China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 71 Week of 6 October 2025
(1) Who did he kiss? Jackie Chan’s concert moment sparks frenzy
Jackie Chan appeared on Wang Leehom’s concert in mainland China on 2 October. The two shared an unexpected kiss on lips during an emotional duet.
(2) Celeb injuries: Sammi Cheng tears lower back muscles, Patricia Mok breaks toe again
Sammi Cheng recovers from back muscle tears, resuming prep for a November concert. Patricia Mok, with a fractured toe, plans to attend F1 Singapore Grand Prix despite recovery needs.
(3) Nancy Wu, Single for 8 Years and Once Feared Growing Old Alone, Announced Marriage with her Orthopedic Surgeon Boyfriend
Nancy Wu, single for eight years, married Akin on October 3, 2025. Past romances with Deep Ng, Kenneth Ma, and others drew attention; she feared loneliness but found love.
(4) Initial D | Andrew Lau Recalls Missing Out on Golden Awards for Best Director and Cinematography: “I Have Questions”
Initial D’s 4K restoration earns HK$3M; Lau plans 4DX. Despite 2005 success, award losses puzzle him. He dismisses cinema’s decline, prepares Kashmir Princess for 2026, championing young talent.
(5) Khalil Fong’s Music Company and Estate Issue Statement Strictly Prohibiting Use of His Works for AI Training Purposes
Khalil Fong’s music company Fu Music, now representing his estate, issued a formal statement strictly prohibiting the use of his entire body of work for AI training or machine learning applications.
(6) HK singer Shirley Kwan hospitalized in critical condition
Local Canto-pop singer Shirley Kwan Suk-yee was reportedly in critical condition after being rushed to the intensive care unit for emergency treatment, according to sources.
(7) Lay Zhang and Sehun’s long-awaited appearance together sparked heated discussion among EXO fans, with mixed reactions.
EXO’s official social media accounts on Weibo, Instagram, and X shared a rare moment that sent fans into a frenzy: a backstage photo of Sehun together with Lay Zhang Yixing at his solo concert held at Beijing’s National Stadium on October 6.
(8) Jinny Ng Yuet-hei to Hold Concert in Foshan in November, Becoming First Performer at the Venue
Jinny Ng’s “Gossip of Me” Concert will be held grandly at the Foshan Marriott Hotel Shangti Hall (Qiandeng Lake Ballroom) on November 8 at 7:00 PM.
(9) Grasshopper performed a sweat-drenched concert in Guangzhou and organized a ferry memorial concert for Anita Mui
At the 2025 Super Strawberry Music Festival in Guangzhou Nansha, Hong Kong band Grasshopper electrified nearly 20,000 fans with a 45-minute performance, blending classic dance hits and new songs from dusk to sunset.
(10) Presenting China’s First 8K Film Shot in Space, ‘Shenzhou 13,’ Fest Rio Announces China Focus in 2026
The China Media Group worked with aerospace research teams on rocket vibration tests, space environment testing, and in-station power and storage compability, in developing the 8K movie.
(11) Malaysian Datuk’s daughter Jacquelin Ch’ng ties the knot with police inspector in Bali
The actress, Jacquelin Ch’ng, whose late dad is a Malaysian Datuk, went from bubble tea CEO ex to a well-connected cop groom.
(12) China’s National Day holiday box office exceeds 1.6 billion yuan
Total box office revenue during China’s National Day holiday period, including presales, has exceeded 1.6 billion yuan ($220 million) as of noon on October 7, according to box office data tracker Maoyan.
(13) Digital IP protector from US among 18 firms expanding in Hong Kong under OASES
Vobile among 18 new strategic enterprises that OASES has brought to city. With today’s addition, the number of strategic enterprises attracted to Hong Kong will surpass 100. Collectively, they are bringing in over HK$60 billion in investment and creating about 22 000 quality jobs.
(1) Who did he kiss? Jackie Chan’s concert moment sparks frenzy
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
A surprise appearance by action legend Jackie Chan at Wang Leehom’s concert in mainland China on October 2 sparked an internet sensation when the two stars shared an unexpected kiss on the lips during an emotional duet. Following a powerful performance, Chan and Wang embraced tightly, culminating in a spontaneous several-second kiss that left the live audience in a frenzy of cheers and gasps, immediately capturing widespread attention across social media platforms.
The moment rapidly went viral on Weibo, garnering tens of millions of views and thousands of comments within hours, with fans expressing both shock and admiration for the genuine display of friendship. While unconventional, the gesture resonated as a testament to their deep bond, dominating trending lists and highlighting their long-standing connection since collaborating on the 2009 film Little Big Soldier, where Chan often praised Wang as a talented “son figure.”
Post-concert, Wang thanked Chan on social media, calling him a “lifelong mentor and cherished friend,” while Chan reciprocated with pride in Wang’s artistic growth, solidifying the moment as a highlight of their enduring cross-generational camaraderie in the entertainment industry.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hk-and-china-showbiz/article/313265/Who-did-he-kiss-Jackie-Chans-concert-moment-sparks-frenzy
(2) Celeb injuries: Sammi Cheng tears lower back muscles, Patricia Mok breaks toe again
(Photo Credit: Singtao Headline)
Cantopop diva Sammi Cheng, 53, revealed via Instagram on October 2 that she sustained a lower back injury during a gym session over 10 days prior, initially seeking treatment from a bone-setter due to unfamiliarity with orthopedic doctors. After persistent pain, she underwent an MRI that revealed two muscle tears, though fortunately no slipped disc was detected. She shared a reel of herself using a wheelchair for hospital transport to avoid exacerbating the injury, emphasizing the importance of cautious movement during recovery.
After resting at home for more than 10 days, Sammi reported significant improvement in the last few days, allowing her to resume daily activities while reminding herself to exercise slowly. She confirmed her return to preparations for an upcoming November 1 music festival performance in Hong Kong alongside Hins Cheung, highlighting her determination to balance recovery with professional commitments despite the physical setback.
Local actress Patricia Mok, also 53, faced a similar health issue, fracturing her right pinky toe after bumping into a chair at home—a recurrence following a left toe fracture last year. With high pain tolerance, she attempted to straighten the toe herself before medical consultation. Doctors confirmed a 6–8 week recovery, requiring an orthopedic boot and walking stick.
News Source: https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/celeb-injuries-sammi-cheng-tears-lower-back-muscles-patricia-mok-breaks-toe-again
(3) Nancy Wu, Single for 8 Years and Once Feared Growing Old Alone, Announced Marriage with her Orthopedic Surgeon Boyfriend
(Photo Credit: Instagram/@nwuuu)
Nancy Wu, 44, a two-time TVB Best Actress, single for eight years, announced on Instagram on October 6, 2025, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, that she married her orthopedic surgeon boyfriend Akin on October 3, surprising fans. Wu’s love life has long drawn attention, with past relationships lasting no more than two years. In 2021, Wu admitted to feeling frustrated about love: “I believe in meeting the right person, but maybe the timing hasn’t come. I’ve felt despair, thinking I’d grow old alone.”
Her past relationships include a two-year romance with Deep Ng (2006 split, denying third-party rumors), a brief high-profile fling with Kenneth Ma (2008, amicable split), a stable two-year relationship with Patt Sham (ended 2014), and a short-lived romance with Terry Chan (ended 2016, remaining friends). Her rumored relationship with Ruco Chan during 2016’s A Fist Within Four Walls and Alliance was sensational but denied by Chan after his link to Phoebe Sin, causing reported friction until a 2024 reconciliation performance.
Wu’s marriage marks a joyful turn, contrasting her past romantic challenges and public scrutiny, highlighting her resilience and newfound happiness.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60282822?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(4) Initial D | Andrew Lau Recalls Missing Out on Golden Awards for Best Director and Cinematography: “I Have Questions”
(Photo Credit: Singtao Headline)
In 2025, Hong Kong’s struggling film market finds a lifeline in 4K restorations, with Initial D grossing nearly HK$3 million, alongside restored classics like PTU, Fallen Angels, and Anita’s 206-minute director’s cut. Andrew Lau, the film’s director and cinematographer, sees restorations as a growing trend, investing six months to refine Initial D’s visuals and Dolby Atmos sound to preserve its gritty film texture while planning a 4DX release. Reflecting on the 2003 SARS crisis during Infernal Affairs 2, Lau views Initial D as a symbol of industry revival, rejecting claims of Hong Kong cinema’s demise after 40 years in the industry. Amid challenges like Typhoon Halasa, he champions young talent and remains optimistic about the future.
Managed by the creative team behind Infernal Affairs (無間道), with Andrew Lau as cinematographer, Alan Mak as co-director, and Felix Chong as screenwriter—the film Initial D benefited from the prior Japanese success of Infernal Affairs, which eased the acquisition of the manga’s adaptation rights. Lau, unable to consult the elusive manga creator Shigeno Shuichi, cast young stars like Edison Chen, Shawn Yue, and Jay Chou for authenticity, avoiding older actors like Tony Leung. The film’s realistic car chase scenes featured daring shoots with cars nearly hitting cameras. Despite topping Chinese-language films with HK$37 million and global success, it won only two of 10 Hong Kong Film Award nominations, leaving Lau puzzled over losses for Best Director and Cinematography.
Lau’s career began at Shaw Brothers in 1981, shooting films like City on Fire and As Tears Go By, inspired by comics like Old Master Q and Dragon Tiger Gate, leading to adaptations like Young and Dangerous. His upcoming spy thriller Kashmir Princess, with a rumored RMB200 million budget, recreates 1955 Hong Kong with stars like Chen Kun and Daniel Wu, targeting a 2026 release. Lau’s reflections highlight his commitment to innovative storytelling and Hong Kong cinema’s resilience, using Initial D’s restoration to bridge past successes with future aspirations while supporting the next generation of filmmakers.
News Source: https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3505774/
(5) Khalil Fong’s Music Company and Estate Issue Statement Strictly Prohibiting Use of His Works for AI Training Purposes
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Following the passing of acclaimed musician Khalil Fong in February 2025, his label Fu Music, now representing his estate, issued a formal statement strictly prohibiting the use of his entire body of work for AI training or machine learning applications. The directive aims to protect Fong’s unique R&B style, vocal identity, and creative output from unauthorized replication, imitation, or AI-generated derivatives, ensuring the integrity of his legacy as “eternal spiritual wealth” for future generations.
The move responds to growing concerns about AI misuse in the music industry, where artists’ voices and works are increasingly used to create realistic synthetic content. Fong’s estate requires explicit permission for any AI-related use of his name, image, or recordings, reserving the right to deny requests and take legal action against violations. This pre-emptive stance highlights efforts to uphold artistic originality in an era of rapidly advancing generative AI technologies.
Asserting control over his legacy, Fu Music underscores the value of preserving human artistry against technological appropriation, potentially influencing how other estates and artists safeguard their work amid evolving creative and legal landscapes.
(6) HK singer Shirley Kwan hospitalized in critical condition
(Photo credit: The Standard)
Hong Kong Cantopop singer Shirley Kwan Suk-yee, 59, was reportedly admitted to the intensive care unit in critical condition, prompting an emergency return of her 23-year-old son from the United States. Sources noted that both her son and father were seen at the hospital in visible distress.
Friends and family have maintained a steady stream of hospital visits, but the absence of brought food or soup suggests Kwan may require tube feeding, indicating the seriousness of her condition. Kwan rose to fame in the 1990s with her distinctive vocal style and hit song “Happy are those in love,” but her career declined after she withdrew from the music industry following an out-of-wedlock pregnancy.
Her departure from the spotlight was accompanied by publicized personal struggles, including reported suicide attempts and an alleged assault on hotel staff, which overshadowed her musical achievements. The current health crisis has refocused attention on her legacy as a beloved but troubled icon of Hong Kong’s Cantopop era.
(7) Lay Zhang and Sehun’s long-awaited appearance together sparked heated discussion among EXO fans, with mixed reactions.
(Photo Credit: FTISLAND)
The South Korean boy group EXO, which debuted in 2012 with 12 members (eight Korean and four Chinese), has seen its Chinese members—Kris, Luhan, Tao, and Lay—return to China to pursue acting careers, largely departing from the group’s activities in South Korea. On October 7, EXO’s official social media unexpectedly posted a photo of Lay (Zhang Yixing) and Sehun (a Korean member) taken backstage at Lay’s concert “Uncharted Waters V: The Monkey King Revolts in Heaven,” sparking immediate fan excitement and speculation about a potential reunion or renewed collaboration.
The photo, captioned “With Lay” and “WE ARE ONE” (EXO’s official slogan), showed Sehun in a black hat and T-shirt making a “V” sign alongside a smiling Lay, quickly trending online as fans interpreted it as a “two-way journey” symbolizing their enduring friendship and cross-border bond. During the concert, Lay performed EXO’s classic song “Miracle in December,” dedicating it to Sehun, further fueling emotional responses from supporters who viewed the interaction as a heartfelt nod to the group’s legacy and unity despite geographical and career separations.
While many fans celebrated the reunion as genuine and nostalgic, others criticized it as a publicity stunt, noting Lay’s prolonged absence from EXO’s group activities and his focus on solo endeavors in China. This skepticism highlighted divided sentiments within the fandom, with some viewing the gesture as a meaningful reconnection and others as a strategic move to leverage EXO’s brand for individual promotion, underscoring the complexities of transnational idol careers and fan expectations in the K-pop industry.
News Source: https://news.vocofm.com/en/entertainment-news/163453/
(8) Jinny Ng Yuet-hei to Hold Concert in Foshan in November, Becoming First Performer at the Venue
(Photo Credit: Singtao Headline)
Jinny Ng expressed excitement about bringing her “Gossip of Me” concert to Foshan in November, following an enthusiastic audience response at the Macao debut. She noted that the new venue, Shangti Hall at Foshan LEEcation Plaza, holds personal significance as she filmed scenes for the TV drama “The Queen of Castle” nearby. Jinny emphasized the honor of being the first performer at this unused space, calling the connection “a kind of fate.”
The organizer, Shangti Entertainment, outlined its vision to develop Shangti Hall as a multifunctional venue akin to Japan’s Zepp or Taiwan’s Legacy, starting in the Greater Bay Area before expanding nationwide. By hosting diverse artists and events, they aim to create popular local landmarks that blend culture and entertainment.
This initiative reflects a growing trend of specialized performance spaces in China, combining modern facilities with strategic locations to enhance regional cultural offerings. Jinny’s concert symbolizes both artistic continuity and the potential of new venues to reshape local entertainment landscapes.
News Source: https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3506268/%E5%90%B3%E8%8B%A5%E5%B8%8C11%E6%9C%88%E4%BD%9B%E5%B1%B1%E9%96%8B%E6%BC%94%E5%94%B1%E6%9C%83-%E6%88%90%E8%A9%B2%E5%A0%B4%E5%9C%B0%E9%A6%96%E4%BD%8D%E6%BC%94%E5%87%BA%E6%AD%8C%E6%89%8B
(9) Grasshopper performed a sweat-drenched concert in Guangzhou and organized a ferry memorial concert for Anita Mui
(Photo Credit: Singtao Headline)
Hong Kong band Grasshopper energized the 2025 Super Strawberry Music Festival in Guangzhou Nansha with a 45-minute set spanning classic dance tracks and new material, performing from dusk to sunset for nearly 20,000 fans. The high-energy “sweat-drenched” show created an explosive atmosphere, culminating in the announcement of their upcoming “RE: GRASSHOPPER Concert” in Guangzhou late next January, which drew enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Backstage, the group celebrated music director Anthony Ho’s birthday and connected with fellow performers Pakho Chau and Karen Mok.
Marking their 40th anniversary in the industry, Grasshopper members shared poignant memories: Remus Choi highlighted the group’s first Strawberry Music Festival experience and expressed gratitude that young audiences still recognized their songs, while Calvin Choi noted the dreamlike stage visuals enhanced by the sunset lighting. Remus also recalled a rain-soaked fan meeting early in their career where they performed despite flooding, underscoring their dedication to live performances.
The group’s enduring career was further reflected in Calvin and So Chi Wai’s nostalgia for the 2021 ferry memorial concert honoring the late Anita Mui, a tribute deeply rooted in Cantopop history. Looking ahead, Grasshopper will continue their 2025 schedule with a Mid-Autumn Festival performance in Wuhan, demonstrating their sustained relevance and ability to bridge generations through their dynamic stage presence and musical legacy.
(10) Presenting China’s First 8K Film Shot in Space, ‘Shenzhou 13,’ Fest Rio Announces China Focus in 2026
(Photo Credit: SHEN ZHOU 13)
The Rio International Film Festival will spotlight China as its 2026 country focus. Executive Director Walkiria Barbosa emphasized the goal of hosting major Chinese film companies, streamers, and exhibitors for screenings and business meetings, leveraging China’s status as the world’s largest film market. The China Media Group (CMG) initiated this collaboration with an October presentation in Rio, attended by Latin America chief Zhu Boying and Consul Tian Min, signaling strong bilateral cultural diplomacy.
A highlight was CMG’s premiere of Shenzhou 13—China’s first 8K space film, theatrically released domestically in September—which depicts astronauts’ daily life during the 183-day Shenzhou-13 mission, featuring cosmic visuals filmed by the crew. Concurrently, Rio-based LC Barreto and CCTV Animation are co-producing two projects: the preschool series Hoho & The Tropical Sound Clash (4 seasons, 13 episodes each) and the feature Amazonika – The Origin. Both center on Panda HoHo, partnering with Brazilian animals like the Golden Lion Tamarin and capybara to explore biodiversity and cultural themes.
The co-productions emphasize environmental preservation and cross-cultural synergy, with Hohoset to air on Brazil’s TV Cultura and China’s CCTV Animation in late 2026. Amazonikaframes the Amazon Rainforest as a historical link between Asian and Indigenous Brazilian cultures, featuring characters like Zo (a nature-communicating youth) and Nika (a warrior princess). Indigenous consultants Benki Piyãko (Asháninka) and Zezinho Yube (Huni Kuin) ensure authentic representation, underscoring the projects’ commitment to collaborative storytelling and ecological awareness.
News Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/global/fest-rio-china-focus-shenzhou-china-media-group-1236540194/
(11) Malaysian Datuk’s daughter Jacquelin Ch’ng ties the knot with police inspector in Bali
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Malaysian-born Hong Kong actress and model Jacquelin Ch’ng Se-min, 45, married her partner Matthew Wong in a private ceremony held in Bali on October 8. The bride, known for her family ties to Malaysian tycoon Datuk Bill Ch’ng, celebrated with close friends and relatives, including her sister Lisa and actress Myolie Wu Hang-yee, in an intimate gathering.
The groom, Matthew Wong, serves as a senior inspector in the Hong Kong police force and is the son of a senior executive at a publicly listed company. Ch’ng shared moments from her wedding preparations via Instagram stories, offering fans a glimpse into the personal celebration while maintaining discretion about the ceremony itself.
This marriage marks Ch’ng’s second union, following her previous marriage to Taiwanese bubble tea shop owner Brian Yang in February 2020, which ended in divorce in November 2022. The Bali wedding signifies a new chapter for the actress, reflecting her continued connection to both personal and professional circles across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hk-and-china-showbiz/article/313592/Malaysian-Datuks-daughter-Jacquelin-Chng-ties-the-knot-with-police-inspector-in-Bali
(12) China’s National Day holiday box office exceeds 1.6 billion yuan
(Photo Credit: Du Penghui/Xinhua)
As of October 7 noon, the total box office of films screened during the 2025 National Day holiday, including presales, had exceeded 1.6 billion yuan (about 225 million U.S. dollars), according to data from online platforms. The eight-day holiday, which kicked off on Oct. 1, is typically a bustling movie-going season for consumers and a highly competitive arena for the movie theater sector in China.
Currently leading this year’s National Day box office is domestic war epic “The Volunteers: Peace at Last,” the finale of director Chen Kaige’s “The Volunteers” trilogy. The film recreates the intertwined struggles of battlefield combat and tense diplomatic negotiation during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953).
It is followed by “Evil Unbound,” a domestic production that depicts the atrocities that Japanese germ-warfare Unit 731 committed in China during World War II. The film revolves around the fates of a group of innocent victims who are imprisoned by Unit 731 and become subjects of inhumane torture experiments such as frostbite, poison gas and vivisection experiments. “A Writer’s Odyssey Ⅱ,” a sequel to the 2021 fantasy-action hit, currently ranks third on the holiday chart. The film centers on a novelist’s journey to tackle a dual crisis taking place in both the real world and the virtual world of his artistic creation.
So far this year, more than 300 films have been released nationwide, covering a wide range of genres including history, comedy, animation and drama.
News Source: https://english.news.cn/20251007/b97c0c7688a3402aae95eb63909ec2f8/c.html
(13) Digital IP protector from US among 18 firms expanding in Hong Kong under OASES
(Photo Credit: SCMP/Elson Li)
Hong Kong’s Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) has secured 18 new firms, including U.S.-based Emmy Award-winning digital content protection company Vobile Group, bringing the total to over 100 enterprises with a combined investment exceeding HK$60 billion and generating approximately 22,000 jobs. Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted that this marks the first inclusion of cultural and creative enterprises blending technology with artistry, leveraging Hong Kong’s connectivity, openness, and innovation ecosystem to scale across Asia and beyond.
Vobile Group, a California-based firm specializing in video content protection (Emmy-winning in 2017) and listed in Hong Kong in 2018, partners with major Hollywood studios like Disney and Warner Bros. Chairman Bernard Wang acknowledged Hong Kong’s creative talent but noted past underutilization of IP, citing the sale of film/TV assets internationally. Inspired by government pushes for creative industries and Web3/blockchain support, Vobile is expanding offices in Hong Kong, including in the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation Park, aiming to monetize local creativity through reliable revenue allocation models.
OASES, initially focused on life sciences, AI, and data science, now diversifies into creative tech, with new entrants like pharmaceutical giants GSK, Merck, and Roche. GSK’s Hong Kong lead Nicholas Teo emphasized leveraging local infrastructure to sync data across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, accelerating medical innovation. This expansion reflects Hong Kong’s strategic pivot to integrate traditional strengths with emerging creative and tech sectors, fostering a robust ecosystem for global enterprises.
