China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 93 Week of 23 March 2026
(1) Labubu, Blackpink’s Jennie draw thousands to ComplexCon in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s third ComplexCon drew thousands of fans on Saturday, headlined by Labubu and Blackpink’s Jennie. The pop culture festival broke records and features local artist Lung Ka-sing as artistic director.
(2) See Chinese auteur Chen Kaige and Singaporean director Anthony Chen at the Hong Kong International Film Festival
The 50th Hong Kong International Film Festival opens on April 1, marking its golden jubilee with 215 films from 71 countries. The event features strong Asian cinema and high-profile guests.
(3) Chow Yun-fat, Aaron Kwok, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Louis Koo Lead Ensemble in ‘Cold War 1994,’ Unveiled at Hong Kong FilMart
Edko Films unveiled Cold War 1994, the highly anticipated prequel to Hong Kong’s top-grossing police thriller series, at this year’s FilMart. The star-studded project brings together an unprecedented cast of Hong Kong cinema legends.
(4) Donnie Yen to bring “John Wick” spin-off to HK in June, eager to promote local attractions and food
Action star Donnie Yen attended the BMW Hong Kong Derby 2026 with singer MC Cheung Tinfu on Sunday. The 14-year ambassador revealed his new horse has arrived in Hong Kong and confirmed that his John Wick spin-off will be filmed in Hong Kong in late June.
(5) BTS’ South Korea comeback crowd disappoints, triggering HYBE stock sell-off
HYBE shares plunged as much as 15 per cent after BTS’s heavily promoted comeback concert in Seoul drew far fewer fans than expected. The event at Gwanghwamun Square attracted 104,000 people instead of the 260,000 initially estimated.
(6) Tony Leung Chiu-wai Thriller ‘Fox Hunt’ Closes Global Deals
Cappu Films has secured international distribution deals for the crime thriller Fox Hunt starring Tony Leung Chiu-wai. The film, which builds on interest from Berlin’s European Film Market, is now set for release in several key territories.
(7) When your culture becomes a meme: the ‘jarring’ effect of “Chinamaxxing”
Months have passed since the “Chinamaxxing” trend first went viral. As the trend starts to die down in the mainstream media, the Chinese diaspora and Asian content creators alike have started to raise their criticism regarding the “performative” trend.
(8) Hong Kong’s TVB logs US$7.5 million profit, shaking off 7 years of losses
TVB returned to profit in 2025 with HK$59 million, reversing a HK$491 million loss the previous year. Strong growth in Greater Bay Area revenue helped offset weakness in the local advertising market.
(9) ‘Sports and entertainment combine to boost economy’
Sports leaders in Hong Kong are optimistic about the city’s growing event scene. They are pushing to combine sports with entertainment, culture and tourism to boost the economy and enhance Hong Kong’s global image.
(10) World No. 1 fencer Ryan Choi jumps into music, fans pledge support
Hong Kong’s world No. 1 men’s foil fencer Ryan Choi Chun-yin has announced his official debut in the music industry. His first solo single, backed by a top creative team, has sparked strong excitement among fans.
(11) Jackie Chan, Leo Zhang Team for Action Comedy ‘Pawfect Agents,’ Cappu Films Handling Sales
Jackie Chan has teamed up with director Leo Zhang for Pawfect Agents, an action-comedy hybrid set to start filming in September. The film pairs Chan with a high-tech spy dog on a global chase to protect a national treasure.
(12) Chinese Hit Satire ‘Johnny Keep Walking!’ to Get French Remake
French production company Master Movies has acquired the remake rights for the 2023 Chinese hit comedy Johnny Keep Walking!. The deal marks one of the rare cases of a mainland Chinese film being adapted for a Western audience.
(1) Labubu, Blackpink’s Jennie draw thousands to ComplexCon in Hong Kong
(Photo Credit: Edmond So / SCMP)
Thousands of fans packed Hong Kong’s third ComplexCon on Saturday at AsiaWorld-Expo, drawn by popular doll Labubu and Blackpink’s Jennie. Organizers said the two-day event broke records and attracted tens of thousands overall.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui opened the festival by praising its mix of global and local pop culture. She noted government support for the event through the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund.
Law highlighted the excitement around international stars Jennie and American rapper Yeat, but gave special mention to Hong Kong artist Lung Ka-sing, creator of Labubu, who serves as this year’s artistic director.
Vendors and artists kept themselves busy during the convention. Lung met fans on site – among such include dedicated collector Zhang Tianwei, who flew from London, planned his work trip around the event and proudly showed off his signed Labubu dolls and exclusive merchandise.
Local brands also shone. Edward Man Ho-wai sold vinyl records featuring Leslie Cheung. Kenji Wong Shu-keung introduced his stencil T-shirts to visitors from the US, Taiwan and Japan.
ComplexCon CEO Bonnie Chan thanked fans for a record-breaking turnout and said she had tears of joy when Lung agreed to lead the event. Last year’s edition drew 35,000 visitors and generated HK$87.5 million in on-site sales.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347422/labubu-blackpinks-jennie-draw-thousands-complexcon-hong-kong
(2) See Chinese auteur Chen Kaige and Singaporean director Anthony Chen at the Hong Kong International Film Festival
(Photo Credit: We Are All Strangers, directed by Anthony Chen, produced by Giraffe Pictures, 2026)
Hong Kong’s cinematic scene rebounds with the 50th Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), running April 1 to 12. This milestone boasts 215 films from 71 countries, including 11 world premieres and 49 Asian premiers, as well as Asian arthouse gems.
Anthony Chen’s We Are All Strangers, the last of his “Growing Up” trilogy and Berlin International Film Festival contender, will kick the festival off on April 1. Philip Yung’s Cyclone, fresh from International Film Festival Rotterdam, wraps the festival up on April 12.
A-listers flock in: Filmmaker-in-Focus Jia Zhangke, Chen Kaige, Oscar winner Juliette Binoche, Ann Hui and Tsai Ming-liang will lead masterclasses and talks. On the other hand, young filmmakers Angela Yuen, Tony Wu, Gingle Wang and Metawin Opas-iamkajorn will lure fresh crowds.
The Golden Jubilee Exhibition at City Hall will also trace HKIFF’s 1977 roots via photos and stories. Wong Kar-wai fans snag sold-out tickets for the live In the Mood for Love Concert, blending visuals and orchestra magic.
The lineup injects hope into Hong Kong film, blending legacy with bold new voices.
(3) Chow Yun-fat, Aaron Kwok, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Louis Koo Lead Ensemble in ‘Cold War 1994,’ Unveiled at Hong Kong FilMart
(Photo Credit: Edko Films)
Edko Films stole the show at Hong Kong FilMart with the reveal of Cold War 1994, a prequel to the record-breaking police thriller franchise that grossed over HK$100 million locally across its first two instalments. Executive producer Bill Kong, alongside director Longman Leung and producer Ivy Ho, showcased 12 character posters and surprised fans with Tony Leung Ka-fai’s appearance.
The ensemble boasts an unmatched 10 Hong Kong Film Award Best Actor winners, led by Chow Yun-fat, Aaron Kwok, Tony Leung Ka-fai and Louis Koo.
Daniel Wu returns to Hong Kong cinema after six years as ambitious Deputy Commissioner Peter Choi, clashing with Lau’s idealistic young M.B. Lee. Wu Kang Ren and Tse Kwan Ho portray triad power players, Louise Wong leads as Jodie Yuen, and Louis Koo enters as 2017 Chief Executive-elect Adrian Yip. British stars MI6’s Aidan Gillen and Cabinet Minister’s Hugh Bonneville round out the international cast.
The film hits screens later this year.
News Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/news/chow-yun-fat-aaron-kwok-cold-war-1994-1236694734/
(4) Donnie Yen to bring “John Wick” spin-off to HK in June, eager to promote local attractions and food
(Photo Credit: the Standard)
International action star Donnie Yen and singer MC Cheung Tinfu appeared together at Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday for the BMW Hong Kong Derby 2026. The pair, who previously worked on the film The Prosecutor, greeted each other with a warm hug.
Yen, who has served as the event’s ambassador for 14 years, joked that he has given much of his life to the Hong Kong Jockey Club. He also announced that his newly co-owned horse, “Rapid Phantom”, has arrived in Hong Kong and expressed hope that it will compete successfully in future races.
Yen had flown in that morning for the derby before heading back to Europe in the evening to continue filming his upcoming John Wick spin-off. He expects to return to Hong Kong in late June for location shooting. He pushed strongly for the Hong Kong scenes because the film explores his character’s backstory.
He said the Hong Kong government, including Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law, has been supportive. Yen hopes the smooth production will encourage more foreign film companies to discover the city’s efficiency and professionalism.
(5) BTS’ South Korea comeback crowd disappoints, triggering HYBE stock sell-off
(Photo Credit: AP)
HYBE shares fell as much as 15 per cent on Monday, marking the company’s biggest intraday drop since June 2022. The decline followed BTS’s comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on Saturday, which drew a much smaller crowd than authorities had anticipated.
According to local media, only 104,000 fans attended the free outdoor event, compared with the initial police estimate of 260,000. Stringent crowd control measures, introduced to avoid any repeat of the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush, are believed to have contributed to the lower turnout.
The hour-long concert featured 12 songs, mixing new tracks from the group’s latest album Arirang with global hits such as Butter and Dynamite. It was also live-streamed on Netflix, which is expected to release viewership numbers later this week. The show already topped Netflix’s daily charts in several countries, including South Korea.
BTS returned to the stage after nearly four years of mandatory military service. The group is now embarking on its largest-ever world tour, with 82 dates already sold out. Their new album Arirang performed strongly, topping Spotify charts and selling four million copies on its first day.
Despite HYBE’s expansion into other markets, BTS remains the company’s main profit driver. Growth had slowed during the group’s hiatus, making the success of this comeback critical for both the band and its agency.
(6) Tony Leung Chiu-wai Thriller ‘Fox Hunt’ Closes Global Deals
(Photo credit: Fox Hunt, directed by Leo Zhang, produced by Cappu Films, 2025)
Cappu Films has finalised several international distribution agreements for Fox Hunt, the crime thriller starring Tony Leung Chiu-wai. The deals were concluded following strong momentum from Berlin’s European Film Market, with further negotiations continuing at Hong Kong FilMart.
The sales company has sold the film to Blacktop International for German-speaking territories, Dimeo Films for Poland, YouPlanet for Spain and Portugal, and Global Media Distribution for Latin America and the Caribbean. Janice Woo, head of sales at Cappu Films, is leading the process.
Directed by Leo Zhang and inspired by real events, Fox Hunt follows Shanghai financier Dai Yichen (Tony Leung Chiu-wai), who disappears to Paris after a major fraud, only to become the target of an international manhunt seven years later. Duan Yihong plays Ye Jun, the determined economic crime investigator from China’s Ministry of Public Security leading the pursuit.
Shanghai Film Group produced the project alongside several partners, with Leo Zhang and William Qi serving as producers.
Buyers praised the film’s strong cast and high-stakes international storyline. JD Beaufils of Blacktop International highlighted its gripping true-crime elements, while Jacek Przybylski of Dimeo Films and Luis de Val of YouPlanet expressed confidence that it would connect well with audiences in their respective markets.
News Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/news/tony-leung-chiu-wai-thriller-fox-hunt-global-deals-1236694631/
(7) When your culture becomes a meme: the ‘jarring’ effect of “Chinamaxxing”
(Photo Credit: Wang Xin / VCG / Getty Images)
A viral social media trend known as “Chinamaxxing” has taken off since mid-2025, with users worldwide posting videos of themselves drinking hot water, wearing house slippers, eating with chopsticks and embracing everyday “Chinese” habits. The trend first exploded on TikTok before spreading to social media platforms Instagram and X.
Media scholars describe “Chinamaxxing” as a reaction to growing disillusionment with the West, rising interest in wellness, and a shift away from negative portrayals of China. Instead of deep cultural understanding, it spreads simplified, humorous fragments of daily Chinese life.
For many in the Chinese diaspora, the trend feels jarring. British author Jenny Lau found it unsettling when non-Chinese creators began giving advice on Lunar New Year celebrations. Sydney-based creator Vanessa Li questions why outsiders are suddenly sharing tips on a holiday they have never experienced. Others worry it risks turning centuries-old traditions into disposable fads or cultural appropriation.
Experts suggest the trend may already be fading as it reaches mainstream platforms like Instagram, but some hope it will evolve into more genuine interest, including increased travel to China and greater pride among younger diaspora members.
News Source: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/mar/23/chinamaxxing-chinese-culture-becomes-a-meme
(8) Hong Kong’s TVB logs US$7.5 million profit, shaking off 7 years of losses
(Photo Credit: Dickson Lee / SCMP)
Hong Kong’s largest free-to-air TV broadcaster, TVB, swung back to profit in 2025 after years of losses. The company reported a HK$59 million (US$7.5 million) profit, compared with a HK$491 million loss in 2024.
TVB said its terrestrial TV channels saw a 15 per cent increase in advertising income, driven by strong demand from major corporate clients and a threefold rise in revenue from the Greater Bay Area. This contributed to a 9 per cent revenue growth in its TV broadcasting segment.
In the digital space, TVB recorded 35.3 million monthly active users across social media and mobile apps, generating 1.7 billion views, up 43 per cent. Advertising revenue in this segment grew 22 per cent.
Looking ahead, TVB warned of “elevated” global political and economic uncertainties that could make advertisers more cautious. Nevertheless, it expects modest growth in TV broadcasting advertising income in 2026, supported by rising recognition of its Greater Bay Area advertising products.
The company also plans to expand monetisation of its drama IP through micro-drama adaptations with mainland partner Hongguo and new ventures in theme parks, merchandise, apparel and collectibles.
News Source: https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3347895/hong-kongs-tvb-logs-us75-million-profit-shaking-seven-years-losses?pgtype=live
(9) ‘Sports and entertainment combine to boost economy’
(Photo Credit: RTHK)
Hong Kong sports officials are calling for a stronger integration of athletics, entertainment, culture and tourism to elevate the city’s international profile and drive economic growth. Fok announced plans to form a research group to collect views from across the sports sector. The findings will feed into Hong Kong’s upcoming five-year plan. He said the work would begin as soon as possible.
During a panel discussion, Michael Cheng, president of the Hong Kong, China Tennis Association, pointed to the success of past ATP and WTA events. He noted that Hong Kong was once the third city in Asia to host their competitions and expressed hope that the city can lead in blending sports with entertainment and culture. This approach, he said, would project vitality, stimulate the economy and engage young people.
Eric Fok, chairman of the Football Association of Hong Kong, China, reported strong growth in local football. Attendance records were broken last year with multiple sell-out matches. He emphasised the need for cross-industry collaboration and revealed plans for a Hong Kong Football Festival that will invite several European teams. More details are expected soon.
News Source: https://gbcode.rthk.hk/TuniS/news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1848110-20260320.htm?share=facebook
(10) World No. 1 fencer Ryan Choi jumps into music, fans pledge support
(Photo Credit: the Standard)
Hong Kong fencing star Ryan Choi Chun-yin is stepping into the music industry. The world No. 1 men’s foil fencer revealed on social media on Wednesday that his first solo single will be released soon.
The announcement quickly went viral, with fans expressing excitement and offering full support for his new career path. Many hope to see him perform at next year’s Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation.
Choi’s debut track features a strong creative lineup. It is composed by “Hong Kong’s Little Song King” Phil Lam, with lyrics by Wyman “YY” Wong and production by Hong Kong boy group MIRROR’s producer Edward Chan.
Support has come from the entertainment industry, including his close friend and MIRROR member Edan Lui, who publicly backed the move on social media.
Choi first showed his musical talent last year when he appeared as a guest at Edan Lui’s concert. He performed Jay Chou’s Silence and Jason Chan’s Dear Enemy, earning praise for his strong vocals and confident stage presence.
The crossover from elite sport to music is rare and high-profile. Fans are now eager to see whether the fencing champion can achieve similar success on the music charts.
News Source: https://www.thestandard.com.hk/entertainment/article/327712/World-No-1-fencer-Ryan-Choi-jumps-into-music-fans-pledge-support
(11) Jackie Chan, Leo Zhang Team for Action Comedy ‘Pawfect Agents,’ Cappu Films Handling Sales
(Photo Credit: Cappu Films)
Jackie Chan and director Leo Zhang are collaborating on Pawfect Agents, a live-action and CG hybrid action comedy that will begin production in September. Cappu Films is handling international pre-sales and introduced the project to buyers at Hong Kong FilMart.
The story follows a veteran agent nearing retirement who is pulled back into action when the Sanxingdui Golden Mask, one of China’s prized national treasures, becomes the target of an international theft ring. He teams up with a technologically advanced spy dog for a high-stakes chase that spans Europe and China.
The film’s CG animal characters were designed by contemporary artist Li Erpeng, whose works have appeared at Art Basel and are held in the permanent collection of Sydney’s White Rabbit Gallery. Director Zhang highlighted the unique partnership, noting that Chan will team up with animal agents rather than human co-stars for the first time.
Production has secured access to two major landmarks: France’s Palace of Versailles and the National Museum of Qatar in Doha. The team completed a scene scan inside the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, the first time a Chinese production has been allowed to capture and use the palace’s virtual image assets.
A worldwide theatrical release is planned for summer 2027. The project is also being developed as a broader IP franchise with potential extensions into exhibitions, artworks, collectibles and cross-media collaborations.
News Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/news/jackie-chan-leo-zhang-action-comedy-pawfect-agents-1236685661/
(12) Chinese Hit Satire ‘Johnny Keep Walking!’ to Get French Remake
(Photo Credit: Johnny Keep Walking, directed by Dong Runian, produced by Tiger Pictures Entertainment, 2023)
French production company Master Movies has secured the remake rights for the popular 2023 Chinese comedy Johnny Keep Walking!, striking a deal with Tiger Pictures Entertainment.
The original film, directed by Dong Runian and starring comedian Da Peng, is a sharp satire on corporate bureaucracy and office politics. Its Chinese title literally translates to “The Annual Company Party Can’t Be Stopped.” It follows a humble rural factory technician who is accidentally promoted to a senior management position at headquarters due to a mix of clerical errors and a failed bribery scheme.
The movie became a sleeper hit in mainland China, earning RMB1.292 billion (about US$186 million) at the domestic box office. It also grossed US$995,000 from theatrical releases in 11 international territories. Tiger Pictures Entertainment, which handled the film’s international distribution, described the remake deal as a milestone for Chinese cinema.
The themes of toxic work environments and rigid bureaucracy are seen as highly adaptable across cultures. Tiger Pictures views the agreement as part of its shift from pure distribution toward broader international IP development and management.
News Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/asia/chinese-johnny-keep-walking-french-remake-1236691941/
