China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 69 Week of 22 September 2025
(1) South Korean star Jun Ji-hyun faces backlash in China over drama dialogue
Jun Ji-hyun faces backlash in China over a Tempest dialogue deemed offensive, sparking boycott calls and brand disassociation from La Mer and Piaget, impacting her endorsements and drama’s reception.
(2) Nick Cheung Returns to Comedy, Teams Up with Chung Suet-ying for New Film
Nick Cheung returns to comedy after a decade of action films, teaming with Chung Suet-ying for a new movie to combat Hong Kong’s cinema slump, starting October 2025.
(3) Zhao Lusi Appears for Less Than 5 Minutes Before Leaving, Fans Pack Every Floor of Mall in Shocking Scene
Zhao Lusi’s Xi’an mall event drew over 10,000 fans, packing floors in chaos. Due to safety, her 5-minute appearance ended early, highlighting enduring popularity amid agency dispute.
(4) Mag Lam Breaks Down in Hospital Live Stream, Three Years After “Mistress” Controversy, Suffered Depression for Over a Decade and Once Wrote a Suicide Note
Mag Lam’s hospital live stream breakdown, alleging a murder threat, raises concerns. With a history of depression and a 2022 “mistress” scandal, her mental health struggles persist.
(5) HK singer Nicholas Tse excites fans at Guangzhou concert despite weather challenges
Nicholas Tse’s Guangzhou concerts battled stormy weather, with cancellations overcome by humor and gratitude. Clear skies on night three sparked thrilling performances, with fans mobbing him post-show.
(6) Typhoon Ragasa | Toby Chan Risks Climbing Trees to Host TVB Scoop, Faces Dangerous Commute Alone
Typhoon Ragasa’s fallen trees trapped Toby Chan, preventing her from hosting TVB Scoop. She climbed trees in vain, needing a colleague to cover, highlighting the storm’s disruptive impact.
(7) Korean rock band FTISLAND to stage Hong Kong concert in November under “MAD HAPPY” theme
Korean rock band FTISLAND will return to Hong Kong at AXA Wonderland Saigon GO Park on 22 November 2025, holding their 2025 FTISLAND LIVE “MAD HAPPY” IN HONG KONG.
(8) Shu Qi’s Self-Written and Directed Debut Girl Premieres at Busan Film Festival, Breaks Down in Tears Discussing Scene: “I Instantly Reconciled with My Mother”
Shu Qi’s directorial debut The Girl at Busan Film Festival, inspired by personal experiences, moved her to tears, reconciling with her mother’s resilience, with 9m88 starring as the ideal protagonist.
(9) The Hong Kong Cantopop DJs rekindling city’s love of the genre one party at a time
Beat Friday plays the ‘best of Cantopop’ for party-goers at Hong Kong venues big and small. The trio reflects on the genre’s enduring appeal.
(10) Short Drama Tops Charts on Premiere! Tragic Romance Version of Legend of the White Snake, Two Sisters Share One Body
Three Lives, Three Worlds (緣起三生), a tragic romance reimagining White Snake, tops iQiyi charts with a human-snake love story, strong performances, but a rushed ending undermines its innovative narrative.
(11) The Last Dance | Nominated by Hong Kong Film Producers Association for Oscar Best International Film, Michelle Wai Feels Inspired: “Beyond Imagination”
The Last Dance, directed by Anselm Chan, is Hong Kong’s Oscar nominee for Best International Film, aiming to captivate globally, with stars Michelle Wai and Dayo Wong praising its cultural impact.
(12) Ken Hung Denies Emotional Disorder Linked to Heartbreak, Overcomes Vocal Loss to Restart with Concert
Ken Hung returns with a November 2025 concert, overcoming vocal loss and epilepsy triggered by an emotional disorder. He denies breakup links, prioritises career, and seeks a compatible partner.
(1) South Korean star Jun Ji-hyun faces backlash in China over drama dialogue
(Photo Credit: Tempest)
South Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun, a longtime favorite in Chinese-speaking regions, faces mounting backlash in mainland China due to a dialogue in her latest drama Tempest, where a character questions China’s potential inclination toward war. This line has been interpreted by some Chinese netizens as an insult to the nation, sparking widespread online outrage and accusations of intentional disrespect.
The criticism triggered a wave of negative reviews and boycott calls against Tempest on Chinese platforms, with netizens extending their protests to Jun’s endorsement deals. Luxury brands La Mer and Piaget SA appear to have distanced themselves from her, removing her advertisements from their official Weibo and Tmall stores, amid public pressure to drop her as spokesperson.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of international celebrities in China’s sensitive media landscape, where perceived slights can rapidly escalate into commercial disassociation. Jun’s case underscores how cultural and political sensitivities can directly impact artistic reception and brand alliances, potentially affecting her longstanding popularity and marketability in the region.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/china-news/article/312100/
(2) Nick Cheung Returns to Comedy, Teams Up with Chung Suet-ying for New Film
(Photo Credit: Singtao Headline)
Nick Cheung, a 60-year-old Hong Kong actor with a 37-year career, is returning to comedy after focusing on intense action and suspense films like The Beast Stalker and Unbeatable for over a decade. Known in the 1990s for iconic comedies like The Conman, where his “Dragon” role made him a star, Cheung will collaborate with 30-year-old Golden Horse Best Actress winner Chung Suet-ying in a new comedy film. This movie, directed by Norris Wong and produced by Mabel Cheung, comes amid a challenging “cold winter” for Hong Kong’s film industry, with shooting set for late September or early October 2025.
Cheung’s shift from his recent action and horror directing ventures (Hungry Ghost Ritual, Peg O’ My Heart) to comedy marks a significant return to his roots. Previously, he expressed reluctance to revisit gambling comedies, feeling they lacked breakthroughs, but his new project signals renewed enthusiasm. His bond with Chung, formed at the 2023 Udine Far East Film Festival, has grown through mutual support at premieres, with Cheung jokingly proposing they play lovers, hinting at their potential on-screen dynamic in the upcoming film.
The project, a rare bright spot in a struggling film market, is anticipated to leverage Cheung’s comedic legacy and Chung’s rising star power. Following this, Cheung plans to work on Unbeatable 2 in 2026. The collaboration, backed by a strong creative team, aims to revive Hong Kong cinema’s vibrancy, with fans eager to see if Cheung and Chung’s chemistry will include a romantic storyline, as teased.
News Source: https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3501562/
(3) Zhao Lusi Appears for Less Than 5 Minutes Before Leaving, Fans Pack Every Floor of Mall in Shocking Scene
(Photo Credit: Weibo/Zhaolusi)
Zhao Lusi, a 26-year-old popular mainland Chinese actress, made a rare public appearance as a brand ambassador at a mall event in Xi’an on September 25, 2025, following her dispute with her management company in August, which halted her acting projects. Despite shifting to live streaming on platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin, her fanbase remains robust, as evidenced by over 10,000 supporters gathering early, packing every floor of the mall in a chaotic yet orderly scene. Organizers deployed extensive security to manage the crowd and prevent accidents, highlighting the intensity of her popularity.
Due to overwhelming safety concerns from the massive turnout, Zhao Lusi’s appearance lasted less than 5 minutes. She quickly jogged onstage amid cheers, waved to fans across floors, and posed affectionately before addressing the crowd, urging safety and expressing thanks. Escorted by security, she departed abruptly, prematurely ending the event. This brief stint underscored her enduring appeal, even with reduced professional exposure, as fans’ enthusiasm created a visually striking and potentially hazardous environment.
The incident reflects the challenges of managing celebrity events in China amid high fan engagement, particularly for stars like Zhao Lusi, known for her relatable persona. Her agency fallout has limited her traditional work, but her ability to draw such crowds affirms her star power. The event’s chaotic yet devoted atmosphere, captured in viral images, reinforces her status as a Gen Z favourite, while raising questions about safety protocols for future appearances.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60279621?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(4) Mag Lam Breaks Down in Hospital Live Stream, Three Years After “Mistress” Controversy, Suffered Depression for Over a Decade and Once Wrote a Suicide Note
(Photo Credit: Singtao Headline)
Mag Lam, a 35-year-old Hong Kong singer, caused alarm with a distressing Instagram Live on September 24, 2025, from a hospital, shouting about a murder threat, sparking widespread concern. Known for winning The Voice 2 in 2010, Mag faced a career setback in 2012 when vocal cord issues led to a loss of voice, triggering severe depression and suicidal tendencies, exacerbated by her grandmother’s dementia. She endured over a decade of psychiatric treatment, only recovering in recent years, but her recent breakdown suggests ongoing struggles.
Her personal life has been tumultuous, including a private three-year relationship with The Voice 2 contestant Law Hiu-yung, ending in 2013, and a painful first love marked by violence and infidelity suspicions. In 2020, she shared on ViuTV’s Eat Your Ex her desperate attempts to salvage a cheating ex’s relationship. In 2022, Mag was embroiled in controversy, accused of being a mistress in ONE PROMISE drummer Anton’s relationship, which ended after six months amid public disputes, with Anton’s ex labeling him a liar.
The viral hospital live stream, combined with her history of depression and publicized romantic scandals, underscores Mag’s ongoing mental health challenges and public scrutiny. Her career, once promising after her 2010 debut, has been overshadowed by personal and health struggles, with the recent incident raising questions about her well-being and future in the industry.
News Source: https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3502519/
(5) HK singer Nicholas Tse excites fans at Guangzhou concert despite weather challenges
(Photo Credit: Handout)
Hong Kong singer Nicholas Tse held three concerts in Guangzhou, facing challenging weather that led to suspense and cancellations during the performances. Known for his humor, Tse jokingly thanked fans for “stopping the wind and rain” as he navigated the stormy conditions. On the third night, clear skies allowed a vibrant show, where he expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “It’s not windy or rainy! Why are you so powerful? … Thank you for coming despite the forecast of a downpour.” He marveled at the fans’ dedication, noting their resilience against media predictions of heavy rain.
Tse’s performance peaked with an electrifying segment, as he exclaimed, “I’ve finally caught this wave! Top of the world!” while delivering hit songs that thrilled the audience. His humor and energy resonated, creating an ecstatic response from the crowd. The concerts highlighted his ability to connect with fans, turning weather-related challenges into a memorable narrative of triumph and appreciation.
Post-concert, Tse’s attempt to enjoy a late-night meal was interrupted by enthusiastic fans surrounding him, reflecting his strong popularity. The Guangzhou series underscored Tse’s enduring appeal, blending humor, gratitude, and dynamic performances to overcome adverse conditions and deliver a standout experience for attendees.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/hk-singer-nicholas-tse-excites-fans-at-guangzhou-concert-despite-weather-challenges/
(6) Typhoon Ragasa | Toby Chan Risks Climbing Trees to Host TVB Scoop, Faces Dangerous Commute Alone
(Photo credit: Singtao Headline)
Typhoon Ragasa, prompting a No. 10 Hurricane Signal on September 24, 2025, disrupted Hong Kong, affecting TVB Scoop host Toby Chan’s commute to a live broadcast. Fallen trees blocked her residence’s pathways and gate, preventing her from driving out despite preparations with rain gear. Chan attempted to climb over the trees but was unable to proceed, ultimately requiring a colleague to cover her hosting duties, as she shared her frustration on Instagram.
The incident highlighted the typhoon’s severe impact, with Chan’s video showing her navigating hazardous conditions alone. A neighbor’s offer to help move the trees was futile, as their rooted state required professional sawing, delayed until after the storm. This left Chan and other residents stranded, underscoring the logistical challenges posed by the typhoon’s aftermath.
Chan’s experience reflects broader disruptions caused by Ragasa, which also affected co-host Christine Chu’s anniversary travel plans. The event, amplified by Chan’s social media, illustrates the challenges of maintaining professional commitments during extreme weather in Hong Kong, with her determination to reach work showcasing her dedication despite insurmountable obstacles.
News Source: https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3502469/
(7) Korean rock band FTISLAND to stage Hong Kong concert in November under “MAD HAPPY” theme
(Photo Credit: FTISLAND)
South Korean rock band FTISLAND will hold their 2025 LIVE ‘MAD HAPPY’ concert in Hong Kong on November 22, 2025, at AXA Wonderland Saigon GO PARK, marking their highly anticipated return to the city. Since their 2007 debut, the band—led by vocalist Lee Hong-ki’s powerful voice—has been a dominant force in Asian rock and pop, producing classic albums like Cheerful Sensibility and recent hits such as “Theory of Happiness.”
The “MAD HAPPY” tour aims to create “crazy happy” moments with fans (PRIMADONNA), blending classic anthems with new releases to deliver an immersive rock experience. FTISLAND’s music is celebrated for evoking emotional resilience and youthful energy, with their live performances serving as passionate interactions rather than mere shows.
After kicking off in Seoul in August, the tour has energized audiences in Macau, Taipei, and Kuala Lumpur, with Hong Kong as the finale. This concert follows their 2024 PULSE show at the same venue, promising an unforgettable, high-energy night for loyal fans and highlighting FTISLAND’s enduring connection with the Hong Kong music scene.
(8) Shu Qi’s Self-Written and Directed Debut Girl Premieres at Busan Film Festival, Breaks Down in Tears Discussing Scene: “I Instantly Reconciled with My Mother”
(Photo Credit: Visual China)
Shu Qi, a renowned Chinese actress, debuted as a writer-director with The Girl at the 30th Busan International Film Festival, following screenings at Venice and Toronto. Accompanied by producer Vivian Yeh and lead actress 9m88, Shu Qi shared that she initially planned to star as the film’s protagonist—a woman balancing youthful spirit and societal freedom post-childbirth—but after a decade, she felt unable to embody the role and cast 9m88 after being struck by her performance. The film’s personal significance was evident as Shu Qi tearfully recounted a scene where 9m88’s housework triggered an emotional reconciliation with her own mother’s sacrifices.
The filming process deeply moved Shu Qi, particularly a long take of 9m88’s character completing housework, with her slumping shoulders evoking the resilience of women, including Shu Qi’s mother. This moment, rooted in her own experiences, allowed Shu Qi to heal longstanding emotional pain, showcasing her heartfelt investment in the project. Producer Yeh lauded Shu Qi’s directorial talent, highlighting her ability to translate 30 years of acting experience into a nuanced narrative and character-driven vision, despite the pressures of her debut.
The Girl’s premiere at Busan underscores Shu Qi’s evolution as a filmmaker, blending personal storytelling with universal themes of female strength. The film’s emotional resonance and Shu Qi’s vulnerability during discussions amplified its impact, positioning it as a significant work in her career and a highlight of the festival, with Yeh’s support ensuring her vision was fully realized.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60279193?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(9) The Hong Kong Cantopop DJs rekindling city’s love of the genre one party at a time
(Photo Credit: Jonathan Wong)
Beat Friday, a Hong Kong DJ trio consisting of INK, Ballshing, and Zip Chow, stands out with their suited, retro image evoking the golden era of Cantopop from the 1980s to 2000s, when Hong Kong dominated Asian entertainment. Amid the current K-pop dominance and fragmented streaming audiences, the group has revived interest in Cantopop through sold-out parties at varied venues like The Mira Hotel and M+ museum’s outdoor space. Started by INK in 2017 as Friday DJ sets, the project evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic via collaborations like remixing Serrini’s song and a 1980s Cantopop medley, transforming into themed events that preserve original hooks with minimal remixing to encourage sing-alongs and dancing.
The trio’s sets respect the genre’s creators, artists, composers, lyricists, and producers, by retaining the songs’ essence while boosting beats for dancing. INK, a beatboxer who performed with Leo Ku in 2007-2008, leads the creative direction, while Ballshing and Chow, both RTHK radio DJs, handle promotion. Social media is key: INK designs posters, and Chow posts up to 30 Instagram stories per event to capture the vibe, sustaining engagement even six months later. Despite Hong Kong’s economic gloom, 2025 saw explosive growth, with events shifting from weekly to three or four gigs after a pivotal Boomerang nightclub set, countering perceptions of empty streets as crowds still seek compelling reasons to gather.
Beat Friday attributes Cantopop’s enduring appeal to its iconic legends like Leslie Cheung, Anita Mui, and Alan Tam, nostalgic cultural peaks, and universal elements from overseas covers and 1990s sampling. This allows creative freedom without heavy investment—starting with just 60 attendees—and positions the group to pivot, perhaps to filmmaking if parties wane. Their success highlights Cantopop’s timeless hold on Hongkongers across generations, fostering community amid shifting music landscapes.
(10) Short Drama Tops Charts on Premiere! Tragic Romance Version of Legend of the White Snake, Two Sisters Share One Body
(Photo Credit: 緣起三生)
The short drama Three Lives, Three Worlds (緣起三生), a modern reimagining of the classic Chinese tale Legend of the White Snake, premiered on iQiyi on September 9, 2025, and immediately topped Maoyan’s daily short drama popularity chart. Starring Chen Tianxiang as novice Taoist priest Wangchen and Zhang Jinyi as snake demon Qingying, the drama explores a complex human-snake romance where Qingying and her sister Baifeng share one body with two souls.
The narrative delves deeply into tragic romance, presenting three obstacles to Qingying and Wangchen’s love: their human-demon divide, Baifeng’s interference due to past-life knowledge, and Xuandaozi’s manipulations, which falsely implicate Qingying in harming Wangchen’s family. A secondary tragic arc between Baifeng and Xuandaozi, a scheming figure akin to Fahai, adds depth, with Baifeng’s sacrifice for her disciple met with betrayal driven by his obsessive love, culminating in their mutual demise.
However, Three Lives, Three Worlds stumbles with a rushed conclusion, inadequately exploring its “third life” and relying on clichéd tropes like Qingying’s despairing death and memory loss. This weakens the otherwise meticulous storytelling that reworks classic elements into a fresh narrative. Despite this flaw, the drama’s success highlights the enduring appeal of reimagined IPs, leveraging familiar stories to lower audience barriers while introducing innovative twists. Its chart-topping debut and social media buzz underscore its cultural impact, affirming the potential of short dramas to captivate modern audiences with concise yet emotionally rich storytelling, even as it navigates the challenge of balancing novelty with homage to its source material.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60279572?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(11) The Last Dance | Nominated by Hong Kong Film Producers Association for Oscar Best International Film, Michelle Wai Feels Inspired: “Beyond Imagination”
(Photo Credit: Singtao Headline)
The Last Dance, a Hong Kong film directed by Anselm Chan and starring Dayo Wong, Michael Hui, and Michelle Wai, has been selected by the Hong Kong Film Producers Association to represent Hong Kong in the Best International Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. Chosen from films released between October 2024 and September 2025, the film secured the majority of votes for its nomination. The story, centred on a uniquely Hong Kong narrative, aims to connect with global audiences, with the team expressing deep gratitude for the support from the industry and local viewers.
Director, producer, and screenwriter Anselm Chan called the nomination an honour, emphasising the collaborative journey that made it possible. Michelle Wai described the recognition as “beyond imagination,” highlighting the team’s collective effort and her hope that the film will inspire audiences worldwide. Dayo Wong underscored the cultural significance of The Last Dance, aiming to ignite global curiosity about Hong Kong traditions, while Michael Hui expressed aspirations for the film to cross regional boundaries and resonate emotionally with diverse viewers.
This nomination elevates The Last Dance as a showcase of Hong Kong cinema’s global potential, blending local storytelling with universal themes. The enthusiastic responses from the cast and crew reflect their pride in this milestone, with ambitions for the film to transcend cultural barriers at the Oscars, reinforcing Hong Kong’s cinematic influence and legacy on an international stage.
News Source: https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3502763/
(12) Ken Hung Denies Emotional Disorder Linked to Heartbreak, Overcomes Vocal Loss to Restart with Concert
(Photo Credit: Singtao Headline)
Ken Hung, a Hong Kong singer, is set to perform his Explorer tour concert at MacPherson Stadium on November 30, 2025, marking his return to Hong Kong stages after a six-year gap. Four years ago, vocal loss altered his singing, leading him to consider abandoning music for acting, but with help from a vocal coach, he’s making progress despite not fully regaining his former voice. The fear of performing again lingers, but this concert represents a bold step to reclaim his career, showcasing resilience amid personal and professional challenges.
Hung candidly shared his struggles with an emotional disorder that triggered intermittent epilepsy, recalling a filming incident initially mistaken for heatstroke but likely an epilepsy episode. He denied rumours linking his condition to his breakup with Hilary Lau, instead attributing it to the oppressive lockdown during the pandemic in mainland China, where isolation and constant concert preparation took a toll. Currently managing his condition with epilepsy and sleeping pills, he plans to gradually reduce medication post-concert, reflecting a proactive approach to recovery while prioritizing his health for the performance.
On a personal note, Hung remains single, focusing on his career over romance, a shift from prioritizing love and family in the past. Despite his mother’s eager matchmaking, he avoids her introductions, seeking a partner who is filial, kind, non-smoking, and compatible with his demanding schedule, emphasizing long-term commitment. His comeback concert, paired with his openness about mental and physical health, positions Hung as a determined artist navigating setbacks to reconnect with fans and redefine his path in the industry.
News Source: https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3502865/
