China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 74 Week of 27 October 2025
(1) Zhao Lusi Terminates Contract Without Penalty
Zhao Lusi terminates Galaxy Cool contract, waives 400M yuan penalty via Alibaba’s Hujing acquisition. New 5-year deal includes mentoring; upcoming dramas with Tian Xuning spark fan excitement.
(2) Ratings for “The Queen of Castle” Hold Steady at 21.3 Points
TVB Jade’s October 20-26 ratings rose across primetime; Queen of Castle leads at 21.3 pts, Fading Gold at 18.7. Variety shows mixed, signaling drama strength in competitive market.
(3) On Chan Announces Outdoor Concert in January Next Year; “Hourglass” Themed Poster Carries Special Meaning
On Chan’s “On Time” outdoor concert debuts January 10, 2026, at West Kowloon; hourglass poster symbolizes time control. Festival vibe promises escape into musical “new Eden.”
(4) Li Yundi Rebounds After Prostitution Scandal But Accused by Beauty Influencer of Filthy Deeds in Hotel Room
Pianist Li Yundi accused by influencer Si Xiaodi of hotel misconduct during her sleep; demands explanation. Past entanglements raise doubts, trends on Weibo amid his comeback.
(5) Dr. Albert Yeung and his wife celebrate their 40th ruby wedding anniversary; Gillian Chung reveals she has quit drinking for a year due to hand tremors.
Dr. Albert Yeung and his wife Semon Luk celebrated their 40th ruby wedding anniversary with a lavish banquet attended by over 300 guests including top stars, while Gillian Chung revealed she quit drinking over a year ago due to hand tremors and is now in excellent health.
(6) Lynn Hung celebrates 9th wedding anniversary, showcasing a simple and warm side; husband Ken Kwok publicly expresses love
Lynn Hung and Ken Kwok celebrate their 9th wedding anniversary with heartwarming family photos and romantic gestures, while recalling a playful boxing spar from last year where Ken humorously admitted he “always wants to hit on” his wife.
(7) Cecilia Cheung Receives Stephen Chow’s Encouragement Video for “The Blooming Journey 2”: “I Feel His Unique Way of Cherishing Me!”
Cecilia Cheung was deeply moved by a surprise video from her mentor Stephen Chow at the The Blooming Journey 2 press conference, where he humorously feigned anger at a script calling her “shy,” sparking viral praise online for their enduring bond and his unique support.
(8) Ko Chen-tung Breaks Free from ‘Eternal High Schooler’ Label, Transforms into Gangster in Fourth Giddens Ko Collab – 15-Year Passion Project Complete
Actor Ko Chen-tung breaks free from his long-standing “eternal high school student” typecasting by transforming into an action star in his fourth collaboration with director Giddens Ko.
(9) Benz Hui Passes Away at Age 76 — “Foon Hei Gor” Becomes an Eternal Memory
Veteran Hong Kong actor Benz Hui, known for iconic roles like “Foon Hei Gor” in Line Walker, has passed away at 76 from cancer-related complications, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved “King of Supporting Actors” and a devoted family man.
(10) Losa Law Re-Files Lawsuit Against Charles Ho’s Widow and Others, Seeking ~HK$96.8M Over Repulse Pay Mansion Loan
Losa Law, the 1998 Miss Asia winner, has filed a new HK$50 million lawsuit against late tycoon Charles Ho’s widow and estate executors over a Repulse Bay mortgage loan, escalating her ongoing financial claims against his estate following his 2025 death.
(11) Kelly Chen’s Post-Concert State After Mainland Tour Sparks Controversy: Frowning and Exhausted, Pushed into Rest Room
Kelly Chen sparked playful fan engagement by staging an exaggerated “work fatigue” video, feigning exhaustion in a care chair, as a humorous promotional stunt for her Shenzhen concert tickets.
(12) Celebs serve up fun at Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open
Hong Kong singers MC Cheung Tin-fu and Panther Chan captained celebrity teams in a tied tennis exhibition at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 2025, teaming with WTA pros and local talents to promote community spirit and the sport’s growing appeal under Li Na’s “Tennis For All” initiative.
(1) Zhao Lusi Terminates Contract Without Penalty
(Photo Credit: Jayne Stars)
Chinese actress Zhao Lusi, dubbed the “Ratings Queen” for hits like Hidden Love and Love’s Ambition, publicly clashed with her agency, Galaxy Cool Entertainment, in August 2025 after being hospitalized during Almost Lover filming. She accused them of forcing her to cover cancelled endorsements deals due to illness, unauthorized withdrawal of 2.05 million yuan from her account, and threats of cancellation, declaring her intent to quit amid fan support. Galaxy Cool denied illegality, emphasising open communication.
Zhao Lusi successfully terminated her contract with Galaxy Cool Entertainment. The RMB 400 million penalty clause, which was imposed on Zhao Lusi as she contributed to nearly 80% of the company’s revenue, was waived. Alibaba’s Hujing Digital Media Group (also known as Orca Entertainment) stepped in, acquiring Galaxy Cool Entertainment and signing Zhao Lusi to a five-year contract. The five-year deal involves Zhao Lusi mentoring new talents for two years. Promotional clips on Alibaba screens signal her new affiliation, with upcoming projects including a historical drama with Tian Xuning and a suspense series.
This resolution highlights power imbalances in China’s entertainment industry, where stars like Zhao Lusi outgrow agencies, often leading to exploitative clauses. Alibaba’s involvement via Hujing strengthens its content ecosystem (e.g., Youku), providing Zhao stability and resources, though it may limit independence. Fans’ jubilation reflects broader calls for artist rights, potentially pressuring reforms amid rising mental health awareness.
News Source: https://www.jaynestars.com/news/zhao-lusi-terminates-contract-without-penalty/
(2) Ratings for “The Queen of Castle” Hold Steady at 21.3 Points
(Photo Credit: TVB)
TVB’s Jade Channel saw strong viewership gains for the week of October 20-26, 2025, with primetime Monday-Friday ratings all rising per CSM Media Research and YOUBORA data. Lead drama The Queen of Castle, starring Jessica Hsuan and Ruco Chan, peaked at 21.3 points (1.38 million viewers), up 0.6 from last week. The Fading Gold, featuring Roger Kwok and Hera Chan, climbed to 18.7 points (1.21 million viewers) in its second week, up 0.4.
Entertainment news Scoop hit 21.9 points (1.42 million viewers), up 0.5, while sitcom Come Home Love: Lo and Behold reached 20.9 points (1.35 million viewers), surging 1 point. New variety show Water Seepage Rescue Crew, hosted by Chin Ka Lok, Lucy Li, Kirby Lam, and Charles Tsang, debuted at 13.4 points (860,000 viewers), up 0.2. Saturday’s Amazing Cut peaked at 13.8 points (890,000 viewers), and movie Once Upon a Time in Hong Kong at 14.1 points (910,000 viewers).
Sunday’s The Sound of Talents drew 17 points (1.1 million viewers), but anniversary quiz Game of Scholars, hosted by Bob Lam, Angela Stanton, and Jane Yuan, lagged at 10.7 points (690,000 viewers). Overall upticks signal TVB’s resilience in Hong Kong’s fragmented media landscape, with dramas driving loyalty amid streaming competition, though variety shows’ mixed results highlight the need for innovative formats to sustain engagement.
News Source: https://www.jaynestars.com/news/ratings-for-the-queen-of-castle-hold-steady-at-21-3-points/
(Photo Credit: On Chan)
Singer-songwriter On Chan revealed plans for his first personal outdoor concert, “On Time Concert 2026,” on January 10, 2026, at Bamboo Green Park in West Kowloon Cultural District, starting at 7:30 PM. Chan, excited to transform into an extroverted person, promises a festival-like vibe with interactive segments, allowing audiences to forget identities, ages, and worries in a two-hour musical exploration.
The concert’s creative director is longtime collaborator Oscar, with poster design by Sunny and photography by newcomer Ah Jeong. Chan’s earth-toned suit amid sand in an hourglass symbolises him as “time’s sand,” controlling the evening’s rhythm to lead fans into a “new Eden” universe. Drawing from his 2025 “Finding a New Eden” music theme, the show evokes a post-apocalyptic journey via music, blending twilight to nightfall with natural elements, inspired by C AllStar’s past performance at the venue.
This outdoor debut marks Chan’s evolution from indoor arena shows (like his 2024 MacPherson Stadium debut) to immersive, nature-infused experiences, deepening fan connection amid Hong Kong’s vibrant live music scene.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60289969?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(4) Li Yundi Rebounds After Prostitution Scandal But Accused by Beauty Influencer of Filthy Deeds in Hotel Room
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Pianist Li Yundi, 42, dubbed the “Piano Prince,” faced arrest in 2021 for visiting prostitutes, leading to a two-year ban in China before resuming overseas tours in 2023. As he prepared for a comeback, influencer Si Xiaodi accused him on Weibo on October 29, 2025, claiming he took her to a hotel. While she slept under sleeping pills, Li performed “filthy acts,” and blocked her. She vented: “You wanted to sleep with me… what filthy thing did you do? Block me? Great pianist, I’m a nervous wreck now—don’t mess with me, baby.” She demanded an explanation within three minutes, escalating to “I really hate Li Yundi!!!” The post quickly trended.
Si Xiaodi’s outburst included screenshots of unread messages and rants about Li’s personality. No specifics on the “filthy acts” were provided. Netizens noted her history of entanglements with male celebrities like comedian Qin Xiaoxian and singer Li Wenhan, sharing chats with the latter. Scepticism arose, with comments questioning credibility and urging caution amid lack of evidence. Li Yundi has not responded publicly.
This allegation revives scrutiny on Li Yundi’s post-scandal recovery, where unverified claims from a figure with a pattern of public disputes risk amplifying misinformation in China’s social media echo chambers. While fuelling Weibo frenzy, the absence of details and Si’s track record suggest potential exaggeration for attention. For Li, navigating such volatility underscores the fragility of celebrity redemption in an era of instant outrage, potentially derailing tours unless clarified swiftly.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60290140?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(5) Dr. Albert Yeung and his wife celebrate their 40th ruby wedding anniversary; Gillian Chung reveals she has quit drinking for a year due to hand tremors.
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Emperor Group Chairman Dr. Albert Yeung and his wife Semon Luk celebrated their 40th ruby wedding anniversary with a grand banquet on October 24, hosting over 20 tables and more than 300 guests, including political, business, and entertainment figures, as well as company colleagues. Their children and grandchildren were in attendance, and the couple’s celebrity artists—such as Nicholas Tse, Joey Yung, Charlene Choi, Gillian Chung, Hins Cheung, Kenny Kwan, and Gin Lee—all dressed elegantly to offer their congratulations. The event was emceed by Dr. Yeung’s longtime friends Chan Yan-kin and John Shum, who had also hosted the couple’s 30th anniversary celebration a decade ago.
During the banquet, Dr. Yeung and his wife took the stage to thank guests for witnessing their 40 years of love. Dr. Yeung humorously praised his wife’s many virtues, calling her one in a million and expressing deep admiration and respect for her, crediting her for the longevity and stability of their marriage.
Gillian Chung, who flew in from Beijing for the occasion, stunned in a deep V-neck gown and exuded elegance. When asked about William Chan’s recent announcement of becoming a father, she offered congratulations and said it was expected at his age. Now past that life stage herself, Gillian shared that she is single, no longer interested in setups, and content with her current life. She also revealed she has quit drinking for over a year after experiencing hand tremors likely linked to liver issues that affected her work, adding that after a full health check, she is now in glowing health.
(6) Lynn Hung celebrates 9th wedding anniversary, showcasing a simple and warm side; husband Ken Kwok publicly expresses love
(Photo credit: Singtao Headline)
Lynn Hung recently celebrated her 45th birthday and soon after marked another milestone—her 9th wedding anniversary with Ken Kwok, the younger brother of actress Jessica Hsuan. As in previous years, the couple shared loving couple photos to showcase their happiness. On October 27, Lynn posted a heartwarming family portrait on Instagram, capturing the simple joys of family life. In the photo, Lynn and Ken each lifted one of their twin daughters, Kaylor and Lyvia, holding them vertically off the ground with just their parents’ support. The girls beamed with joy, clearly having a great time. Lynn kept her caption simple: “Happy to our 9th Anniversary.”
In contrast, Ken proved to be more romantic than his wife. He shared two photos on Instagram taken on a hotel bed, with rose petals arranged in a heart shape between them in one image. The second photo showed only their backs, but Ken expressed how much he loved it, writing: “Hard-earned and precious. Happy 9th! Love you forever! The second photo is one I’ve always loved—it’s just like us, relaxed, natural, and true to ourselves.”
Last year, while celebrating their 8th anniversary, the couple filmed a playful video at a boxing gym. After warming up, they stepped into the ring for a lighthearted spar. Lynn teasingly asked Ken, “Have you ever wanted to hit me?” Ken candidly replied, “I always want to hit you,” before quickly adding with a grin, “…hit on you,” turning the moment into a sweet and humorous exchange.
(7) Cecilia Cheung Receives Stephen Chow’s Encouragement Video for “The Blooming Journey 2”: “I Feel His Unique Way of Cherishing Me!”
(Photo Credit: ORANGE NEWS)
Cecilia Cheung’s appearance in the mainland variety show The Blooming Journey 2 has excited fans, especially with unexpected Hong Kong filming spots. The real highlight came during promotion when the production team surprised her with a video from her mentor, Stephen Chow. Their partnership in King of Comedy launched her career, and she has always credited him as the key to her success, lamenting the lack of recent collaborations.
In the video played at the show’s press conference, Chow humorously reads a scripted message encouraging care for the “shy” Cheung, then feigns outrage at the description, tossing the note aside in classic comedic style. This playful act underscored their longstanding bond, as Chow has supported her since her debut.
Cheung was visibly moved, interpreting his mock anger as affectionate teasing from someone who has seen her grow up. She even inquired if he had changed numbers, highlighting past unsuccessful attempts to contact him. The viral clip sparked widespread online praise for Chow’s unique support and Cheung’s influential status in the industry.
(8) Ko Chen-tung Breaks Free from ‘Eternal High Schooler’ Label, Transforms into Gangster in Fourth Giddens Ko Collab – 15-Year Passion Project Complete
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Taiwan’s hot-blooded action film Kung Fu, directed and written by Giddens Ko, is adapted from his most popular short story of the same name. This marks his fourth collaboration with his go-to leading man Ko Chen-tung, joined by Wang Jing, Dai Li-ren, Zhu Xuan-yang, and Liu Guan-ting. Giddens Ko revealed that the project has been brewing for 15 years, with exhaustive effort poured into perfecting the story structure, visual aesthetics, and action choreography. The film is finally set to be presented to Taiwanese audiences during the Lunar New Year slot in February next year.
Giddens Ko positions Kung Fu as a tribute to action cinema, stating: “Kung Fu is the crystallization of 15 years of my heart and soul, and it is both a homage to and a challenge against action films. This work is not just about fighting — it’s about the tempering of life and the testing of belief.” He candidly shared that the film was long delayed because many of the scenes and plot points he envisioned were previously unfeasible due to limitations in computer effects technology. However, with the maturing of Taiwan’s film industry in recent years, the vision has finally been realized.
Starring Ko Chen-tung, Kung Fu is his fourth collaboration with Giddens Ko following You Are the Apple of My Eye, Till We Meet Again, and Miss Shampoo. This time, Ko Chen-tung sheds his “eternal high school student” label, taking on high-difficulty action sequences alongside Dai Li-ren and Zhu Xuan-yang to become a genuine “thug”! Giddens Ko meticulously rewrote the original script to custom-fit the role of Yuen Zai for Ko Chen-tung, saying: “Because he carries the passion and unyielding spirit that I wanted.”
News Source: https://global.hk01.com/%E7%94%B5%E5%BD%B1/60289181/%E6%9F%AF%E9%9C%87%E4%B8%9C%E7%AA%81%E7%A0%B4-%E4%B8%87%E5%B9%B4%E9%AB%98%E4%B8%AD%E7%94%9F-%E5%8C%96%E8%BA%AB%E6%89%93%E4%BB%94-%E5%9B%9B%E5%BA%A6%E5%90%88%E4%BD%9C%E4%B9%9D%E6%8A%8A%E5%88%80%E5%AE%8C%E6%88%9015%E5%B9%B4%E5%BF%83%E8%A1%80
(9) Benz Hui Passes Away at Age 76 — “Foon Hei Gor” Becomes an Eternal Memory
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Veteran actor Benz Hui Siu-hung, affectionately known as “Brother Benz,” passed away peacefully at the age of 76 in the early hours of today, as announced by his family through close friend Louise Lai. The cause of death was multi-organ failure triggered by cancer. Hui leaves behind a rich legacy of iconic roles spanning decades, including “Foon Hei Gor” in Line Walker, “Sir Fong Chung” in the Love Undercover series, Inspector Wong Kai-fat in Running Out of Time, and “Uncle Dung” in Police Cadet. Though often cast in supporting roles, his exceptional acting made each character memorable, earning him the title “King of Supporting Actors.”
In recent years, Hui had significantly reduced his workload and moved to Singapore with his family to enjoy a semi-retired life. Known in the entertainment circle as a “devoted father,” he wholeheartedly supported his daughter Charmaine Hui Wai-jing’s career after her marriage last year, investing over HK$10 million to help her open multiple cafés and bakeries in Singapore. Despite his on-screen persona as a supporting actor, Hui was regarded as a “low-key tycoon” in real life, with a prominent family background and substantial wealth.
Hui had purchased a lavish 4,000-square-foot detached house in Yishun, Singapore worth over HK$23 million in 2018, reflecting his affluent and comfortable lifestyle. In his later years, he only returned to Hong Kong occasionally for guest roles in films or TV dramas, satisfying his passion for acting while prioritizing family and personal contentment. His passing marks the end of an era for Hong Kong cinema, celebrating a actor whose humility, talent, and devotion resonated both on and off screen.
(10) Losa Law Re-Files Lawsuit Against Charles Ho’s Widow and Others, Seeking ~HK$96.8M Over Repulse Pay Mansion Loan
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Losa Law, the 1998 ATV Miss Asia Pageant winner once rumoured to have been romantically linked to the late tycoon Charles Ho Tsu-kwok, filed a new lawsuit on October 24, 2025, in Hong Kong’s High Court (Case No. HCA1933/2025) against Ho’s widow, Linda Mun-Saan Wong, and his estate executors. Representing herself and her company, 萬丈投資有限公司, Law seeks HK$50 million related to a September 2022 mortgage loan for a Repulse Bay mansion, including two garden parking spaces, where she acted as guarantor for Standard Chartered Bank. She also demands repayment of two additional sums—HK$878,000 and HK$45.913 million—totalling HK$46.792 million, though specifics of these claims are undisclosed.
This follows Law’s September 2025 lawsuit against Ho’s estate for HK$10 million in unpaid loans from two transactions with the late tycoon, who passed away on June 11, 2025, with his funeral held on June 29. Law, who transitioned from entertainment to business ventures like a furniture store, continues to pursue significant financial claims tied to her dealings with Ho, a former National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference member.
The ongoing legal disputes highlight complex financial arrangements within Hong Kong’s elite circles, raising questions about estate management and past business ties. The case, centred on the Repulse Bay property and substantial monetary claims, underscores Law’s persistent efforts to recover funds, potentially impacting the Ho family’s legacy and public perception post-Charles Ho’s death.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60289037?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(11) Kelly Chen’s Post-Concert State After Mainland Tour Sparks Controversy: Frowning and Exhausted, Pushed into Rest Room
(Photo Credit: Singtao Headline)
Cantopop diva Kelly Chen (陳慧琳) celebrated her 30th anniversary with 10 shows at Hong Kong Coliseum earlier this year and is currently on her mainland tour. A recent post-concert clip from her Foshan stop, shared on Threads by the account “鍾姐話得我好啱”, showed Kelly looking exhausted and frowning while being wheeled into a rest room on a care chair, prompting fan concerns about her health amid her demanding schedule.
The footage, however, was a playful promotional stunt for her upcoming Shenzhen show tickets on sale October 28, 2025. Kelly humorously posed with exaggerated “work fatigue” expressions, mimicking scenarios like “me when the boss calls a meeting at quitting time” or “me after taking Monday off and the boss checks in.” Fans praised her relatable, meme-worthy antics, with comments like “Kelly is perfect for emoji packs!” and “She’s turned into a total comedian—laughing till I cry.”
Kelly, married to her high school sweetheart Alex Lau since 2008 with two sons, maintains a scandal-free image but is celebrated for her straightforward personality contrasting her elegant persona. Netizens admire her authenticity, calling her “big-hearted and kind” and appreciating her lack of idol baggage, with remarks like “She’s grounded, funny, and not gossipy at all.”
News Source: https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3511996/
(12) Celebs serve up fun at Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Hong Kong singers MC Cheung Tin-fu and Panther Chan headlined the Celebrity Challenge at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 2025 on October 26, 2025, at Victoria Park, teaming up with professional WTA players like Victoria Mboko, Sabrina Santamaria, Kamilla Rakhimova, and Moyuka Uchijima, as well as young talents from the Hong Kong, China Tennis Association. Captaining the Red and White teams respectively, alongside Prudential Hong Kong representatives, they competed in a fun nine-grid scoring format over two rounds, ending in a tie that emphasized the event’s “friendship first” ethos. The exhibition underscored tennis’s role in uniting celebrities, athletes, and fans, fostering community spirit in the lead-up to the tournament’s main draw.
MC Cheung, a tennis novice, shared his enthusiasm, noting the sport was “not as difficult as I imagined” and sparking his interest in pursuing it further. Panther Chan expressed satisfaction with her performance, highlighting the relaxed, enjoyable vibe. The challenge kicked off Hong Kong’s weeklong tennis festival, running until November 2 at Victoria Park Tennis Centre, under the guidance of Tournament Director Li Na, Asia’s first female Grand Slam singles champion. The lineup features top talents including Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic, rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko, Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya, and the Philippines’ Alexandra Eala, promising high-level competition.
Prudential Hong Kong’s Chief Customer and Marketing Officer, Ivan Tsoi, emphasized the company’s commitment to local sports and healthier lifestyles, while Hong Kong Tennis Association’s Oscar Chow announced free public access to the Tournament Village. Li Na, returning for her second year, reiterated the “Tennis For All” philosophy, encouraging widespread participation. The event leverages celebrity appeal to boost tennis engagement, reinforcing Hong Kong’s sports culture amid growing regional interest, though star-driven promotions risk overshadowing athletic focus.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/sports-news/article/315158/
