The Chinese entertainment industry went through a turbulent year in 2025, marked by unexpected losses, public scandals, career comebacks, and major industry shifts. While the year was filled with controversy and sorrow, it also highlighted the resilience of artists and the evolving tastes of audiences. Here are the 10 most talked-about events that defined C-entertainment in 2025.
1. Barbie Hsu’s Sudden Passing in Japan
The unexpected death of Barbie Hsu shocked audiences across Asia. A defining icon of early-2000s Taiwanese idol dramas, she left an indelible mark through Meteor Garden. Despite stepping away from the spotlight for over a decade, public interest surged following her passing from funeral arrangements and family grief to legal disputes involving her ex-husband Wang Xiaofei and the future of her children. Her death became the most covered entertainment story in Chinese-language media in 2025.
2. Mystery Surrounding Yu Menglong’s Death
Actor Yu Menglong, known for historical fantasy dramas, passed away suddenly. While his family confirmed it was an accident, online speculation continued to circulate, raising concerns about mental health pressures within the highly competitive entertainment industry. The incident sparked widespread debate and inadvertently drew other industry figures into controversy.
3. Xianxia Dramas Lose Their Dominance
Once the backbone of Chinese television, xianxia (fantasy cultivation) dramas faced clear audience fatigue. Repetitive storylines and overreliance on visual effects led to declining ratings, forcing producers to reassess the genre. While titles like The Immortal Ascension and White Moon Brahma Star drew some attention, the genre’s golden era appears to be fading.
4. Song Zuer and Yang Yang’s Comebacks
After a prolonged hiatus due to tax evasion rumors, Song Zuer returned with pre-filmed projects The Demon Hunter’s Romance and The Prisoner of Beauty, earning praise for her stable acting and strong chemistry with Liu Yuning.
Meanwhile, Yang Yang made his comeback with The Immortal Ascension, receiving positive feedback for his performance despite mixed reactions toward the drama itself.
5. Fan Bingbing Wins Golden Horse Award But Cannot Attend
Although Fan Bingbing won Best Actress at the Golden Horse Awards for Mother Earth, she was notably absent from the ceremony. Despite critical acclaim for her performance, her continued restrictions within mainland China remain evident, highlighting the invisible barriers still limiting her full return.
6. Leaked Audio Puts Wong Kar-wai Under Fire
Legendary director Wong Kar-wai faced backlash after leaked audio recordings released by a former assistant allegedly revealed dismissive comments toward actresses and disputes over screenplay ownership of Blossoms Shanghai. The incident damaged his carefully maintained artistic image and sparked intense debate.
7. Military Service Evasion Scandals Rock Celebrities
Several Taiwanese celebrities were implicated in military service evasion cases, exposing alleged networks involving falsified medical records. Stars such as Chen Bolin faced canceled projects and damaged reputations, reigniting discussions on celebrity privilege and civic responsibility.
8. Zhao Lusi’s Controversial Behavior and Agency Disputes
Zhao Lusi drew attention for a series of erratic public appearances and livestreams, leading to concerns about her mental health and conflicts with her management agency. Her case echoed similar legal disputes involving artists like Cai Xukun and G.E.M., highlighting systemic issues in talent management.
9. Chen Xiao and Michelle Chen Announce Divorce
Beloved couple Chen Xiao and Michelle Chen quietly announced their divorce after nine years of marriage. The pair, who met while filming The Romance of the Condor Heroes, ended their relationship without public conflict, earning respect despite fans’ disappointment.
10. F4 Reunion Falls Short
A partial reunion of F4, featuring Jerry Yan, Vic Chou, and Vanness Wu, stirred nostalgia among 80s and 90s audiences. However, Ken Chu’s absence due to repeated controversies prevented a full reunion. The remaining members moved forward with new collaborations, leaving fans with mixed emotions.
Despite a year filled with uncertainty and upheaval, 2025 also revealed how Chinese entertainment continues to evolve reflecting changing audience expectations, stricter industry standards, and the enduring influence of its stars.
Sources: Weibo
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