China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 84 Week of 19 January 2026
(1) Taylor Swift label UMG inks licensing deal with China’s NetEase Cloud Music
U.S.-based Universal Music Group struck a deal with Chinese music streaming service NetEase Cloud Music, the two music companies announced on 19 January, 2026.
(2) China’s leading online entertainment platform, iQIYI, records a superb 114.5% increase y-o-y in global views
iQIYI, China’s leading online entertainment platform, released its 2025 Global Trending Content for its international version.
(3) “Ciao UFO” wins best picture in 2025 Hong Kong Film Critics Society awards
Nostalgic drama “Ciao UFO” scoops top prize, while Louis Koo from “Behind the Shadows” and Fish Liew from “Someone Like Me” pick up best actor awards.
(4) Charity founded by Li Yapeng and his ex-wife Faye Wong thanks donors for helping rescue hospital treating children with cleft lip from possible closure over unpaid rent
The Beijing Smile Angel Children Charity Foundation, co-founded by Chinese actor-turned-businessman Li Yapeng and his ex-wife, pop diva Faye Wong, responded on Tuesday to the suspension of fundraising to Beijing SmileAngel Children’s Hospital.
(5) Actor Chow Yun Fat leads celebrities in their 70s to take part in 10km Hong Kong race
Hong Kong movie star Chow Yun Fat’s jogging contingent at the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon is growing. The 70-year-old jogging enthusiast led a group of over 20 friends to take part in the 10km race on Jan 18.
(6) Wu Lei threatened by netizen trying to sell alleged intimate photos of his, studio releases statement
Chinese actor Wu Lei, also known as Leo Wu, recently faced threats by a netizen claiming to possess photos of him in bed.
(7) Microsoft brings Blizzard Entertainment games back to China
Blizzard Entertainment, Microsoft Gaming, and NetEase have announced a renewed publishing deal that will see beloved video game titles return to the Chinese market, starting this summer.
(8) Martial arts icon Bruce Leung passes away at 77
The Hong Kong entertainment industry has lost another brilliant star. Martial arts icon Bruce Leung Siu-Lung (梁小龍), known for his works on movies like “Kung Fu Hustle” and “Magnificent Bodyguards”, has passed away. He was 77.
(9) King Maker VI 7-member boy group “ZPOT” to debut Jan 25 at Times Square
MakerVille announced via social media that following the conclusion of “King Maker VI”, the next boy group will officially debut on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Times Square in Causeway Bay, as signaled by a teaser image featuring a spotlight on the words “Debut stage” alongside the show logo and marking the launch of a new generation of idols.
(10) MC Cheung Tin-fu’s new song Perfect Strangers celebrates anonymous strangers’ kindness
MC Cheung Tin-fu has released his new song “Perfect Strangers,” a gentle yet powerful track that signifies a departure from his prior musical style and themes.
(11) Hong Kong hitting high notes as fans roll in for Blackpink concerts
K-pop fans are gearing up for shows, with Hong Kong the final stop of the band’s global tour.
(12) Why did the Hong Kong Film Awards drop 4 eligible films from its 2026 list?
The four films missing from the provisional list feature actors or themes unpopular with authorities in Hong Kong and mainland China.
(1) Taylor Swift label UMG inks licensing deal with China’s NetEase Cloud Music
(Photo Credit: Tayler Swift Album – The Life of a Showgirl)
Universal Music Group (UMG) and the Chinese streaming service NetEase Cloud Music have announced a new multi-year licensing agreement, restoring access to UMG’s extensive catalog, which includes global superstars like Taylor Swift, for users in China. This deal reinstates a partnership that began in 2020 and had previously lapsed, though the specific financial terms of the new agreement were not disclosed.
A key feature of the partnership is its emphasis on artificial intelligence. In a joint statement, both companies highlighted that the deal includes provisions reflecting a “shared commitment to responsible AI practices” designed to support and protect the artists UMG represents, addressing growing industry concerns about the use of AI in music creation and distribution.
Timothy Xu, CEO of Universal Music Greater China, expressed enthusiasm for the expanded partnership, stating it would further introduce UMG’s “unrivaled artist roster and music catalog” to Chinese music fans. The agreement marks a significant resolution after a period where UMG’s content was largely absent from the platform, realigning one of the world’s largest music companies with one of China’s leading streaming services.
News Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/taylor-swift-label-umg-inks-licensing-deal-with-chinas-netease-cloud-music-2026-01-20/
(2) China’s leading online entertainment platform, iQIYI, records a superb 114.5% increase y-o-y in global views
(Photo Credit: The Star)
iQIYI International, the global version of China’s leading online entertainment platform, reported a remarkable 114.5% year-on-year increase in global views for 2025, driven by strong demand for Chinese content and Thai dramas. To highlight these trends, the platform has launched new weekly and all-time ranking charts across six categories, including Chinese and non-Chinese language dramas, films, and animation. This data provides a clear view of global content preferences for both users and industry partners.
Dramas were the platform’s standout growth driver, with iQIYI’s self-produced titles dominating the charts. Nine of the top 10 Chinese-language series were iQIYI originals, led by the romance drama “The Best Thing,” which wove traditional Chinese medicine into a modern narrative. Chinese animation also had a breakout year, with fantasy-adventure themes leading the category, while films from the “Ne Zha” franchise and adaptations of legendary stories like “The Legend of the Condor Heroes” highlighted the global appeal of Chinese mythology. Regional preferences varied significantly, with Southeast Asia favoring localized and dubbed content, North America embracing a diverse mix, East Asia leaning toward suspense genres, and the Middle East and North Africa showing a preference for Chinese military-themed content.
iQIYI’s overseas business emerged as the company’s second major growth engine in 2025, achieving record average daily subscribers according to its Q3 financial report. This success is attributed to a strategy of integrating standout Chinese content with localized productions. Looking ahead, iQIYI International plans to deepen its investment in Asian content production, continue delivering high-quality content that resonates with global audiences, and further support creative talent worldwide to sustain its expansion.
News Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2026/01/21/china039s-leading-online-entertainment-platform-iqiyi-records-a-superb-1145-increase-y-o-y-in-global-views
(3) “Ciao UFO” wins best picture in 2025 Hong Kong Film Critics Society awards
(Photo Credit: Golden Scene)
After a six-year delay following its festival debut, the nostalgic drama “Ciao UFO” has been named the best Hong Kong film of 2025 by the Hong Kong Film Critics Society. The film, directed by Patrick Leung Pak-kin, premiered at the 2019 Hong Kong Asian Film Festival but faced a prolonged wait for a theatrical run. It follows three childhood friends, played by Tsui Tien-you, Wong You-nam, and Charlene Choi Cheuk-yin, who are reunited as adults after sharing a UFO sighting in their youth, only to find their adult lives disappointing.
The gritty, Malaysia-set crime thriller “Behind the Shadows” also received major accolades, with Jonathan Li Tsz-chun and Chow Man-yu sharing the best director prize. This is Li’s second win in three years. The film also earned the best actor award for veteran Louis Koo Tin-lok, who portrayed a private investigator hunting a serial killer. Meanwhile, the best screenplay award was given to the writing team of the dark comedy “Unidentified Murder” for its twisty and humorous plot.
In the best actress category, Fish Liew Chi-yu won for her performance in “Someone Like Me”. She was recognized for her challenging role as a woman with cerebral palsy navigating a complex romantic relationship. The awards highlighted a range of films, from long-delayed dramas to intense crime thrillers, showcasing the diversity of Hong Kong cinema.
(4) Charity founded by Li Yapeng and his ex-wife Faye Wong thanks donors for helping rescue hospital treating children with cleft lip from possible closure over unpaid rent
(Photo Credit: Douyin)
The Beijing Smile Angel Children Charity Foundation, co-founded by actor Li Yapeng and singer Faye Wong, announced on Tuesday the temporary suspension of fundraising for the affiliated Beijing SmileAngel Children’s Hospital after a surge in donations. This followed widespread public concern after news broke that the hospital, which provides free cleft lip and palate surgeries, faced closure over massive rent arrears. The foundation stated it would properly use the funds already received for medical aid and reopen donations after updating regulatory filings, thanking donors for their long-term support.
The hospital, China’s first private non-profit children’s hospital, was established in 2012 by Li and Wong after their daughter was born with a cleft lip. It is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with its landlord over unpaid rent reportedly dating back to 2022. The hospital claims the sued amount reflects a post-2020 rent that doubled to twice the market rate, and while it respects the court’s eviction order, it argues relocation is complex due to scheduled surgeries and hopes for a negotiated solution at a reasonable market price.
Li Yapeng has publicly addressed the crisis in videos, stating the hospital may “become a part of history” but vowing to stand their post until the end. His appeals triggered a viral donation campaign, with over 13 million yuan raised by mid-January. After some donors reported difficulty contributing, Li later announced he had donated his livestream earnings of over 290,000 yuan after tax to the hospital on behalf of netizens. He confirmed the hospital would temporarily decline public visits to resume normal operations and promised transparency regarding donation usage.
News Source: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202601/1353767.shtml
(5) Actor Chow Yun Fat leads celebrities in their 70s to take part in 10km Hong Kong race
(Photo Credit: Standard Chartered HK Marathon)
Hong Kong movie star Chow Yun Fat, 70, expanded his annual participation in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon by leading his largest group yet—over 20 friends—in the 10km race on January 18. The contingent included veteran actors such as Kent Cheng (74), Nina Paw (76), Lau Kong (79), and celebrity couple Priscilla Wong (44) and Edwin Siu (48). Affectionately known as “Fat Gor,” Chow has become a regular fixture at the event, having first joined in 2023 and later progressing to the half-marathon in 2024 and 2025.
For the 2026 race, Chow returned to the 10km distance to accommodate his friends, completing it leisurely in about two hours. He praised his fellow runners after the event, highlighting Nina Paw’s endurance and commending Kent Cheng, who finished his first 10km after nine months of training with Chow. Cheng credited Chow for his achievement, calling the run exhausting but deeply satisfying. Chow also described Lau Kong—who turns 80 this year—as the group’s “spiritual leader,” noting their participation was a tribute to him.
Emphasizing camaraderie over competition, Chow stated, “The results don’t really matter—we just wanted to finish the race and say hello to the audience.” The marathon also drew other celebrities, including Mirror singer Alton Wong, singer-composer Terence Lam, and actor Carlos Chan with his wife Shiga Lin. The event attracted around 74,000 runners from Hong Kong and beyond, with Singapore’s Rachel See winning the women’s half-marathon, underscoring the marathon’s broad appeal and inclusive spirit.
(6) Wu Lei threatened by netizen trying to sell alleged intimate photos of his, studio releases statement
(Photo credit: Instagram/Wu Lei)
Chinese actor Wu Lei, also known as Leo Wu, recently became the target of online extortion and defamation. A netizen, operating under the username “Bai Shanshan_a,” publicly threatened the 26-year-old star, claiming to possess intimate photos of him and alleging he had committed “too many illegal things.” The individual demanded to know Wu Lei’s whereabouts on a specific future date, November 20, 2025, and offered to sell the alleged compromising photos for 10,000 yuan each. The accusations gained significant traction, trending on Weibo, even after the original account was blocked and the user reappeared with a new profile.
In response, Wu Lei’s studio issued a formal statement on January 18, categorically denying all allegations as “baseless rumours” and “maliciously fabricated false information.” The studio declared that it had already entrusted lawyers to secure evidence and would resolutely pursue legal action against the infringers. It also warned other netizens and media outlets to remove the related content. The actor personally reinforced this stance the following day, January 19, posting on his personal Weibo account to affirm, “I do not know them, I have already hired a lawyer to pursue legal action.”
Wu Lei is a prominent figure in China’s entertainment industry, having begun his career as a child actor and risen to fame through hit television dramas such as “Nirvana in Fire”, “The Long Ballad”, and “Love Like the Galaxy”. His most recent leading roles were in the 2024 series Amidst “a Snowstorm of Love and Northwest Years”. The incident highlights the severe online harassment and defamation campaigns that public figures can face, with Wu Lei and his team taking a definitive legal stand against it.
News Source: https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/leo-wu-lei-threatened-netizen-sell-alleged-intimate-photos
(7) Microsoft brings Blizzard Entertainment games back to China
(Photo Credit: betanews)
Blizzard Entertainment, Microsoft Gaming, and NetEase have announced a renewed publishing agreement to return Blizzard’s popular game titles to mainland China starting this summer. The deal marks the resolution of a year-long negotiation hiatus and includes fan-favorite franchises such as World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, Overwatch, Diablo, and StarCraftthat were previously accessible under their earlier partnership.
Blizzard Entertainment President Johanna Faries expressed enthusiasm about re-establishing the partnership, emphasizing a deep appreciation for the collaboration and a commitment to delivering “legendary gaming experiences” back to Chinese players. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer underscored the significance of renewing their commitment to the region, noting that returning Blizzard’s games fulfills a promise to players while exploring opportunities to bring more new titles to Xbox and other platforms.
Beyond restoring access to Blizzard’s catalog, the renewed partnership signals expanded collaboration between Microsoft and NetEase, including plans to explore bringing new NetEase-developed titles to Xbox consoles and other gaming platforms. This dual-track agreement aims not only to reinstate beloved gaming universes in China but also to foster future growth and cross-platform opportunities in one of the world’s largest gaming markets.
News Source: https://betanews.com/article/microsoft-blizzard-games-china/
(8) Martial arts icon Bruce Leung passes away at 77
(Photo Credit: Instagram @stephenchow& twitter @CityOnFireNews)
Hong Kong martial arts film icon Bruce Leung Siu-Lung, renowned for his roles in classics such as “Kung Fu Hustle” and “Magnificent Bodyguards”, passed away on 14th January 2026 at the age of 77. His friends publicly confirmed the news several days later, and a private funeral service is tentatively scheduled for 26th January in Shenzhen.
Leung enjoyed a prolific career spanning decades, with his portrayal of the antagonist Beast in Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Hustlestanding as one of his most memorable performances. While his exact cause of death remains unconfirmed, he appeared in good spirits in a photo shared just before his passing, suggesting he likely died of natural causes.
The news prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the film industry, with figures like Jackie Chan and Stephen Chow expressing their condolences on social media. A poignant final pre-scheduled message was later posted on Leung’s Douyin account, bidding farewell to his fans and urging them to “live well.” He is survived by his wife, Song Xiang, and their two children.
News Source: https://hype.my/martial-arts-star-bruce-leung-siu-lung-passed-away-at-age-77/
(9) King Maker VI 7-member boy group “ZPOT” to debut Jan 25 at Times Square
(Photo Credit: Singtao Headline)
MakerVille announced via social media today that following the conclusion of King Maker VI, the next boy group will officially debut on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Times Square in Causeway Bay. The teaser image features a spotlight illuminating the words “Debut stage” alongside the show logo, signaling the official launch of a new generation of idols. Since its inception in 2018, King Maker has been dedicated to discovering and nurturing young entertainment talent through singing, dancing competitions, and professional training, paving the way for participants to enter both the music and film industries.
Netizens have uncovered that the seven-member boy group is likely named “ZPOT,” as MakerVille has filed a trademark application for it with the Intellectual Property Department, and an Instagram account “zpot.weare” has already been created. The confirmed members are Bosco, Dave, Gordon, Marcus, Chau Tak Shing, runner-up Ian Hannz, and Alvin Lai (who replaced original nominee Wing Pak Yam). As expected, Bosco and Dave will serve as the group’s core pillars. Their debut song has already been recorded under producer Terry Chui, with choreography handled by Beep Lok, the same dance director who frequently works with Keung To.
This debut marks a major milestone for the King Maker franchise in its sixth season. While the lineup largely aligns with fan expectations, the exclusion of third-place finalist Wing Pak Yam has sparked discussion. The Times Square event is anticipated to draw large crowds of supporters, injecting fresh energy into Hong Kong’s idol scene and further strengthening the local entertainment ecosystem.
News Source: https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3537870/
(10) MC Cheung Tin-fu’s new song Perfect Strangers celebrates anonymous strangers’ kindness
(Photo Credit: MC Cheung Tin Fu / Perfect Strangers)
MC Cheung Tin-fu has released his new song “Perfect Strangers”, a gentle yet powerful track that marks a departure from his previous style and themes. The song celebrates the overlooked acts of kindness in everyday life—such as a stranger suddenly holding an umbrella for you during a black rainstorm, paying your bus fare, or gently tapping your shoulder to remind you your zipper is undone. Lyricist Wyman Wong focuses on these pure, unsolicited gestures of goodwill that quietly warm the hustle of city life, elevating the overall optimism in Hong Kong’s urban environment. MC deliberately steered away from romantic themes, explaining that he and Wyman agreed not to write another “lovey-dovey” song, instead highlighting how ignoring these small surprises means missing out on touching moments.
The music video, filmed in freezing winter conditions by the seaside, left a strong impression on MC. He particularly cherished working with young actress and the challenging final scene where he is hoisted by wires to portray an alien returning to his home planet. Despite the bitter cold, other actors were not provided thick coats, making the shoot physically demanding. The narrative frames these anonymous acts of kindness as the mission of an extraterrestrial observer, emphasizing their profound yet understated impact.
In real life, MC shared personal experiences of receiving help from strangers—such as someone shielding him from rain—and returning a lost phone found in a taxi. He believes these seemingly minor actions create “small kindnesses that bring great joy.” Perfect Strangers represents a thoughtful evolution in MC’s artistry, shifting toward themes of everyday humanity and warmth in a fast-paced society, offering comfort and reflection during colder seasons.
News Source: https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3537655/
(11) Hong Kong hitting high notes as fans roll in for Blackpink concerts
(Photo Credit: Karma Lo/SCMP)
Hong Kong is set to receive a significant economic boost from K-pop group Blackpink’s three sold-out “Deadline” tour concerts at Kai Tak Stadium this weekend, with economists estimating the events could generate up to HK$200–300 million in economic value. Professor Terence Chong of Chinese University noted that sectors such as dining, nightlife, and hospitality would benefit most from the influx of fans, though he cautioned that the overall impact would be modest relative to Hong Kong’s large GDP.
Economists point out that while tourism-related sectors like aviation and hotels will see clear gains, the spillover effect on retail and catering depends largely on whether visitors extend their stays. To maximize economic returns, suggestions have been made to bundle concert tickets with hotel packages and local activities. Ahead of the concerts—the final stop of Blackpink’s world tour—fans flocked to merchandise pop-up stores, with some spending thousands of Hong Kong dollars on items like T-shirts, posters, and accessories.
Devoted fans expressed strong enthusiasm, with some attending multiple shows and traveling from abroad. University student Edwin Ho, who spent around HK$6,000 on tickets and merchandise, suggested that Hong Kong could enhance the concert experience by illuminating landmarks in black and pink—as was done in Kaohsiung—to build atmosphere and encourage fan engagement. For many, the concerts represent a rare opportunity to see the group live, driving significant personal spending and highlighting the cultural and economic draw of large-scale international music events.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3340892/hong-kong-hitting-high-notes-fans-roll-blackpink-concerts
(12) Why did the Hong Kong Film Awards drop 4 eligible films from its 2026 list?
(Photo Credit: Edko Films)
The Hong Kong Film Awards Association’s release of its provisional contenders list for the 44th edition has thrown the industry into turmoil due to the unprecedented omission of four prominent local films: “Valley of the Shadow of Death”, “Vital Signs”, “Finch & Midland”, and “Mother Bhumi”. According to the awards’ bylaws, any Hong Kong film with a qualifying commercial release in 2025 should automatically be eligible, and there is no mechanism for a film’s owners to withdraw it. The Association’s refusal to comment on the exclusions has fueled widespread speculation about self-censorship, with industry observers privately suggesting the films were excluded due to featuring sensitive themes or figures considered unpalatable to the government.
The most high-profile exclusion is “Valley of the Shadow of Death”, a morally complex drama backed by industry heavyweight Louis Koo and the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers. Industry insiders suggest its disqualification is likely linked to its star, Anthony Wong Chau-sang, who has been a “persona non grata”in the mainland Chinese market for over a decade. The concern, according to observers, is that the HKFA may be preemptively avoiding the potential embarrassment of a “dissident” actor winning a major award or appearing on its broadcast stage.
Perhaps the most perplexing omission is “Vital Signs”, a government-funded film that received HK$9 million from the Film Production Financing Scheme and was promoted internationally as an example of Hong Kong’s cultural vibrancy. Its exclusion is seen as particularly significant because its plot touches on the sensitive topic of the recent emigration wave from Hong Kong, and it features actor Neo Yau Hawk-sau, a former co-founder of satirical online channels. Critics argue that if a film starring the “safe” powerhouse Louis Koo can be disqualified, it signals that even officially approved projects are not immune to shifting, invisible political boundaries, casting a chill over the industry amid a shrinking market and stricter censorship laws.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3340395/why-did-hong-kong-film-awards-drop-4-eligible-films-its-2026-list
