China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 70 Week of 29 September 2025
(1) Golden Horse 2025: Will Or, Chang Chen compete for Best Leading Actor; Fan Bingbing eyes Best Leading Actress
Hong Kong’s A Foggy Tale leads the 62nd Golden Horse Awards with 11 nominations, including Best Feature and acting nods for Will Or and Fan Bingbing.
(2) China’s NRTA Reaffirms “Unethical Artist” Ban, Permanently Barring Those Involved in Drugs, Tax Evasion, and Prostitution; Su Yongkang, Li Yundi, Fan Bingbing Face Bleak Comeback Prospects
On September 25, 2025, China’s National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) reinforced its regulatory measures for the entertainment sector, reiterating a strict lifetime ban on artists found to have engaged in illegal activities such as drug use, tax evasion, or prostitution.
(3) Online debate erupts over Jackie Chan’s gesture towards Joey Yung at Greater Bay Area gala
A brief backstage interaction where Jackie Chan patted Joey Yung’s exposed back at a Macao concert sparked divided online debate over social boundaries, leading to her employer Albert Yeung’s swift seating rearrangement that was praised by many as protective.
(4) Mudborn | Cecilia Choi’s Horror Film Scares People Before Release, Hearing Eerie Humming in Cinema Toilet Frightens Viewers to Tears
The horror film Mudborn, directed by Xie Mengru, blends Taiwanese folk culture, religious taboos, and nursery rhymes to tell the story of a clay figurine triggering a sinister spiritual invasion, set to premiere on October 9.
(5) Raymond Lam’s Guangzhou concert abruptly postponed amid venue emergency
Cantopop star Raymond Lam Fung’s Guangzhou concert was unexpectedly postponed hours before showtime on Sunday due to a venue equipment failure that prompted emergency responses, including multiple fire engines.
(6) Jackie Chan’s Surprise Guest Appearance at SEVENTEEN’s Hong Kong Concert
Martial arts icon Jackie Chan appeared at Seventeen’s Hong Kong concert on Saturday (Sep 27), drawing thunderous cheers from attendees.
(7) HK actor Tony Leung appointed ambassador for historic Hong Kong Dragon World Championship
Making maritime history, Hong Kong is set to host the prestigious Hong Kong Dragon World Championship in November 2026, a first for an Asian city. The event will be championed by its newly appointed official ambassador, award-winning actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai.
(8) Jane Goodall, global conservation icon with China legacy, dies at 91, Documentary was nominated for Oscar
Renowned British primatologist Jane Goodall passed away on Oct 1st local time in California at the age of 91, during her lecture tour in the United States.
(9) Hong Kong Early Music Festival celebrates grand sounds of the Baroque
The October festival will feature four concerts and over 20 players, with fresh music and unusual crossovers between genres and cultures.
(10) Gigi Yim Officially Leaves TVB, Jokes About Being Banned by the Network
Gigi Yim has officially stepped out off the shadows. After more than a year of being sideline due to contract issues, the 20-year-old announced she has ended her contract with TVB and is now a free agent.
(11) Xiao Zhan Calmly Rejects Pushy Woman’s Autograph Request At Event
Fans said the woman may have had ulterior motives, with scalpers selling his signature for thousands online.
(12) Hong Kong Asian Film Festival | Hong Kong Animation Another World Opens, Hong Kong-Japan Co-Production Road to Vendetta Closes
The 22nd Hong Kong Asian Film Festival (HKAFF), highly anticipated and organized by the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Association in collaboration with Broadway Cinematheque, will be held from October 22 to November 9.
(1) Golden Horse 2025: Will Or, Chang Chen compete for Best Leading Actor; Fan Bingbing eyes Best Leading Actress
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
A Foggy Tale emerged as the frontrunner at the 62nd Golden Horse Awards with 11 nominations, including Best Narrative Feature, Best Director, and acting categories for Will Or Wai-lam (Best Leading Actor) and Fan Bingbing (Best Leading Actress). Hong Kong talent featured prominently, with Or earning his first nomination since publicly sharing his cancer journey, while Fan’s raw portrayal in Mother Bhumi positioned her as a strong contender against established actresses like René Liu and Ariel Lin.
Hong Kong’s influence extended beyond lead categories: Anthony Wong received a Best Supporting Actor nod for Finch & Midland, exploring immigrant struggles in 1990s Canada, while animated films Another World and A Mighty Adventure secured spots in Best Animation Feature, underscoring the city’s creative breadth. Former TVB actor Ken Law Ho-ming’s nomination for Best Action Choreography (Good Game) further highlighted Hong Kong’s versatility in both dramatic and technical filmmaking disciplines.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for November 22, 2025, at Taipei Music Center, where nominees will compete across 11 categories for A Foggy Tale alone. The event not only celebrates Taiwanese cinema but also acknowledges Hong Kong’s resilient artistic contributions, from intimate character studies to genre innovation, setting the stage for a night honoring East Asian cinematic excellence.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hk-and-china-showbiz/article/313150/Golden-Horse-2025-Will-Or-Chang-Chen-compete-for-Best-Leading-Actor-Fan-Bingbing-eyes-Best-Leading-Actress
(2) China’s NRTA Reaffirms “Unethical Artist” Ban, Permanently Barring Those Involved in Drugs, Tax Evasion, and Prostitution; Su Yongkang, Li Yundi, Fan Bingbing Face Bleak Comeback Prospects
(Photo Credit: Business Focus)
China’s National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) intensified its entertainment industry crackdown on September 25, 2025, reaffirming a lifelong ban on artists involved in drugs, tax evasion, or prostitution, effectively barring their return to the mainland market. This policy, part of broader governance to prevent excessive entertainment and sky-high fees, targets figures like Hong Kong singer William So, whose Wenzhou concert was cancelled due to his 2002 drug case, pianist Li Yundi, stalled since his 2021 prostitution arrest, and actress Fan Bingbing, struggling post-2018 tax evasion scandal despite paying hefty fines. The strict measures, which also scrutinize political stances, sparked online debate over perceived double standards, as some artists with other legal issues continue working.
The NRTA is revising the Administrative Measures for Television Dramas to enforce three principles: curbing over-entertainment, capping actor pay at 40% of production costs (with leads at 70% of that), and banning unethical individuals. These rules aim to redirect resources to quality content and reshape the industry’s ecosystem, impacting organizers, producers, and brands, who must now rigorously vet artists to avoid financial and reputational risks. High-profile cases like actor Li Yifeng’s fall, losing endorsements and projects due to a prostitution scandal, illustrate the severe consequences, with his career and commercial ventures devastated.
The policy’s ripple effects challenge the industry’s sustainability, forcing stakeholders to prioritise compliance and ethical conduct. While the NRTA seeks a healthier, content-focused industry, the permanent bans raise questions about fairness and rehabilitation, particularly for artists like So, Li, and Fan, whose comeback hopes dim. The controversy underscores China’s tightening grip on entertainment, balancing cultural control with creative output, with significant implications for artists’ careers and the industry’s global competitiveness.
News Source: https://businessfocus.io/article/340260/%E5%BB%A3%E9%9B%BB%E5%B1%80?utm_campaign=BFHK-Web-CopyContent&utm_source=BFHK&utm_medium=Web-CopyContent#google_vignette
(3) Online debate erupts over Jackie Chan’s gesture towards Joey Yung at Greater Bay Area gala
(Photo Credit: instagram@Jackychan.de)
A backstage interaction between Jackie Chan and Joey Yung at the Greater Bay Area Film Concert in Macao on September 28 sparked online debate, with fan-circulated footage showing Chan patting Yung’s exposed upper back and shoulder twice while seated beside her in a low-back gown. The incident occurred among prominent figures including Wang Leehom, Xiao Zhan, and Emperor Entertainment Group Chairman Albert Yeung, highlighting concerns over social boundaries and celebrity conduct.
Online reactions were divided: some criticized Chan’s gesture as inappropriate, while others attributed it to his demonstrative personality. The discussion intensified when Albert Yeung, Yung’s employer, intervened moments later by rearranging seats, positioning himself between Chan and Yung, and moving her next to actor Xiao Zhan. Many praised Yeung as an “attentive boss” for his protective action, though others speculated the change was pre-planned for photographic logistics.
The incident underscores ongoing public scrutiny of celebrity interactions and gendered social norms in East Asian entertainment culture. While Chan’s behavior reflects his long-established gregarious persona, Yeung’s swift response, whether protective or procedural, demonstrates how industry leaders navigate perceived breaches of etiquette. The debate highlights evolving expectations for professional conduct and the role of employers in safeguarding artists’ comfort in high-profile settings.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/online-debate-erupts-over-jackie-chans-gesture-towards-joey-yung-at-greater-bay-area-gala/
(4) Mudborn | Cecilia Choi’s Horror Film Scares People Before Release, Hearing Eerie Humming in Cinema Toilet Frightens Viewers to Tears
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Mudborn (泥娃娃), an upcoming Taiwanese horror film starring Tony Yang and Cecilia Choi, draws from a chilling nursery rhyme to tell the story of a couple expecting a child, whose lives unravel when the husband brings home a cursed clay doll from a haunted site, causing his pregnant wife’s eerie behaviour and supernatural occurrences. The husband enlists an exorcist to uncover the doll’s dark secrets, promising a gripping tale rooted in Taiwanese folklore.
The film’s pre-release buzz has been amplified by its terrifying promotional campaign, particularly its eerie nursery rhyme music played in cinemas, which has already sparked significant fear among audiences.
The promotional music, featuring a vocalist humming the creepy tune in cinema lobbies, exteriors, and intermissions, proved too unsettling, leading to widespread complaints. One notable incident involved a viewer hearing the music in a cinema restroom, resulting in tears from fright. Despite the production team’s attempt to release a “lighter” version, the fear persisted, forcing cinemas to pull the music entirely, effectively “sealing” it due to its overwhelming impact. This controversy has heightened anticipation for Mudborn, showcasing its ability to evoke dread even before its premiere.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60281029?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(5) Raymond Lam’s Guangzhou concert abruptly postponed amid venue emergency
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Cantopop star Raymond Lam’s GO WITH THE FLOW concert at Guangzhou International Sports Arena, scheduled for its second night on Sunday, September 28, 2025, was abruptly postponed hours before showtime due to a venue equipment failure. Smoke and burning smells were reported emerging from the arena, with eyewitness footage showing emergency responses, including multiple fire engines on site. The organizers issued an urgent statement citing “unexpected force majeure circumstances involving venue equipment,” apologising for the inconvenience and promising updates on rescheduling.
Lam addressed fans via Instagram, explaining he learned of the postponement while preparing to perform, attributing it to “unexpected circuit issues.” He reassured fans that his upcoming Foshan concerts on October 7–8 would proceed as planned. Ticket holders were informed they could retain tickets for the rescheduled show or await refund details, with compensation for travel expenses to be announced later.
The incident sparked significant attention on Chinese social media, with fans sharing footage of the emergency response. While disappointed, especially those who travelled to Guangzhou, fans acknowledged the priority of safety. The postponement highlights the challenges of large-scale events and the swift response to ensure audience safety, with anticipation building for updates on the rescheduled concert date.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hk-and-china-showbiz/article/312750/
(6) Jackie Chan’s Surprise Guest Appearance at SEVENTEEN’s Hong Kong Concert
(Photo credit: Pledis Entertainment)
On September 27, 2025, K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN kicked off their SEVENTEEN WORLD TOUR [NEW] IN HONG KONG at Kai Tak Stadium, drawing thousands of fans for the first of two nights. The highlight came during the first show when member Jun (Wen Junhui) introduced Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan as a surprise guest, sparking thunderous applause and excitement. Chan’s appearance stemmed from his recent collaboration with Jun in the 2025 action thriller The Shadow’s Edge.
Dressed in a pink jacket, white trousers, and glasses, the 71-year-old Chan emerged to hugs, high-fives, and handshakes from the thrilled SEVENTEEN members. Jun thanked Chan for rushing straight from a flight to perform, highlighting their film bond. Chan, joking that at his age he prefers singing over action, performed his classic hit True Hero solo, inviting the audience to sing along or hum “La La La” if unfamiliar. The crowd responded with enthusiastic participation, creating an electric atmosphere and giving the members a brief rest.
The second night on September 28 proceeded without reported guests, but the surprise elevated the tour’s Hong Kong leg, blending K-pop energy with Hong Kong cinema legacy.
News Source: https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3503466/
(7) HK actor Tony Leung appointed ambassador for historic Hong Kong Dragon World Championship
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Hong Kong will make maritime history as the first Asian city to host the prestigious Hong Kong Dragon World Championship in November 2026, with award-winning actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai appointed as official ambassador. The event, organized by the International and Hong Kong Dragon Associations, is set to attract over 60 vessels from 12+ countries to Hong Kong’s waters, highlighting the city’s emerging role in global sailing. Leung, an accomplished Dragon-class sailor with competitive experience including a second-place finish in Hong Kong’s Spring Regatta, brings both celebrity influence and genuine expertise to promote the championship.
In interviews, Leung emphasized his deep philosophical and environmental connection to sailing, describing it as a sport that immerses practitioners in nature and fosters a harmony between humanity and the natural world. He linked his recent exploration of Eastern philosophy to sailing’s adaptive principles, noting: “It doesn’t require a fixed route—when the environment changes, one should naturally adapt.” Leung passionately endorsed Hong Kong’s coastline as “the best and most beautiful in Asia,” encouraging international participants to experience its unique blend of tranquil waters and dramatic urban skylines.
The championship marks a milestone for Hong Kong’s maritime sports scene, representing the first time the historic Dragon-class competition has been awarded to an Asian host city since its inception. Organizers anticipate the event will showcase Hong Kong’s world-class sailing facilities to a global audience, boosting its profile as a destination for elite sporting events. Beyond immediate tourism and economic benefits, the event aims to inspire local sailing culture and solidify Hong Kong’s reputation as a hub blending natural beauty with international competitive standards.
(8) Jane Goodall, global conservation icon with China legacy, dies at 91, Documentary was nominated for Oscar
(Photo Credit: Mother Earth/Mission Restoring)
Renowned British primatologist Jane Goodall passed away on Oct 1st local time in California at the age of 91, during her lecture tour in the United States. Beginning her research on chimpanzees in Tanzania in 1960, Goodall pioneered immersive fieldwork by living closely with chimpanzees in their natural habitat, an approach documented in her 1990 Oscar-nominated film Chimps: So Like Us, which was nominated for Best Documentary.
Her work transcended academia and inspired generations around the world to reimagine our relationship with nature and wildlife. Her discoveries “revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world,” the Jane Goodall institute said.
Goodall’s links with China span a quarter-century. She first spoke in China in 1998. A year later, the Roots & Shoots program opened offices in Beijing and Shanghai, and she returned almost every autumn or winter to advance youth-led environmental action. “Dr. Jane Goodall’s passing is a profound loss to the global environmental community and to all who love nature,” Yu Chong, the chief representative of WildAid’s Beijing Office said. “The world has lost a pioneering conservationist who devoted her entire life to living out her ideals. She steadfastly showed us that ‘only through action, can there be hope,”
News Source: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-10-02/World-renowned-primatologist-Jane-Goodall-dies-at-91-1H8sQh4eO6k/p.html
(9) Hong Kong Early Music Festival celebrates grand sounds of the Baroque
(Photo Credit: SCMP/Jonathan Wong)
Karen Yeung, a Hong Kong bassoonist specializing in the Renaissance dulcian and Baroque bassoon, has been promoting early Western music through her biannual Hong Kong Early Music Festival since 2019. Despite the niche appeal of such music in a city where concert organizers hesitate to embrace unconventional programs, Yeung remains optimistic about its potential to captivate local audiences. Her passion for these rare instruments, precursors to the modern bassoon, drives her to bridge the cultural and historical gap between Baroque Europe and modern Hong Kong.
Yeung, the founder and artistic director of the Hong Kong Early Music Festival, Lee Wai-shan, the composer and Mavis Lam, the pipa player, will perform at the four-day festival in October. The festival will feature four concerts and over 20 players, with fresh music and unusual crossovers between genres and cultures.
The festival, now approaching its fourth edition, showcases Yeung’s dedication to introducing early music to a city dominated by contemporary tastes. As a seasoned musician, she challenges the status quo, believing Hong Kong’s audience can embrace the unique charm of Renaissance and Baroque sounds. Her efforts highlight a growing interest in historical music, offering a fresh cultural experience in a bustling, modern metropolis.
(10) Gigi Yim Officially Leaves TVB, Jokes About Being Banned by the Network
(Photo Credit: United Daily News)
20-year-old Gigi Yim (Gigi), once hailed as TVB’s “golden egg,” failed to reach an agreement to renew her contract with TVB. Since late April 2024, she was frozen out by TVB for over a year, with almost all work suspended, and she was absent from important events such as anniversary galas. By the end of September 2025, as her contract with TVB officially ended, her profile was removed from TVB’s official artiste database, marking her formal departure and the conclusion of their collaboration.
On September 29, Gigi Yim appeared at the press conference for the musical “A Beam of Light – The Memory of Charles K. Kao.” Speaking to HK01 about her new start and turning a new page, Gigi Yim said: “Actually, my contract with TVB is over, and now I’ve started my own company, with just four people. I welcome other record companies to approach me, because I don’t know how long my own company can last, haha. (Do you feel there were a lot of restrictions at TVB and now you’re more free?) Definitely not, I’m very free. Maybe our directions just didn’t align, but honestly, our relationship is fine.”
Asked if she’s worried about being banned by TVB, Gigi jokingly said: “If you want them to ban me, then let them ban me! (Can you sing the songs you released while you were with TVB?) I think that would be a bit difficult. I believe everything needs to be communicated, and I think things will work out after discussing it. (Haven’t discussed yet?) Right, because I haven’t had a chance to sing other songs, so that topic hasn’t come up yet.”
News Source: https://uniteddaily.my/en/c2ed1880-8b14-48c1-b4c1-35b42f0763e6/%E7%82%8E%E6%98%8E%E7%86%B9%E6%AD%A3%E5%BC%8F%E7%A6%BB%E5%B7%A2%E7%AC%91%E8%B0%88TVB%E5%B0%81%E6%9D%80
(11) Xiao Zhan Calmly Rejects Pushy Woman’s Autograph Request At Event
(Photo Credit: 8days)
Chinese actor Xiao Zhan, 33, faced an intense encounter with an overzealous fan during the Greater Bay Area Film Concert in Macau on September 28, where a woman persistently demanded his autograph despite his repeated polite rejections. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on Weibo, highlighted the extreme behaviors of his fanbase, known for aggressive support tactics like mobbing airports and even traveling with his standee. The situation escalated as the woman refused to leave his side for nearly a minute, prompting concern from nearby attendees.
Hong Kong singer Joey Yung and her manager Mani Fok appeared ready to intervene, with Fok rising from her seat to address the disruption before event staff promptly escorted the woman away. Netizens overwhelmingly supported Xiao Zhan’s decision to decline the autograph, noting that his signatures are often scalped online for thousands of dollars, suggesting the fan“ulterior motives” (e.g., financial gain or resale intentions) rather than genuine admiration.
The incident underscores the darker side of celebrity-fan dynamics in China, where obsessive behavior and commercial exploitation of stars’ personal items (like autographs) are prevalent. Xiao Zhan’s handling of the situation—maintaining professionalism while setting boundaries—was praised as a model response to invasive fan culture, reflecting broader societal calls for respecting artists’ privacy and curbing exploitative practices in fandom economies.
News Source: https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/asian/xiao-zhan-reject-pushy-woman-autograph-request-848191
(12) Hong Kong Asian Film Festival | Hong Kong Animation Another World Opens, Hong Kong-Japan Co-Production Road to Vendetta Closes
(Photo Credit: HKAFF)
The 22nd Hong Kong Asian Film Festival (HKAFF), running from October 22 to November 9, 2025, opens with the Hong Kong animated feature Another World, which reworks an award-winning short with Buddhist and Eastern aesthetics, fresh from success at Annecy. The festival, organized by the HKAFF Association and Broadway Cinematheque, closes with two Hong Kong films: Pass and Go, a comedic world premiere about soccer dreams starring Gigi Leung, and Road to Vendetta, a Hong Kong-Japan action co-production. The festival’s visual design by Another World’s team, Point Five Creations, underscores its local pride.
The “Gala Presentation” showcases three Hong Kong films: Gamer Girls, a youthful esports drama; Someone Like Me, exploring disability and love; and Finch and Midland, depicting 1990s immigrant struggles, featuring stars like Anthony Wong. A mystery Hong Kong world premiere adds intrigue. The “Special Presentation” features Kokuho, a Japanese kabuki drama, grossing 15 billion yen and vying for an Oscar, with the director attending.
HKAFF continues to champion Hong Kong and Asian films, blending local and international talent. From Another World’s philosophical animation to Road to Vendetta’s cross-cultural action, the festival celebrates innovation and resilience. With high-profile premieres and a Japanese Oscar contender, it reinforces Hong Kong’s role as a cinematic hub, fostering emerging voices and cultural storytelling.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60281619?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
