China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 78 Week of 1 December 2025
(1) Donnie Yen leads moment of silence for Tai Po fire victims at Golden Singa Awards
Donnie Yen leads moment of silence and donates HK$1M for Tai Po fire victims at inaugural Golden Singa Awards; red carpet cancelled, ceremony continues with Papa and Twilight of the Warriors honoured.
(2) Japan ‘One Piece’ singer halted mid-performance in China
Maki Otsuki’s Shanghai One Piece performance halted mid-song; entire Bandai Namco Festival cancelled amid China-Japan tensions over PM Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks, joining wave of Japanese artist cancellations.
(3) GD wins Artist of the Year as Stray Kids take top album at emotional MAMA 2025 finale in HK
Stray Kids win Album of the Year for KARMA with tearful speech; G-Dragon takes Artist of the Year, teases BIGBANG 2026 reunion at subdued MAMA 2025 finale honoring Tai Po fire victims.
(4) Karen Mok calls off homecoming concert amid citywide mourning over Tai Po tragic fire
Karen Mok cancels 20 Dec Kai Tak homecoming concert due to Tai Po fire tragedy; team cites inappropriate timing amid mourning, extends condolences, automatic refunds to follow.
(5) Clockenflap’s full annual lineup is finally revealed
Clockenflap 2025 (5–7 Dec) full lineup revealed: Bloc Party & My Bloody Valentine headline, Vaundy, Franz Ferdinand, Bright Eyes, Beth Gibbons + 60 acts; strongest edition yet.
(6) Angie Chiu targeted by alleged stalker who entered hotel room and sniffed pillow sparking online outrage
71-year-old Angie Chiu victimised by stalker who broke into her hotel room, lay on her bed, sniffed pillow, and posted video; incident sparks outrage over celebrity privacy and hotel security.
(7) Tung Wah Charity Show | Eric Tsang donated HK$3 million; Maria Cordero leads tearful True Heroes
TVB’s Tung Wah Charity Show raises HK$118M for Tai Po fire victims; Eric Tsang donates HK$3M to hit HK$100M, Maria Cordero leads tearful True Heroes tribute to rescuers.
(8) Cecilia Cheung sued for $12.76m by ex-manager over alleged breach of contract
Cecilia Cheung sued for HK$12.76M by ex-manager claiming she took HK$41.76M film advances but breached 2011–2019 management contract; High Court trial underway.
(9) Chinese Music Shines on the Global Stage as Zi Yu Claims Top Spot in 2025 Billboard Global No. 1s China Honor Selection
Zi Yu’s “Ni Tan” wins 2025 Billboard Global No. 1s China Honor; Tencent Music-Billboard partnership crowns her China’s sole global representative, boosting Chinese music’s worldwide reach.
(10) Chinese film industry boosts creativity through partnerships with major global studios
Zootopia 2 hits RMB 2B in China in six days; Disney-Shanghai Animation Film Studio collaboration on traditional-style shorts signals deepening creative partnerships between Hollywood and Chinese film industry.
(11) Matthew Ko’s wife listed company being suspended trading on Nasdaq
Matthew Ko’s wife Christine Wong’s MCTA (Nasdaq) suspended trading November 12–25, 2025, over manipulation allegations; shares surged 6x post-October listing, she calls it “heaven’s test” after pawning jewelry for staff pay.
(12) Charmaine Sheh has drawn up a will: “cherish the people in front of us”
50-year-old Charmaine Sheh has drawn up a will, saying “I don’t want to waste my lifetime savings”; after multiple family bereavements, she now prioritises loved ones over work and children.
(1) Donnie Yen leads moment of silence for Tai Po fire victims at Golden Singa Awards
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Martial arts icon Donnie Yen Chi-tan led a solemn moment of silence for victims of Hong Kong’s deadliest fire at Tai Po’s Hung Fuk Estate during the inaugural Golden Singa Awards in Singapore on 1 December 2025. Earlier, Yen donated HK$1 million through the Hong Kong Poverty Alleviation Association to support affected residents. As a judge and presenter, he took the stage wearing a black ribbon after organizers cancelled the red carpet and cocktail reception in respect for the tragedy.
With a heavy heart, Yen addressed the audience: “To all the families enduring unimaginable pain, we mourn with you and stand by you. To the brave firefighters, we see your greatness and extend our sincere gratitude.” He then guided the entire venue in a minute of silence to honour those who lost their lives and the first responders.
Despite the sombre mood, the ceremony continued to celebrate Asian cinema, with mainland actress Song Jia winning Best Actress for Her Story and Hong Kong veteran Sean Lau Ching-wan taking Best Actor for Papa, which dominated with five awards including Best Screenplay and Best Director. Another Hong Kong film, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, secured four awards including Best Cinematography. Yen’s gesture reinforced solidarity between the regional film community and Hong Kong during its time of grief.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hk-and-china-showbiz/article/318336/
(2) Japan ‘One Piece’ singer halted mid-performance in China
(Photo Credit: HKFP)
Japanese singer Maki Otsuki, famed for the One Piece anime theme, was forced to abruptly halt her performance mid-song at the Bandai Namco Festival 2025 in Shanghai on 29 November 2025 due to “unavoidable circumstances,” according to her management. The entire three-day festival was subsequently cancelled by organisers, who cited “various factors” on WeChat, affecting other Japanese acts including idol group Momoiro Clover Z.
The cancellations are the latest fallout from escalating diplomatic tensions between China and Japan triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s November remarks suggesting potential military intervention in any attack on Taiwan. Beijing reacted strongly, summoning Japan’s ambassador and issuing a travel advisory against visiting Japan, prompting a wave of cultural event cancellations including Ayumi Hamasaki’s Shanghai concert (cancelled one day before showtime) and jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara’s performances.
The abrupt mid-performance stoppage and sweeping cancellations underscore how quickly diplomatic disputes can spill into cultural and entertainment spheres, with Japanese artists bearing the immediate brunt in China. Despite Ayumi Hamasaki’s plea that “entertainment should be a bridge that connects us,” the current climate has effectively severed that bridge, highlighting the fragility of soft-power exchanges when bilateral relations deteriorate.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/china-news/article/318138/
(3) GD wins Artist of the Year as Stray Kids take top album at emotional MAMA 2025 finale in HK
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
The 2025 MAMA Awards concluded its emotional Chapter 2 ceremony on November 29 at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park, honoring victims of the recent Tai Po fire with a subdued tone. Stray Kids won Album of the Year for KARMA, their emotional acceptance speech recalling trainee dreams and struggles: leader Bang Chan choked up, saying, “MAMA was the stage we always watched on television… I want to tell the members, ‘You’ve worked so hard.’” Seungmin reflected on crossroads shaping their journey, while Felix turned away in tears, extending condolences: “We will stay by everyone’s side and pray for healing.”
G-Dragon claimed Artist of the Year, presented by Hong Kong icon Chow Yun-fat, who danced playfully before embracing him. GD, securing four awards total, expressed mixed joy and sorrow: “Receiving this from my longtime idol Chow Yun-fat, especially at MAMA’s 30th anniversary, is a great honor.” He electrified the crowd by announcing BIGBANG’s 2026 reunion for their 20th anniversary: “Next year I won’t come alone. I’ll come with my friends — like throwing a party.” The event, scaled back post-fire, featured moments of silence and donations.
Amid Hong Kong’s grief, MAMA’s restrained format—canceled red carpet, subdued performances—transformed spectacle into solidarity, amplifying its “Support Hong Kong” theme. Stray Kids’ raw vulnerability and GD’s triumphant tease of BIGBANG’s return blended catharsis with hope, underscoring K-pop’s unifying power. As the first two-day Hong Kong hosting since 2018, the awards reinforced the city’s cultural resilience, potentially boosting tourism while highlighting global artists’ empathy.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/kpop-and-asia-showbiz/article/318131/
(4) Karen Mok calls off homecoming concert amid citywide mourning over Tai Po tragic fire
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Hong Kong singer-actress Karen Mok Man-wai has cancelled her homecoming concert “Karen Mok The Big Big Show – Hong Kong Homecoming – Limited Edition,” originally scheduled for 20 December 2025 at Kai Tak Stadium, in response to the citywide mourning following the deadly five-alarm fire at Tai Po’s Hung Fuk Estate on 26 November. In a social media statement issued on 2 December, her team explained that it would be inappropriate to hold a joyful event while the community grieves.
Mok’s team expressed deep regret, acknowledging that “everyone’s mood has been deeply affected” and extended heartfelt condolences to victims’ families and gratitude to frontline rescuers. They wished the deceased eternal peace and the injured a swift recovery, emphasizing solidarity with Hong Kong citizens during this difficult period.
The cancellation follows a wave of postponed or subdued entertainment events after the tragedy, which has claimed dozens of lives. Refunds will be processed automatically on most platforms; ticketholders using Daimai, Funtasy Island, Ctrip, and Trip.com can expect returns within 7–15 business days, while HK Ticketing refunds may take up to 45 business days. The decision underscores the entertainment industry’s collective sensitivity and respect for public sentiment in times of crisis.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hk-and-china-showbiz/article/318149/
(5) Clockenflap’s full annual lineup is finally revealed
(Photo Credit: Twitter @Tong_Shuo)
Clockenflap 2025, running 5–7 December at Central Harbourfront, has unveiled its full blockbuster lineup. Saturday’s headliner is British indie-rock legends Bloc Party (Hong Kong debut), while Sunday’s closing act is the long-awaited first-ever Hong Kong performance by shoegaze pioneers My Bloody Valentine. Friday night will be closed by J-pop superstar Vaundy in his first live show outside Japan.
Other major additions include Bright Eyes, Franz Ferdinand (returning after 12 years), Beth Gibbons (ex-Portishead), Sparks, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Passenger, Jeremy Zucker, TV Girl, L’Impératrice, Phum Viphurit, Soccer Mommy, and Marcin. Japanese highlights feature Ano, Kento Nakajima (ex-Sexy Zone), Akasaki, Chilli Beans., Ellegarden, and Rikon Densetsu. Local and Asian acts include Panther Chan, Jace Chan, Moon Tang, Yoga Lin, Wendy Wander, and Andr, plus exclusive Hong Kong collaborations such as JFFT × Billy Choi & Ki Chan, Lai Ying × Fountain de Chopin, and a farewell M4GANG × Fama set.
With over 60 acts across seven stages, Clockenflap 2025 delivers one of its strongest and most diverse lineups ever, blending global indie giants, viral J-pop phenoms, and cutting-edge electronic talent. Multiple Hong Kong debuts (Bloc Party, My Bloody Valentine, Beth Gibbons, Godspeed, etc.) and rare regional appearances underline the festival’s growing international prestige, while strong local representation and unique cross-genre collaborations reinforce its role as Asia’s premier celebration of alternative music and creativity.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60299893?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(Photo credit: HK01)
Veteran Hong Kong actress Angie Chiu Nga-chi, 71, one of TVB’s legendary “Four Beauties” and best known for The Bund, became the victim of a serious privacy violation while staying at a hotel in late November 2025. An obsessive fan allegedly forced entry into her room while housekeeping left the door ajar, lay on her bed, repeatedly sniffed her pillow while commenting on its scent, and filmed the act for social media.
The intruder later deleted the footage, but screenshots and reports rapidly spread, pushing “Angie Chiu hotel stalker” to the top of Weibo’s trending topics. Taiwanese and Hong Kong media outlets highlighted the incident, noting that large crowds of fans had already gathered outside the hotel on 28 November, creating chaotic scenes and narrow access routes that may have contributed to the breach.
Public outrage has been swift and widespread, with netizens condemning the stalker’s behaviour as criminal and calling on the hotel to launch a full investigation and involve police. Many emphasized that celebrities deserve basic privacy and safety, urging fans to express admiration through support for their work rather than invasive or frightening actions. The incident has reignited broader discussions about celebrity privacy rights and hotel security protocols in the age of obsessive fandom and social media.
(7) Tung Wah Charity Show | Eric Tsang donated HK$3 million; Maria Cordero leads tearful True Heroes
(Photo Credit: HK01)
TVB’s annual charity extravaganza Tung Wah Charity Show on 29 November 2025 was transformed into a special fundraiser for victims of the Tai Po Hung Fuk Estate fire. By late evening, donations had reached HK$97 million. TVB General Manager Eric Tsang then appeared on stage and, together with his company Rich Voice Culture, personally donated HK$3 million, pushing the total past the HK$100 million mark to HK$100,055,407.
Tsang expressed deep gratitude to Tung Wah Group Chairman Henry Ho and the board for swiftly converting their biggest annual fundraising night into a disaster-relief event, praising the move for inspiring massive public generosity. Earlier, an emotional highlight saw Maria Cordero lead dozens of artists in a modified version of True Heroes, paying tribute to frontline rescuers and all citizens helping amid the tragedy; many performers, including hosts and Miss Hong Kong runner-up Sheena Au, were visibly moved to tears.
The programme continued past midnight with performances including Cantonese opera by Gai Ming-fai and a duet by George Lam and Sally Yeh. By the end of the broadcast, total donations reached HK$118 million, demonstrating overwhelming community solidarity in the wake of Hong Kong’s deadliest fire, which claimed dozens of lives and mobilised citywide mourning and support.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60298992?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(8) Cecilia Cheung sued for $12.76m by ex-manager over alleged breach of contract
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung Pak-chi is being sued for HK$12.76 million by her former manager Yu Yuk-hing and his company AEG Entertainment Group Limited over an alleged breach of an eight-year exclusive management contract signed in July 2011. The plaintiffs claim Cheung received HK$41.76 million in advance payments for six film projects but failed to fulfil her obligations after the contract ended in 2019.
At the High Court hearing on 3 December 2025, Yu testified that Cheung, post-divorce, sought his help to rebuild her “good mother, strong woman” image and asked him to manage her career while arranging HK$40 million for property investment. Unable to transfer funds from the mainland, Yu secured the money from Bona Film Group’s Yu Dong, who required Cheung to sign film contracts as security. A second HK$2.76 million advance followed in 2012 for two additional films.
The defense countered that Cheung had no prior personal relationship with Yu before 2011 and that the management contract was Yu’s business initiative, not a sympathetic gesture. They are seeking repayment of unearned advances plus disclosure of Cheung’s earnings from May 2015 to July 2019. The case highlights the risks of large advance payments in celebrity management deals and ongoing tensions from Cheung’s career management after her high-profile divorce.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hk-and-china-showbiz/article/318436/
(Photo Credit: Billboard China)
Rising Chinese singer Zi Yu has been crowned champion of the 2025 Billboard Global No. 1s China Honor Selection, becoming mainland China’s sole representative in Billboard’s prestigious annual global hall of fame. Her track “Ni Tan” topped the list after two rounds of fan voting in a Tencent Music Chart and Billboard China collaboration covering releases from November 2024 to October 2025.
The top five consisted of Zi Yu (“Ni Tan”), Shi Ge Qin Tian (“Jun Zi Liao Ran”), THE 8 (“Cold Love”), Liu Yu (“Si Jun Zhao Yu Mu”), and Deng Jia Xin (“Cheng De Shang Zhi De”). Selection combined performance on TME’s mainstream Uni Chart and professional Wave Chart with public votes. As winner, Zi Yu earns Billboard’s global special feature, cross-platform exposure, and extensive promotional support from TME’s domestic and international networks.
The honor marks another milestone in Tencent Music’s deepening alliance with Billboard: the Uni Chart became China’s first mainland chart on Billboard.com in 2023, and in November 2025 TME partnered with Luminate (Billboard’s data provider) to integrate consumption data into global rankings like the Billboard Global 200. This expanding infrastructure is systematically elevating Chinese artists’ international visibility and influence on the world stage.
News Source: https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/zi-yu-2025-billboard-global-no-1s-china-honor-selection-1236127518/
(10) Chinese film industry boosts creativity through partnerships with major global studios
(Photo Credit: Bastille Post Global)
Zootopia 2 surpassed RMB 2 billion (≈US$280 million) at the Chinese box office by 1 December 2025 — just six days after its 26 November release — making China the film’s top global market. The milestone highlights the continued dominance of major Hollywood titles in China while showcasing growing creative collaboration between Chinese and international studios.
Ahead of the release, Disney China partnered with the prestigious Shanghai Animation Film Studio to produce promotional shorts directed by four leading Chinese animators. These shorts fused Zootopia characters with distinctive Chinese artistic styles and traditional techniques, earning widespread praise from domestic audiences and demonstrating successful cultural integration.
Industry observers see the collaboration as evidence of mutual recognition: global studios value China’s massive market and creative talent, while Chinese filmmakers gain opportunities to elevate technical and storytelling standards through partnerships with Hollywood leaders. Zhang Jinfeng, deputy editor-in-chief of China Film News, stated that China now possesses the capability, confidence, and willingness for deeper cooperation with studios like Disney to strengthen the overall quality and competitiveness of its domestic film industry.
News Source: https://www.bastillepost.com/global/article/5421996-chinese-film-industry-boosts-creativity-through-partnerships-with-major-global-studios
(11) Matthew Ko’s wife listed company being suspended trading on Nasdaq
(Photo Credit: HK01)
High-profile Hong Kong actor Matthew Ko’s (高鈞賢) wife, Christine Wong (黃梓漫), faces significant challenges following the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) suspension of trading for her company, Charming Medical Limited (MCTA, Nasdaq: MCTA), less than a month after its October 21, 2025, listing. The suspension, effective from November 12 to November 25, 2025, and extended by Nasdaq on November 26, stems from allegations of stock price manipulation and “pump-and-dump” schemes. Shares, which surged over sixfold to US$31.70 on November 11, were halted at US$29.355, valuing the company at nearly US$500 million and Wong’s 69.3% stake at approximately HK$2.7 billion.
Wong, 31, founded the traditional Chinese medicine beauty chain with four Hong Kong outlets in 2016, naming it after their daughter Liona (高子琳) born in January 2025. In a reflective social media post on November 23, 2025, she recounted her entrepreneurial journey: starting Athena Beauty Group nine years ago, listing Beauty Lab Group (MCTA) on Nasdaq after a decade of effort, and enduring hardships like pawning her wedding dragon-phoenix bracelets during the pandemic to pay staff salaries. Wong framed the setback as “heaven’s test,” vowing resilience: “Success is going from failure to failure without losing passion.”
The SEC halt, amid similar actions against other Hong Kong-linked U.S.-listed firms (e.g., QMMM, Pitanium, Etoiles Capital), highlights regulatory scrutiny on small-cap stocks vulnerable to manipulation. Wong’s post—embracing the ordeal as a “greater mission”—demonstrates entrepreneurial fortitude, but the suspension risks eroding investor confidence and delaying recovery. As Ko, a former Mr. Hong Kong winner, supports her amid their new family life, the incident underscores challenges for second-generation entrepreneurs blending celebrity and business in volatile markets.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60300581?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(12) Charmaine Sheh has drawn up a will: “cherish the people in front of us”
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
At 50, Hong Kong superstar Charmaine Sheh (佘詩曼) — TVB’s most decorated actress with 15 personal awards has quietly drawn up a will to ensure her hard-earned fortune (widely estimated to exceed HK$100 million from dramas, mainland hits like Story of Yanxi Palace, and at least five Hong Kong properties) is distributed according to her wishes rather than “wasted.”
Having endured profound loss — her father’s death in a traffic accident when she was five (leaving her mother to raise three children alone), her mother’s two life-threatening illnesses, and the recent passing of her godfather Patrick Tse Sr on 28 October 2025 — Sheh says repeated brushes with mortality have changed her outlook. She now consciously scales back work to prioritise family time, openly expresses affection to loved ones, and no longer harbours regrets about not having children.
In candid interviews, Sheh reflected: “In your 30s life is full of happy events — dating, marriage, babies. But at this stage there are many farewells. I’ve learned to adjust quickly and keep moving forward… Life is so short — we should do more things that help others and fulfil ourselves, and cherish the people in front of us.” Her decision to formalise a will and shift life priorities underscores a mature, grounded philosophy shaped by grief, gratitude, and financial independence rarely seen among peers still chasing career peaks.
