Topic
TOPIC
A number of celebrities and super idols in Greater China found themselves at the centre of major scandals in 2021 as the Chinese government stepped up efforts to discipline its showbiz industry that it believes is “misleading” the young generation. Labelled “misbehaving celebrities”, they fell from grace either for breaching the law or engaging in “unethical behaviour”. While it’s not rare for pop stars to be punished for illegal practices such as using drugs or hiring sex workers, the crackdown on entertainers in 2021 has seen many suffer bigger consequences than just disappointing fans, for breaking Beijing’s moral standards in their private life.
SCMP chief news editor Yonden Lhatoo says blame the system, not the Hollywood star, for inequality.
SCMP chief news editor Yonden Lhatoo says blame the system, not the Hollywood star, for inequality.
Miss Universe Thailand 2020 Amanda Obdam volunteered to help make and distribute food to residents of a pandemic-hit slum in Bangkok on June 14, 2021. Khlong Toei, the Thai capital's largest slum, has been the scene of a Covid-19 case cluster as the nation battles its third wave of infections. Food preparations were overseen by some of Thailand’s top chefs, including some who have earned Michelin stars. The distribution was organised by the charity project Food for Fighter, which was originally set up to donate food to frontline medical workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Miss Universe Thailand 2020 Amanda Obdam volunteered to help make and distribute food to residents of a pandemic-hit slum in Bangkok on June 14, 2021. Khlong Toei, the Thai capital's largest slum, has been the scene of a Covid-19 case cluster as the nation battles its third wave of infections. Food preparations were overseen by some of Thailand’s top chefs, including some who have earned Michelin stars. The distribution was organised by the charity project Food for Fighter, which was originally set up to donate food to frontline medical workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Retired US basketball star Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in suburban Los Angeles on January 26, 2020.
Retired US basketball star Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in suburban Los Angeles on January 26, 2020.
Tokyo Fashion Week kicked off with legendary Japanese rock star Yoshiki’s latest kimono collection on October 14, 2019.
Tokyo Fashion Week kicked off with legendary Japanese rock star Yoshiki’s latest kimono collection on October 14, 2019.
Filipino boxing legend and politician Manny Pacquiao has revealed his own cryptocurrency. The PAC Token unveiled at Pacquiao’s first major music concert in Manila on September 1, 2019, is also described as the world’s first celebrity cryptocurrency.
Filipino boxing legend and politician Manny Pacquiao has revealed his own cryptocurrency. The PAC Token unveiled at Pacquiao’s first major music concert in Manila on September 1, 2019, is also described as the world’s first celebrity cryptocurrency.
A 200-strong cast that reads like a who’s who of Hong Kong’s business, political, and entertainment sectors – including superstar Jackie Chan and businessman Allan Zeman – has been enlisted to guest star in a music video featuring the Chinese national anthem to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
A 200-strong cast that reads like a who’s who of Hong Kong’s business, political, and entertainment sectors – including superstar Jackie Chan and businessman Allan Zeman – has been enlisted to guest star in a music video featuring the Chinese national anthem to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
While Downey is going viral on Weibo, Chinese fans discovered other stars also offered spoilers
While Downey is going viral on Weibo, Chinese fans discovered other stars also offered spoilers
Online comments for Marvel’s first film focused on a female superhero revolve around star Brie Larson’s looks
Online comments for Marvel’s first film focused on a female superhero revolve around star Brie Larson’s looks
It happened to Gal Gadot, Scarlett Johansson and Barack Obama. Now it’s happening to Chinese celebrities
It happened to Gal Gadot, Scarlett Johansson and Barack Obama. Now it’s happening to Chinese celebrities
Celebrity hacks don't just happen in the West
Celebrity hacks don't just happen in the West
But the launch wasn't all smooth for Xiaomi. The day before, company president Lin Bin posted a series of promotional pictures, showing off the phone's ability to slim female figures and enlarge their breasts (a regretfully common practice among Chinese photo "beauty" apps). Netizens soon pointed out that the pictures were actually two years old. Xiaomi angrily denied any intent to mislead, claiming they were just drafts and that "we are not that stupid."
But the launch wasn't all smooth for Xiaomi. The day before, company president Lin Bin posted a series of promotional pictures, showing off the phone's ability to slim female figures and enlarge their breasts (a regretfully common practice among Chinese photo "beauty" apps). Netizens soon pointed out that the pictures were actually two years old. Xiaomi angrily denied any intent to mislead, claiming they were just drafts and that "we are not that stupid."
The fast rise of TikTok has made many wonder how big their marketing budget is
The fast rise of TikTok has made many wonder how big their marketing budget is
Kris Wu. Kris Who? Plenty of people were confused when the Chinese star nabbed seven of the top 10 spots on iTunes' music sales charts. But just as quickly as Wu's rise was his fall. Within a week, none of his songs were in the top 200. Critics say he used bots to buy his way to the top. But his supporters say it shows just how huge and powerful Wu's fanbase is.
Kris Wu. Kris Who? Plenty of people were confused when the Chinese star nabbed seven of the top 10 spots on iTunes' music sales charts. But just as quickly as Wu's rise was his fall. Within a week, none of his songs were in the top 200. Critics say he used bots to buy his way to the top. But his supporters say it shows just how huge and powerful Wu's fanbase is.
Martial arts superstar explained the decision in a recent interview with Chinese media
Martial arts superstar explained the decision in a recent interview with Chinese media
Haven't heard of G.E.M.? Well, she's a big star in China and the inspiration behind Marvel's latest superhero, Jewel. (Gem. Jewel. Get it?) Stan Lee says he's always wanted to create a Chinese superhero, so this didn't come out of the blue. His studio was also bought by a Hong Kong company last year, so be prepared to see more China-focused projects from the man behind so many iconic superheroes.
Haven't heard of G.E.M.? Well, she's a big star in China and the inspiration behind Marvel's latest superhero, Jewel. (Gem. Jewel. Get it?) Stan Lee says he's always wanted to create a Chinese superhero, so this didn't come out of the blue. His studio was also bought by a Hong Kong company last year, so be prepared to see more China-focused projects from the man behind so many iconic superheroes.
Film produced by Legendary, owned by China’s Wanda
Film produced by Legendary, owned by China’s Wanda
Fans worry that the live-action Mobile Suit Gundam film will be Americanized
Fans worry that the live-action Mobile Suit Gundam film will be Americanized