China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 81 Week of 29 December 2025
(1) Mocked for Their 19-Yr Age Difference, Chinese Singer Jin Sha, 44, and 25-Yr-Old Boyfriend Are Now Engaged
Jin Sha, 44, engaged to 19-years-younger Sun Cheng Xiao after Iceland proposal; couple overcomes “mother-son” mockery from 2023 reality show romance, fans celebrate “unexpected” real-life fairy tale.
(2) Ex-husband of Chinese actress Wang Likun jailed for life over 1.2 billion yuan fraud targeting elderly
Zhan Haoli, Wang Likun’s ex-husband, sentenced to life for RMB 1.2B housing fraud defrauding 200 elderly; victims seek actress’s help, she denies involvement amid divorce proceedings.
(3) Jackie Chan says distant relationship with son Jaycee, fears his calls
Jackie Chan, 71, reveals distant relationship with son Jaycee, 43—yearly calls only for problems; admits past strictness backfired, now prioritises son’s happiness and everyday parental care over holiday gestures.
(4) Mandopop singer JJ Lin, 44, publicly confirms romance as “family of four” photo reveals rumoured girlfriend
JJ Lin, 44, confirms first romance in 22-year career via Dec 29 family photo with 20-years-younger girlfriend Annalisa; ends rumours, shows her acceptance by mother, delights fans.
(5) Chinese idol accused of grabbing fan’s phone amid ‘sasaeng’ encounter
ONER’s Didi accused of grabbing/thrown sasaeng fan’s phone at Jinan station; agency denies violence, says only screen damaged, compensation negotiated; second 2025 incident amid ongoing obsessive fan harassment.
(6) HK actor Lee Lung-kei confirms painful end to 14-year romance with 39 year-old fiancee
75-year-old Lee Lung-kei ends 14-year romance with 39-year-old fiancée after discovering her husband/son; heartbroken but trusting, wishes them happiness, open to future age-gap love.
(7) 2025 China film market’s box office rises over 20pc
China’s 2025 box office hits RMB 51.83B (+20% YoY), admissions 1.29B; Ne Zha 2 leads at RMB 15.44B, Zootopia 2 over RMB 4B, second-highest since 2020.
(8) Injured dancer Li Kai Yin shares clearer photo of himself since Mirror accident in 2022
Injured dancer Li Kai Yin shares unfiltered 31 Dec 2025 Instagram photo post-therapy break, smiling despite stoma; 2022 Mirror accident suit trial set for May 2026 vs. employer.
(9) Back to the Past earns HK$11.3M on 31 Dec 2025 debut
Back to the Past earns HK$11.3M on 31 Dec 2025 debut with 1,481 screenings—highest ever for HK movie, surpassing The Last Dance by HK$3.8M, first local film to break HK$10M opening day.
(10) Yuen Cheung-yan Passes Away on New Year’s Day at Age 68 – Memorable for Playing Mysterious Beggar in Kung Fu Hustle
Martial arts legend Yuen Cheung-yan dies 1 Jan 2026 aged 68; Yuen Clan member shone in Kung Fu Hustle beggar role, Hollywood choreography, leaving rich action cinema legacy.
(11) Kay Tse Tearfully Regrets Not Sharing Award-Winning Song with Khalil Fong
Kay Tse wins Top 10 second place with “50/50,” tearful over unable to share with late Khalil Fong; post-flu acupuncture to sing, cares for mother traumatised by Tai Po fire.
(12) Leo Ku announces New Year joy as wife Lorraine welcomes second son at 57
Leo Ku announces birth of second son on 1 Jan 2026; wife Lorraine Chan delivers safely. Inspired by son Kuson’s wish, couple values sibling support, delighting fans with family joy.
(1) Mocked for Their 19-Yr Age Difference, Chinese Singer Jin Sha, 44, and 25-Yr-Old Boyfriend Are Now Engaged
(Photo Credit: 8days)
Chinese actress and singer Jin Sha, 44, is engaged to her 25-year-old boyfriend, Sun Cheng Xiao, after a romantic proposal on Iceland’s Diamond Beach. The couple shared the happy news on December 24, posting a dreamy video on Weibo that captured the moment Sun Cheng Xiao knelt on the ice and proposed, sealing it with an embrace and a kiss. Their simple caption noted the time, location, and event, marking the culmination of a relationship that began publicly on the reality show Viva La Romance in 2023.
Since their relationship went public, the couple has faced significant skepticism and criticism due to their 19-year age gap, with some netizens mockingly referring to their romance as a “mother-and-son relationship” and accusing Sun Cheng Xiao of using Jin Sha to advance his career. Despite the doubts, the couple consistently demonstrated their genuine commitment, with Sun Cheng Xiao reportedly winning Jin Sha’s heart through heartfelt gestures, including cooking more than 100 different dishes for her.
Fans have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, expressing surprise and delight that the “most unexpected couple” has reached this milestone. Many admitted they never anticipated the relationship progressing so far, with comments celebrating their “real-life romance drama.” One fan humorously remarked, “As long as you take good care of yourself, your husband might still be in kindergarten,” highlighting the couple’s inspirational and unconventional love story.
News Source: https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/asian/jin-sha-much-younger-boyfrienmd-engaged-19-yr-age-difference-852001
(2) Ex-husband of Chinese actress Wang Likun jailed for life over 1.2 billion yuan fraud targeting elderly
(Photo Credit: Kbizoom)
Zhan Haoli, the former husband of Chinese actress Wang Likun, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for orchestrating a massive fraud scheme totaling approximately 1.2 billion yuan (US$166 million). The Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court found him guilty of contract fraud and bribery, citing the “particularly large” sum involved and his status as a repeat offender, having previously been convicted of fraud. Three co-defendants received prison terms ranging from 12 to 14 years.
The case, which defrauded nearly 200 homebuyers through a fabricated resettlement housing project called “Shuangquan Jiayuan,” primarily affected elderly investors who lost their lifetime savings. It drew widespread public attention due to Zhan’s 2019 marriage to Wang Likun, leading some victims to allege that marital assets might include illicit funds and to call on the actress to help resolve the dispute. Wang firmly denied any involvement, and Zhan’s mother claimed inability to repay victims while revealing that Wang had hired a lawyer to handle divorce proceedings.
The fraud scheme, which began in 2022, was first heard in court in August 2024, with the second hearing concluding on December 26, 2025. Official documents refer to Zhan as “Zhan Moumou” and detail how he used his company, Beijing Gongqingcheng Commercial Group Co. Ltd., to deceive victims. The prosecution adjusted the fraud amount during the trial, with much of the stolen money reportedly squandered before Zhan’s arrest, leaving elderly investors with little hope of recovery.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/ex-husband-of-chinese-actress-wang-likun-jailed-for-life-over-1-2-billion-yuan-fraud-targeting-elderly/
(3) Jackie Chan says distant relationship with son Jaycee, fears his calls
(Photo Credit: The Beat Macau)
In a recent film promotion event, action star Jackie Chan, 71, candidly discussed his strained and distant relationship with his son, actor Jaycee Chan, 43. He revealed that they now communicate only about once a year, and he has come to fear receiving calls from his son, as they typically signal that a problem has arisen.
Chan recounted a past Father’s Day when Jaycee called to offer holiday wishes—a gesture that Chan criticized, telling his son not to call only on special occasions but to reach out daily. The well-intentioned but stern rebuke backfired, leading Jaycee to stop calling altogether; communication now occurs mostly through their assistants.
Reflecting on their relationship, Chan admitted he was too strict as a father but said his perspective has softened with age. He now prioritizes his son’s safety and happiness over frequent contact and advocates for consistent, everyday care for parents rather than symbolic gestures on holidays, a principle he applies in his own life—such as visiting family graves on less-crowded days.
(4) Mandopop singer JJ Lin, 44, publicly confirms romance as “family of four” photo reveals rumoured girlfriend
(Photo Credit: Marie Claire)
Mandopop superstar JJ Lin, 44, surprised fans by publicly confirming his romantic relationship for the first time in his 22-year career. In a social media post on December 29, he shared a “family of four” photo that showed him celebrating his mother’s birthday alongside his rumored girlfriend, the internet personality Annalisa, who is 20 years his junior. This indirect but clear acknowledgment sparked immediate online buzz and a flood of congratulatory messages.
Rumors of the relationship began circulating earlier in February when the pair were repeatedly spotted together, including on a shopping trip in Los Angeles where they wore matching outfits. At the time, Lin’s management deflected the speculation, stating his focus remained on music. The absence of any direct confirmation until now made his latest post all the more unexpected, marking a significant departure from his usual privacy regarding his personal life.
The photograph shared by Lin shows Annalisa placing a hand warmly on his mother’s shoulder, signaling a close and familiar bond with the Lin family. This gesture strongly suggests she has been accepted into his inner circle, offering fans a rare and intimate glimpse into the singer’s private world and effectively ending years of public curiosity about his love life.
(5) Chinese idol accused of grabbing fan’s phone amid ‘sasaeng’ encounter
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Chinese boy band ONER member Didi (23) was accused of grabbing and throwing a fan’s phone to the ground at Jinan high-speed rail station on 29 December 2025 after being closely followed and filmed. Viral footage showed two women pointing cameras nearly touching his face; in another clip, he seized a phone from a woman in a white coat and pushed her aside in a parking lot.
Didi’s agency denied physical violence, stating he only damaged the phone screen and no bodily contact occurred. The fan was identified as a “sasaeng” (obsessive stalker), with both sides negotiating compensation for the device. No police report or full surveillance footage confirming assault has emerged.
This marks Didi’s second phone-grabbing incident in 2025 (July repeat), following October threats of legal action against sasaeng harassment, rumours, and misinformation. The case highlights escalating tensions between idols and extreme fans in China’s K-pop-influenced scene, raising debates on celebrity privacy rights versus public access amid viral social media scrutiny.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hk-and-china-showbiz/article/320482/
(6) HK actor Lee Lung-kei confirms painful end to 14-year romance with 39 year-old fiancee
(Photo credit: The Standard)
Hong Kong veteran actor Lee Lung-kei, 75, confirmed the end of his 14-year relationship with fiancée Chris Wang Qingxia, 39, after discovering he was unknowingly the “third party” in her family. The revelation came when Wang spent Winter Solstice (21 December 2025) dining in Foshan with her husband (surnamed Chan) and 16-year-old son, rather than with Lee, who had planned to marry her by year-end.
Lee, who welcomed Wang with 60 pink roses upon her July 2025 prison release, said the relationship gradually faded after she returned to the mainland. He described the parting as peaceful—he promised not to act rashly—and chose to trust her without questioning inconsistencies. Despite heartbreak, Lee wished her family happiness, noting her youth and his age made the outcome “best for her.”
Never having met Wang’s disapproving parents or knowing of her marital status, Lee reflected philosophically: “Love means trusting,” and “things come around and go.” Tearful yet resilient, he rejected apologising (“ignorance is not a sin”) and remained open to future age-gap romances, joking a fortune teller said he has strong appeal to women. The calm acceptance underscores Lee’s maturity amid public scrutiny.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hk-and-china-showbiz/article/320511/
(7) 2025 China film market’s box office rises over 20pc
(Photo Credit: AFP)
China’s 2025 film market achieved a robust recovery, with annual box office reaching RMB 51.83 billion (≈HK$57.67 billion) and total admissions hitting 1.29 billion—both up over 20% year-on-year, per Maoyan Research Institute’s 2025 China Film Market Data Insights report. This marks the second-highest performance since 2020, trailing only 2023’s RMB 54.95 billion.
Top-tier films and strong IPs drove growth: among 2025’s top 10 releases, four exceeded RMB 3 billion and eight surpassed RMB 1 billion. Animated blockbuster Ne Zha: The Demon Child Churns the Sea led with RMB 15.44 billion, setting 109 records, while Disney’s Zootopia 2 crossed RMB 4 billion and continues climbing.
The surge reflects post-pandemic resilience, fueled by domestic animation dominance (Ne Zha) and international sequels (Zootopia 2), with high-grossing titles compensating for broader market challenges like economic slowdowns. Maoyan’s data underscores IP strength and audience preference for spectacle-driven content, positioning 2025 as a pivotal rebound year for China’s cinema sector.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/market/article/320596/
(8) Injured dancer Li Kai Yin shares clearer photo of himself since Mirror accident in 2022
(Photo Credit: MOMO.LKY/INSTAGRAM)
Hong Kong dancer Li Kai Yin (Ah Mo), 31, shared a clearer, unfiltered photo of himself on Instagram on 31 December 2025, marking his first post since July 2025. The image shows him smiling with eyes closed, glasses on, and a visible stoma near his collarbone, created by his parents as artwork. In the caption, Li humorously announced ending therapies for the remainder of 2025, quipping, “I’ve decided I can’t do this any more this year… Looking forward to the better me in 2026.”
Li was critically injured in July 2022 when a 700kg LED screen collapsed during a Mirror concert at Hong Kong Coliseum, causing severe spinal damage and a month in critical condition with risks of permanent paralysis from the neck down. Over three years of rehabilitation have yielded progress, but full recovery remains elusive, as noted in recent media reports.
In 2024, Li filed a compensation suit against employer Studiodanz at Hong Kong District Court; a one-day trial is set for 4 May 2026 after the company’s repeated absences. Li’s latest post signals resilience and optimism amid ongoing challenges, offering fans a poignant update on his journey while highlighting the lasting impact of the accident on Hong Kong’s entertainment safety discourse.
News Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/injured-dancer-li-kai-yin-shares-clearer-photo-of-himself-since-mirror-accident-in-2022
(9) Back to the Past earns HK$11.3M on 31 Dec 2025 debut
(Photo Credit: Back to the Past)
The film adaptation of Back to the Past, starring Louis Koo, Raymond Lam, Jessica Hsuan, Sonjia Kwok, Joyce Tang and Michelle Saram, grossed HK$11,299,366 on its opening day (31 December 2025), including midnight screenings, setting a new record for the highest single-day debut in Hong Kong film history. With 1,481 screenings across Hong Kong and Macau—the most ever for a local film’s opening day—the movie surpassed the previous record holder The Last Dance (2024) by over HK$3.8 million.
Lead actor and producer Louis Koo announced the milestone around 9:30pm on opening day, when the film crossed HK$10 million, prompting the cast to film a thank-you video wishing fans a Happy New Year 2026 and urging continued support. The achievement marks the first Hong Kong film to break HK$10 million on its debut day, highlighting strong audience enthusiasm for the big-screen version of the classic TVB series.
Back to the Past’s record-breaking launch signals a robust rebound for Hong Kong cinema, driven by star power, nostalgia for the iconic 2001 drama, and effective marketing. Outperforming recent hits like The Last Dance (HK$7.47 million debut), it underscores local films’ potential to dominate the market amid competition from Hollywood and mainland blockbusters, potentially revitalising the industry post-pandemic.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60308726?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Renowned Hong Kong martial arts actor, director, and action choreographer Yuen Cheung-yan passed away on 1 January 2026 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital due to illness, aged 68. His wife announced the news via obituary, with the funeral set for 1 February 2026 at Universal Funeral. As younger brother of Yuen Woo-ping and son of Yuen Siu-tien, Yuen was a core member of the legendary “Yuen Clan.”
Yuen contributed to classics like the Once Upon a Time in China series and The Tai-Chi Master, later joining brother Woo-ping in Hollywood for Daredevil and Charlie’s Angels (2003) as action coordinator. He collaborated multiple times with Stephen Chow, notably cross-dressing as the wife of Wu Xiang Wang in Forbidden City Corp and memorably playing the mysterious beggar selling the “Buddha’s Palm” manual to Sing in Kung Fu Hustle.
Yuen Cheung-yan’s death marks the loss of another pillar from Hong Kong cinema’s golden-era action filmmaking dynasty, following the Yuen Clan’s influential legacy in shaping wire-fu and martial arts choreography globally. His versatile roles—from comedic cameos to behind-camera expertise—left an indelible mark on both local and international audiences, underscoring the enduring impact of the family’s contributions to the genre.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60308921?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(11) Kay Tse Tearfully Regrets Not Sharing Award-Winning Song with Khalil Fong
(Photo Credit: Singtao Headline)
At the 2025 Ultimate Song Chart Awards on 1 January 2026, Kay Tse won second place in the Top 10 with “50/50,” her only release as an independent artist that year. Overjoyed by the high “cost-effectiveness” of the achievement, she became emotional during the opening tribute to Khalil Fong, recalling their early-career pact to support each other’s new songs immediately and how they bonded as “lung-bursting” friends over health struggles.
Tse tearfully regretted not sharing “50/50”—which explores life’s uncertain paths—with Fong before his passing, thanking contemporaries like Justin Lo, Louis Cheung, Janice Vidal, and Ivana Wong for their mutual encouragement. Recently hospitalized for severe flu and voice loss, she underwent acupuncture post-discharge to sing onstage: “I wanted to have a voice to perform this song tonight—very determined.” She also discussed caring for her mother, a former Wang Fuk Court resident, whose sleep and emotions were deeply affected by the fire tragedy and loss of neighbours/fellow parishioners.
Tse’s heartfelt reflections highlight music’s healing power amid personal and communal grief, from Fong’s absence to the Tai Po fire’s lingering trauma. Her gratitude to peers and determination despite illness underscore resilience in Hong Kong’s Cantopop scene, while supporting husband Louis Cheung’s film Back to the Past reinforces family solidarity in the industry.
News Source: https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3531884/
(12) Leo Ku announces New Year joy as wife Lorraine welcomes second son at 57
(Photo Credit: MyTVsuper)
Hong Kong singer-actor Leo Ku announced on 1 January 2026 via Instagram that his wife Lorraine Chan has safely given birth to their second son, with their eldest child Kuson proudly becoming a big brother. The joyful news, accompanied by warm family photos and a heartfelt caption, surprised and delighted fans, especially given Lorraine’s age of around 57.
Leo Ku shared that the couple’s decision to have a second child was inspired by Kuson’s persistent wish for a younger sibling. He reflected on the importance of siblings, noting that while parents accompany their children for only part of their lives, siblings often provide lifelong support. The birth marks a cherished new chapter for the family.
The announcement highlights the couple’s thoughtful family planning and deep understanding of sibling bonds, resonating with fans amid Leo’s public image as a devoted husband and father. Sharing the news at the start of 2026 adds a symbolic touch, framing the birth as a hopeful beginning for the new year and reinforcing the value of family unity in Hong Kong’s entertainment community.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/leo-ku-announces-new-year-joy-as-wife-lorraine-welcomes-second-son-at-57/
