China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 85 Week of 26 January 2026
(1) Blackpink fever hits Hong Kong as Rosé delights in local snack on way to stage
Blackpink’s sold-out “Deadline” finale at Kai Tak Sports Park drew tens of thousands, boosting local businesses 20–30% with pink-themed crowds and high merchandise spending; Rosé spoke Cantonese and tried egg waffle.
(2) Charmaine Sheh opens up on no plans for children, has already made will leaving fortune to mother and brothers
Charmaine Sheh, 50, wins fourth Best Actress award for The Queen of News; no plans for marriage or children, has prepared will leaving HK$200M fortune mainly to mother and brothers.
(3) Donnie Yen Receives Honorary Doctorate Degree
Lingnan University conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities on Donnie Yen for his cinematic influence and cultural exchange; he pledged continued mentorship and urged lifelong learning at the ceremony.
(4) Former TVB comedian’s ‘seatbelt shirt’ stunt amuses netizens amid $5,000 fine warning
Gill Mohindepaul Singh humorously models fake “safety belt uniform” polo shirt to mock Hong Kong seatbelt fines, reminds fans to buckle up properly; shows slimmer figure in viral post.
(5) The “Snake Swallowing Elephant” Deal: Shaw Brothers Invests 5 Billion HKD to Acquire Mainland Drama Production Giant
Shaw Brothers acquires 50.05% of Daylight Entertainment & UME cinemas from CMC in RMB 4.5765B share deal, consolidating Li Ruigang’s media empire and gaining top-tier mainland drama production power.
(6) Grasshopper Sings “Dream Companion” in Malaysia in Memory of Mentor Anita Mui, Announces 40th Anniversary Concert at Hong Kong Coliseum Next April
Grasshopper’s “Three In Love Concert 2026” runs six nights April 28–May 3 at Hong Kong Coliseum for 40th anniversary; stylish poster unveiled, special Gen Z playlist and high-energy surprises promised.
(7) HK actress Karena Ng braves Antarctic waters after livestream success
Karena Ng plunges into icy Antarctic waters in a swimsuit during Magellan Explorer cruise, calls it thrilling milestone; follows huge livestream success with over 150 million yuan in sales.
(8) MBC’s “Show! Music Core in MACAU” performance in Macau announced as canceled
MBC officially cancels “Show! Music Core in MACAU” (Feb 7–8) due to uncertainties over Japanese members; ticket sales halted after two minutes, event pages removed, future reconsideration hoped.
(9) Kiri T to Hold Concert in Macau on March 14, Exploring the Inner World of Introverts Through Music, and Reinterpreting Classics with Bold Arrangements
Kiri T’s “Hello Introvert” concert in Macau on March 14 explores introverts’ nuanced “distance,” craving deep connection; features bold song reinterpretations in a safe, judgment-free emotional space.
(10) Jet Li Takes Supporting Role in “Blades of the Guardians” to Repay Gratitude to 80-Year-Old Yuen Woo-ping
Jet Li takes supporting role in Blades of the Guardians to repay gratitude to 80-year-old Yuen Woo-ping, help fulfill his martial arts dream, and support wuxia legacy with Wu Jing & Nicholas Tse.
(11) Kayee Tam’s Concert Team Reveals Organizer Owes Wages for 2 Years
Kayee Tam’s 2024 concert team claims organizer Two Ally Workshop still owes wages after 2 years; even Tam herself unpaid her six-figure fee; selective payments alleged, legal pursuit stalled.
(12) Joey Wang Joins Douyin, Gains Over 1 Million Followers in One Day – Fans Speculate Live-Streaming Sales Push Amid Moxibustion Business Challenges?
Joey Wang opens Douyin account, gains 1M+ followers in one day with 7-second selfie video; netizens debate heavy filter look while speculating live-sales push for her Canada moxibustion business.
(1) Blackpink fever hits Hong Kong as Rosé delights in local snack on way to stage
(Photo Credit: Jess Ma / SCMP)
Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park transformed into a sea of pink over the weekend as Blackpink kicked off the final Hong Kong leg of their “Deadline” world tour. The sold-out concerts attracted tens of thousands of fans, many of whom traveled from mainland China specifically for the event, with families and friends making multi-day trips to see the group. The atmosphere was electric, with the area illuminated in pink lights and adorned with posters, creating a festival-like environment days before the first show.
The concert provided a significant boost to local businesses, with shops in the Kai Tak complex reporting a 20–30% increase in weekend revenue. Restaurants and specialty stores, like Dayvi Gelateria which offered a themed “Blackpink gelato,” saw strong demand from concertgoers. However, the official merchandise stalls attracted the longest queues, with fans and family members spending substantial sums—one beautician reported spending around HK$9,000 on tickets and souvenirs—while sometimes diverting foot traffic from other retailers.
For many fans, securing tickets was a major challenge amid Hong Kong’s competitive concert sales, making attendance a special opportunity. The performance itself featured the group’s greatest hits and solo segments, with members like Rosé engaging the local crowd by speaking Cantonese and sampling a traditional egg waffle on camera. The tour’s Hong Kong stop not only underscored Blackpink’s massive regional popularity but also highlighted the economic and cultural impact of major international music events on the city.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3341112/blackpink-fever-hits-hong-kong-fans-pack-kai-tak-final-leg-world-tour
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
At age 50, veteran Hong Kong actress Charmaine Sheh has reached a significant career milestone by winning her fourth Best Actress award for her role in The Queen of News. In a candid interview with close friend and fellow actress Toby Leung, Sheh openly shared her personal life choices, stating she has no intention of marrying or having children. She has already prepared a will, designating most of her estimated HK$200 million fortune to her mother and two brothers, reflecting her focus on family security rather than building her own nuclear family.
Sheh expressed clear reservations about motherhood at this stage, citing insufficient physical energy and the near-impossible task of balancing a high-pressure acting career with the demands of raising children. While she appreciates the warmth and joy of family life she observes in friends, she believes she cannot fulfill both roles effectively. Two decades ago, she might have considered a different path, but now she cherishes the freedom and flexibility of being single, choosing to live fully in the present without forcing romantic relationships.
Recent personal losses, including the passing of her godfather, have deepened Sheh’s awareness of life’s impermanence. This has reinforced her decision to prioritize meaningful time with her mother and plan responsibly for the future through her will. Her reflections highlight a mature acceptance of her choices, prioritizing career fulfillment, family bonds, and personal independence over conventional milestones.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/former-miss-hong-kong-louisa-maks-nine-month-old-son-displays-striking-early-coordination/
(3) Donnie Yen Receives Honorary Doctorate Degree
(Photo Credit: The Standard)
Lingnan University held its Honorary Doctorate Conferment Ceremony on Monday, conferring honorary degrees upon six distinguished individuals in recognition of their exceptional societal contributions. Among the recipients was internationally acclaimed action star Donnie Yen Chi-tan, who was awarded the Doctor of Humanities honoris causa. The award celebrates Yen’s profound influence on global cinema, particularly through his groundbreaking work in martial arts films, as well as his role in promoting cultural exchange between East and West.
In his acceptance remarks, Yen expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and emphasized his ongoing commitment to mentoring the next generation of filmmakers. He shared that he actively engages with young talents on set, openly discussing both his career triumphs and challenges to help them navigate the competitive entertainment industry. Yen also encouraged students to make the most of their university years while embracing lifelong learning, underscoring that education extends far beyond formal classrooms.
The conferment highlights the increasing intersection of cultural icons and academia, where figures like Yen are recognized not only for artistic achievement but also for their broader social and inspirational impact. By honouring Yen, Lingnan University bridges the worlds of popular entertainment, education, and public service, reinforcing the value of mentorship, resilience, and cross-cultural dialogue in shaping future generations.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/322697/Donnie-Yen-receives-honorary-doctorate-degree
(4) Former TVB comedian’s ‘seatbelt shirt’ stunt amuses netizens amid $5,000 fine warning
(Photo Credit: Instagram/qbobo_bbq)
Former TVB comedian Gill Mohindepaul Singh, popularly known as Qbobo, has once again captured online attention with his signature humour. The 55-year-old posted a photo of himself wearing a grey polo shirt featuring a black strap cleverly positioned across his torso to mimic a seatbelt. In the caption, he playfully pitched the look as the ultimate “Safety belt uniform” for passengers in taxis, minibuses, and double-decker buses—joking that the sight might stun traffic police into giving a “like” instead of issuing a fine. The timely satire tapped into recent public debates and enforcement actions surrounding seatbelt compliance in Hong Kong.
While the post generated widespread laughter and shares for its light-hearted take on a serious topic, Singh was careful to include a sincere reminder at the end: always wear a real seatbelt properly for safety. He clarified that the “uniform” was purely for entertainment and not a genuine suggestion. The image also drew comments on his noticeably slimmer physique, a visible contrast to his heavier appearance in last year’s TVB drama Homeland Guardian, which he had previously attributed to relaxed eating habits during that period.
Singh, who relocated his family to Scotland in 2012 to better support his younger son—who lives with a rare congenital spinal nerve condition—continues to maintain a warm connection with Hong Kong fans through witty, thoughtful social media content. His creative approach not only provided comic relief during ongoing discussions about transportation regulations but also subtly reinforced the importance of road safety, blending humour with a responsible public message.
(5) The “Snake Swallowing Elephant” Deal: Shaw Brothers Invests 5 Billion HKD to Acquire Mainland Drama Production Giant
(Photo Credit: HK01)
On January 21, 2026, a major shockwave hit the Hong Kong and Mainland entertainment and capital markets. Veteran film studio Shaw Brothers officially announced the acquisition of a 50.05% stake in the acclaimed mainland series production house Daylight Entertainment (正午陽光), along with other assets including the UME cinema chain owned by China Media Capital (CMC, 华人文化). The total deal value reaches a staggering RMB 4.5765 billion (approx. HKD 5.098 billion), to be settled through the issuance of new Shaw Brothers shares. This landmark transaction, described by industry observers as a classic “snake swallowing elephant” takeover due to the vast disparity in the companies’ capital scale, has sent immediate shockwaves throughout the sector.
Shaw Brothers disclosed that it has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with its major shareholder, CMC. The company intends to fund the acquisition by issuing new shares, thereby bringing the businesses held by CMC Moon Holdings under its umbrella. This move is actually a major strategic reorganization of Li Ruigang’s media empire. Since 2016, Shaw Brothers has been majority-controlled by CMC, chaired by media mogul Li Ruigang, often dubbed “China’s Murdoch.” This acquisition represents a significant consolidation of Li’s extensive film and television assets. Through this deal, Shaw Brothers not only gains access to mainland China’s top-tier content production capabilities but also secures a fully integrated industry chain—from content creation to cinema distribution.
The acquisition target, Daylight Entertainment, holds an exceptional reputation among mainland audiences, summarized by the adage “Daylight production, guaranteed quality.” Since its founding in 2011, this leading production house has created numerous blockbuster series, including the Hu Ge-led “The Disguiserand Nirvana in Fire” series, the realistic epic “Like a Flowing River” series, the female ensemble drama “Ode to Joy”, and the mind-bending “Reset”. Its works are both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, airing across all major TV networks and streaming platforms.
(6) Grasshopper Sings “Dream Companion” in Malaysia in Memory of Mentor Anita Mui, Announces 40th Anniversary Concert at Hong Kong Coliseum Next April
(Photo credit: HK01)
Legendary Hong Kong Canto-pop dance trio Grasshopper, with a career spanning over 40 years, is set to stage a six-night concert series titled “Grasshopper Three In Love Concert 2026” at the Hong Kong Coliseum from April 28 to May 3. The official, strikingly stylish concert poster was unveiled today, with the band promising surprises tailored for both veteran followers of four decades and a special playlist curated for Gen Z fans, ensuring an all-out, high-energy party for everyone.
Fresh off their previous world tour, Grasshopper wasted no time launching their 40th-anniversary celebration, kicking off with this highly anticipated Hong Kong Coliseum run. Dressed in dazzling attire for the poster shoot, members Calvin Choy (“Ah Chi”), Edmond So (“Boss So”), and Remus Choy (“Kit Jai”) showcased their vibrant energy and meticulous preparation. Calvin teased that the shoot was just the “appetizer,” with concert costumes and stage design set to be “ten times more spectacular.” The poster itself was a collaborative effort with long-time creative partners, reflecting nearly 30 years of shared artistic history.
Regarding the concert setlist, the trio—along with manager Sandra Lang and fans—are still deliberating, given their extensive discography spanning four decades. Remus revealed plans to craft a special playlist for Gen Z attendees, while Remus emphasized that their classic hits resonate strongly with today’s Cantopop revival, promising an immersive “Hong Kong disco” experience. Edmond added a poignant note, urging everyone to cherish the moment in an unpredictable world. Calvin echoed the sentiment, looking forward to seeing fans’ smiling faces and hearing their unmasked cheers—a vibrant contrast to their last pandemic-era Coliseum show. The band will soon announce a dress code, encouraging the audience to dress up and dive fully into the euphoric world of Grasshopper.
(7) HK actress Karena Ng braves Antarctic waters after livestream success
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Hong Kong actress Karena Ng has once again captured public attention, this time by plunging into the icy waters of Antarctica while wearing a one-piece swimsuit, marking what she described as a thrilling new personal achievement. The daring feat comes amid a period of remarkable success for the star, both personally and professionally.
Since marrying businessman Brian Sze, a third-generation heir to a billion-dollar family, in 2023, Ng has continued to focus on building her own career rather than stepping out of the spotlight. She has recently expanded into livestream e-commerce, where her popularity has surged. Her second livestream session reportedly generated gross merchandise sales exceeding 150 million yuan, cementing her reputation as one of the most influential new figures in online selling.
Ng shared a series of photographs on Instagram documenting her Antarctic adventure. In the images, she is first seen bundled up in heavy winter clothing aboard a small inflatable boat before changing into a swimsuit and enthusiastically raising her arms to greet those on board. She then leapt into the freezing sea and swam despite the harsh conditions. Reflecting on the experience, she joked that she completely lost control of her facial expressions the moment she hit the water. The photos also revealed that the inflatable boat was part of the Magellan Explorer, a cruise ship designed for expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula.
News Source: https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/hk-actress-karena-ng-braves-antarctic-waters-after-livestream-success/
(8) MBC’s “Show! Music Core in MACAU” performance in Macau announced as canceled
(Photo Credit: Singtao Headline)
The highly anticipated MBC “Show! Music Core in MACAU” event, originally set for February 7–8 in Macau, has been officially cancelled. The decision came after ongoing uncertainties, particularly regarding the participation of Japanese members from several performing groups.
While the lineup had been adjusted to exclude affected acts like LE SSERAFIM and izna—both of which include multiple Japanese members—other groups with only one Japanese member, such as ENHYPEN and KickFlip, remained on the roster. Despite finalized performer lists and the commencement of ticket sales on January 27, the sale was abruptly halted within just two minutes due to unspecified complications.
MBC cited a comprehensive assessment of local conditions and relevant factors as the reason for the cancellation, extending sincere apologies to disappointed fans. The event’s online presence, including ticketing pages on platforms like UUTIX and Macau Ticketing, quickly displayed “404 Error” messages, signalling the complete removal of event information. Although the organizers expressed hope to reconsider hosting the event in a more stable environment in the future, the sudden cancellation has left fans and performers facing significant disruption and disappointment.
News Source: https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3539707/MBCShow-%E9%9F%B3%E6%A8%82%E4%B8%AD%E5%BF%83-in-MACAU%E6%BE%B3%E9%96%80%E6%BC%94%E5%87%BA%E5%AE%A3%E5%B8%83%E5%8F%96%E6%B6%88-%E6%BC%94%E5%87%BA%E5%90%8D%E5%96%AE%E6%9B%BE%E5%9B%A0%E6%97%A5%E7%B1%8D%E5%98%89%E8%B3%93%E8%AE%8A%E5%8B%95%E9%96%8B%E8%B3%A32%E5%88%86%E9%90%98%E6%80%A5%E7%85%9E%E5%81%9C
(Photo Credit: Reuters)
Singer-songwriter Kiri T is set to present a unique auditory and spiritual journey for introverts with her upcoming concert, Kiri T “Hello Introvert” Live in Macau 2026, at the Broadway Macau stage on March 14. The performance is designed to delve deeply into the emotional world of introverts (“I” people), exploring their nuanced relationship with “distance.”
Kiri T sees “distance” as intricately linked to the introvert experience. While many believe introverts need to maintain space, she emphasizes that they equally yearn for understanding. “Introverts also crave love and connection. Their way of communicating might be more reserved; they may not enjoy aimless small talk, but that doesn’t mean they prefer being distant. On the contrary, connecting with an introvert can be very close—it’s a deep and intimate form of communication,” she explains. This profound understanding of “distance” forms the core concept of the concert, aiming to bridge the gap between the stage and the audience. Kiri T hopes to create a safe, comfortable space that allows emotions to flow freely, where attendees can fully feel and express themselves—or even choose not to express—without judgment. “Because emotions themselves are neither right nor wrong; every state should be respected,” she adds.
In addition to performing her own works, Kiri T has teased that she will reinterpret several classic songs with bold new arrangements during the show, a segment she is particularly excited about. “I love dressing different songs in new clothes. Sometimes after rearranging, a song might sound completely different from the original—I hope everyone won’t be too startled!” she said with a laugh. The concert promises to be a transformative experience, offering a sanctuary where introverts and all attendees can connect deeply with music and their inner selves.
(10) Jet Li Takes Supporting Role in “Blades of the Guardians” to Repay Gratitude to 80-Year-Old Yuen Woo-ping
(Photo Credit: Handout)
International martial arts superstar Jet Li has returned to the big screen after years away from leading roles, starring in the upcoming action film Blades of the Guardians (鏢人：風起大漠), directed by legendary fight choreographer Yuen Woo-ping (袁和平). The movie also features Wu Jing and Nicholas Tse in lead roles and is slated for release during the Lunar New Year holiday period in mainland China. After the trailer was released, fans were surprised to see Jet Li’s billing change from “lead actor” to “special friendship appearance,” effectively making him a supporting player rather than the top star.
In a short video posted on Weibo on the 27th, Jet Li personally explained his decision to accept the role and willingly take a backseat. He revealed that the now 80-year-old Yuen approached him with a heartfelt wish to direct one more martial arts film before retiring. Wu Jing also personally invited Jet Li to join the project. Yuen, who served as Jet Li’s early martial arts instructor and mentor, holds a profound place in his career. Out of deep gratitude and respect, Jet Li immediately agreed to participate and was happy to play a supporting (“green leaf”) role to help fulfill his mentor’s long-cherished dream in the twilight of his career.
Jet Li further noted that martial arts films have declined in popularity over the past decade, with even the highest-grossing titles earning only around RMB 1.2 billion at most, and the industry facing a generational talent gap. By returning to the screen—even in a supporting capacity—he hopes to pay tribute to the legacy of wuxia cinema, support and mentor the younger generation, and help revitalize the genre. He concluded with a smile: “If Yuen wants me to act, I’ll do my best to be a great supporting actor and help them realize their dream!”
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60316780?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
(11) Kayee Tam’s Concert Team Reveals Organizer Owes Wages for 2 Years
(Photo Credit: HK01)
Hong Kong singer Kayee Tam (譚嘉儀), who debuted through The Voice 3 in 2024, held her first solo concert series, Be With You Concert 2024, over three nights at the Academy for Performing Arts. What should have been a milestone in her career has instead turned into a major controversy due to allegations of unpaid wages. Backing vocalist Kasey Pong recently went public on social media, revealing that the entire backing band and production team still have not received their promised fees two years after the event. She accused the organizer, Two Ally Workshop, of repeatedly delaying payment and making it nearly impossible to contact the responsible person, Jelly. Kasey noted that while the organizer appears to continue working with other artists (such as DJ Lok Yi and Yoyo Yao), her team remains unpaid and feels powerless, questioning whether Hong Kong has effective mechanisms to recover owed wages.
Surprisingly, Kayee Tam herself is also a victim in this case. In an interview with entertainment outlet Entertainment One, she confirmed: “I know the band hasn’t received their money, and I haven’t received my six-figure performance fee either—I haven’t gotten a single cent. I’m also a victim.” Because the contract was signed while she was still under TVB, all legal pursuit of payment has been handed over to her former employer, but no resolution has been reached to date. Tam explained that the backing musicians had already attempted legal action, but the organizer’s limited company structure and apparent refusal to pay made recovery extremely difficult—especially as the company has reportedly relocated or even closed down.
Tam shared that she personally tried contacting Jelly multiple times, initially receiving vague promises like “payment after Chinese New Year,” but later messages were completely ignored. She heard that some individuals did receive payment, suggesting selective disbursement: “From what I know, they’re choosing who to pay—only those they plan to work with again.” She expressed frustration and helplessness over this unfair practice. Kasey also pointed out that despite owing large sums, Jelly continues to operate actively in the industry. Tam, currently busy with ongoing work, said she will prioritize completing her current commitments before focusing fully on recovering her owed fees. She acknowledged this was her first such experience and stressed the importance of better protecting performers’ payments in future collaborations.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/%E5%8D%B3%E6%99%82%E5%A8%9B%E6%A8%82/60317548/%E8%AD%9A%E5%98%89%E5%84%80%E6%BC%94%E5%94%B1%E6%9C%83%E5%9C%98%E9%9A%8A%E7%88%86%E4%B8%BB%E8%BE%A6%E6%8B%96%E7%B3%A72%E5%B9%B4-%E9%80%8F%E9%9C%B2%E6%9C%89%E4%BA%BA%E6%94%B6%E5%88%B0%E9%8C%A2-%E6%8F%80%E4%BA%BA%E5%87%BA%E7%B3%A7
(12) Joey Wang Joins Douyin, Gains Over 1 Million Followers in One Day – Fans Speculate Live-Streaming Sales Push Amid Moxibustion Business Challenges?
(Photo Credit: HK01)
90s Hong Kong cinema goddess Joey Wang (王祖賢), who retired from acting in 2004 and relocated to Canada, made a surprise return to the public eye by opening an official personal Douyin (Chinese TikTok) account. Within just one day of activation, her account attracted over 1 million followers, demonstrating influence that rivals her peak stardom era. In her debut seven-second video, Joey appears in a colorful hooded coat, playfully posing and pouting for the camera. The clip quickly surpassed 1.6 million views and was widely reposted across mainland social platforms, drawing massive media coverage and fan excitement across the Chinese-speaking world.
While many welcomed her comeback, the video also sparked heated online discussion about her current appearance. Joey’s skin remains fair and smooth with no visible wrinkles or blemishes, but numerous netizens commented that the beauty filter appeared excessively strong, resulting in noticeably swollen cheeks—she even used both hands to prop up her face in some angles. Other observations included unusually close-set eyes and an odd nose bridge perspective in certain shots, leading to widespread remarks about a significant change from her legendary beauty during her film heyday in the late 80s and 90s.
After stepping away from the screen following her final film Beautiful Shanghai (2004), Joey has lived quietly in Canada and reportedly runs a moxibustion wellness business in recent years. Her sudden Douyin debut has led to speculation that she may be preparing to enter live-streaming e-commerce or promote her wellness products. Some netizens even suggested her physical therapy or moxibustion business might be facing difficulties, prompting this social media move to attract customers. Regardless of the motive, Joey’s rare personal appearance on a major platform is expected to give longtime fans more direct access to updates about her life after two decades of near-total absence from public view.
News Source: https://www.hk01.com/article/60317385?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral
