China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 66 Week of 1 September 2025
(1) Rhythmic gymnast Stacey Chan crowned Miss Hong Kong 2025
Rhythmic gymnast Stacey Chan triumphed over 13 other finalists to claim the coveted title of Miss Hong Kong 2025 in a ceremony at TVB City in Tseung Kwan O Aug 31.
(2) Michael Miu’s daughter, Phoebe Miu, ventures into Hollywood with success in Sci-Fi series “Upload”
Michael Miu’s daughter Phoebe, who deliberately built her acting career abroad to avoid nepotism, achieved breakthrough success with her recurring role in the sci-fi series Upload.
(3) TSAI Ming-liang Honored with FIPRESCI 100 Lifetime Achievement Award as Vive L’Amour Returns to Venice in 4K
Thirty-one years after its Golden Lion win at the Venice International Film Festival, Tsai Ming-liang’s landmark film Vive L’Amour returned to the festival in a meticulously restored 4K version.
(4) ANSONBEAN Announces Surprise Breakup with Girlfriend Jaime Cheung
ANSONBEAN and singer-songwriter girlfriend Jaime Cheung have ended their one-year relationship.
(5) Grasshopper Returns with Tour & 40th Anniversary Plans Following Remus Choy’s Recovery
Hong Kong pop legends Grasshopper have relaunched their Re: GRASSHOPPER World Tour after member Remus Choy (蔡一傑) successfully recovered from brain surgery last year.
(6) Six International Bands Debut at Chinese Mainland Music Festival, Top Chinese Acts Take the Spotlight — Aranya Xiami Music & Arts Festival Delivers a World-Class Music Experience
The 4th Aranya-Xiami Music & Arts Festival, a collaborative production between Xiami Music Entertainment and Aranya, successfully took place from August 27 to 31, 2025 at the Aranya seaside, under the theme “Another Life.”
(7) Jacky Cheung Nearly Halts Dongguan Concert Due to Vocal Strain, Vows to Keep Singing
During his rescheduled Dongguan concert, 62-year-old music icon Jacky Cheung emotionally paused the show due to vocal strain, declaring he “can’t accept less than 100%”. However, with fans’ support, he performed until physically unable, highlighting his perfectionism amid ongoing health challenges on tour.
(8) Hong Kong actor Simon Yam on his artistic side and why nature is his biggest muse
The Hong Kong film and TV superstar Simon Yam shares what inspires him to paint and how his art is interconnected ahead of his photography exhibition
(9) Myolie Wu reluctant to discuss her “hugger” husband: He hugs both men and women
Myolie Wu defended husband Philip Lee’s restrained nightclub appearance, stating he’s “just being himself”.
(10) Yang Mi’s “This Thriving Land”: A transformational film, her acting skills were recognized
After a poorly attempt in “Harbin 1944,” Yang Mi successfully shed her idol drama image with her transformative performance in the hit rural drama “This Thriving Land “.
(11) Ronald Cheng is an avenging father in bleak Thailand-set thriller
Ronald Cheng and Chrissie Chau star in this violent action film about a father chasing Thai criminals who have taken his daughter
(12) Tyson Yoshi Reveals Plans for Two Kids Before 35 and Jokes About Being “Used Like a Condom” by Terence Lam
At a Tsim Sha Tsui event, Tyson Yoshi joked about his “slimmer face” post-honeymoon while revealing plans to have two children before turning 35
(13) Rainie Yang reveals recent surgery and recuperation
Taiwanese singer Rainie Yang made a rare social media update recently, revealing that she had just undergone a major surgery and is now concentrating on recuperation.
(1) Rhythmic gymnast Stacey Chan crowned Miss Hong Kong 2025
(Photo Credit: The Standard/ TVB)
Stacey Devina Chan, a 26-year-old rhythmic gymnast, was crowned Miss Hong Kong 2025 in the annual pageant finale organized by TVB. With a distinguished athletic career spanning over two decades, Chan began training in gymnastics at age three and later secured a spot on the Hong Kong gymnastics team. She dominated the sport by winning the Hong Kong All-Around Champion title for three consecutive years (2012–2015) and earned international recognition at the 2014 Singapore Rhythmic Gymnastics Open Championships, where she placed first in Ball and first runner-up in Hoop and Ribbon.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Chan boasts an impressive academic background. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and pursued advanced studies at Columbia University, where she continued her doctoral education. This combination of elite athletic discipline and academic rigor distinguished her in the pageant, reflecting a profile of holistic excellence that aligns with modern pageant values celebrating both intellectual and physical achievement.
The competition also highlighted other high-achieving contestants: first runner-up Angela Stanton, a 26-year-old University of Cambridge graduate and investment bank finance professional; second runner-up Jane Yuan, 27; and Victoria Lee, 21, who won both the Miss Friendship and Miss Photogenic awards. The results underscore the pageant’s emphasis on multifaceted success, blending beauty, intellect, and specialized talents across a diverse pool of candidates.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/310398/Rhythmic-gymnast-Stacey-Chan-crowned-Miss-Hong-Kong-2025
(2) Michael Miu’s daughter, Phoebe Miu, ventures into Hollywood with success in Sci-Fi series “Upload”
(Photo Credit: Jayne Stars)
Veteran Hong Kong actor Michael Miu and wife Jaime Chik have built a family legacy spanning over 30 years, with their daughter Phoebe Miu choosing to enter the entertainment industry. After graduating from Canada’s University of British Columbia, Phoebe initially pursued photography, even holding a solo exhibition, before transitioning to acting. Deliberately avoiding reliance on her parents’ fame, she established her career overseas, starring in over 20 productions including Get Shorty and making appearances at Cannes.
Phoebe’s breakthrough came with the sci-fi series Upload, where she portrays a low-income resident in a simulated afterlife world. Now in its fourth season, she recently shared behind-the-scenes reflections on social media, expressing gratitude for the cast’s camaraderie and her character’s growth. Her performance caught the attention of producer Greg Daniels, who personally invited her to continue in Season 4, where she quickly bonded with the ensemble cast.
Michael Miu has publicly acknowledged his daughter’s principled approach to her career, noting she intentionally built her reputation abroad to avoid perceptions of nepotism. Phoebe’s invitation to return for Upload‘s latest season, and her seamless integration with the cast, demonstrates her rising recognition based on merit. Her journey from behind-the-camera photographer to internationally recognized actor underscores a determined path to “making a real breakthrough” through independent achievement.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/michael-mius-daughter-phoebe-miu-ventures-into-hollywood-with-success-in-sci-fi-series-upload/
(3) TSAI Ming-liang Honored with FIPRESCI 100 Lifetime Achievement Award as Vive L’Amour Returns to Venice in 4K
(Photo Credit: Taiwan Film& Audiovisual Institute)
Thirty-one years after its Golden Lion win at the Venice International Film Festival, Tsai Ming-liang’s landmark film Vive L’Amour returned to the festival in a meticulously restored 4K version, presented by the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute (TFAI). Screened in the Venice Classics section on September 3, the restoration premiered to a full house, reuniting director Tsai Ming-liang, actor Lee Kang-sheng, and TFAI Chairperson Arthur Chu with international audiences. The film, celebrated for its sparse dialogue and detached visual style depicting urban loneliness, also marks the beginning of Tsai’s enduring artistic partnership with Lee.
In a moment of recognition preceding the screening, Tsai Ming-liang was honored with the FIPRESCI 100 Lifetime Achievement Award, his seventh FIPRESCI prize, acknowledging his profound impact and continuous innovation in film. During his acceptance, Tsai expressed gratitude for the sustained support of international critics and reflected on the significance of returning to Venice, the place where he first connected with global audiences. Lee Kang-sheng described the homecoming as emotional, coinciding with the presentation of Tsai’s latest work, Back Home.
The 4K restoration was a collaborative effort between TFAI and Tsai Ming-liang, aimed not only at preserving the director’s distinct aesthetic but also at capturing the evolution of Taipei and the performers. Arthur Chu emphasized the importance of the restoration as a vital cultural record. The film’s enduring resonance was further highlighted by a widely publicized outdoor screening in Taipei in 2024, where thousands gathered, reaffirming its emotional and artistic influence across generations.
News Source: https://www.tfai.org.tw/en/event/detail/2c96808298bc914f019913925e54009c
(4) ANSONBEAN Announces Surprise Breakup with Girlfriend Jaime Cheung
(Photo Credit: Yahoo! News)
ANSONBEAN, the King Maker III contestant who took a mental health hiatus earlier this year, revealed during a September 3 fashion event that he and singer-songwriter girlfriend Jaime Cheung have ended their one-year relationship. ANSONBEAN cited compatibility issues: “We felt more comfortable not being a couple. We tried [to make it work], but some things require compromise.” He emphasised that they remain friends, even attending each other’s work events—ANSONBEAN recently supported Jaime’s concert, while she may attend his upcoming BL film We Are Nothing Special premiere (“if she’s willing”).
The breakup follows ANSONBEAN’s May 2024 social media withdrawal due to psychological struggles, during which Jaime publicly supported him. Since his July comeback, he’s been filming the queer romance movie alongside MIRROR’s AK (Anson Kong), though he dismissed speculation that their on-screen intimacy influenced the split (“Completely unrelated!”). Work, he says, now helps him avoid overthinking.
The pair’s romance blossomed after being spotted at a 2023 carnival, with ANSONBEAN praising Jaime’s talent and cuteness. Their collaboration on his single “ONE DANCE” became a “love project,” but ultimately, their bond evolved into a platonic dynamic.
News Source: https://hk.news.yahoo.com/ansonbean%E7%84%A1%E9%A0%90%E8%AD%A6%E4%B8%8B%E5%AE%A3%E5%B8%83%E8%88%87%E5%BC%B5%E5%A4%A9%E7%A9%8E%E5%88%86%E6%89%8B%EF%BC%9A%E5%94%94%E4%BB%A5%E6%83%85%E4%BE%B6%E7%9B%B8%E8%99%95%E6%9C%83%E8%88%92%E6%9C%8D%E5%95%B2-125734917.html
(5) Grasshopper Returns with Tour & 40th Anniversary Plans Following Remus Choy’s Recovery
(Photo Credit: Yahoo! News)
Hong Kong pop legends Grasshopper have relaunched their Re:GRASSHOPPER World Tour after member Remus Choy (蔡一傑) successfully recovered from brain surgery last year. The trio—Remus, Calvin Choy (蔡一智), and Edmond So (蘇志威), also announced a 40th-anniversary concert at Hong Kong Coliseum in April 2026, alongside a new album featuring Remus’s spicy-themed single and Calvin’ track “Framily”.
Remus revealed plans to launch his spicy-themed single as a playful tie-in with his new song, symbolizing prosperity (“may you ‘toss’ your way to success”—a Cantonese pun on “lo mein”). Remus likened their revamped tour to hotpot: “Like dining in Hong Kong, each experience is different—this time we’ve added ‘spice’!” The tour, hitting Singapore, Macau, Malaysia, and Guangzhou, will feature rearranged classics and high-energy performances.
Before the 40th-anniversary celebrations, Grasshopper will perform at Guangzhou’s Super Strawberry Music Festival during Mid-Autumn Festival, promising 90 minutes of hits. Ticket details for the 2026 concert will drop in December 2025, with Remus joking: “Stop calling me for tickets, my quota’s full! Contact Kit, Edmond, or our manager!”
(6) Six International Bands Debut at Chinese Mainland Music Festival, Top Chinese Acts Take the Spotlight — Aranya Xiami Music & Arts Festival Delivers a World-Class Music Experience
(Photo credit: Xiami Music & Arts Festival)
The 2025 Aranya-Xiami Music & Arts Festival transformed Aranya’s coastal community into a five-day immersive “music and vacation” experience, extending from its previous three-day format to align with holiday patterns. The event featured over 40 artists across three stages (including the new “Outing Stage” for niche genres), with 11 international acts from six countries making their Chinese mainland debuts – including LANY (Lollapalooza/Coachella alumni) and avant-garde band Battles. This expansion amplified Xiami’s signature authentic and globally minded curation while delivering exclusive “first-time encounter” performances.
Chinese talent spanned generations and genres, from Karen Mok & The Masters premiering new track Begetalongside classics, to Omnipotent Youth Society’s headline performance of their full album Inside the Cable Temple during Qixi Festival. Artists like Liang Bo, Wu Qingfeng, and Yoga Lin delivered standout sets, blending rock, pop, jazz, and electronic elements. This diverse lineup, balancing mainstream icons and indie innovators like Nova Heart, solidified the festival’s reputation for curating “premiere-level” experiences that resonated across age groups.
Beyond music, the festival integrated large-scale art installations, interactive exhibitions, and community culture to create a multidimensional entertainment space. Sustainability achieved landmark status: collaborations with Ant Forest attracted 1.24 million participants to carbon neutrality initiatives, while on-site efforts like waste sorting and beach clean-ups realized “green performance” commitments. These measures, coupled with full-chain carbon-neutral operations, advanced the festival’s goal to become “China’s Zero-Carbon Music Festival,” setting new industry benchmarks for eco-conscious cultural events.
News Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/six-international-bands-debut-chinese-034900587.html
(7) Jacky Cheung Nearly Halts Dongguan Concert Due to Vocal Strain, Vows to Keep Singing
(Photo Credit: am730)
Music icon Jacky Cheung faced an emotional moment during the August 31 finale of his rescheduled Dongguan concert (originally set for June but postponed due to China’s national college entrance exams). Mid-performance, the 62-year-old “God of Songs” abruptly paused the show, confessing: “I’ve been performing for 40 years, but tonight I can’t control my vocal cords. I can’t deliver a concert that’s less than 100%. I can’t accept that.” Tearing up, he admitted hating cancellations but demonstrated a split to prove his physical stamina: “I can still dance… but my voice is failing.”
Amid roaring cheers, Cheung renegotiated the terms: “Let me sing until I physically can’t—deal?” He powered through the set, later apologising: “I’ve given my all—hope you enjoyed it.” This marks his fifth health-related interruption during the 60+ Tour, following four prior cancellations he attributed to declining fitness.
Sources confirm Cheung will recuperate in Hong Kong before resuming work. The incident underscores his relentless perfectionism, even at the cost of halting a show, while fans’ unwavering support cements his legendary status.
(8) Hong Kong actor Simon Yam on his artistic side and why nature is his biggest muse
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
At 70, veteran Hong Kong actor Simon Yam is channeling his creativity into visual arts, preparing for a December photography exhibition at Hong Kong’s Fringe Club. His artistic practice began in the 1980s but flourished during the pandemic, evolving from photography to painting with acrylics, oils, and watercolors. Yam describes creativity as “essential to human beings,” explaining his lifelong fascination with visuals stems from childhood curiosity constrained by limited resources.
Yam’s work draws profound inspiration from nature’s palette, from Hong Kong beaches to Jiuzhaigou’s seasonal colors and Xinjiang’s desert landscapes. “Nature has given me endless creativity,” he notes, recalling how childhood observations of TV screen hues ignited his color appreciation. This connection manifests in abstract paintings like Mid-Autumn(2025), interpreting celestial bodies through imagined colors and forms. He emphasizes authenticity in his process: rejecting photo editing (“pointless”) while cherishing raw camera sounds.
Despite early hardships (growing up in Wan Chai police quarters after his father’s death) and being typecast in gangster roles, Yam’s artistic philosophy centers on positive expression. His 2010 Best Actor win (Echoes of the Rainbow) marked a turning point, leading to directing (Tales from the Dark, 2013). Today, he prioritizes spontaneous creation, producing eight paintings in one morning, stating: “What matters is that you do it with all your heart.” His art celebrates Hong Kong’s beauty (“most convenient with best infrastructure”) while embodying resilience forged through decades of storytelling.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3324156/hong-kong-actor-simon-yam-his-artistic-side-and-why-nature-his-biggest-muse?module=top_story&pgtype=subsection
(9) Myolie Wu reluctant to discuss her “hugger” husband: He hugs both men and women
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Myolie Wu’s husband Philip Lee recently returned to the nightclub scene to celebrate his friends Vincent Hung and Janet Chow’s launch of their own brand. During the event, he was observed being particularly well-behaved, maintaining a clear distance from female guests, apparently aiming to shed his “hugger” image.
When questioned Wyolie Wu about her husband’s nightclub appearance at a fashion event on the evening of the 1st, Myolie Wu dismissed it as normal social activity and asked the public to refrain from further speculation. “He’s just being himself. He hugs both male and female friends. There’s no need for everyone to overreact. (Does he inform you in advance?) No, and it’s unnecessary. He always tells me his whereabouts anyway. In fact, I was originally supposed to join, but due to tonight’s outfit, I wanted to present my best self to everyone.”
Myolie also mentioned that a recent trip to Thailand with her husband and their youngest son involved ample food and drinks, leading to inevitable weight gain. She added that during an earlier family vacation to the Maldives, they had taken “candid photos” (informal behind-the-scenes shots), but she has yet to share them as she feels her physique isn’t quite camera-ready. Meanwhile, Janet Chow shared a four-person group photo on her Instagram Stories featuring her husband Vincent Hung, Philip Lee, and singer Arie Lau. In the photo, Philip maintained a noticeable distance from Arie Lau, and additional leaked footage showed no signs of him freely hugging othersk, further suggesting his attempt to distance himself from the “hugger” label.
(10) Yang Mi’s “This Thriving Land”: A transformational film, her acting skills were recognized
(Photo Credit: Asia News Network/China Daily)
Yang Mi, long associated with idol dramas, has drawn significant attention with her transformative role in the rural-themed CCTV drama This Thriving Land. Portraying the dramatic rise and fall of heroine Ning Xiuxiu, the series provided the perfect platform for Yang Mi to transcend her established image.
Previously, Yang Mi’s role in “Harbin 1944” met with poor reviews, hindering her transition. However, in “This Thriving Land,” she delivered a surprising performance. In the drama, Ning Xiuxiu, the daughter of a wealthy landlord, has fallen from grace to a “problematic figure” shunned by the entire village. Yang Mi perfectly captures the character’s profound transformation. While fleeing through the snow, she casts her feet inward and stumbles, vividly conveying the hardships of escape with just a few steps. After surviving the ordeal, she embraces her mother, her eyes empty and her expression numb, replacing intense emotion. Her questions, though subdued, cut through the heart, a stark contrast to her usual performances , clearly the product of meticulous attention to detail.
“This Thriving Land,” with its solid plot and vivid ensemble cast, has consistently topped charts on multiple platforms and boasted impressive ratings on CCTV-8. Veteran actors like Ni Dahong and Lin Yongjian deliver captivating performances, and Yang Mi stands out against them. This drama showed the public that Yang Mi wasn’t limited to idol dramas; she was capable of handling roles with greater depth and richness. While it’s hard to say whether her transformation was complete, “This Thriving Land” was undoubtedly a significant turning point in her career, revealing her potential as an actress.
News Source: https://asianews.network/chinese-rural-period-drama-enjoys-harvest-of-success/
(11) Ronald Cheng is an avenging father in bleak Thailand-set thriller
(Photo Credit: SCMP)
Ronald Cheng Chung-kei sheds his signature comedic persona for a dark, physically demanding role in the Thailand-set action thriller Atonement, playing a grief-stricken father hunting criminals who abducted his daughter. Co-directed by Cheng and Mark Wu Yiu-fai, the film was completed in 2018 but shelved until 2025 – missing its natural comparison window with Louis Koo’s similarly themed Paradox (2017). Despite the seven-year delay, the film resurfaced as a testament to Cheng’s dramatic range beyond comedy.
Cheng portrays Lung, a devoted single father struggling to care for his 8-year-old daughter Ying after his wife’s abandonment leaves them in debt. While vacationing in Thailand, Lung disrupts a local gang’s kidnapping attempt, inadvertently making Ying their new target. The film chronicles his harrowing, often futile search through Thailand’s underworld, prioritizing raw emotional anguish over elaborate action sequences. Cheng’s performance captures paternal desperation through physical transformation and restrained intensity, particularly in moments of vulnerability.
While Atonement falls short of Paradox’s action choreography, critics note its surprising emotional depth beneath the revenge-thriller surface. The film emerges as one of Cheng’s strongest dramatic performances to date, despite his recent personal controversies potentially overshadowing awards recognition. Its belated release frames the project as both a career pivot for Cheng and an exploration of paternal trauma that resonates beyond its exploitation-film trappings.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3324190/atonement-movie-review-ronald-cheng-avenging-father-bleak-thailand-set-thriller
(12) Tyson Yoshi Reveals Plans for Two Kids Before 35 and Jokes About Being “Used Like a Condom” by Terence Lam
(Photo Credit: Singtao Headline)
Hong Kong singer-actor Tyson Yoshi shared his post-wedding life updates at a Tsim Sha Tsui fashion event, where he attracted a crowd of fans. The newlywed admitted he’d been indulging in food during his honeymoon but managed to stay fit through cardio workouts—though he joked only his face got slimmer.
When asked about family plans, Tyson revealed he and his wife aim to have two children before turning 35, quipping, “We’ll try our best in the next four years.” He promised to spoil his wife (“anything except selling my cars”), referencing his 10-car collection and recent hobby of learning auto repairs (“I got hooked after one night!”), though he ruled out investing in a garage.
Tyson also teased his friend Terence Lam for not inviting him as a concert guest (“He went with an all-female lineup this time!”), jokingly comparing himself to “a condom—used and discarded.” Despite the mock complaint, he praised Lam’s show and admitted needing more rest before his own next concert. Tyson, who released 7 songs this year (with an 8th due in November), plans to focus on merchandise next, including car accessories and men’s underwear—despite fans throwing lingerie onstage (“Women buy my men’s designs more!”).
(13) Rainie Yang reveals recent surgery and recuperation
(Photo credit: Weibo@ Rainie Yang)
Rainie Yang recently disclosed that she underwent a significant surgery last month, following medical advice that had been initially provided over a year ago. Despite her doctor’s earlier recommendation, she postponed treatment to prioritize her professional commitments, including concerts and ongoing projects. It was only during a recent check-up that she decided to reprioritize her long-term health and proceed with the procedure, which was successfully completed with reassuring results.
As someone known for her strong work ethic, the sudden need to pause and focus on recovery has been a notable shift for Yang. She openly shared this personal health journey to avoid causing concern or misunderstanding among her fans due to her recent absence from the public eye. Throughout this challenging period, she emphasized the unwavering support and care she received from her mother and her husband, Li Ronghao, which has been crucial in helping her navigate this recovery process.
“I promised you that my new album would be released in the second half of this year, and nothing will change that promise. I completed all the necessary preparations before the surgery. I hope my work will continue to be a daily companion for you, as it always has been. But please be patient…” Rainie playfully reminded people not to be too surprised if they bump into her in their daily lives, adding, “That doesn’t mean I’m fully recovered, but I’m slowly getting back to my familiar state and rhythm.” While describing the experience as “not a minor matter,” she conveyed optimism and gratitude, assuring everyone that she is now focused on resting and healing.
