China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 92 Week of 16 March 2026
(1) Stefanie Sun’s two sold-out concerts at Kai Tak draw fans, boost local business
Mandopop icon Stefanie Sun delivered two sold-out concerts at Kai Tak Main Stadium on March 13 and 15 as part of her “AUT NIHILO” tour. The shows drew massive crowds of local and overseas fans, creating a festive atmosphere and significantly boosting business at nearby malls, restaurants, and convenience stores.
(2) Tencent sponsors OpenClaw after creator’s complaints of copying
Tencent Holdings has become an official sponsor of the open-source AI agent OpenClaw following public criticism from its creator, Peter Steinberger. The move addresses complaints about uncredited copying and comes amid surging adoption of the technology across China’s tech sector.
(3) Former Hong Kong lawmaker Regina Ip swaps policy for photo cards at ComplexCon
Former Hong Kong lawmaker Regina Ip will host a fan meet-and-greet at ComplexCon Hong Kong later this month. The 75-year-old Executive Council convenor has become an online sensation with her engaging social media posts since leaving the Legislative Council.
(4) Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke on AI, change, and why real life still matters
Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke, jury president at the 11th Asian Film Awards, discussed AI’s potential and his preference for documenting real life during a Rolex-partnered masterclass. He reflected on classics like Platform, his love for Hong Kong cinema, and his Pingyao festival’s role in nurturing emerging Asian directors.
(5) Aaron Kwok joins govt anti-drug campaign targeting etomidate abuse
Hong Kong launched a major anti-drug campaign on Tuesday targeting the dangerous drug etomidate. Pop star Aaron Kwok, Honorary Anti-drug Commissioner, starred in a promotional video urging youth to resist temptation and choose healthy lifestyles.
(6) Free BTS concert to mark a K-pop comeback like no other
BTS will stage a free comeback concert at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, 2026, their first full group performance in nearly three and a half years after completing military service. The event marks the start of their major global return.
(7) TV drama industry should break free from dependence on star popularity, algorithm-driven creation
China’s television drama industry is moving away from reliance on big stars and popular IPs, as many celebrity-led shows have flopped with low ratings and poor reviews. Officials and experts stress that narrative depth, emotional richness, originality, and moral integrity will define future success.
(8) Taiwan Rolls Out Film, TV Projects at Hong Kong FilMart as Its Creative Content Agency Courts Global Partners
Taiwan is showcasing a strong lineup of film and TV projects at Hong Kong’s FilMart and Asia Film Financing Forum. Led by TAICCA, the spotlight features “Addicted” and “Haru and Tae,” alongside 106 companies presenting 242 titles for global co-production and distribution.
(9) How Hong Kong Filmart is building bridges and embracing AI as it turns 30
Hong Kong’s Filmart market opens this week, celebrating 30 years as a global entertainment hub and 50 years of the Hong Kong International Film Festival. The event features expanded Producers Connect and AI Hub initiatives amid evolving industry trends.
(10) Sony Pictures to produce Feature Film on Chinese Pop Mart’s Labubu
Pop Mart and Sony Pictures announced a feature film starring Labubu. Directed by Paul King, who has worked on films such as Wonka and Paddington, the live-action/CGI project aims to extend the IP’s global appeal and support long-term growth.
(11) China’s box office surpasses 11 billion yuan in 2026
China’s box office surpassed 11 billion yuan (about US$1.6 billion) this year, solidifying its status as the world’s largest single film market. Strong performance, ticket subsidies and “film-plus” initiatives are driving broader economic growth and international outreach.
(12) Jimmy O. Yang Drops Trailer For Comedy Special ‘Finally Home’, Filmed in Hong Kong
Jimmy O. Yang’s third comedy special, Finally Home, filmed during sold-out Hong Kong Coliseum shows, premieres in theaters this month. The stand-up film debuts in Hong Kong on March 20 and expands to U.S. and Canada screens on March 27.
(1) Stefanie Sun’s two sold-out concerts at Kai Tak draw fans, boost local business
(Photo Credit: the Standard)
Mandopop superstar Stefanie Sun performed two sold-out concerts at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Main Stadium on March 13 and 15, as part of her “AUT NIHILO” tour. The shows attracted enthusiastic crowds of local and international fans, many waving light sticks and singing along throughout the performances.
Overseas attendees travelled specifically for the events. Australian fan Zac, on a five-day Hong Kong trip, praised the venue’s “international superstar level” stage, lighting, and sound, describing the experience as a “complete city experience” beyond just a concert. Guangzhou fan Si Yu, a long-time member of Sun’s fan club, called Kai Tak “the most anticipated” venue after Sun’s previous three Hong Kong tours. She noted the exceptional atmosphere and how the surrounding area felt like “a big carnival,” with malls and restaurants packed.
The concerts generated a substantial economic lift for the Kai Tak precinct. Restaurants in the nearby retail complex reported two to three times more customers, with long queues forming before show times. Convenience stores saw sell-outs of drinks and snacks.
Over the past year, Kai Tak Sports Park has hosted nearly 50 events, including more than 120 international and local sports and entertainment activities, drawing over 1.9 million visitors to the main stadium. The venue was recently named one of TIME magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places 2026.”
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/must-read/article/326747/Stefanie-Suns-two-sold-out-concerts-at-Kai-Tak-draw-fans-boost-local-business
(2) Tencent sponsors OpenClaw after creator’s complaints of copying
(Photo Credit: Reuters)
Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings has stepped up as a sponsor of OpenClaw, joining OpenAI and Baidu. As of Monday, Tencent is now listed on OpenClaw’s software collaboration platform GitHub page as a sponsor. Initially known as Clawdbot and Moltbot, OpenClaw skyrocketed in popularity across China following its launch last year.
The autonomous AI agent quickly captured global attention for being more advanced than traditional chatbots. Capitalizing on the wave of excitement, Tencent aggressively promoted its adoption in China, offering free setup services across 17 cities within 40 days. Earlier this month, the company hosted a major installation event in Shenzhen that drew nearly 1,000 participants setting up complex PC configurations. This campaign fuelled growing enthusiasm among AI hobbyists and ordinary users alike.
OpenClaw was first developed by Austrian “vibe coder” Peter Steinberger before being acquired by OpenAI earlier this year.
Ironically, Tencent’s sponsorship of OpenClaw came right after Steinberger’s public criticism towards the Chinese tech giant. Steinberger had criticized Tencent on social media platform X, accusing the tech giant of replicating OpenClaw’s project skills on Tencent’s own AI skills community “SkillHub”, without offering any financial or technical contributions. Tencent responded to Steinberger’s X post saying that the SkillHub community did credit OpenClaw as the original source of the skills. Nevertheless, Tencent vowed to contribute code to the project and to improve support in the sponsorship. So far, neither side detailed the sponsorship scope.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3346796/tencent-sponsors-openclaw-after-creators-complaints-copying?pgtype=live
(3) Former Hong Kong lawmaker Regina Ip swaps policy for photo cards at ComplexCon
(Photo Credit: Handout)
Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, the 75-year-old convenor of Hong Kong’s Executive Council, will appear at ComplexCon Hong Kong for a fan meet-and-greet. The event organisers announced her participation on Thursday, highlighting her strong online popularity.
Ip, who served 17 years in the Legislative Council before stepping down last year, previously held the post of secretary for security from 1998 to 2003. In recent years she has reinvented herself as a social media personality, earning the nickname “jiejie” or big sister among fans.
Her online presence grew notably after 2018, when she began sharing studio portraits in cheongsam and festive outfits with seasonal greetings, inspired by mainland Chinese messaging app stickers. Her Instagram account now exceeds 61,000 followers.
Fans have embraced her warmly. In August, supporters marked her 75th birthday in Causeway Bay by distributing homemade souvenirs featuring her image, a tribute typically reserved for pop stars.
ComplexCon organisers praised Ip as a true Hong Kong icon, citing her festive posts and cultural impact alongside her high-level public duties. Attendees at the fan meeting will receive an exclusive signed photo card and take part in a hi-bye session.
The two-day ComplexCon Hong Kong, a global pop culture festival, runs from March 21 at AsiaWorld-Expo. Other guests include Blackpink’s Jennie, American rapper Yeat, and Korean R&B singer Crush.
(4) Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke on AI, change, and why real life still matters
(Photo Credit: ROLEX)
During the 11th Asian Film Awards, Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke, serving as jury president, shared insights on AI, social change, and his filmmaking philosophy. Having once collaborated with media giant ByteDance on a short film featuring his AI double, Jia expressed curiosity about new technologies without rushing to judgment. “We’re at a learning stage,” he told The Standard. “I still like to document real life.”
Jia revisited early works like Xiao Wu and Platform from the 1990s, calling the latter his most memorable documentary for capturing China’s drastic transformations. Films such as Still Life and A Touch of Sin chronicled shifting eras, from the Three Gorges Dam to modern China’s rise, focusing on individual experiences amid change. He embraces imperfections in his documentaries, viewing them as reflections of his own weaknesses.
A longtime admirer of Hong Kong cinema, Jia spent years watching wuxia films on VHS, which shaped his sense of local history. He now hopes to make a film set in Hong Kong.
Jia also highlighted his decade-old Pingyao International Film Festival, a platform for emerging directors to connect and share visions. Far from elitist, it welcomes all to Pingyao, Shanxi, which, according to him, is a place embodying how ordinary Chinese people live.
(5) Aaron Kwok joins govt anti-drug campaign targeting etomidate abuse
(Photo Credit: the Standard)
The Security Bureau and Action Committee Against Narcotics kicked off a prominent anti-drug publicity drive on Tuesday at Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui. The event featured renowned Hong Kong entertainer Aaron Kwok in his role as Honorary Anti-drug Commissioner.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung unveiled the new campaign, which premiered a vibrant video starring Kwok. The initiative uses a bright, fashionable, and uplifting tone to promote drug-free living and encourage positive choices among the public.
Kwok voiced deep concern over young people abusing or trafficking etomidate due to ignorance or financial motives. He collaborated with young dancers in the video, drawing parallels between their dedication to pursuing dreams and the need to firmly reject drugs.
The government outlined four key public education efforts for 2026. These include a touring pop-up anti-drug game booth visiting shopping malls and schools, alongside family-oriented yoga sessions to highlight healthy lifestyles.
(6) Free BTS concert to mark a K-pop comeback like no other
(Photo credit: Instagram/bts.bighitofficial)
BTS, the seven-member K-pop supergroup comprising RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook, will perform a free comeback show at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21. The open-air plaza, home to statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-shin with Gyeongbokgung Palace in the background, will host up to 22,000 fans.
The concert follows the group’s completion of mandatory military service and comes nearly three and a half years after their last full-group appearance. Their latest album, Arirang, drops on March 20, one day before the performance. An 82-show world tour, BTS: The Return, begins April 9 at Goyang Stadium and spans 34 cities in 23 countries, with additional 2027 dates planned. Select shows, including in Goyang and Tokyo, will stream live in cinemas across 75 countries. A Netflix documentary on their comeback premieres March 27.
Their 2019 tour grossed US$246 million, a K-pop record. Analysts predict this return could generate over US$1 billion for HYBE through touring, merchandise, licensing and streaming, potentially approaching the scale of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
The South Korean government is providing strong logistical support, including traffic management, viewing the event as a showcase for Korean culture’s global influence. Experts note that K-culture’s success boosts tourism, beauty, food and other sectors. In 2025, South Korea welcomed a record 19 million foreign visitors, driven partly by Korean entertainment.
BTS announced their reunion on Weverse last July, drawing over 7 million viewers. For many international fans, it will be their first live sighting in seven years after the 2020 world tour was cancelled due to Covid-19.
(7) TV drama industry should break free from dependence on star popularity, algorithm-driven creation
(Photo Credit: Liu Xiangya/GT)
China’s television drama sector is undergoing a major shift, as the long-dominant formula of “top-tier stars plus popular IP” proves unsustainable. NRTA television drama department head Feng Shengyong declared at a recent Shenzhen conference that audiences no longer blindly trust big-budget productions or celebrity power alone.
In recent years, many high-profile dramas starring famous actors have suffered disastrous ratings and Douban scores below passing, despite massive production and marketing costs. With short videos and micro-dramas thriving purely on strong storytelling, the “star myth” has collapsed. NRTA researcher Zhu Xinmei noted that actors relying on manufactured online traffic without real ability face rapid market elimination.
Homogenisation plagues long-form dramas due to platforms’ “algorithm anxiety.” Genres recycle templates leading to predictable, exhausting content. Industry observer Shi Wenxue said platforms reverse-engineer from data, sacrificing originality and ignoring diverse audience tastes. Hits like Three-Body and The Long Season prove unconventional, data-defying works can create demand and resonate deeply.
Feng also criticised inappropriate actor behaviour, such as luxury caravans, large entourages, and fan disputes over billing, which elevate egos over immersion in real life. He urged actors to prioritise leaving good works over quick profits, warning that chasing fame and money erodes artistic integrity and leads to long-term regret.
Ultimately, lasting success requires creators to treat storytelling as belief, audiences as friends, and moral excellence as a red line. Only meaningful, resonant works will earn true respect.
News Source: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202603/1357076.shtml
(8) Taiwan Rolls Out Film, TV Projects at Hong Kong FilMart as Its Creative Content Agency Courts Global Partners
(Photo Credit: Howard Yu)
Taiwan is stepping up its international presence at Hong Kong FilMart and the Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum with a curated selection of film and television projects organised by the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA).
The Taiwan Spotlight Showcase on March 18 highlights two flagship titles: the TV series “Addicted” and the narrative feature “Haru and Tae”.
Addicted stars Yi-Han Chen, Harry Chang and Sam Lin. Produced by a team with a track record of TWD100 million-plus box-office hits, it explores various forms of addiction through interconnected stories touching on crime, social issues and coming-of-age themes.
“Haru and Tae,” on the other hand, is directed by Japanese filmmaker Akira Ikeda. It is a fantasy narrative about family and generational bonds. Starring Taiwanese actors Kuan-Ting Liu and Ke-Fang Sun, the project previously won the Golden Horse Film Project Promotion – Vision Award in 2022.
Both productions will present exclusive first-look materials, including unseen stills and footage. Directors and key cast members will attend to discuss their work.
Taiwan also emphasises international co-productions at the Asia Film Financing Forum. Leading the slate is “Mama Mia Let Me Go!” (Hong Kong/South Korea/Taiwan), selected for the In-Development Project program, joined by three other works-in-progress seeking post-production support.
News Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/news/taiwan-film-tv-projects-hong-kong-filmart-1236686315/
(9) How Hong Kong Filmart is building bridges and embracing AI as it turns 30
(Photo Credit: HKTDC)
The Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (Filmart) launched its 30th edition on March 17 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Hong Kong International Film Festival. The four-day event (March 17-20) draws over 790 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions, including 30 pavilions, with around 7,700 industry professionals expected to attend.
With a history of over three decades, Filmart has adapted to shifts in global production and business, maintaining its position as Asia’s first major market of the year. This year, two popular 2025 initiatives return on a larger scale.
Producers Connect brings together more than 100 local and international producers via 10 agencies, such as China Film Co-production Corporation, Italy’s Cinecittà and the UK’s British Film Institute. A keynote forum features Hong Kong director Peter Chan and Golden Globe-winning producer Janet Yang discussing international co-production strategies.
The AI Hub expands with participation from Alibaba Cloud, Kling AI, MiniMax and Vidu. The new AI Academy offers over 15 workshops demonstrating AI tools to enhance and streamline production processes.
Key Hong Kong companies such as Edko Films, Golden Scene, Media Asia and Sil-Metropole are present, though some local players opt for offsite networking.
As regional markets like Tokyo, Busan, Taiwan and Singapore grow, Filmart faces increasing competition but continues to emphasise cross-cultural partnerships and innovation.
(10) Sony Pictures to produce Feature Film on Chinese Pop Mart’s Labubu
(Photo Credit: AFP)
Chinese toymaker Pop Mart announced that they have partnered with Sony Pictures Entertainment on Thursday to develop a feature film centred on Labubu, its most popular character from The Monsters series.
The film, still in early development, will blend live action with computer-generated imagery. Labubu’s creator, Hong Kong-born and Netherlands-raised artist Lung Ka-sing, will serve as executive producer. British filmmaker Paul King, known for Wonka and Paddington, is attached to direct, produce and co-write the script with Tony Award-winner Steven Levenson.
The announcement came during the Paris stop of a global exhibition tour marking The Monsters’ 10th anniversary. Pop Mart described the project as a milestone in transitioning the collectible IP to the big screen, promising creative storytelling, artistic vision and broad global appeal.
Analysts view the move as a strategic effort to build lasting value for Labubu beyond blind boxes and collaborations. With Sony’s distribution network, the film could boost mainstream recognition, toy sales and theme park traffic, positioning Labubu as a benchmark for Chinese designer toys’ international expansion.
Labubu gained massive global traction in 2024 after Blackpink’s Lisa posted photos with the “ugly-cute” character on Instagram, attracting endorsements from celebrities like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and David Beckham.
Pop Mart’s Hong Kong-listed shares rose 2.8 per cent on Wednesday to HK$221.80.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3347028/pop-marts-labubu-headed-big-screen-collaboration-sony-pictures
(11) China’s box office surpasses 11 billion yuan in 2026
(Photo Credit: ScreenDaily)
China’s box office revenue surpassed 11 billion yuan (approximately US$1.6 billion) this year, including pre-sales, according to Maoyan data released on Thursday. The figure confirms China’s status as the world’s largest single film market.
The strong performance was a frequent topic during March’s National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference sessions. Deputies and advisers viewed it as both a significant achievement and a foundation for future growth.
Under the “Film Economy Promotion Year” campaign, authorities have linked cinema with tourism, dining and intangible cultural heritage. This “film-plus” approach channels box-office momentum into broader real-economy benefits.
The China Film Administration has backed local ticket subsidy programmes since January, cutting average prices by roughly 6 percent and increasing attendance. Spring Festival holiday screenings reached a record 4.35 million sessions nationwide.
Each cinema ticket triggers additional spending on food, shopping, transport and cultural goods, supporting offline consumption. The overall economic impact of the film industry is estimated to exceed 150 billion yuan (about US$22 billion) in 2026.
The “travel with films” trend is also rising, with regions combining local attractions and film promotions to create “film-plus-tourism” experiences that convert movie popularity into visitor spending.
News Source: https://www.bastillepost.com/global/article/5685623-chinas-box-office-surpasses-11-bln-yuan-in-2026
(12) Jimmy O. Yang Drops Trailer For Comedy Special ‘Finally Home’, Filmed in Hong Kong
(Photo Credit: Jimmy O. Yang)
Jimmy O. Yang has released the trailer for his third stand-up comedy special, Finally Home, last Thursday. The special was recorded during a sold-out five-show run at Hong Kong Coliseum in June 2025.
Originally scheduled for two nights, the engagement expanded due to overwhelming demand, drawing more than 35,000 fans across the run. Yang described the homecoming as an epic event, complete with pyrotechnics, musical segments and surprise cameos.
The hour-long special blends English with subtitled Cantonese, covering topics such as family dynamics, immigrant experiences, his return to Hong Kong after 25 years, and playful cultural observations like fighting over the bill at restaurants.
Finally Home marks a milestone: Yang becomes the first Chinese-American comedian to have a stand-up special premiere theatrically in both Hong Kong and the United States. It launches exclusively at Emperor Cinemas in Hong Kong on March 20, with screenings running through March 29 at Causeway Bay Times Square and Tsim Sha Tsui iSquare.
The film expands to theaters in the U.S. and Canada on March 27 through Variance Films. North American ticket sales begin March 17.
News Source: https://www.weareresonate.com/2026/03/jimmy-o-yang-drops-trailer-for-comedy-special-finally-home-filmed-in-hong-kong/
