分类： entertainment

The newly restored Fengle Theatre, now operating as Jilin Provincial Music Hall, prepares to host its inaugural grand performance—a New Year’s Symphony Concert by the Jilin Symphony Orchestra on December 31st at 7 PM. This landmark event marks the cultural renaissance of a venue that once stood at the heart of Changchun’s artistic community.

Musicians have been diligently rehearsing within the revitalized space, where the acoustics of the historically significant building now resonate with both Chinese and Western musical traditions. The carefully curated program bridges cultural divides by pairing quintessential Chinese compositions like ‘The Yellow River Piano Concerto’ and ‘Butterfly Lovers’ with festive works from the Strauss family, including Johann Strauss I’s rarely performed ‘Chinese Gallop’—a 19th-century European interpretation of Chinese musical themes.

For orchestra members, particularly those with deep local connections, the performance carries profound significance. Principal trumpet Song Yujia, a Changchun native, reflects on childhood memories of the building when the surrounding district served as the city’s primary cultural quarter for film and performances. The restoration represents not merely architectural preservation but the reawakening of cultural memory and community identity.

The concert’s programming intentionally creates a dialogue between Eastern and Western musical traditions, showcasing how cultural exchange has evolved from 19th-century European imaginations of China to contemporary artistic collaboration. This New Year’s event establishes the revived Fengle Theatre as a renewed beacon for cultural excellence in Northeast China.

In a landmark fusion of high-performance sport and luxury fashion, British design house Jimmy Choo has unveiled a strategic partnership with Amna Al Qubaisi, the pioneering Emirati racing driver who made history as the first Arab woman to compete in Formula E. The collaboration was formally announced by Jaime Wynn, President of Jimmy Choo, during a panel discussion at the prestigious World Sports Summit, held at Madinat Jumeirah.

The forthcoming campaign, scheduled for release in late January, represents a significant shift in how luxury brands engage with athletic ambassadors. Wynn articulated this evolving strategy, stating, ‘Luxury brands are transitioning from being perceived as inaccessible to becoming intentional and carefully curated. Through partnerships with elite athletes like Amna, we are creating that essential gateway.’

This alliance highlights the growing convergence between the worlds of elite motorsport and high fashion, while simultaneously celebrating a monumental figure in Middle Eastern sports history. Al Qubaisi’s groundbreaking achievements in the male-dominated racing world have established her as an inspirational figure and a symbol of progressive change.

The partnership signals Jimmy Choo’s commitment to aligning with individuals who embody both excellence and barrier-breaking accomplishment, rather than traditional celebrity endorsements. This campaign is poised to showcase how performance footwear and luxury design can intersect with the dynamic, high-octane world of electric racing.

In a significant development following years of public discord, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West set aside their differences to celebrate Christmas 2025 together with their four children. Multiple entertainment outlets confirm the former couple demonstrated amicable behavior during holiday gatherings, prioritizing family unity over past conflicts.

The reconciliation marks a dramatic shift from previous tensions that characterized their co-parenting relationship since their 2022 divorce after eight years of marriage. Sources close to both parties indicate the rapper has undergone substantial personal reflection regarding his previous controversial conduct, including inflammatory social media outbursts that had complicated their parental dynamic.

West, accompanied by current wife Bianca Censori, remained in Los Angeles throughout the holiday period to maximize time with his children. The couple’s holiday itinerary included cultural engagements such as attending The Nutcracker performance on Christmas Eve and later appearing at Hollywood Improv for Deon Cole’s comedy showcase. The following day featured a festive excursion to Disneyland’s California Adventure with children Saint and Chicago.

This détente follows Kardashian’s October revelation that communication between West and their children had lapsed for several months. The successful holiday coordination suggests both parties have implemented improved cooperation mechanisms for their children’s benefit, particularly regarding North’s social media presence—a previous point of contention where West has reportedly softened his stance.

The former power couple shares four children: North (12), Saint (10), Chicago (7), and Psalm (6). This holiday reconciliation represents their most significant public display of cooperative parenting since their separation, potentially establishing a new framework for future co-parenting arrangements.

The K-pop landscape faces a seismic shift as chart-topping quintet NewJeans fractures irrevocably. Record label Ador announced the unilateral termination of member Danielle Marsh’s contract, extinguishing hopes for a complete reunion following a protracted legal battle. This decision culminates a year-long dispute that began in 2024 when the group collectively alleged workplace harassment and attempted to exit their contract—a move Ador vehemently denied.

The conflict reached its legal zenith in October when a Seoul district court ruled NewJeans must honor their exclusive contract until 2029. While all five members initially acquiesced to return in November, Ador’s latest announcement reveals deep fissures within the group. The label simultaneously disclosed impending legal action against former CEO Min Hee-jin and a member of Marsh’s family, alleging they bear ‘significant responsibility’ for the discord.

Ador’s statement suggests sophisticated manipulation, claiming members were ‘exposed to persistently distorted and biased information’ creating ‘significant misunderstandings.’ The agency provided contrasting updates on other members: Hanni reportedly reaffirmed her commitment after family-involved discussions, while Minji remains in ‘ongoing conversations’ with the label.

Fan reactions have been volcanic, with social media erupting under the banner ‘NewJeans is five or nothing.’ Devotees questioned the rationality of removing Marsh, with one X user declaring: ‘NewJeans without Danielle isn’t NewJeans. Do you think you can just erase a member this easily?’

Music critic Lim Hee-yun contextualized the tragedy: ‘NewJeans revolutionized female K-pop acts. Fans worldwide hoped for their complete return—that possibility has now evaporated.’ He predicts Ador may face pressure to recruit new members, particularly if Minji departs, noting three-member groups traditionally struggle in K-pop’s chemistry-driven ecosystem.

Marsh’s artistic future appears precarious. Lim suggests she may face industry skepticism and might need to ‘pursue being a solo act as an actor, model, or influencer.’ The termination marks a devastating turn for the group that achieved unprecedented success since their 2022 debut, becoming the world’s eighth-best-selling act within a year through their innovative blend of 1990s R&B and contemporary pop.

In a significant milestone for cultural exchange, the Chinese animated fantasy film ‘Into the Mortal World’ (Luofanchen) premiered in Vietnamese theaters on December 27, 2025, marking the first mainland Chinese cinematic release in Vietnam since 2019’s ‘Ne Zha’. The film’s debut coincides with Vietnam’s peak holiday season, securing placement across more than 300 screens nationwide.

Produced by Guangzhou-based Winsing Animation, the feature draws inspiration from the ancient Chinese legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl (Niulang and Zhinyu). The narrative follows the magical adventures of their descendants, siblings Jinfeng and Yulu, as they embark on a quest to reclaim the 28 constellations and safeguard the human realm.

The release signals both the recovery of Southeast Asia’s film market and the resurgence of Chinese cinema in the region. Industry data reveals Vietnam’s box office reached a record $185 million in 2024, with Southeast Asian markets growing at 5-6% annually. International media outlet Deadline has identified Vietnam as one of Asia’s most rapidly expanding cinematic markets.

According to Gu Yanmei, Vice-President of Winsing Animation, the film’s successful entry into Vietnam reflects both distributor confidence and exceptional production quality. ‘The level of craftsmanship, comparable to top international studios, represents a core selling point that attracts young local audiences,’ Gu noted, highlighting the film’s five-year development period and over 2,000 special effects shots.

Cultural proximity has proven instrumental to the film’s regional appeal. The Cowherd and Weaver Girl mythology enjoys widespread recognition in Vietnam, creating natural audience familiarity. Winsing Animation conducted comprehensive localization efforts, including Vietnamese dubbing and collaborative marketing strategies with local partners to align with regional viewing preferences.

Prior to its Vietnamese premiere, ‘Luofanchen’ had already achieved international distribution across 40+ countries and regions including Russia, Singapore, Australia, and Thailand. The film has also been featured at prestigious international events including Japan’s Niigata International Animation Film Festival and Italy’s Fanhua Chinese Film Festival.

A groundbreaking nature documentary collaboration between BBC Studios and Chinese media has unveiled the spectacular wilderness of Guangdong province to global audiences. ‘Wild Guangdong,’ a three-episode series produced with 4K ultra-high definition technology, represents the first partnership between the British broadcaster and provincial-level Chinese media.

The documentary premiered on BBC Earth Asia on December 7th before airing on China Central Television Documentary Channel and Guangdong Satellite TV from December 8th-10th. The series has subsequently become available on major Chinese streaming platforms including Youku, iQiyi, Tencent Video, and Bilibili, making it accessible to diverse audiences worldwide.

This ambitious project required three years of dedicated fieldwork and production, a joint effort between Guangdong Radio and Television Station and BBC Studios’ experienced documentary team. Each 50-minute episode captures the province’s remarkable biodiversity through stunning visual storytelling and advanced cinematography techniques.

According to Robi Stanton, President of Media and Streaming for BBC Studios Asia-Pacific, the documentary presents moving narratives about local communities coexisting with nature while protecting ecological treasures amid rapid urban development. ‘Within the tapestry of modern civilization built by its 130 million people of Guangdong, nature and humanity together compose a moving poem of harmonious coexistence,’ Stanton remarked, highlighting the production’s central theme of balance between development and environmental preservation.

The documentary offers viewers unprecedented glimpses into Guangdong’s diverse ecosystems, from lush forests and winding rivers to coastal habitats, showcasing species both familiar and rare within their natural environments. This visual journey not only celebrates biological diversity but also demonstrates successful conservation efforts occurring alongside one of China’s most economically dynamic regions.