https://www.scmp.com/rss/318322/feed en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com James Marsh James Marsh Few cinematic stories are as life-affirming or tug as effectively at our heartstrings as those exploring the bond between humans and dogs. The unwavering loyalty and adoration of a faithful pup can melt even the hardest of hearts, making it little wonder that filmmakers continually return to the subject. This week sees the release of David Ayer’s Heart of the Beast, starring Brad Pitt as a retired US Special Forces officer stranded in the Alaskan wilderness alongside his loyal dog, Odin –... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3368251/loved-heart-beast-10-best-dog-movies-where-canine-takes-lead https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3368251/loved-heart-beast-10-best-dog-movies-where-canine-takes-lead Thu, 24 Sep 2026 13:15:05 +0000 Richard James Havis Richard James Havis Little was known about sleep until modern science revolutionised our understanding. It turns out that what happens while you are unconscious dictates almost every aspect of your waking health, mood and brainpower. While knowing how to get better sleep and why you need it is vital, the nocturnal world holds some interesting secrets. Here we look at eight things you probably did not know about sleep. 1. Testy times If young men don’t get enough sleep, they have a level of testosterone that is... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3359982/8-facts-about-sleep-you-probably-didnt-know-and-why-shut-eye-affects-every-aspect-life https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3359982/8-facts-about-sleep-you-probably-didnt-know-and-why-shut-eye-affects-every-aspect-life Sat, 11 Jul 2026 23:15:06 +0000 Richard James Havis Richard James Havis Who is the real Jet Li Lianjie? That is a question being asked not by journalists and his fans, but by the martial arts film legend himself. In his new book Beyond Life and Death: The Way of True Freedom, Li says he has always been searching for his true self, and finally found it through practising Tibetan Buddhism. He wrote the book to share the spiritual benefits of these practices. Martial artists have, in history and legend, always been entwined with Buddhism, although not typically of the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3359680/6-facts-jet-lis-new-book-we-didnt-know-life-changing-injury-almost-dying https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3359680/6-facts-jet-lis-new-book-we-didnt-know-life-changing-injury-almost-dying Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:15:05 +0000 Lachlan Wong Lachlan Wong When social media influencer Utah Lee had the air conditioners in her Hong Kong home cleaned for the first time in a year, she was shocked to find an ant’s nest, many dead bugs and even a live gecko. Images from her Instagram post show the grime, dust and mould that had accumulated inside the units. Lee’s experience is familiar in Hong Kong. As summer arrives, air-conditioning provides a welcome reprieve from the scorching heat and suffocating humidity outdoors. With temperatures hitting 35... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3358156/how-often-should-your-air-conditioner-be-cleaned-prevent-health-risks https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3358156/how-often-should-your-air-conditioner-be-cleaned-prevent-health-risks Sun, 28 Jun 2026 04:15:08 +0000 Emma White Emma White It’s summer and the hills are alive with the sound of musicals. Never before have there been so many productions – from originals to tried and true favourites – being staged in Hong Kong in close succession. Here are nine that fans of this popular theatre genre should not miss. 1. Jesus Christ Superstar More than 55 years after it opened on Broadway, Jesus Christ Superstar is finally making its Hong Kong debut. With glittery make-up and a rock opera soundtrack, the musical is a modern twist on... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3358125/9-musicals-you-must-see-hong-kong-2026-cats-jesus-christ-superstar https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3358125/9-musicals-you-must-see-hong-kong-2026-cats-jesus-christ-superstar Wed, 24 Jun 2026 23:15:04 +0000 Tara Loader Wilkinson Tara Loader Wilkinson When Hong Kong artist Erin Hung bought her “dream home” five years ago – a walk-up with a rooftop surrounded by trees and mountains in the city’s Pok Fu Lam neighbourhood – she did not expect it would affect her health. “In the first year, the mould started kicking in across the whole house,” she recalls. “Sometimes the walls would drip with moisture.” In subtropical Hong Kong, black mould is a chronic health hazard. In the relentless humidity, it takes root on damp plasterboard and concrete,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3354459/are-mould-and-toxins-your-home-making-you-ill-expert-tips-reduce-health-risks https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3354459/are-mould-and-toxins-your-home-making-you-ill-expert-tips-reduce-health-risks Sun, 24 May 2026 03:15:05 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Amid spring cleaning season, it can be tempting to dismiss housework as drudgery, so dreaded or anxiety-inducing that it is best delegated to others if at all possible. But experts from Zen monks to psychologists say there are mental health benefits to be found in such manual chores as sweeping, mopping and clearing away clutter. These tasks can encourage mindfulness or permit the mind to wander, all while producing a sense of achievement in accomplishing the basic tasks of daily life. As one... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3354230/how-doing-housework-can-declutter-both-your-home-and-your-mind-what-experts-say https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3354230/how-doing-housework-can-declutter-both-your-home-and-your-mind-what-experts-say Wed, 20 May 2026 23:15:05 +0000 Edmund Lee Edmund Lee Hailed as a triumphant reinvigoration of the Hong Kong police thriller, the star-studded 2012 film Cold War revolves around a high-stakes power struggle within the upper echelons of the city’s police force. Winner of nine prizes at the 2013 Hong Kong Film Awards (HKFA), the action blockbuster notably aligned itself with an institutional slogan of pride: “Hong Kong is Asia’s safest city.” Yet just 14 years after its release, the cinematic landscape – much like the city itself – has drastically... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3351683/how-hong-kong-crime-films-have-evolved-national-security-law-era https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3351683/how-hong-kong-crime-films-have-evolved-national-security-law-era Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:25:03 +0000 dpa dpa When it comes to daily step goals, 10,000 is the benchmark many of us aim for. Most smartwatches come preset with this target, and while their reminders can encourage us to stay active, they can sometimes leave us feeling discouraged when we fall short. With National Walking Month in May approaching, we consulted experts to explore the key benefits and drawbacks of the 10,000-steps-a-day goal. Where did the 10,000-step goal come from and is it backed by science? While the standard is widely... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3350242/pros-and-cons-aiming-10000-steps-day-and-why-less-can-be-more https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3350242/pros-and-cons-aiming-10000-steps-day-and-why-less-can-be-more Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:15:07 +0000 Richard James Havis Richard James Havis Anthony Wong Chau-sang is generally known as a character actor who specialises in crazed and outlandish roles. However, long before the Hong Kong cinema veteran became associated with these extreme stereotypes, he spent the early 1990s proving his expansive acting range, as showcased in these three films. 1. Full Contact (1992) Wong plays second fiddle to Chow Yun-fat in Ringo Lam Ling-tung’s hyperviolent actioner, but it is a meaty supporting role that links Chow to his would-be nemesis, played... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3347937/3-anthony-wong-films-early-1990s-show-hong-kong-actors-wide-range https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3347937/3-anthony-wong-films-early-1990s-show-hong-kong-actors-wide-range Sun, 29 Mar 2026 03:15:07 +0000 Tara Loader Wilkinson Tara Loader Wilkinson Six couples who want to start families but cannot conceive are the focus of a new Netflix documentary, The Plastic Detox. The couples – two of which have been trying to get pregnant for over two years, while one has been attempting for a decade – strip as much plastic from their lives as possible over three months to see if this will help. “Fertility worldwide is going down, and it is tightly linked to chemicals that are commonly used in plastic,” says epidemiologist Dr Shanna Swan in the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3345709/microplastic-dangers-and-innovators-finding-solutions-plus-8-ways-protect-yourself https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3345709/microplastic-dangers-and-innovators-finding-solutions-plus-8-ways-protect-yourself Sat, 07 Mar 2026 04:45:07 +0000 Tara Loader Wilkinson Tara Loader Wilkinson With rising living costs and persistent inflation in much of the world, many consumers are cutting back on spending – but not, it seems, when it comes to wellness. The wellness industry is now valued at US$6.8 trillion and forecast to reach US$10 trillion by 2029, according to the Global Wellness Institute, a non-profit research and education foundation. Its sister organisation, the Global Wellness Summit, recently revealed its Future of Wellness report, with a focus on trends that are expected... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3343389/8-hot-wellness-trends-2026-womens-longevity-and-sports-health-raves https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3343389/8-hot-wellness-trends-2026-womens-longevity-and-sports-health-raves Sat, 14 Feb 2026 08:15:11 +0000 Pierce Conran Pierce Conran South Korea’s vibrant independent-film community produces waves of movies that travel to festivals around the world, delighting viewers, picking up awards and adding a social counterpoint to the broader pleasures of its mainstream counterparts. Even though most of these indie films struggle to find screens, and thus audiences at home, over the years, art-house breakouts have become more frequent. With Yoon Ga-eun’s The World of Love, the latest Korean indie to conquer the charts, set to hit Hong... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-movies/article/3341326/10-most-successful-korean-art-house-films-all-time-including-world-love https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-movies/article/3341326/10-most-successful-korean-art-house-films-all-time-including-world-love Tue, 27 Jan 2026 08:15:07 +0000 Anthea Rowan Anthea Rowan It is hard to know whether to be more impressed by octogenarians Bob and Fran German because they regularly publish videos on their YouTube channel, or because, at 85, they remain ultra-fit and young at heart. That was not always the case. Years ago, both were diagnosed with life-changing illnesses. After returning home to the United States from a trip to China in late 1992, Fran sensed minor muscular changes but “didn’t think too much of it”. Then, one day, she woke up and could not open one... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3340522/how-whole-food-plant-based-diet-keeps-85-year-old-youtubers-young-and-disease-free https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3340522/how-whole-food-plant-based-diet-keeps-85-year-old-youtubers-young-and-disease-free Wed, 21 Jan 2026 03:00:16 +0000 James Marsh James Marsh Hong Kong movie star and producer Louis Koo Tin-lok is currently rewriting history – and box office records – with the time-travel adventure Back to the Past. Taking in over HK$60 million (US$7.7 million) since its New Year’s Eve debut, the film is a much-anticipated sequel to 2001’s A Step into the Past, a favourite television series from Hong Kong broadcaster TVB. It sends Koo’s security agent hurtling back to the Qin dynasty, reuniting him with many original cast members, including Raymond... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3339696/10-best-asian-time-travel-movies-watch-after-hong-kong-hit-back-past https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3339696/10-best-asian-time-travel-movies-watch-after-hong-kong-hit-back-past Thu, 15 Jan 2026 11:15:07 +0000 Richard James Havis Richard James Havis Chinese superstar Gong Li rose to fame as the muse of China’s Fifth Generation directors, starring in art-house classics such as Ju Dou, Raise the Red Lantern and Farewell My Concubine. But during the 1990s, she found time to make a batch of lesser-known commercial films in Hong Kong. Below, we revisit a few of her most noteworthy outings in the city. 1. Flirting Scholar (1993) Gong had appeared with superstar comedian Stephen Chow Sing-chi once before, in a dual role in 1991’s God of Gamblers... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3339254/3-times-gong-li-surprised-hong-kong-films-including-flirting-scholar-stephen-chow https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3339254/3-times-gong-li-surprised-hong-kong-films-including-flirting-scholar-stephen-chow Sun, 11 Jan 2026 09:15:08 +0000 Tribune News Service Tribune News Service The overriding theme defining television in recent years has been a fear of the new. This is why reboots and spin-offs continue apace, with old titles brought back from the dead or from the not-so-distant past and intellectual property milked within an inch of its life (somehow HBO has yet another Game of Thrones series coming our way). It is as if everyone in Hollywood ran out of new ideas all at once. Do not blame writers, but executives who are rapidly shepherding their industry towards... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3339259/new-tv-series-watch-early-2026-game-thrones-spin-bridgerton-season-4 https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3339259/new-tv-series-watch-early-2026-game-thrones-spin-bridgerton-season-4 Sat, 10 Jan 2026 20:15:09 +0000 Pierce Conran Pierce Conran After a high-octane end to 2025, the K-drama industry kicks off the new year with a diverse slate of largely fantasy and romance fare, seemingly saving some of its bigger series for February’s Lunar New Year festivities. Here are the highlights to watch over the next month. 1. The Judge Returns Lead cast: Ji Sung, Park Hee-soon, Won Jin-ah Four years after The Devil Judge, Ji Sung is donning judicial robes once more in the legal thriller The Judge Returns. He plays Lee Han-young, a struggling... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-drama/article/3338125/8-best-new-k-dramas-watch-january-2026-such-can-love-be-translated https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-drama/article/3338125/8-best-new-k-dramas-watch-january-2026-such-can-love-be-translated Tue, 30 Dec 2025 12:15:11 +0000 James Marsh James Marsh In 2025, Asian cinema continues to make its mark around the world. Animated features from mainland China and Hong Kong, as well as Japan, have shattered box office records, while filmmakers and performers from across the region have been honoured at the world’s most prestigious film festivals. From established auteurs to promising newcomers, the region remains a thriving hotbed of rich and diverse commercial and artistic talent. Below are our picks of the 12 best films released this year across... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3337826/12-best-asian-films-2025-ranked-ne-zha-2-no-other-choice-and-kokuho https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3337826/12-best-asian-films-2025-ranked-ne-zha-2-no-other-choice-and-kokuho Tue, 30 Dec 2025 08:15:08 +0000 Pierce Conran Pierce Conran The year 2025 was another big one for Korean dramas, with a wide range of exciting new shows. While the industry may not have produced as many stand-outs as in previous years, the past 12 months still delivered emotional highs. Here is our pick of the top 15 Korean dramas of the year, from good to great. 15. Melo Movie Lead cast: Choi Woo-shik, Park Bo-young, Lee Jun-young, Jeon So-nee Our Beloved Summer scribe Lee Na-eun proved that she was no one-hit wonder with her second series Melo Movie,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-drama/article/3337569/15-best-k-dramas-2025-ranked-melo-movie-when-life-gives-you-tangerines https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-drama/article/3337569/15-best-k-dramas-2025-ranked-melo-movie-when-life-gives-you-tangerines Sat, 27 Dec 2025 23:15:07 +0000 Edmund Lee Edmund Lee There were, ultimately, no miracles for Hong Kong cinema in 2025. It was a regrettable year that began with reports of further cinema closures and ended in collective mourning after the Tai Po fire tragedy, which in turn pushed back the release of Avatar: Fire and Ash (now renamed Avatar 3) – previously earmarked as a saviour for cinema operators this Christmas. The forecast downturn in film investment has been keenly felt; even several “urban myth” titles – the label jokingly given to... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3337807/hong-kong-films-released-2025-ranked-worst-best https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3337807/hong-kong-films-released-2025-ranked-worst-best Fri, 26 Dec 2025 10:11:31 +0000 Ashlyn Chak Ashlyn Chak Around this time of the year, there is one very important day for Chinese families around the world, not unlike Thanksgiving in North America. The winter solstice – dung zi in Cantonese, dongzhi in Mandarin – marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. In Chinese culture, dung zi is also a noted day on the “24 solar terms” that marks the end of the harvest season and the arrival of winter and the coldest weather. The 24 solar terms, which form a Chinese... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-culture/article/3336867/what-winter-solstice-history-food-and-how-hong-kong-celebrates https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-culture/article/3336867/what-winter-solstice-history-food-and-how-hong-kong-celebrates Thu, 18 Dec 2025 09:15:08 +0000 James Marsh James Marsh The onset of the holidays means it is awards season in Hollywood. While plenty of this year’s contenders, including Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another and Jon M. Chu’s Wicked: For Good, have already opened in Hong Kong cinemas, the likes of Marty Supreme, starring best actor hopeful Timothée Chalamet, have yet to secure a release date. Similarly, the Hong Kong release of the season’s biggest blockbuster, James Cameron’s eagerly awaited Avatar: Fire and Ash, has been indefinitely... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3336602/12-new-hollywood-movies-watch-winter-2025-hamnet-song-sung-blue https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3336602/12-new-hollywood-movies-watch-winter-2025-hamnet-song-sung-blue Wed, 17 Dec 2025 23:15:07 +0000 James Marsh James Marsh The last few days have seen Hong Kong reeling from the unspeakable tragedy of the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which has left at least 146 people dead and 79 injured, with 40 still unaccounted for. Initial investigations suggest possible negligence on the part of those overseeing renovation work, leaving the community angry and desperate for justice. Meanwhile, the way in which the city’s population has rallied together to provide support for those affected has been truly humbling. In times... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3334761/want-find-solace-film-10-movies-may-offer-catharsis-and-hope https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3334761/want-find-solace-film-10-movies-may-offer-catharsis-and-hope Mon, 01 Dec 2025 10:15:08 +0000 dpa dpa Many of us attribute gradual weight gain in middle age and beyond to a slow metabolism, but to what extent is this assumption true? In a world flooded with health advice and ever-changing diet trends, we consulted Matyas Fehervari, a consultant bariatric surgeon at Nuffield Health in the UK, who works extensively with metabolic issues, to cut through all the noise. He has helped demystify exactly what a metabolism is, how it can change with age and some key ways we can maintain a healthy... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3331445/does-your-metabolism-slow-you-age-discover-facts-and-follow-these-expert-tips https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3331445/does-your-metabolism-slow-you-age-discover-facts-and-follow-these-expert-tips Tue, 04 Nov 2025 08:15:08 +0000 dpa dpa The Covid-19 pandemic shone a spotlight on the diverging fortunes of video games and Hollywood. While the former thrived during lockdown, the latter had difficulty adapting, with cinemas still now looking for ways to draw audiences. Gaming has continued to steadily grow as the younger generation has become enthralled with the worlds they introduce. The movie industry has even leaned on video game properties as films such as Minecraft and Super Mario Bros. All of this highlights the importance of... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3329437/3-major-video-game-releases-autumn-2025-including-borderlands-4 https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3329437/3-major-video-game-releases-autumn-2025-including-borderlands-4 Sat, 18 Oct 2025 08:15:07 +0000 James Marsh James Marsh Boasting an eclectic programme of features, shorts, documentaries and retrospectives, the 22nd Hong Kong Asian Film Festival (HKAFF) opens its doors on October 22 with the Asian premiere of new Hong Kong animation Another World. Other local debuts include esports fantasy Gamer Girls, starring the increasingly ubiquitous Angela Yuen Lai-lam, and the Canada-set drama Finch & Midland, featuring Anthony Wong Chau-sang and Patrick Tam Yiu-man. Thai filmmaker Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit is this year’s... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3327321/hong-kong-asian-film-festival-2025-12-best-movies-see-including-another-world https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3327321/hong-kong-asian-film-festival-2025-12-best-movies-see-including-another-world Wed, 01 Oct 2025 04:45:08 +0000 Pierce Conran Pierce Conran Following an unusually packed September, October has a slimmer slate of K-dramas, including several fantasy romances. Read on to find out what to catch over the next month. 1. Genie, Make a Wish Lead cast: Kim Woo-bin, Bae Suzy Kim Woo-bin (Our Blues) and Bae Suzy (Doona!) team up for the fantasy romance Genie, Make a Wish on Netflix next month, the latest show from The Glory mastermind Kim Eun-sook. Bae plays the psychopath Ga-yeong, whose tendencies have long been kept in check by her... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-drama/article/3326939/6-best-new-k-dramas-watch-october-2025-including-genie-make-wish https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-drama/article/3326939/6-best-new-k-dramas-watch-october-2025-including-genie-make-wish Sun, 28 Sep 2025 23:15:10 +0000 Kylie Knott Kylie Knott The Mid-Autumn Festival – celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon is fullest – is one of the most important events on the Chinese festival calendar. This year, it falls on October 6. Families unite to enjoy mooncakes and light lanterns, with the city hosting events to help people get into the festive mood. One of the biggest celebrations is the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, which will take place on October 5 (7.30pm-10pm ), October 6 (7.30pm-11.30pm ) and October 7... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3326832/4-mid-autumn-festival-2025-events-hong-kong-away-huge-crowds https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3326832/4-mid-autumn-festival-2025-events-hong-kong-away-huge-crowds Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:24:40 +0000 dpa dpa While staying hydrated is key to good health, the effects of dehydration can extend far beyond simply feeling thirsty and having a headache. Even mild dehydration can affect both your body and mind in unexpected ways. For instance, a recent study led by researchers at Liverpool John Moores University in England found that people who habitually drank less than the recommended 1.5 litres (3.2 pints) of water per day showed elevated levels of cortisol – the body’s primary stress hormone. The study... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3323861/side-effects-dehydration-bad-breath-and-cramps-premature-skin-ageing https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3323861/side-effects-dehydration-bad-breath-and-cramps-premature-skin-ageing Mon, 01 Sep 2025 11:15:07 +0000 Charmaine Mok Charmaine Mok Serious coffee drinkers are never left wanting in Hong Kong, with each month bringing a new set of cafes to try. This month, there are fresh brews to be had all over the city, from Hong Kong Island to the airport – perfect for those early morning flights. Read on to find out more. 1. Kactus Koffee Kactus Koffee, the original branch of which is in Jordan, has opened an even bigger second branch in Sheung Wan. The new two-level location offers something that few cafes in Hong Kong can: plenty of... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3323882/5-new-coffee-shops-hong-kong-try-september-airport-wan-chai https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3323882/5-new-coffee-shops-hong-kong-try-september-airport-wan-chai Mon, 01 Sep 2025 08:18:06 +0000 Pierce Conran Pierce Conran A whopping 13 K-dramas will be debuting on screens this September, all but guaranteeing that fans will have to scramble to make time for their new favourite shows as we head into the autumn. Read on to find out what to catch over the next month. 1. Queen Mantis Lead cast: Go Hyun-jung, Jang Dong-yoon In this remake of the French series La Mante, Go Hyun-jung (Mask Girl) plays Jung Yi-shin, a serial killer known as the Mantis who murdered five men two decades ago. Jang Dong-yoon (Daily Dose of... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-drama/article/3323625/13-best-new-k-dramas-watch-september-2025-including-tempest-jun-ji-hyun https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-drama/article/3323625/13-best-new-k-dramas-watch-september-2025-including-tempest-jun-ji-hyun Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:15:07 +0000 SCMP Reporters SCMP Reporters It may not feel like it – temperatures are still hovering above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) most days – but according to the 24 terms in the solar calendar, the “great heat” of the summer ended last week. Here are five things to do in Hong Kong this weekend to mark the start of a new season. 1. No Limits Wellness Day Join Project S gym founder Sarah Wersborg and Olympian swimmer Camille Cheng, who is studying to be a sports psychologist, on August 30 for a few hours of spinning,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3323571/5-best-things-do-hong-kong-weekend-august-29-31 https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3323571/5-best-things-do-hong-kong-weekend-august-29-31 Fri, 29 Aug 2025 03:00:57 +0000 dpa dpa We all experience the occasional late night or restless sleep – but when these nights become frequent, it can take a toll on your health and well-being. Dr Katharina Lederle, a sleep and circadian rhythm specialist at The London General Practice in the UK, has outlined six signs that your sleep pattern may be off balance. She also shares seven helpful tips and tricks on how to reset your routine. Here are warning signs you should look out for. 1. Waking up in the night Frequently waking up too... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3323195/6-signs-youre-sleeping-badly-and-7-tips-how-improve-it https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3323195/6-signs-youre-sleeping-badly-and-7-tips-how-improve-it Tue, 26 Aug 2025 20:15:08 +0000 Pierce Conran Pierce Conran The new Netflix K-drama series Aema takes us back to 1980s Korea, when the film industry, egged on by a government keen for cultural distractions, was gearing up to make Madame Aema, Korea’s first erotic film. The film ushered in a decade of erotic content, paving the way for classics that are memorable for themes and ideas that go beyond mere titillation. Below, we rank the 13 best erotic films from 1980s Korean cinema. Alas, Madame Aema did not make the cut. 13. The Parrot Cries with Its Body... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-movies/article/3323169/intrigued-netflix-k-drama-aema-13-best-1980s-korean-erotic-films-ranked https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-movies/article/3323169/intrigued-netflix-k-drama-aema-13-best-1980s-korean-erotic-films-ranked Tue, 26 Aug 2025 10:15:14 +0000 James Marsh James Marsh Urban legends, tragic accidents and historical wrongdoings have proved a rich font of inspiration for horror filmmakers, nowhere more so than in Taiwan. The island’s tumultuous history and rapid economic progress have seen old traditions and old-world beliefs engulfed by modernity. The past decade alone has seen a number of supernatural tales adapted for the big screen, nurturing a booming subgenre in supernatural horror. With this week’s release of the Taiwanese film Haunted Mountains: The... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3322457/10-taiwanese-horror-movies-turned-creepy-urban-legends-big-screen-inspiration https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3322457/10-taiwanese-horror-movies-turned-creepy-urban-legends-big-screen-inspiration Wed, 20 Aug 2025 23:15:08 +0000 James Marsh James Marsh The Busan International Film Festival in South Korea celebrates its 30th anniversary in September with an expanded and revamped programme. Notable among the new sections is one called “A Little History of Our Own, ‘Take Care of Our Future!’”, which focuses on five rising female filmmakers within the Korean industry: Kim Se-in, Kim Cho-hee, Yoon Ga-eun, Yoon Dan-bi and Lim Oh-jeong. Each director will screen a film of their choice that helped influence their artistic perspective, after which they... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-movies/article/3321571/busan-film-festival-2025-5-korean-female-filmmakers-and-classics-shaped-them https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-movies/article/3321571/busan-film-festival-2025-5-korean-female-filmmakers-and-classics-shaped-them Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:15:07 +0000 James Marsh James Marsh Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein might be the earliest example of body horror, a subgenre of horror that focuses on mutation, destruction and transformation of the human form. These ideas were explored further in classics like The Wolfman and Phantom of the Opera, or intertwined within science fiction in everything from The Fly to Attack of the 50 Foot Woman. Body horror hit its heyday in the 1980s, where advances in practical effects work helped realise the tactile, sanguineous visions of filmmakers... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3320814/14-best-body-horror-films-last-10-years-old-substance https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3320814/14-best-body-horror-films-last-10-years-old-substance Tue, 05 Aug 2025 11:45:08 +0000 Kylie Knott Kylie Knott There is a lot to love about a staycation. It is a break from routine without the typical travel hassles – and holidaying at home helps support your local economy. Air travel also has a significant environmental impact, with the greenhouse gas emissions it produces contributing to climate change. For this reason, staycations are a more sustainable travel choice. Those looking for a “staycay” this summer should check out these hotels in Hong Kong that are offering a little more fun than the usual... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3318989/6-hong-kong-hotels-offering-summer-fun-and-staycation-deals-so-you-neednt-leave-city https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3318989/6-hong-kong-hotels-offering-summer-fun-and-staycation-deals-so-you-neednt-leave-city Tue, 22 Jul 2025 04:15:08 +0000 Erika Na Erika Na This August, the Greater Bay Area (GBA) becomes a global stage for an eclectic line-up of cultural events. From an intriguing flamenco adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera to classical 19th-century Russian ballets to contemporary art exhibitions, there is something for everyone. Here are five highlights. 1. Flamenco adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera The longest-running show in Broadway history is taking a fresh turn via a unique fusion with flamenco, a Spanish folk dance known for its... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts/article/3318246/5-greater-bay-area-shows-and-concerts-august-2025-catch https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts/article/3318246/5-greater-bay-area-shows-and-concerts-august-2025-catch Tue, 15 Jul 2025 07:15:10 +0000 James Mottram James Mottram Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman has been with us, in comic form at least, since 1938. But it was only when Christopher Reeve took to the skies in the 1978 film Superman that people truly took notice. After mixed fortunes in the era of directors Bryan Singer and Zack Snyder, this week the superhero flies back into cinemas – played by David Corenswet – in James Gunn’s Superman. As the Man of Steel fights foes (and a PR battle), it is a chance to relaunch the character as part of... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3317517/10-best-superman-movies-ranked-including-james-gunns-new-take-david-corenswet https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3317517/10-best-superman-movies-ranked-including-james-gunns-new-take-david-corenswet Wed, 09 Jul 2025 09:15:07 +0000 James Marsh James Marsh One of the most recognisable and successful performers in South Korea, Lee Byung-hun is back on our screens this week in the dramatic conclusion of Netflix’s global K-drama phenomenon, Squid Game. Since his television debut in 1991, Lee has found sustained critical and commercial acclaim on the big and small screen, overcome tabloid scandals, and even appeared in Hollywood action blockbusters like G.I. Joe, Terminator Genisys and The Magnificent Seven. Lee will also be the subject of a 10-film... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-movies/article/3316487/12-best-movies-squid-games-front-man-lee-byung-hun-ranked https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-drama/k-movies/article/3316487/12-best-movies-squid-games-front-man-lee-byung-hun-ranked Wed, 02 Jul 2025 09:15:09 +0000 Mabel Lui Mabel Lui Many objects are considered auspicious in Chinese culture. Red items, for example, are thought to be lucky because of the colour’s associations with good fortune and prosperity – red clothing is commonly worn during Lunar New Year as it symbolises new beginnings. But there are also items that are considered unlucky, especially when given as a present. Giving the wrong present can risk ill will for years to come. Below are five things you should never give as a gift according to Chinese... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-culture/article/3316324/gifts-you-must-avoid-giving-chinese-culture-clocks-and-shoes-pears-and-why https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-culture/article/3316324/gifts-you-must-avoid-giving-chinese-culture-clocks-and-shoes-pears-and-why Mon, 30 Jun 2025 04:28:03 +0000 Sasha Gonzales Sasha Gonzales While working with children with cancer and other blood diseases as a graduate school student in the United States, Maria Sirois wondered why some families grew stronger and closer as they rallied against severe illness. Watching their stories unfold inspired her to learn more about why some of us develop resilience while others fall to pieces. Today, Sirois is a leading expert in positive psychology and resilience. She helps businesses, community groups, leaders and others to navigate... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3315856/how-build-resilience-help-you-deal-change-stress-and-grief https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3315856/how-build-resilience-help-you-deal-change-stress-and-grief Sun, 29 Jun 2025 00:15:07 +0000 Lisa Cam Lisa Cam July sees two big new Korean restaurant openings in Hong Kong, with one specialising in pork rice soup and another in Korean beef offal. Meanwhile, Causeway Bay sees a spicy new addition in a Sichuan hotpot restaurant that promises to go beyond fiery mala flavours. Breathing fresh air into the nightlife scene is a bar that promises great beats as well as a mean cocktail. Read on for this month’s newest restaurants. 1. Sichuan Rouge Causeway Bay’s restaurant scene has a hot new addition in... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3315865/11-new-hong-kong-restaurants-and-bars-try-july-2025-hotpot-pork-rice-soup https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3315865/11-new-hong-kong-restaurants-and-bars-try-july-2025-hotpot-pork-rice-soup Fri, 27 Jun 2025 04:15:07 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Extreme heat makes it especially hard for your body to cool down, so you need to be extra careful if you exercise or play sports when it is baking outside. Your brain tries to keep your body around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius) and it does so in part by triggering sweat. When sweat evaporates, it carries away heat from your body’s surface. When sweat cannot do its job – because your body is generating a lot of heat or it is too hot and humid to cool down – you are at risk of... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3315775/how-hot-too-hot-exercise-plus-how-do-it-safely-summer https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3315775/how-hot-too-hot-exercise-plus-how-do-it-safely-summer Wed, 25 Jun 2025 09:32:02 +0000 Anthea Rowan Anthea Rowan American biohacker Bryan Johnson invests big money – an estimated US$2 million yearly – trying to turn back his body clock. His quest for eternal youth includes specialised nutrition, supplements and personalised medicine – from stem-cell injections to DNA editing. You do not have to be rich or a risk-taker to slow the ageing process, though. There are more accessible options that are a lot less costly, and may be even more successful, as two British authors reveal in books that describe how... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3315037/how-reverse-ageing-2-women-their-60s-shaving-decades-their-biological-ages https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3315037/how-reverse-ageing-2-women-their-60s-shaving-decades-their-biological-ages Sun, 22 Jun 2025 00:15:08 +0000 SCMP Reporter SCMP Reporter With the weather in Hong Kong looking stormy this weekend, we have you covered with some great indoor entertainment. Fans of live music can head to the Fringe Club in Central on June 13-14 for the 21st anniversary bash of live-music platform The Underground, while oenophiles can hide from the elements while enjoying wines paired with vinyl records. If you are looking to calm your mind, a crystal bowl and Tibetan singing bowl course might be for you, or maybe some retail therapy at a pop-up by... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3314147/5-best-things-do-hong-kong-weekend-june-13-15-including-sound-healing https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3314147/5-best-things-do-hong-kong-weekend-june-13-15-including-sound-healing Fri, 13 Jun 2025 02:00:10 +0000 James Marsh James Marsh Summer is upon us once again, which in Hong Kong means an onslaught of heat and humidity matched only by what is lining up to be a torrent of sequels, remakes and bona fide blockbusters that will dominate cinema screens between now and the new school year. Comedies, thrillers, spine-chillers and superhero extravaganzas will be duking it out for our attention, so here is our pick of 15 of the most promising offerings to open in Hong Kong this summer (opening dates are for Hong Kong). 1. F1: The... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3313839/15-new-hollywood-movies-watch-summer-2025-superman-and-smurfs-f1-movie https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3313839/15-new-hollywood-movies-watch-summer-2025-superman-and-smurfs-f1-movie Wed, 11 Jun 2025 23:15:07 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Japan’s Oscar-winning anime house Studio Ghibli turns 40 this month. Here are the studio’s top five films that have delighted fans over the decades: 1. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Studio Ghibli was founded in 1985, but this post-apocalyptic story featuring a young, independent princess curious about giant insects is considered its first film. It was based on a comic-strip series that Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki wrote for a magazine targeted at anime fans. Set 1,000 years after a... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3313693/5-top-films-studio-ghiblis-first-40-years-spirited-away-princess-mononoke https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3313693/5-top-films-studio-ghiblis-first-40-years-spirited-away-princess-mononoke Mon, 09 Jun 2025 20:15:07 +0000