admitting the debt in 2023. Li and his wife, are actively working to repay creditors while facing significant economic pressure.
Recent speculation about marital strife prompted Haiha to publicly deny divorce rumors via video statement. She clarified that their physical separation is due to work commitments in different cities, emphasizing: “Just because we’ve been apart doesn’t mean something’s wrong.” Haiha reaffirmed her commitment to Li, citing “fate” as the reason for their age-gap relationship and vowing to support him through their financial crisis.
News Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2025/05/28/former-chinese-actor-li-yapeng-works-hard-to-repay-rm235mil-debt-amid-divorce-rumours#goog_rewarded
(4) Ma Jingtao, 63, is the same age as Dad of his girlfriend, who’s 26 years younger than him
(Photo Credit: 8days)
Taiwanese actor Ma Jingtao (63) publicly confirmed his relationship with girlfriend Jane (37), a Chinese financial investor, during a recent live stream, ending years of speculation that began in 2023 when Jane posted a couple selfie with the Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabrestar. Jane, whose Weibo username is “Bian Mu Po Ni Xiao Pony,” had previously hinted at their romance two years ago by declaring “My idol has become my lover” and defending their 26-year age gap: “My dad and Jingtao are the same age… I don’t care about that at all.” “I don’t mind that you’ve been divorced twice. Those women didn’t know how to cherish you, but I do!” she continued.
Jane addressed public scrutiny about their relationship dynamics, emphasizing her financial independence and rejecting “gold-digger” accusations: “Jingtao doesn’t hand his money over to me… I’m financially independent and can support myself.” She also revealed her parents’ support, noting they “love me too much to interfere.” The couple met organically at a friend’s gathering, with Jane stating their connection felt destined: “I love everything about him, just everything.”
When asked about marriage, Jane expressed their non-traditional perspective: “Getting a marriage certificate is easy, but is it necessary? We don’t think it’s really that important.” She affirmed her conscious choice to be with Ma, who was divorced twice (from Tang Yun, 1990-1993; and Wu Jiani, 2007-2017) and has three children – stressing: “The day I got together with him, I knew clearly what I was doing. I won’t regret it.”
News Source: https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/asian/ma-jingtao-same-age-dad-girlfriend-846816
(5) Tiffany Chen raised her husband’s ex-wife Betty Ting’s alimony 20x to HK$100K/month
(Photo Credit: Tiffany Heung/Weibo)
Tiffany Chen, wife of Hong Kong entertainment mogul Charles Heung, recently shared on social media how she voluntarily increased the alimony for his ex-wife, actress Betty Ting, from HK$5,000 to HK$100,000 per month.
The couple divorced in 1980 after four years of marriage, with Ting raising their daughter. Chen explained that she made this 20-fold increase as a gesture of gratitude after Ting swiftly agreed to sign the divorce papers, despite Heung still being in the process of pursuing Chen at the time.
Chen revealed that Ting, aware of Heung’s new relationship, did not prolong the divorce process, even though divorce in Hong Kong required a three-year separation period. Moved by Ting’s cooperation, Chen promised to financially support her and their daughter for life, stating, “I said, ‘Not us – I will take care of them forever.’” This arrangement has allowed the two families to maintain a close, harmonious relationship over the decades.
(Photo credit: LA BIENNALE DIVENNEZIA/Silent Friend)
The 82nd Venice Film Festival is set to kick off in Italy on August 27th, showcasing a much-anticipated European debut by Tony Leung, the recipient of the prestigious “Venice Lifetime Achievement Award.” Leung stars in the European film “Silent Friend,” where he portrays a Hong Kong neuroscientist, vying for the coveted Best Actor award at the Golden Lion Awards. The upcoming film, shrouded in mystery, unexpectedly revealed a surprising new look with the “Skin Head” style.
In the film “Silent Friend,” directed and written by acclaimed Hungarian filmmaker Ildikó Enyedi, the long-awaited movie still has been unveiled ahead of the festival opening. Featuring Leung sporting glasses and a Skin Head look, the fresh appearance harks back to his last venture into this style during the filming of “Fallen Angels” in 1998.
This marks Leung’s inaugural foray into European cinema, portraying the renowned Hong Kong neuroscientist Professor Tony Wong. An erudite scholar brimming with passion for establishing connections between humanity and nature, Tony, driven by radical theories, seeks guidance from the world-renowned botanist Dr. Alice Sauvage, portrayed by French actress Léa Seydoux, leading to a collision of knowledge and emotions.
(7) Dylan Wang’s 27-Minute Argument with an Alleged Girlfriend Gets Leaked
(Photo Credit: Jayne Star)
Chinese actor Dylan Wang (王鶴棣) surprised netizens after a leaked audio recording suggests that has a girlfriend of 10-years. To the disappointment of Dylan’s fans, Dylan and the alleged girlfriend can be heard arguing loudly in the 27-minute audio.
The audio was recorded by a fan of Dylan outside a hotel room in Xinjiang and a woman can be heard saying, “I’ve been with you for 10 years…Are you cheating or am I cheating? You have to react to aggressively. Your extreme emotions are as if you caught someone cheating in bed… Am I getting married? Am I getting married and not inviting you, or am I getting married and inviting you? Why are you so crazy?” The netizen accused Dylan of arguing with a mysterious girlfriend and criticized the actor, “You were dating before you debuted! Yet you still portray yourself as single to attract female fans to spend money on you.”
Despite the damning audios, the context of the audio is under scrutiny. Some netizens noted that the heated conversation included workplace-related terms such as “salary”, “teams”, and “working hours.” The netizens question if the conversation could be relating to a workplace dispute. As the audio recording goes viral, Dylan’s studio issued a statement condemning the netizen for stalking, spying and harassment. The studio has also state that they will be taking legal action and request that netizens stop infringing on the artist’s privacy. The fan recording the audio stated on Weibo that she was detained for “spreading other people’s private information or images” after the incident with the studio refusing to settle.
News Source: https://www.jaynestars.com/news/dylan-wangs-27-minute-argument-with-an-alleged-girlfriend-gets-leaked/
(8) SEVENTEEN’s Hong Kong Concert Sells Out Instantly as K-pop Fever Peaks
(Photo Credit: Pledis Entertainment)
K-pop sensation SEVENTEEN has sent Hong Kong fans into a frenzy after tickets for their two-night concert at Kai Tak Sports Park (September 27-28) sold out within hours of general sales. The 9-member lineup marks their first Hong Kong show since 2018, with prices ranging from HK$899 to HK$2,899.
Priority sales for CARAT (SEVENTEEN’s fan club name) members and credit card holders already claimed most tickets before 10a.m., 28 August 2025 Cityline public sale, prompting organizers to announce a full sell-out by noon. The group’s return has ignited massive demand, with fans eagerly anticipating high-energy performances of hits.
As excitement builds for the concerts, member Hoshi prepares to enlist as an active-duty soldier on September 16, following teammates Jeonghan and Wonwoo. Ahead of his service, he unveiled a sleek campaign for Canada Goose’s 2025 spring collection, modelling minimalist cold-weather styles – a poignant “farewell” gesture to fans. Meanwhile, Mingyu will stoke CARAT mania earlier with a solo appearance on September 5 for a coffee brand promotion.
News Source: https://www.am730.com.hk/%E5%A8%9B%E6%A8%82/seventeen%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF%E6%BC%94%E5%94%B1%E6%9C%83-%E5%85%A9%E5%A0%B4%E5%95%9F%E5%BE%B7%E4%B8%BB%E5%A0%B4%E9%A4%A8%E9%96%80%E7%A5%A8%E4%BB%8A%E9%96%8B%E8%B3%A3%E5%8D%B3%E5%91%8A%E5%94%AE%E7%BD%84/593684
(9) Singer JJ Lin collaborates with superstar Jackie Chan on new song ‘Skibidi’
(Photo Credit: Instagram/jfj_productions)
Singaporean singer JJ Lin and Hong Kong action legend Jackie Chan have joined forces for their first musical collaboration—the upbeat electronic track Skibidi, set for global release on August 27. The unexpected pairing, teased via social media by Lin’s label JFJ Productions, showcases 44-year-old Lin and 71-year-old Chan embracing the viral slang term (recently added to the Cambridge Dictionary as a playful expression meaning “cool”). The song celebrates their shared philosophy of relentless dedication—Chan’s first venture into EDM after decades of movie soundtracks and pop albums.
The collaboration follows their April 2025 performance of Chan’s classic Sincere Hero at Wuhan’s Beloong Music Festival, where Lin called sharing the stage with his “lifelong hero” a dream. Skibidi marks Chan’s return to music amid a busy film schedule (Karate Kid: Legends, The Shadow’s Edge), while Lin continues to bridge generations—6,000 fans crashed Hit FM’s website during the announcement. The track’s title nods to internet culture, riffing on the absurdist Skibidi Toilet meme.
Chan’s playful dive into Gen Z slang contrasts his martial arts persona, while Lin’s genre-blending approach (after 2024’s jazz-infused Like You Do) proves his versatility. Industry watchers note the strategic timing: Chan’s global fanbase and Lin’s streaming power could propel Skibidi beyond novelty status. As Lin posted: “Let music transcend all boundaries” – a mantra this duo embodies.
(10) Taiwan Selects “The Left-Handed Girl” as Oscar Submission
(Photo Credit: The Left-Handed Girl)
Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture has chosen director Tsou Shih-ching’s The Left-Handed Girl as its official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards‘ Best International Feature Film category. The selection committee praised the film’s “contemporary aesthetic” and its portrayal of intergenerational conflicts within Taiwan’s iconic night market culture through a young left-handed girl’s perspective.
The film follows a single mother and her two daughters struggling to build a new life running a night market stall in Taipei. Its vivid depiction of working-class resilience and familial bonds resonated with international festivals—it won two awards in Cannes’ Critics’ Week and screened at Toronto, New York, and Busan film festivals.
With this strong festival trajectory, The Left-Handed Girl emerges as a compelling contender. The selection marks Taiwan’s continued emphasis on culturally distinctive storytelling, following 2023’s submission of Marry My Dead Body.
News Source: https://ol.mingpao.com/ldy/showbiz/latest/20250828/1756365103294/%e3%80%8a%e5%b7%a6%e6%92%87%e5%ad%90%e5%a5%b3%e5%ad%a9%e3%80%8b%e4%bb%a3%e8%a1%a8%e5%8f%b0%e7%81%a3%e5%87%ba%e6%88%b0%e5%a5%a7%e6%96%af%e5%8d%a1%e5%9c%8b%e9%9a%9b%e9%9b%bb%e5%bd%b1%e7%8d%8e
(11) Top Chinese Actress Yu Shuxin Sparks Fresh Controversy Over Father’s Cash Luxury Purchases
(Photo Credit: Love Between Fairy and Devil)
Mainland Rising star Esther Yu (虞書欣) of Love Between Fairy and Devil faces renewed scrutiny after her businessman father Yu Pijie (虞丕杰) was allegedly caught circumventing China’s “high-consumption restrictions” by paying cash for luxury goods.
The controversy stems from a 2019 video – since deleted but widely circulated – showing Yu’s father paying cash at a Macau boutique while Yu missed spotting BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Jisoo nearby because she was too focused on designer bags. Yu’s father, owner of multiple companies, has been repeatedly listed as a “discredited debt defaulter” (「失信被執行人」) since 2016 for failing to repay over ¥15 million in debts. Under court-ordered “high-consumption restrictions”, such individuals are prohibited from extravagant purchases. The cash transaction – avoiding traceable digital payments – has raised suspicions of deliberate regulatory evasion.
Yu’s studio issued a statement denying her involvement in her father’s businesses, but fans remain unconvinced, with her social media losing 720K followers in a week.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/%E5%8D%B3%E6%99%82%E5%A8%9B%E6%A8%82/60271077/%E9%A0%82%E6%B5%81%E5%B0%8F%E8%8A%B1%E8%99%9E%E6%9B%B8%E6%AC%A3%E5%86%8D%E6%83%B9%E7%88%AD%E8%AD%B0-%E5%AF%8C%E5%95%86%E7%88%B8%E7%88%B8%E7%8F%BE%E9%87%91%E8%B2%B7%E5%90%8D%E7%89%8C%E9%81%AD%E8%B3%AA%E7%96%91%E9%81%BF%E9%96%8B%E6%94%AF%E4%BB%98%E7%9B%A3%E7%AE%A1
(12) Sui He, Chinese supermodel and girlfriend of Hong Kong actor William Chan, clears her Weibo account
(Photo Credit: 8days)
Hong Kong actor William Chan, aged 39, has garnered a significant following of female fans with his handsome appearance. Rising to fame in mainland China since 2016 for his role in the drama series “The Mystic Nine,” he has since focused his acting career in mainland China, establishing himself as a leading male star with soaring popularity. Chan has been romantically linked with Chinese model and actress Sui He for several years, with their relationship attracting constant attention. Although the couple parted ways last year, sightings of them together in February this year suggested a stable relationship.
Recently, Sui He abruptly cleared her Weibo account, hiding all her posts. She has not updated her social platforms for over half a year, abstained from new endorsements, skipped major fashion events, and even turned down shoots for a prominent fashion magazine. This quiet exit from the entertainment industry has sparked online speculation, with some netizens theorising that her sudden withdrawal could be linked to a secret marriage with William Chan or potentially pregnancy, leading to her disappearance for several months.
Sui He, a model known for her tall stature and runway appearances, first hit the fashion scene by debuting at the New York Fashion Week in the fall/winter of 2011. Over the following eight years, she graced the Victoria’s Secret annual runway show, becoming the second Asian model after Liu Wen to walk the prestigious Victoria’s Secret runway. Sui He ventured into film and television in 2014, gradually gaining recognition in the public eye. In 2015, she publicly shared a marriage certificate, albeit with the groom’s face obscured. Shortly after, she deleted the post. Rumours surfaced suggesting that her marriage lasted only seven months and that she was deceived by a false affluent individual introduced by her friend Xi Mengyao. Upon discovering the deception, Sui He promptly divorced, parting ways with Xi Mengyao as well. Despite these reports, Sui He herself never addressed the speculations.
(Photo credit: HKJC)
In a strategic initiative to enhance its global sports entertainment profile, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), in partnership with XIX Entertainment, has announced the successful conclusion of its talent search with the induction of Ariel Tsang as the first member from Hong Kong, China into the global pop group Now United. The unveiling, which included a debut performance by Ms. Tsang, represents the culmination of a rigorous selection process involving auditions and professional training. This initiative is the first major project under the strategic partnership announced in May, designed to provide local talent with a platform on the international stage.
The new member, Ariel Tsang, is a multitalented local performer proficient in singing, rapping, and dancing. Her linguistic capabilities in Cantonese, English, and Putonghua position her as an ideal cultural ambassador to facilitate global collaboration and audience engagement. HKJC executives articulated that this partnership aligns with the Club’s dual commitment to youth development and elevating its brand internationally. The initiative aims to merge world-class racing with top-tier entertainment, thereby promoting Hong Kong’s tourism and cultural assets to a global audience.
The event was further underscored by the support of Asian superstar Aaron Kwok, in his capacity as “HKJC’s Rising Stars Ambassador,” and XIX founder Simon Fuller, both of whom endorsed the project’s role in inspiring local youth. The collaboration will extend beyond this announcement, featuring masterclass workshops and content creation, including a reality YouTube series and music videos filmed in Hong Kong. Now United is scheduled to perform in Hong Kong in December following an international tour, further solidifying the city’s place on the global entertainment map.
News Source: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10564267
