Top stories in China's entertainment industry in 2018 (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
The past year was not an ordinary year for China's entertainment industry. Some big celebrities were caught in scandals while young potentials rose to fame. Some tied the knot while others broke apart.
In China's entertainment circle, you never know who will be the next hot thing. But one thing is for sure, celebrities who boast huge social influence should set a good example and convey positive social values to the general public.
Louis Cha (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
1. Martial arts novelist Louis Cha dies
Louis Cha Leung-yung, one of the most influential Chinese novelists, and better known under the pen name Jin Yong, died on Oct 30, in Hong Kong Sanatorium.
His novels have been adapted in films, TV and radio series, and deeply influenced the cultural development of Chinese-speaking communities around the world.
Chinese A-list actress Fan Bingbing (Photo/ChinaDaily)
2. Actress Fan Bingbing fined for tax evasion
Chinese A-list actress Fan Bingbing was fined 883 million yuan ($128 million) for tax evasion, highlighting a nationwide drive to regulate tax payments in the film and television sector.
China's tax authorities reminded filmmakers, television production companies and related sectors, as well as those in high-income brackets, to look closely into their own taxpaying practices before Dec 31.
According to Xinhua News Agency, those who make remedial payments to tax authorities for unpaid taxes will be exempt from administrative punishment and penalties.
Yang Chaoyue (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
3. Modern Cinderella story sparks discussion
With her rags-to-riches background and doll-like appearance, 19-year-old singer Yang Chaoyue received flak for her poor singing and dancing skills in China's hit show Produce 101.
However, she was able to rise beyond the criticism and secure third place on the show.
Li Yong (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
4. Former CCTV anchorman Li Yong dies at 50
Former CCTV anchorman Li Yong died on Oct 25 at age 50 after 17 months of battle against cancer.
Li was most known for his witty comments and easy-going style while he hosted hit reality game and talent shows, and his death brought a wave of nostalgia among netizens.
Zhao Liying and Feng Shaofeng (Photo/Weibo account of Zhao Liying)
5. Zhao Liying ties the knot with Feng Shaofeng
Chinese actress Zhao Liying and actor Feng Shaofeng announced their marriage on Oct 16 by posting their marriage certificates at the same time on the Weibo platform.
The announcement caused a short breakdown on the social platform with millions likes and comments within hours.
Jack Cheung (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
6. China's pop king Jack Cheung becomes China's 'crime-fighting' star
Hong Kong superstar Jacky Cheung is known as the King of Songs and is so popular that fugitives are willing to risk their freedom just to see him perform live.
Cheung, 57, has developed the reputation for being an unwitting crime buster, with several reports of wanted criminals arrested at his concerts in the last year.
Yammie Lam (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
7. Former TVB actress Yammie Lam dies at 55
Hong Kong actress Yammie Lam was found dead at her home on November 3. As one of the pop stars to grace TVB dramas in the 1980s, Lam received much attention for her notable works.
However, a series of tragedies, including a car accident and two alleged rapes revealed by her in an interview, affected her mental health and took her life in the end.
Hawick Lau and Yang Mi (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
8. Hawick Lau and Yang Mi announce divorce
After nearly five years of marriage, Chinese actress Yang Mi and Hong Kong actor Hawick Lau issued a joint statement announcing their divorce on Dec 22.
Rumors of the ex-couple's divorce had surfaced in past years but they always denied the rumors. The divorce was a decision made by both Yang, 32, and Lau, 44, after a discussion "conducted with mutual respect".
Pop-music duo Yu Quan (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
9. Yu Quan singer arrested for drug use
On Nov 28, singer-songwriter Chen Yufan, one half of Yu Quan, was arrested on a charge of alleged use and possession of drugs, according to the Beijing police.
The duo's management company, Giant Jump, issued an apology on its official Sina Weibo account, saying that the company is sorry for Chen's behavior, the sort of which, it says, has a negative impact on society.
The two were spotted in public at Beijing International Airport in September. (Photo provided to China Daily)
10. Chinese actor Jiang Jinfu held on domestic violence charge
Popular Chinese actor Jiang Jinfu was arrested in Japan following allegations that he had abused his former girlfriend Haruka Nakaura.
"No matter for what reason, I should have never raised my fist and I'm ashamed of what I have done. I will not defend myself and will shoulder my responsibility and accept punishment," Jiang wrote later on his Weibo account.
