Natalis Chan on Gigi Yim Leaving TVB | HK Entertainment News

Gigi Yim Leaves TVB, Eyes Lucrative Mainland China Market

A rising Hong Kong star, Gigi Yim, has reportedly departed Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) following contract disputes, signaling a broader shift in the entertainment landscape as artists increasingly look to mainland China for opportunities. The 20-year-old singer-actress launched her own company shortly after her contract with TVB expired in April 2024, aiming for a fresh start in the music industry.

Contract dispute and Departure from TVB

Yim’s departure was confirmed when TVB removed her profile from its official artiste database.This followed a period of being sidelined by the broadcaster due to disagreements over contract renewal terms. The move underscores a growing trend of talent seeking independence from conventional media outlets.

Did you know? – TVB, once the dominant force in Hong Kong entertainment, has faced increasing financial challenges in recent years, leading to budget cuts and a decline in its ability to compete for top talent.

Industry Veteran Defends Yim’s Decision

in a recent interview with Hong Kong news portal HK01, a veteran television host and actor defended Yim’s decision, asserting that it should not be viewed as an act of disloyalty. “I don’t see an issue with her starting her own company,” he stated. He highlighted the immense potential of the mainland Chinese market, citing singer G.E.M. as an example of an artist who has achieved significant financial success there.

“Just look at the size of the mainland Chinese market. Take singer G.E.M., such as, who has made billions performing there. I believe Gigi is heading down that path too.Of course, she’s eyeing a market of over 1.4 billion people, rather than just a few million in Hong Kong,” he explained.

Pro tip: – Artists are increasingly diversifying their income streams, leveraging platforms like livestreaming and social media to connect directly with fans and bypass traditional gatekeepers.

Shifting Entertainment Landscape

The industry insider further emphasized that the entertainment industry is undergoing a significant transformation. He pointed out that reliance on TVB is diminishing as new avenues for revenue generation emerge. “Who relies on TVB anymore? We can hit billions of views from just a football match.Even if a TVB show pulls high ratings, that’s only about a million viewers,” he noted.

He contrasted this with the lucrative opportunities available in mainland China, where individuals are earning substantial incomes through livestreaming.”Meanwhile, people in mainland China are earning millions through livestreaming. It’s a different world now. Everything’s changing,” he said.

TVB’s Financial performance Under Scrutiny

The conversation also touched upon remarks made by filmmaker Eric Tsang regarding TVB’s financial performance prior

Reader question: – Do you think this trend of artists moving to mainland China will ultimately benefit or harm the Hong Kong entertainment industry? Share your thoughts!

Why did Gigi Yim leave TVB? Gigi Yim departed TVB following disagreements over contract renewal terms. She sought greater financial opportunities and independence.

Who is involved? The key players are gigi Yim, TVB (Television Broadcasts limited), G.E.M. (singer),Eric Tsang (filmmaker),and an unnamed veteran television host and actor.

What is happening? A growing number of Hong Kong artists are leaving traditional media outlets like TVB to pursue opportunities in mainland China, driven by the potential for substantially higher earnings and a larger audience.

How did it end? Yim’s contract with TVB expired in April 2024, and she subsequently launched her own company. TVB removed her profile from its database,confirming her departure. The situation reflects a broader industry shift towards prioritizing financial gain and exploring new markets.