China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 83 Week of 12 January 2026
(1) Hong Kong Actress Selena Lee Reconciles with Former Fiancé Anson Cha
Hong Kong actress Selena Lee, 44, reconciled with ex-fiancé Anson Cha in the finale of dating show See You Again 5, reuniting after an eight-month breakup from their eight-year on-and-off relationship.
(2) Former Miss Hong Kong Louisa Mak’s Son Impresses with Striking Early Coordination
Former Miss Hong Kong Louisa Mak’s nine-month-old son impresses with advanced hand-eye coordination and self-feeding skills via baby-led weaning, as shared by his grandmother, promoting independence and a positive food relationship.
(3) Mayday’s Ashin Falls Again On Stage After Tripping Over Vanness Wu’s Jacket During F4 Concert
Mayday’s Ashin tripped on Vanness Wu’s jacket and fell during the Chengdu concert on 11 Jan 2026 with F4, adding to recent stage mishaps including a Shanghai fall that caused a hand injury.
(4) Commercial Radio ends 23-year run of iconic late-night talk show, unveils new line-up
Commercial Radio ends 23-year run of current affairs show Summit this Friday; new late-night program with Stephen Chan and Doreen Kong launches January 19, focusing on interviews and lifestyle topics.
(5) Pop Mart teams up with HONOR to launch first art toy phone
Pop Mart partners with HONOR to launch the industry’s first art toy phone in the 500 series on Jan 19, featuring IP-integrated designs like co-branded cases; no hardware development by Pop Mart.
(6) Twins’ Charlene Choi Confirms Relationship with Fitness Coach Elvis Lam
Charlene Choi of Twins confirmed her relationship with fitness coach Elvis Lam, 10 years younger, at a Tsim Sha Tsui fan event on 13 Jan 2026, ending months of rumors and praising his healthy lifestyle influence.
(7) The Fire Raven Surpassed Back to the Past in China Box Office with 300M RMB
The Fire Raven tops China box office with over 300M RMB, beating Back to the Past; Janine Chang trains 7 hrs/day to become action star in Sam Quah’s suspense thriller, releasing Jan 24.
(8) K-pop heartthrobs BTS to kick off world tour in April; HK to host three shows in 2027
BTS launches world tour in April 2026 with 79 shows across 34 cities; new album March 20; Hong Kong hosts three concerts March 4, 6 & 7, 2027, post-military comeback.
(9) Wife of JD.com founder launches podcast featuring Carina Lau and believed to increase brand exposure
Zhang Zetian, wife of JD.com’s Richard Liu, launches podcast debuting with Carina Lau; seen as strategy to boost brand exposure targeting young affluent women on RedNote.
(10) Raymond Lam Postpones Tokyo Concert Dates
Raymond Lam’s “GO WITH THE FLOW” concerts at Tokyo Garden Theatre, have been postponed. The organizer assures that new dates will be announced and full refunds will be issued to ticket holders.
(11) Eric Tsang Embraces New Freedom with Celebrity Football Trip to Yunnan
After announcing his departure from the role TVB’s general manager, Eric Tsang joined the “Hong Kong Celebrity Soccer Team” and is enjoying a trip to Yunnan.
(12) Chow Yun-fat Will Run 10km at Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2026
Chow Yun-fat, 70, returns to the 10 km at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2026 this Sunday, sharing the course with Sec for Justice Paul Lam; aims for new personal best after half-marathon years.
(1) Hong Kong Actress Selena Lee Reconciles with Former Fiancé Anson Cha
(Photo Credit: 8days / See You Again)
Hong Kong actress Selena Lee, 44, has reconciled with her former fiancé, fitness coach Anson Cha, as revealed in the finale of the Chinese dating reality show See You Again 5, which aired earlier this week. The couple, who had broken up eight months earlier after an on-and-off eight-year relationship and a three-year engagement, discovered during the show that they still harbored deep feelings for each other, leading to their decision to reunite.
Selena and Anson first crossed paths in 2016, embarking on an on-and-off relationship that lasted eight years. They were engaged for three years before Selena announced their separation in February 2025, a surprising turn of events for many fans. Throughout the show, Selena candidly discussed the issues that precipitated their split, particularly reflecting on Anson’s absence during a challenging period in 2022 when she underwent four eye surgeries due to thyroid complications and was unable to work. She expressed her disappointment, questioning, “How could you not even ask if I needed financial support?”
As the show progressed, Selena noted that the 18 days they spent together allowed her to observe positive changes in Anson, renewing her hope for their relationship. Describing herself as soft-hearted, she admitted that his efforts touched her deeply, prompting her decision to give their romance another chance. While some netizens labelled her a “hopeless romantic”, many expressed their support and wished the couple happiness as they navigate this new chapter together.
News Source: https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/asian/selena-lee-reconciles-ex-fiance-852506
(2) Former Miss Hong Kong Louisa Mak’s Son Impresses with Striking Early Coordination
(Photo Credit: IG@louisa_mak)
Former Miss Hong Kong Louisa Mak is drawing attention as her nine-month-old son showcases remarkable early coordination skills. His grandmother has shared delightful glimpses of the infant’s noteworthy hand-eye coordination and emerging self-feeding abilities. In a recent social media post, the child expertly caught a dropped pacifier from his highchair and returned it to his mouth, prompting praise from adults witnessing his growing independence.
Louisa and her husband are gently guiding their son’s development through a parenting philosophy that emphasizes natural progression. Her mother revealed that the couple has introduced “baby-led weaning”, a method that encourages the infant to self-feed appropriate solid foods, exploring textures and tastes at his own pace. This approach aligns with the strategies employed by Louisa’s mother during her own children’s upbringing.
The family advocate highlights numerous benefits of baby-led weaning, including fostering a child’s sense of self-efficacy and independence from an early age. They believe that this method supports sensory integration, cultivates a positive relationship with food, and enhances concentration during mealtimes. The family’s overarching approach centres around creating an environment rich in love and trust, with the grandmother expressing her confidence that her grandson will continue to develop happily and healthily.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/former-miss-hong-kong-louisa-maks-nine-month-old-son-displays-striking-early-coordination/
(3) Mayday’s Ashin Falls Again On Stage After Tripping Over Vanness Wu’s Jacket During F4 Concert
(Photo Credit: 8days)
Ashin, the lead singer of Taiwanese rock band Mayday, seems to have had a streak of misfortune on stage recently. On 11 January 2026, during the Chengdu stop of the “F✦FOREVER Stellar City” concert tour, which featured F4 members Jerry Yan, Vanness Wu and Vic Chou, Ashin experienced another onstage mishap while performing the energetic song “Leave The Earth’s Surface”. As he danced and jumped, he inadvertently caught his foot on Vanness’ long jacket, causing him to lose balance and fall backward onto the stage.
The incident elicited gasps from the audience, as Vanness was almost pulled down during the commotion but quickly regained his footing and helped Ashin back up. Remarkably, both performers recovered swiftly and continued the show without missing a beat. Fortunately, Ashin did not appear to sustain any visible injuries from this latest accident, although it added to his growing list of stage mishaps throughout the tour. Fans have since urged Ashin to take extra precautions to avoid overexertion and ensure his safety on stage.
In a previous concert in Shanghai, Ashin had already faced an alarming situation when he misstepped and fell off the edge of the stage, resulting in a hand injury that left him bleeding. Meanwhile, Vic Chou revealed that he had been feeling unwell because of gastroenteritis, causing him to perform much of the concert seated. He expressed hope that all performers would remain safe and complete the remainder of the tour without further incidents.
News Source: https://www.8days.sg/entertainment/asian/ashin-fall-again-f4-concert-vanness-wu-jacket-852606
(4) Commercial Radio ends 23-year run of iconic late-night talk show, unveils new line-up
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Commercial Radio has confirmed the end of its iconic late-night current affairs program Summit, hosted by veteran commentator To Kit and policy analyst Jacky Fung Chi-ching, after an uninterrupted 23-year run since its debut on September 1, 2003. The show, which aired weekdays from 11pm to midnight on CR1, evolved into a key platform for in-depth political and social discussions, featuring a rotating lineup of prominent voices including Simon Lau Sai-leung, Max Wong Wai-lun, the late Shiu Ka-chun, Lew Mon-hung, Alex Pao Wai-chung, and Simon Shen. Its final broadcast is scheduled for this Friday, marking the close of a significant chapter in Hong Kong’s radio history.
Starting January 19, the 11pm to midnight slot will be replaced by a new late-night program co-hosted by broadcaster Stephen Chan Chi-wan and former lawmaker Doreen Kong Yuk-foon, with each presenting a 30-minute segment. In contrast to Summit’s heavy focus on current affairs and political debate, the new show will adopt a lighter, lifestyle-oriented approach centered on interviews and casual conversations. Chan has already pre-recorded segments with high-profile guests such as Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Warner Cheuk Wing-hing, Chinese University of Hong Kong President Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, and various artists, while Kong’s portion will emphasize travel, dining, and occasional current affairs topics.
The programming shift forms part of broader changes planned for Commercial Radio’s CR1 channel throughout 2026, with the station introducing more evening content designed to provide companionship, emotional resonance, and relaxed listening experiences for its audience. Commercial Radio indicated that additional details on the upcoming lineup will be released in due course, signaling a deliberate move toward diversifying its late-night offerings away from traditional hard-hitting analysis.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/321333/
(5) Pop Mart teams up with HONOR to launch first art toy phone
(Photo Credit: REUTERS/Go Nakamura)
China’s phone maker HONOR said it will engage in an Intellectual Property collaboration with Pop Mart International (9992) for its 500 series, positioned as the industry’s first smartphone featuring the art toy, which is set to be unveiled on January 19, according to mainland media.
Earlier, the fashionable toy maker noted that it will team up with a famous Chinese phone brand to launch an IP collaboration, while it emphasized that it has no plan to develop phone products. It’s reportedly to create co-branded phone cases or models by integrating smartphone aesthetics with art toy elements. It’s not the first time for the toy giant to partner with phone makers. Previously, the doll maker collaborated with the Chinese phone brand VIVO in Taiwan to launch its IP ZSIGA photo frames.
Pop Mart has actively expanded its IP licensing business in recent years. It collaborated with the Macao government in June last year to merge its popular IP, including Baby Molly, CRYBABY, DIMOO, and LABUBU in a selfie spot creation, featuring foods and city cultural attractions as themes.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/market/article/321359/
(6) Twins’ Charlene Choi Confirms Relationship with Fitness Coach Elvis Lam
(Photo credit: The Standard)
Charlene Choi, a member of the Cantopop girl group Twins, has officially confirmed her relationship with fitness coach Elvis Lam, putting an end to months of speculation. The singer-actress made this announcement during a fan event at a tea store in Tsim Sha Tsui on 13 January 2026, drawing nearly 1,000 fans to the venue.
This event marked the first public appearance of Choi and her fellow group member Gillian Chung together since their performance at Kelvin Kwan’s concert last year. Fans created a vibrant atmosphere in the mall, waving banners and capturing moments with cameras as they enjoyed the occasion.
Choi, who had recently split from wealthy heir Anthony, had been linked romantically to Lam, who is ten years her junior. Responding to the speculation, she playfully remarked, “You can take the word ‘rumor’ off now!” She noted that Lam has inspired her to embrace hiking and adopt a healthier lifestyle. When jokingly asked about “happy weight gain,” Choi simply stated, “I’m very happy, that’s all I’ll say!” Lam’s presence at her birthday party last year further indicates that their relationship is strong and steady.
(7) The Fire Raven Surpassed Back to the Past in China Box Office with 300M RMB
(Photo Credit: AFP)
The Fire Raven (匿殺), co-produced and distributed by Emperor Motion Pictures, is set for release on January 24. Directed by Malaysian filmmaker Sam Quah, this suspenseful action-crime thriller stars Peng Yuchang and Janine Chang in leading roles, with Huang Xiaoming in a special guest appearance, alongside a strong supporting cast including Xu Jiao. The film has already surpassed 300 million RMB at the mainland China box office, claiming the top opening weekend spot and outperforming Back to the Past in daily earnings during its first three days.
This latest installment in Sam Quah’s “Kill” universe—following Sheep without A Shepherd and A Place Called Silence—follows hellish sketch artist Fang Tianyang and elite police officer Fang Zhengnan, siblings who investigate a series of bizarre murders. Their pursuit uncovers a long-delayed revenge plot that exposes a dark secret buried for fifteen years. At the premiere, the cast shared insights: Peng Yuchang described his character’s transformation from timid to courageous, making bold choices to protect his sister and train passengers; Janine Chang praised the director for unlocking new sides of her acting through demanding action sequences; Huang Xiaoming expressed excitement over the layered complexity of his role, calling it a mutual pursuit with the director; Xu Jiao enjoyed the stark contrast in her character.
Janine Chang underwent intense physical preparation, training two months with action director Wu Gang’s team, seven hours daily—from fundamentals to high-difficulty aerial spins—to deliver seamless, one-take fight scenes, notably a standout one-against-ten sequence in a boxing gym. The sibling bond between Fang Zhengnan and Fang Tianyang, though not biological, is deeply touching, built on years of mutual support. The sister’s internal struggle and eventual explosive release after prolonged restraint deliver one of the film’s most cathartic and thrilling moments.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60312320?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(8) K-pop heartthrobs BTS to kick off world tour in April; HK to host three shows in 2027
(Photo Credit: AFP)
BTS, globally renowned K-pop group, is set to launch their highly anticipated world tour in April 2026, marking their first major global trek in four years following the completion of mandatory military service by all members in 2025. After entering a self-imposed hiatus in 2022 to fulfil national service obligations, the group officially announced their full comeback for spring 2026. The ambitious tour will cover 34 cities across Asia, North America, Europe, and beyond, featuring a record-breaking 79 performances—the largest single tour ever undertaken by a K-pop act. It will kick off with three shows in Goyang, South Korea, starting April 9, before heading to Japan, the United States, Europe, and concluding in Manila in March 2027.
HYBE, BTS’s agency, confirmed on New Year’s Day that the group will release a new full album on March 20, 2026—their first since the 2022 anthology Proof, which was South Korea’s bestselling record that year. The announcement drove a roughly 3% rise in HYBE’s share price at the Wednesday market open. BTS’s economic impact remains immense: prior to military service, they contributed over 5.5 trillion won (approximately US$3.7 billion) annually to South Korea’s economy, equivalent to about 0.2 percent of national GDP. Globally, they hold records as the most-streamed group on Spotify and the first K-pop act to top both the Billboard 200 and Billboard Artist 100 charts.
As part of the Asian leg, Hong Kong fans will have the chance to see BTS live during three concerts scheduled for March 4, 6, and 7, 2027. These shows are expected to attract ARMY from across the region, positioning Hong Kong as a major highlight of the historic comeback tour. HYBE noted that additional cities, including more dates in Japan and the Middle East, will be announced in due course, building further excitement for what promises to be one of the most significant K-pop events in years.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/kpop-and-asia-showbiz/article/321541/
(9) Wife of JD.com founder launches podcast featuring Carina Lau and believed to increase brand exposure
(Photo Credit: Reuters)
Zhang Zetian, wife of JD.com founder Richard Liu Qiangdong, launched her personal podcast on Monday, debuting with an intimate conversation featuring Hong Kong actress Carina Lau Ka-ling. The first episode was recorded at Lau’s home, where the actress shared stories about its design and decoration by the late businessman David Tang Wing-cheung, as well as cherished memories tied to friends like the late Leslie Cheung. Zhang expressed her interest in discussing entrepreneurship, technological advancements, and evolving business models through candid chats with influential figures.
The podcast is currently hosted on RedNote, where Zhang has built a following of 170,000 users. Mainland media analysts view the initiative as a strategic move to boost JD.com’s brand visibility, aligning with the company’s recent promotional efforts. By leveraging Zhang’s public image as a young, fashionable, and independent woman, the podcast is seen as an effective channel to connect with young, affluent female consumers—a key demographic for e-commerce growth.
Zhang has maintained a low social media profile since stopping Weibo updates in 2018, making this podcast a notable return to public engagement. Observers suggest that both Zhang and Liu are employing diverse approaches to enhance JD.com’s exposure amid competitive market dynamics. The debut episode has drawn attention for its celebrity appeal and personal storytelling, potentially setting the stage for future episodes featuring other prominent guests.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/market/article/321603/
(10) Raymond Lam Postpones Tokyo Concert Dates
(Photo Credit: Handout)
Hong Kong singer-actor Raymond Lam’s “GO WITH THE FLOW” concerts, originally scheduled for 31 January 2026 and 1 February 2026 at Tokyo Garden Theatre, have been postponed, leaving fans feeling disheartened. The organizer stated that it had hoped to proceed as planned and had engaged in extensive consultations with the artist’s team and relevant parties. However, after careful consideration, they decided to delay the shows and assured fans that new dates would be announced on the official website as soon as they are confirmed.
The promoter extended sincere apologies for any inconvenience and frustration caused by the postponement, emphasizing that they are working diligently with all parties involved to reschedule the performances. Ticket holders can expect full refunds, with further details and timelines to be provided by the respective ticketing platforms.
This postponement follows a similar situation last year when fellow star Ekin Cheng’s concert, slated for 5 December 2025 in Tokyo, was canceled just days prior due to “force majeure”. This earlier incident drew apologies from the organizer and a pledge to provide refund arrangements, disappointing fans who had already made travel plans for the event.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/raymond-lam-postpones-tokyo-concert-dates-as-promoter-cites-multiple-considerations/
(11) Eric Tsang Embraces New Freedom with Celebrity Football Trip to Yunnan
(Photo Credit: Yahoo News)
Veteran Hong Kong entertainer Eric Tsang, having recently stepped down as TVB’s general manager, is enjoying a lively post-retirement trip to mainland China. The 72-year-old joined the “Hong Kong Celebrity Soccer Team”, featuring stalwarts like Alan Tam and Law Kar-ying, for a friendly football match in Yunnan province, marking a significant shift from his previous corporate responsibilities.
Following the match, Tsang celebrated with teammates at a private dinner, where viral clips shared on social media showcase his jovial spirit as he laughed and clapped along with friends. Footage from the evening also highlights his participation in local dances and a humorous moment where he drank from a glass held by a companion, drawing attention to his carefree attitude in stark contrast to his former corporate image.
Beyond the festivities, Tsang was seen enjoying street food in Kunming, Yunnan’s capital, where he engaged with locals and posed for pictures, further enhancing his image as a public figure embracing his newfound freedom. This trip signals an exciting return to the informal celebrity scene for one of Hong Kong’s most recognizable personalities, as fans express amusement and approval of his vibrant retirement lifestyle.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/veteran-star-eric-tsang-embraces-new-freedom-with-celebrity-football-trip-to-yunnan/
(12) Chow Yun-fat Will Run 10km at Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2026
(Photo Credit: The Standard / File Photo)
Hong Kong’s biggest annual sporting event, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2026, will take place this Sunday, featuring over 70,000 runners. This year, the spotlight shines on international film star Chow Yun-fat, who has registered for the 10 km race under the name “CHOW Yun Fat”. At 70 years old, Chow makes a return to this shorter distance after previously participating in the half-marathon for the last two years.
Adding to the excitement, Chow is set to share the 10 km course with Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok, who also signed up for the same category. This raises the anticipation around the event, as both participants bring their own enthusiasm and competitive spirit to the race.
Chow first attempted the 10 km in 2023, finishing with a time of 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 58 seconds. He then transitioned to the half-marathon in 2024, completing it in 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 8 seconds, before improving to 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 33 seconds the following year. His consistent participation showcases his dedication to long-distance running, and fans are eager to see if he can achieve a new personal best this weekend.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/321757/Chow-Yun-fat-set-to-run-10km-at-Standard-Chartered-Hong-Kong-Marathon-2026
