Page 3 - 161 varsity ebook

/ 1

andom brings people together. analysis platform iiMedia Research.
The entertainment industry can But in the meantime, the Cyber-
Fbe a source of strength, happi- space Administration of China (CAC)
ness and fond memories for many, as launched Qinglang campaign to put
fans do stars chasing in cyber world, an end to “chaos” involving online
physical world and golden age of the fan clubs on June 15, 2021. The CAC
world. has banned five kinds of online fan
Our Periscope section explores activities, such as the contribution Our team explores an emerging
fandom in Hong Kong and China who of money to idols and manipulation trend of using emoticons in South
pursue idols in three different worlds. of social media comments, drawing Korea, the initiative of time banks to
In Hong Kong, youngsters find com- mixed reactions from the fandom. build social capital, and the introduc-
fort in old Cantopop as a wave of nos- Longing for the golden age of old tion of Cantonese characters in new
talgia hits, as the city is still clouded Hong Kong, many youngsters fall digital typeface designs. Varsity also
with a gloomy mood due to the pan- in love with late pop stars like Les- talks to local illustrator Choi Ming-
demic and political depression. Fans lie Cheung and Anita Mui, who are sum, vendors at the Yau Ma Tei Fruit
of virtual idols in China meanwhile cultural symbols of the city’s gold- Market and the French community in
are growing in number in the cyber en era. Varsity looks into how these Hong Kong.
world, while the Chinese government Cantopop legends live in youngster’s Have an enjoyable read!
has launched the recent Qinglang hearts with their intoxicating charms.
Campaign (清朗行動) to crack down This issue of Varsity also features
online fan activities which boost traf- stories about other various social is-
fic data for idols in the real world. sues. For example, the future of Hong
Virtual idol industry is expected Kong district council, cyberbullying
to grow from RMB ¥3.46 billion (US and body shaming of youngsters in Kelly Yu
$540 million) in 2020 to RMB¥6.22 China, and the disappearance of femi- Managing Editor
billion (US $970 million) this year, nism and LGBTQ+ accounts on Chi-
according to Chinese data mining and nese social media.

Varsity Magazine, Issue 160, November 2021
Editorial Office School of Journalism and Communication, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, N. T., Hong Kong
Contact Telephone: 3743 7680 Fax: 3603 5007 Email: varsity@cuhk.edu.hk
Print Regal Printing Limited, 11/F, Wyler Centre Phase 2, 192-200 Tai Lin Pai Road, Kwai Chung, N. T., Hong Kong