China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 77 Week of 17 November 2025
(1) China’s LGBTQ community loses key lifeline as Blued, Finka dating apps vanish
China’s top gay dating apps Blued and Finka were abruptly removed from domestic app stores by order of the Cyberspace Administration. The move isolates millions of LGBTQ users, deepens censorship of queer spaces, and signals sharply declining official tolerance despite the apps’ previous government-friendly status.
(2) Linda Chung addresses viral divorce rumours after reported Canada court filing
Hong Kong actress Linda Chung (44), married to chiropractor Jeremy for 10 years with three kids (Kelly, 7; Jared, 5; Anika, 2), debunked viral Weibo speculation on Nov. 15 claiming she filed for divorce in Canada. Chung dismissed it as “routine industry gossip,” urging fans to stay calm.
(3) Golden Rooster Awards conclude: Jackson Yee becomes youngest Best Actor winner, Michelle Wai lost to Song Jia for Best Actress winner
Jackson Yee, 24, became the youngest Best Actor winner at the 38th Golden Rooster Awards for “Big World.” Song Jia won Best Actress for “Her Story,” Ben Yuen took Supporting Actor, and “Last Dance” claimed Best Screenplay.
(4) Zootopia 2｜Joey Yung Reclaims Her Voice from 9 Years Ago; Dayo Wong: “I Am Actually Like Flash”
Nine years later, Cantonese stars Dayo Wong and Joey Yung reunited to voice Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps in Zootopia 2. Despite real-world aging, their voices fit seamlessly; the story picks up just one week after the original. Both actors found personal parallels with their characters and praised the sequel’s richer emotional depth.
(5) Actor Darren Wang admits guilt in Taiwan conscription evasion case, apologises and seeks leniency
Taiwanese actor Darren Wang pleaded guilty in New Taipei District Court to forging medical documents to dodge compulsory military service, implicating 18+ entertainers. He detailed paying NT$3.6M to ringleader Chen Chih-ming across five transactions, disputing Chen’s NT$2.6M claim.
(6) Guangzhou Event for Japanese Boy Group JO1 Cancelled Following Diplomatic Tensions; Singer Declares One-China Stance
China abruptly canceled Japanese boy band JO1’s Guangzhou fan event (Nov 19) citing “force majeure,” amid escalating tensions over Japan’s “Taiwan contingency” remarks and China’s retaliatory rhetoric. Broader measures include travel warnings, suspended exchanges, and postponed Japanese film releases, hitting cultural ties hard.
(7) Chinese YouTube star’s ‘matchmaking prank’ backfires into class-war firestorm
Tim Pan’s fake CV prank at Hangzhou marriage market—rejected as “divorced delivery kid”—went viral, revealing his millionaire status; backlash calls it classist mockery, Pan clarifies as comedy with disclaimers promised.
(8) Donnie Yen recalls turning down HK$3 million role when down to last HK$100 in bank account
Donnie Yen rejected HK$3M role with just HK$100 in bank to protect his vision; “Without passion, no money brings excellence,” he told ViuTV, praising perseverance in tough times.
(9) Eric Tsang dismisses resignation speculation following TVB anniversary rumours
Eric Tsang denies resignation rumours at TVB’s 57th anniversary gala, blames misinterpreted joke; vows to stay as Chief Manager despite persistent speculation over his four-year tenure.
(10) CHAGEE founder set to marry Trina Solar heiress this Dec
CHAGEE founder Zhang Junjie to wed Trina Solar heiress Gao Haichun on December 15, 2025; leaked invitation links two 1993-born entrepreneurs from bubble-tea and solar-power dynasties.
(11) Moses Chan’s Blooms Coffee APM outlet closed#news-11
TVB star Moses Chan’s Blooms Coffee outlet in Kwun Tong APM closed after four years due to lease expiration, despite solid business. He remains positive, with four other locations thriving, and eyes expansions amid retail challenges.
(12) Michelle Yeoh to receive Berlin Film Festival’s lifetime achievement honor
Michelle Yeoh to become first Asian recipient of Berlinale’s Honorary Golden Bear on February 12, 2026, for four decades of groundbreaking roles from Crouching Tiger to Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere.
(1) China’s LGBTQ community loses key lifeline as Blued, Finka dating apps vanish
(Photo Credit: Facebook/Blued)
China’s two most popular same-sex dating apps, Blued and Finka, were abruptly removed from mainland app stores under orders from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), highlighting the vulnerability of digital safe spaces for the LGBTQ community. Apple confirmed the removal, stating compliance with local laws, while only a simplified version of Blued remained accessible domestically, with its international counterpart, HeeSay, available outside China.
The apps’ disappearance is expected to isolate China’s LGBTQ community, which heavily relies on such platforms for connection, identity development, and support amid longstanding censorship of queer topics. Historically, LGBTQ activism peaked in the late 2000s but stagnated under state pressure, with recent closures of organizations like the Beijing LGBT Centre (2023) and bans on student-led groups reflecting a broader crackdown.
Same-sex marriage is not allowed in China, and censorship of LGBTQ topics online and in film and literature has tightened in recent years. Conservative voices say that such groups risk creating conflict in society and are speeding up population decline.
Though authorities cited “pornographic and vulgar content” as a potential reason, the move signals a tightening control over queer spaces, despite Blued’s past positive relations with the government, including state media coverage of its 2020 Nasdaq listing. The delisting and app removals suggest deteriorating state tolerance, potentially driving further advocacy underground or abroad, as seen with Shanghai Pride’s shift to international events.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3332962/chinas-lgbtq-community-loses-key-lifeline-blued-finka-apps-abruptly-vanish
(2) Linda Chung addresses viral divorce rumours after reported Canada court filing
(Photo Credit: Singtao Headline)
Hong Kong actress Linda Chung has responded to intense online speculation about her marriage after social media chatter claimed she had initiated divorce proceedings in Canada. The rumours surged on 15th November when a trending Weibo topic alleged that Chung, who has been married to chiropractor Jeremy for a decade and has three children — Kelly, Jared and Anika — had revealed a copy of a prenuptial agreement during an Instagram live broadcast on 28th October 2025.
The posts further claimed she accused the agreement of containing deceptive clauses, including restrictions on control over her post marriage income, and that she had sought divorce, asset redistribution and child custody through the Canadian courts.
Chung, who settled in Canada following her marriage and devoted herself to family life before gradually resuming work in recent years — including returning to Hong Kong for engagements and staging a concert tour on the mainland — spoke publicly at a racecourse event today. In remarks to local media, she urged calm among fans and dismissed the speculation as commonplace gossip within the entertainment industry, saying she would not lose sleep over such talk and preferred to focus on personal growth and her own life.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/linda-chung-addresses-viral-divorce-rumours-after-reported-canada-court-filing/
(3) Golden Rooster Awards conclude: Jackson Yee becomes youngest Best Actor winner, Michelle Wai lost to Song Jia for Best Actress winner
(Photo Credit: Dot Dot News)
The 38th China Film Golden Rooster Awards ceremony concluded on Thursday evening (Nov. 15), with all awards finding their winners. Michelle Wai, previously favored to win Best Actress for her performance in “Last Dance,” ultimately lost to Song Jia for “Her Story.” However, “Last Dance,” which received five nominations, secured the Best Screenplay award.
In the Best Actor category, 24-year-old Jackson Yee made history by becoming the youngest performer to ever receive this honor. Facing seasoned competitors, including Da Peng for “Lychee of Chang’an” and Zhu Yilong, Yee’s win, though widely anticipated, was considered highly competitive. He ultimately won for his leading role in “Big World.” Despite his young age, Yee has been working for 12 years since his debut at 12. He expressed that he has lived under intense scrutiny and pressure since entering the industry, feeling honored to have found his path as an actor. He hopes to earn genuine respect of the audience through his future work.
The ceremony presented 21 awards in total. Hong Kong actor Ben Yuen won Best Supporting Actor for his role as the Dessert Uncle in “Dumping Queen,” while Zhong Chuxi won Best Supporting Actress for “Her Story.” Accepting his award, the 61-year-old Yuen became emotional, stating, “Thank you to the committee. I’m 61 this year, and I don’t know why I’m still this emotional. The Dessert Uncle saw helping others as his duty. Similarly, an actor’s duty is to give their all to every role, regardless of the outcome. Thank you!” This marks Song Jia’s second Golden Rooster Best Actress win; her first was nine years ago at the 29th awards for the film “Xiao Hong.” She expressed gratitude for every role and collaborator, saying, “You have made me who I am! Thank you to the audience for coming to the cinema and being with us.”
News Source: https://english.dotdotnews.com/a/202511/16/AP6919aab6e4b0cc1a9de52d9d.html
(4) Zootopia 2｜Joey Yung Reclaims Her Voice from 9 Years Ago; Dayo Wong: “I Am Actually Like Flash”
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Nine years after the original film, the Cantonese voice actors for Disney’s “Zootopia” — comedian Dayo Wong (黃子華) and singer Joey Yung (容祖兒) — reunited to reprise their roles as Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps in the sequel. Despite the real-time gap, the characters’ story continues just one week later in the narrative, with Judy remaining idealistic and energetic while Nick views her as overly naive.
Yung expressed initial concern about vocal changes over time but found her voice largely unchanged, though she noted occasional cracks during intense scenes. Wong faced an unexpected throat issue before recording but managed to deliver his lines with renewed energy, occasionally requiring retakes. Both actors reflected on their characters’ parallels to their own personalities—Yung relating to Judy’s early career enthusiasm, and Wong identifying with Nick’s street-smart realism and even the sloth’s slow-paced demeanor.
When asked about potential on-screen collaborations, Yung expressed eagerness, while Wong humorously deflected, suggesting a musical duet “in three to four years” but ruling out a stand-up comedy partnership. Despite Wong’s recent box-office success, both emphasized compatibility in creative rhythms rather than speed, with Yung noting her aversion to unnecessary urgency. The sequel’s expanded dialogue and emotional depth, including a line that moved Yung to tears, highlighted their continued dedication to the roles.
News Source: https://global.hk01.com/%E7%94%B5%E5%BD%B1/60294716/%E4%BC%98%E5%85%BD%E5%A4%A7%E9%83%BD%E4%BC%9A2-%E5%AE%B9%E7%A5%96%E5%84%BF%E9%87%8D%E6%8B%BE9%E5%B9%B4%E5%89%8D%E6%8A%8A%E5%A3%B0-%E9%BB%84%E5%AD%90%E5%8D%8E-%E6%88%91%E6%9C%AC%E4%BA%BA%E5%B0%B1%E7%B3%BB%E9%98%BF%E9%97%AA
(5) Actor Darren Wang admits guilt in Taiwan conscription evasion case, apologises and seeks leniency
(Photo Credit: Twitter @Tong_Shuo)
Taiwanese actor Darren Wang is accused of evading compulsory military service by relying on falsified medical documentation, a case that has reportedly implicated at least 18 other entertainers. The New Taipei District Court summoned Wang for the first hearing on Tuesday, where he stood to bow in apology, entered guilty pleas and appealed for a lighter sentence. He also outlined the flow of NT$3.6 million allegedly paid to the alleged ringleader of the forgery network, Chen Chih ming.
Wang pleaded guilty to charges relating to causing a public official to record false information, document forgery and obstructing the conscription system. The case has drawn considerable public attention as authorities press ahead with enforcing the integrity of national service obligations, a core element of civic responsibility.
Discrepancies emerged over the financial transactions at the heart of the case. Chen previously claimed to have received NT$2.6 million from Wang (NT$2 million allegedly handed over in cash at Wang’s residence and NT$600,000 via bank transfer) whereas Wang maintained the total was NT$3.6 million. In court, Wang detailed five payments to Chen: NT$300,000 in cash near the Sun Yat sen Memorial Hall; NT$700,000 handed over at his Ren’ai Road residence; a subsequent request from Chen for NT$1.5 million plus NT$660,000 that Wang negotiated to a lump sum of NT$2 million, paid in cash at the same residence; and finally NT$600,000 remitted in December last year—bringing the total to NT$3.6 million. Following the hearing, Wang did not respond to questions from reporters. His lawyer told the court that although Wang’s motives were unacceptable, he has fully admitted his wrongdoing and is currently performing alternative service with the Taipei Social Affairs Bureau with satisfactory conduct. The defence requested judicial leniency, proposing a fine in lieu of imprisonment or a suspended sentence, consistent with principles of proportionality and rehabilitation under the rule of law.
(Photo credit: am730)
Amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between China and Japan, the Japanese boy band JO1’s scheduled fan event in Guangzhou was abruptly cancelled due to “force majeure,” as announced by QQ Music on its Weibo account on November 17. The cancellation also affected a super-member exclusive gift package activity originally set for November 19, reflecting the direct impact of bilateral friction on cultural exchanges.
The cancellation follows escalating tensions triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s “Taiwan contingency” remarks and the retaliatory “decapitation theory” response from China’s Consul General in Osaka, Xue Jian. In response, China has issued travel warnings against Japan, suspended student exchange plans, and encouraged airlines to waive cancellation fees for Japan-bound flights, signaling a broader economic and cultural decoupling.
Against this backdrop, Japanese singer Mai Mizuhashi —a former participant in Hunan TV’s reality show Sisters Who Make Waves—publicly reaffirmed her support for the One-China policy on Weibo, emphasizing China as her “second home.” Meanwhile, the postponement of Japanese film releases in China, including Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Hot! The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers, further underscores the spillover of political strains into the entertainment industry, highlighting the vulnerability of cultural cooperation to diplomatic volatility.
News Source: https://www.zaobao.com/realtime/china/story20251118-7834788
(7) Chinese YouTube star’s ‘matchmaking prank’ backfires into class-war firestorm
(Photo Credit: Weibo @影视飓风MediaStorm)
Tim Pan, 29-year-old founder of Bilibili’s blockbuster channel “Mediastorm” (14.3 million subscribers), filmed a prank at Hangzhou’s parents’ matchmaking market per a fan dare, using a fake CV listing junior high education, “express delivery” father, and divorced status. Rejected by aunties for low credentials and failed marriage, the stunt went viral, unaware they dismissed a multi-millionaire whose father is YTO Express president Pan Shuimiao, Pan holds a University of Kent master’s in film, and his company earned nine figures in 2023 revenue. His 2020–2024 marriage did end quietly earlier 2025, making “divorced” technically true.
The clip sparked a nationwide debate: some laughed at aunties “chasing away a billionaire bachelor,” others accused Pan of a cruel “prince undercover mocking peasants” spectacle, classist and exploitative. In a November 15 clarification video “Regarding Recent Controversy,” Pan explained it as part of his comedic Q&A tradition, with park permission, lasting minutes in the full episode, and promised clearer disclaimers to avoid misunderstandings. He urged viewing the original before judging.
Pan’s prank, blending humor with social commentary on marriage market pressures, backfired amid China’s sensitivity to class divides and influencer ethics, echoing viral wedding pranks criticized for harm. While his wealth reveal highlights superficial judgments, it risks reinforcing stereotypes of rural “aunties” as backward, fueling online firestorms in an era of heightened scrutiny on content creators. As Mediastorm thrives on relatable absurdity, this tests Pan’s boundary-pushing style against calls for accountability.
(8) Donnie Yen recalls turning down HK$3 million role when down to last HK$100 in bank account
(Photo Credit: ViuTV)
Action star Donnie Yen revealed on ViuTV’s “The Spirit of the Lion Rock Fred Ma” that he once rejected a HK$3 million movie role despite having only HK$100 in his bank account, choosing instead to focus on his own production projects. Speaking on the final episode, Yen explained the decision came during a financial crisis when he urgently needed funds to pay crew, yet turned down the lucrative offer to avoid derailing his vision.
Yen recounted his journey from training at his mother’s martial arts school, being discovered by Yuen Woo-ping, to founding his own company and facing severe cashflow issues that forced borrowing—resolved within weeks. “You must have passion for what you do. Without love, no amount of money can make you achieve excellence,” he stressed, also praising Hong Kong athletes’ global success and urging youth to persevere amid changing times.
Yen’s anecdote underscores his reputation as a fiercely independent artist who prioritized creative control over financial security, a gamble that paid off with global hits like Ip Man and Hollywood roles. In an industry often driven by paychecks, his story resonates as a rare testament to conviction, inspiring amid Hong Kong’s current narrative of resilience and self-belief.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hk-and-china-showbiz/article/316971/Donnie-Yen-recalls-turning-down-HK3-million-role-when-down-to-last-HK100-in-bank-account
(9) Eric Tsang dismisses resignation speculation following TVB anniversary rumours
(Photo Credit:Facebook/Eric Tsang)
Senior television executive Eric Tsang has publicly dismissed widespread speculation regarding his imminent departure from Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB). The broadcaster’s Chief Manager, who has held his position for over four years, directly addressed the rumours during the station’s grand anniversary celebrations this evening (19th).
Speaking to media representatives, Tsang firmly denied any plans to step down, stating his intention to remain in the role for the foreseeable future. He attributed the recent flurry of reports to a potential misunderstanding stemming from a previous comment he made. The industry veteran suggested that an earlier, light-hearted remark he offered on November 9th, when he deferred questions by saying “Talk about it at the anniversary gala,” may have been misinterpreted and fuelled the unfounded claims. When pressed on the duration of his current contract, Tsang declined to provide specific details.
Rumours of his resignation had intensified in recent days, with some reports alleging he would make a significant announcement concerning his future during the high-profile anniversary event. Tsang has been the subject of periodic speculation about his position throughout his tenure at the broadcaster.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/eric-tsang-dismisses-resignation-speculation-following-tvb-anniversary-rumours/
(10) CHAGEE founder set to marry Trina Solar heiress this Dec
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
CHAGEE founder and CEO Zhang Junjie (born 1993) is set to marry Gao Haichun (also born 1993), daughter of Trina Solar founder Gao Jifan, on December 15, 2025, according to a leaked wedding invitation circulating online and confirmed by insiders. Gao, a Brown University graduate, has served as Trina Solar’s vice general manager of Strategic Investment and chairman of Trinapower since 2017.
Zhang launched CHAGEE in November 2017 and has grown it to over 6,000 stores worldwide in just eight years, making it one of China’s fastest-rising bubble-tea empires. The union links two prominent second-generation entrepreneurs from Yunnan (Zhang) and Jiangsu (Gao), merging new-consumer branding with traditional solar-energy wealth.
The high-profile match highlights the growing trend of strategic marriages among China’s Gen-Z tycoons. With CHAGEE valued at tens of billions of RMB and Trina Solar a global PV leader, the wedding underscores the convergence of new-economy consumer brands and old-guard industrial giants.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/china-news/article/317395/
(11) Moses Chan’s Blooms Coffee APM outlet closed
(Photo Credit: HK01)
TVB’s Moses Chan (陳豪), known as high-earning with endless healthy image endorsements, has expanded beyond acting into his Blooms Coffee brand. However, the Kwun Tong APM outlet suddenly closed after four years, discovered by netizens in early November 2025. Chan, attending an event, confirmed the closure but stressed business was “not bad,” attributing it to the temporary lease ending as the mall reclaims the space for other uses after discussions.
Chan explained the APM spot was a trial rental, not permanent, and despite renovation losses, it’s “no big deal” after several years of operation. He remains optimistic, eyeing new locations with “many options to consider,” and noted the coffee industry’s resilience as a low-consumption sector less impacted by market downturns. Overall business is “okay,” with four remaining outlets in Tsim Sha Tsui K11 Musea, Central Market, Causeway Bay Times Square, and Tai Koo Shing Cityplaza.
At TVB’s anniversary, Chan’s musical with Shaun Tam Chun Yin, Owen Cheung Chun Long, and Samantha Ko Hoi Ling featured “magic voice” mishaps among juniors, but he escaped singing—disappointing fans. He joked about rapping but skipped due to no backing track, teasing Midlife, Sing & Shine! 7 appearance and his “powerful” song When Heaven Burns. The coffee closure reflects broader retail pressures like northbound spending, yet Chan’s positivity and diversification (from ads to cafes) highlight his adaptability in a sluggish economy.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60296170?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(12) Michelle Yeoh to receive Berlin Film Festival’s lifetime achievement honor
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Michelle Yeoh, 63, will become the first Asian performer to receive the Berlin International Film Festival’s Honorary Golden Bear for lifetime achievement when the award is presented at the opening ceremony on February 12, 2026. The Malaysian star, Oscar-winning for Everything Everywhere All at Once (2023) and the first Asian Best Actress winner, is celebrated for four decades of boundary-breaking roles from Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) to Wicked (2025).
Festival director Tricia Tuttle hailed Yeoh’s “fearless versatility” and commanding presence that inspires global filmmakers and audiences. Yeoh, who served on the 1999 Berlinale jury and premiered landmark films there, called the honour “profoundly meaningful,” noting Berlin’s early embrace of her work. She confirmed in-person attendance at the 76th Berlinale (February 12–22, 2026).
The award cements Yeoh’s historic status as a trailblazer who shattered glass ceilings for Asian representation, from Hong Kong action star to Hollywood icon. As the first Asian recipient in the Honorary Golden Bear’s 43-year history, the tribute underscores Berlinale’s commitment to diversity while spotlighting Yeoh’s enduring influence amid a global rise in Asian-led storytelling.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/kpop-and-asia-showbiz/article/316925/
