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China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 73 Week of 20 October 2025

William Chan and He Sui welcomed their first child on October 18, 2025, confirming their romance via Weibo with ultrasound photos. The couple, spotted since 2021, shares no birth details amid fan joy.

Jay Chou publicly calls out magician friend Will Tsai over a NT$100M+ dispute, unfollowing him on IG after evasion claims. Their fallout, linked to third-party losses, shocks fans amid past collaborations.

Taiwan arrests Chen Bo-lin, Hsiu Jie-kai, and Joe Chang Shu-Wei in draft evasion case; Chen confesses to HK$25K forged records. Third wave probe expands after Darren Wang detention.


(Photo Credit: William Chan / Weibo)

Hong Kong singer-actor William Chan Wai-ting, 39, and Victoria’s Secret supermodel He Sui, 36, announced the birth of their first child on October 18, 2025, via Weibo, simultaneously confirming their long-rumored romance. The couple shared intimate photos, including ultrasound scans held up by each parent—Chan in a “Dad” cap and He in a “Mom” one—as well as a joint image of He displaying her baby bump and separate shots of them cradling the newborn. Their caption, “Dad, mum and him,” marked a joyful yet private reveal, with no details disclosed on the birth date or child’s name, emphasizing a low-key entry into parenthood.

The announcement resolves years of speculation, with media outlets like The Standard noting multiple sightings of the couple on dates and vacations, yet no prior confirmation. Dot News reported their first traced encounter in August 2021 at the same residence, fueling whispers of a committed partnership. This milestone aligns with Chan’s established career trajectory: rising to fame in 2003 via the International Chinese New Talent Singing Championship Hong Kong finals, debuting with Cantopop boy band Sun Boy’z in 2006 before going solo in 2008. His acting breakthrough came in 2009 with the crime thriller Overheard, followed by the 2014 fantasy hit Swords of Legends, cementing his status as a multifaceted entertainer.

The news has sparked widespread celebration across social media, blending personal joy with professional admiration for the high-profile duo. Chan’s evolution from idol to leading man mirrors the couple’s narrative of blending private bliss with public poise, while He’s global modeling prestige adds an international flair. As they navigate new parenthood, this revelation not only humanizes their star power but also hints at future collaborations or family-focused ventures, resonating with fans who have long championed their elusive love story.

News Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/hong-kong-star-william-chan-and-supermodel-he-sui-welcome-their-first-child-a-boy


(Photo Credit: Will Tsai / Instagram)

Taiwanese Mandopop icon Jay Chou, 46, appears to have fallen out with longtime friend and Taiwanese-Canadian magician Will Tsai, 41, amid an alleged financial dispute involving over NT$100 million (S$4.2 million). The rift surfaced publicly on October 15, 2025, when Chou posted on Instagram Stories a photo of Tsai with three question marks, sarcastically asking, “Has anyone seen this magician Will Tsai, who made himself disappear?” He accused Tsai of dodging him with excuses to finish performances, adding, “Do you think I am not a magician? If you don’t show up, you’re done.” Chou subsequently unfollowed Tsai, escalating speculation about their once-close bond. Tsai responded briefly on his Stories, saying, “Sorry will stay off social for another bit. Expect temp void of response,” and has since gone quiet online.

The duo’s friendship dates back years, with Tsai as a recurring collaborator on Chou’s Netflix travel show J-Style Trip (2020-2025) and a joint magic-infused performance of Chou’s hit “Love Confession” at China’s 2018 Spring Festival Gala. Taiwanese media outlet Mirror Daily reported exclusively on October 16 that the fallout stems from Chou’s months-long attempts to locate Tsai over the financial issue, which reportedly caused third-party losses and prompted legal demands against Chou’s company, JVR Music. Insiders likened the saga to one of Tsai’s vanishing tricks, noting the dispute’s impact on external parties. JVR Music, co-founded by Chou, declined comment, leaving the exact nature of the funds—potentially tied to investments or collaborations—unclear amid ongoing rumors.

The incident has stunned fans, given their playful on-screen chemistry, and highlights the pressures within celebrity circles involving money and trust. As of October 20, 2025, no resolution has emerged, with Tsai maintaining his social media silence and Chou focusing on post-tour activities. This fallout could ripple into Chou’s entertainment ventures, underscoring the risks of blending friendship with business in the high-stakes Mandopop industry.


(Photo Credit: The Standard)

Hong Kong singer Yan Ng Yat-yin, who relocated to the United Kingdom last year with her husband Barry and their three children, has faced hurdles in launching a new restaurant venture after stepping back from the entertainment industry to prioritize family life. The eatery, blending familiar flavors with innovative twists, recently opened its doors, with Ng sharing promotional updates on social media to attract patrons, particularly the overseas Chinese community. However, the launch has been marred by controversies, including the removal of a Xiaohongshu account targeting this demographic, amid broader challenges in building a customer base in a competitive UK market.

Early setbacks included an alleged payment dispute highlighted in online discussions, where a netizen claimed non-payment of approximately HK$3,700 for design and printing services arranged through mutual connections, leading to a small claims tribunal filing. Ng refuted the accusations on social platforms, calling them unfounded and inconsistent with the facts. Additional online scrutiny focused on perceived cost-cutting measures, such as ice cubes molded into lion dance figures—praised for their Instagram-worthy appeal but revealed to be sourced from inexpensive Taobao molds—drawing criticism for reflecting budget constraints in a tough economic climate.

Despite the turbulence, Ng remains optimistic, sharing glimpses of joy on Instagram Stories about a bustling evening with young patrons engaging in singing and socializing, reminiscent of Hong Kong’s vibrant nightlife. These moments offer respite from childcare routines and underscore the unpredictable rhythm of running a startup abroad, while evoking nostalgia for her roots. As she navigates this entrepreneurial pivot, Ng’s updates highlight resilience in blending personal fulfillment with business ambitions in her new UK chapter.

News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hk-and-china-showbiz/article/314384/


(Photo Credit: Singtao Headline)

Faye Clementina Ho (何家華), granddaughter of the late Macau casino magnate Stanley Ho and his first wife Clementina Ângela de Melo Leitão (黎婉華), has faced a tumultuous life marked by profound losses and triumphs. Orphaned at age 6 following her parents’ fatal car crash in Portugal in 1981, Faye and her younger sister Sarah were raised by their grandparents and uncle. Dubbed the “most tragic granddaughter” due to her 2009 divorce from first husband Michael after a lavish 2003 wedding and two children, and a 2016 diagnosis of stage-three breast cancer, Faye overcame these lows. She later acquired the British motorcycle racing team Smiths Racing, rebranding it as FHO Racing in 2020 to become the only female team principal in the sport, and remarried in 2023 to Stuart, a racing director, finding stability and family support.

In June 2025, while visiting her daughter in London, Faye shared a photo on social media of herself at a “car boot sale” (flea market) in her car’s trunk, selling clothes for fun alongside her daughter and boyfriend. The post, captioned about her first-time vendor experience, sparked controversy due to her prominent family background, leading to speculation and her subsequent deletion of the image to avoid fueling gossip. Faye clarified that it was a spontaneous, lighthearted outing, reflecting her grounded lifestyle despite her heritage. Having lived low-key in Macau after years in the UK, she noted the exposure from her racing endeavors but stressed humility: “I won’t put myself on a high pedestal; my two children and I just do what we love.”

Faye’s journey underscores resilience amid personal hardships. Post-divorce, she embraced independence, handling household chores without help and enjoying simple routines like market shopping. Her cancer battle was particularly harrowing; after the first chemotherapy session, she felt suicidal, describing her gray, lifeless reflection as unbearable. Supported by family and medical staff, she triumphed, emerging healthier and more appreciative of life. Today, with her daughter pursuing fashion-related studies and her son excelling in business and math, Faye’s family life thrives, embodying her philosophy of fulfilling one’s duties authentically without entitlement.


(Photo Credit: Singtao Headline)

Taiwan’s ongoing military service evasion scandal, dubbed the “celebrity draft dodging case,” saw a third wave of arrests on October 21, 2025, with police detaining actors Chen Bo-lin (陳柏霖), Hsiu Jie-kai (修杰楷, husband of Golden Horse Best Actress Alyssa Chia), and Energy band member Joe Chang Shu-Wei (張書偉), among others. The probe, stemming from Chinese actor Darren Wang’s (王大陸) earlier involvement, expanded to include five entertainers and an estimated 10 individuals total, with raids across Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, and Taichung.

Chen, known for his “warm guy” role as Li Da-ren in the 2011 hit In Time With You, faces a second allegation after a 2011 asthma-related exemption claim; he confessed during questioning to paying NT$100,000 (approximately HK$25,000) to a draft-dodging syndicate for a forged hypertension medical record, expressing relief at the confrontation after sleepless nights.

As of October 21, 2025, the detained celebrities were transferred to the New North District Prosecutors Office for further interrogation. Netizens and media decry the scandal’s impact on Taiwan’s entertainment industry, questioning exemptions and calling for stricter enforcement. Legal experts note that while maximum sentences deter, lenient precedents may perpetuate perceptions of privilege, potentially affecting the accused’s careers as investigations continue.


(6)       From Best Actress to Money Queen: Michelle Wai rakes in over $10m in six months

(Photo credit: The Standard)

Hong Kong actress Michelle Wai Sze-nga is said to have earned more than HK$10 million in the past six months, cementing her status as one of the city’s leading advertising stars. The 40-year-old, who just won Best Actress at the Hong Kong Film Awards for The Last Dance, has seen her popularity soar, landing over 30 endorsement deals from skincare to luxury brands. With her proven commercial appeal, Wai was ranked second on a recent “Top 10 Most Profitable KOLs” survey. She has nearly half a million social media followers and also runs her YouTube food program, Wai’s Food Guide, which has over 250,000 subscribers.

Known for her dedication to self-improvement, Wai has earned multiple certifications — from diamond grading to traditional Chinese medicine — earning her the nickname “License Queen.”

Wai was recently spotted in Wan Chai filming a camera commercial, turning heads in a red fitted tank top. On set, she discussed camera angles with the director and struck multiple poses for shots, impressing the crew with her professionalism. Even under the heat, she smiled warmly at fans who recognized her, stopping for photos and signing autographs. During breaks, she was seen chatting kindly with a young fan and later playing with a local dog, showing her friendly, down-to-earth side — with no hint of “diva” attitude.


(Photo Credit: AnimationXpress Team)

Kuaishou Technology’s Kling AI debuted at Mipcom Cannes, showcasing AI-generated short films from global creators to highlight AI’s role in transforming video production. The event, a hub for content owners, streaming platforms, brands, and creators, featured a collection of innovative works demonstrating AI’s potential for complex scenes. A standout was the prequel Echo Hunter: A Memory Too Far, a collaboration with U.S. studio Phantom X directed by Kavan Cardoza and starring influencer King Bach, utilizing Kling AI’s 2.5 Turbo model for high-stakes action like car crashes and chases. Building on the original Echo Hunter, the first SAG-AFTRA-approved AI film, the prequel’s trailer has exceeded 2.5 million global views.

Kling AI hosted a screening of ten short films selected from over 4,600 entries in its global NextGen Creative Contest, involving creators from 122 countries competing for a $42,000 prize pool and 1.25 million AI credits. Themes ranged from personal stories like the U.K.’s Ghost Lap about a driver racing a lost loved one’s memory, to Poland’s Lost & Found exploring a boy’s imaginative worlds. Winners will be revealed on October 18, 2025, with screenings at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Kling AI also spotlighted collaborations with Chinese directors like Jia Zhangke and Oscar winner Timmy Yip, and international studios for projects like The Variable and OG Prime. Gennie, a documentary-focused AI studio, used Kling AI for a trailer reenactment, praising its fidelity for cinematic factual TV.

The showcase aligned with Mipcom’s MIP Innovation Lab, where Kling AI joined panels with Luma AI and Mantis AI on AI’s entertainment impact. Partnerships manager Zheru Liu emphasized the shift from AI clips to full IP series, while Gennie CEO Max Einhorn lauded Kling’s scalability for non-fiction. Liu underscored collaborative AI-human creativity, reflecting Kuaishou’s mission as a global content platform to empower storytellers through AI-driven innovations.


(Photo Credit: The Standard)

Global pop group Now United is recording their latest single “Giddy Up” in Hong Kong, invited by the HKJC’s Rising Stars Project, a joint initiative by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and XIX Entertainment. HKJC Ambassador Aaron Kwok visited the studio, previewed the horse-inspired track, and shared recording tips with new members Ariel Tsang (Hong Kong), Desirée Santos (Brazil), and Krystian Wang (Beijing). Kwok specifically advised Tsang on breathy vocals for mystery, leading to her improved delivery and praise for her vocal expression. The session ended with playful horse-riding poses for photos.

Last week, Now United debuted publicly at Happy Valley Racecourse during Happy Wednesday, performing “It’s One Love” and “Wave Your Flag” to an energetic crowd of fans and racegoers. The upbeat set got the audience dancing, amplifying the lively atmosphere.

The event also screened their new music video “Beautiful World,” filmed in Hong Kong, which hit over 2 million views in a week. Showcasing themes of unity, hope, and the city’s dynamic energy, the video highlights Hong Kong’s diverse charms, creating a joyful vibe for fans experiencing the group’s world-class performance.

News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/314707/


(Photo Credit: Weibo/Shawn Dou)

Recent speculation about the marriage of Chinese actor Shawn Dou (Dou Xiao) and Macau casino heiress Laurinda Ho Chiu Lin intensified after Tiffany Chen, wife of Charles Heung, posted a video on Xiaohongshu discussing a “rich heiress divorcing a male actor.” This fueled rumors pointing to Larinda and Shawn, propelling their names to the top of Weibo hot searches. Despite media reports from insiders claiming the couple’s relationship is stable and they are preparing for pregnancy, the buzz persisted, with a new hot search on October 22, 2025, alleging Shawn refused to sign a prenuptial agreement demanded by the Ho family.

The rumored prenup conditions reportedly include: waiving any claims to Ho family assets, splitting post-marital income 50/50, and exiting jointly invested shares at a discounted price if the marriage lasts less than three years. Shawn allegedly rejected it, arguing that “marriage isn’t starting a company” and the terms overly commercialized their emotions. This comes amid earlier claims that Shawn single-handedly funded their 2023 Bali wedding with HK$50-80 million from his savings, though netizens countered that Larinda’s mother, Ina Chan Un-chan, covered HK$50 million, with Shawn contributing only HK$5 million in betrothal gifts, as he is not a “family alliance match” eligible for family funds.

Shawn and Laurinda went public in 2019 after dating for years and married in Bali in 2023. Post-wedding, their busy careers led to long separations, with no public joint appearances since last year, Shawn clearing couple photos from Weibo, and changing his bio from ” Laurinda Ho’s husband” to “actor”, sparking divorce whispers. Laurinda has countered by stating they maintain daily video calls despite distance, affirming emotional stability. The couple has not responded to the latest rumors, but the saga highlights tensions in high-profile cross-class unions within Hong Kong’s entertainment and business elite.


(Photo Credit: The Standard)

Cantopop legend Aaron Kwok Fu-shing, 59, welcomed his third child—a daughter—on October 23, 2025, bringing his family to three daughters. Around 3pm, Kwok, wearing a cap and mask, drove from his residence to Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital in Happy Valley with his mother-in-law to pick up the newborn, appearing nervous yet excited. An hour later, he returned to the car park with in-laws and two nurses, one carrying the baby in a carrier as Kwok watched attentively.

Reporters congratulated Kwok, who smiled broadly and replied, “Thank you!” without commenting on his wife, model Moka Fang, who was absent from the scene. The family drove home together, marking the newborn’s arrival. Later that day, Kwok shared on Instagram: “Our little princess has finally come home! Mother and daughter are both safe and healthy,” posting a photo of the infant.

Kwok joyfully described his home as a “House of Goddesses” with three daughters, expressing profound gratitude for this new chapter. The event underscores his enduring family-man image amid a celebrated career in Hong Kong entertainment.

News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hk-and-china-showbiz/article/314844/


(Photo Credit: Singtao Headline)

Veteran DJ Kitty Yuen Siu-yee, after 31 years at Commercial Radio Hong Kong, held her final “CR2 FM 90.3 meeting” on October 22, 2025, sharing a heartfelt group photo on social media ahead of her last workday on October 31. The image features prominent DJs and executives like Josephine Ng, Leung Man-lai, Elsie, Vani, Ah Jeng, and ILUB in the conference room, with Yuen center-stage flashing a bright smile and heart gesture, while colleagues feign tears to express their reluctance to see her go.

Yuan captioned the post humorously noting how meetings typically end with “normal” program reports, but her departure makes things “abnormal” for her, thanking the “CR2 FM 90.3 family” for 30+ years of joyful memories. Following her recent final hosting of the Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation press conference, this meeting underscores her deep bond with the station.

Netizens flooded the comments with sentiments of loss, saying “It won’t feel right without you,” “Come back for guest spots,” and playful suggestions like “Last day: 24-hour Yuen’s marathon.” The outpouring reflects Yuen’s iconic status in Hong Kong radio, marking an emotional farewell to a broadcasting legend.

News Source: https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3511173/


(Photo Credit: Emperor Entertainment Group)

Emerging 19-year-old Hong Kong singer Heize Wong, who debuted under Emperor Entertainment Group in 2025 with the single “Hundreds of Days,” faces a charge of threatened publication of intimate images without consent. The allegation stems from an incident on August 26, 2025, outside a unit in Belvedere Garden, Tsuen Wan, where he allegedly threatened to release private images of an individual (referred to as X) to cause humiliation, fear, or distress, disregarding X’s lack of consent.

The case, heard at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court on October 23, 2025, was adjourned to December 18 for the prosecution to examine the defendant’s phone and seek legal advice; Wong, who claimed to be a student, was remanded on $10,000 bail without entering a plea.

This development marks a setback for Wong’s nascent career, following his May 2025 debut that showcased introspective themes of young love. Court proceedings emphasized the intentional nature of the threat, underscoring potential severe penalties, including up to five years’ imprisonment if convicted. As the case progresses, it draws attention to the entertainment industry’s handling of such scandals, with no official comment from Emperor yet.

News Source:  https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%e5%a8%9b%e6%a8%82/article/20251024/s00016/1761236328444


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