The China Media Group (CMG)'s 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala aired at the prime viewing time on Monday evening presented captivating singing and dancing performances that blend tradition, modernity and heartfelt emotion.
The annual gala broadcast, also known as "Qiuwan" in Chinese, was recorded in Deyang City of southwest China's Sichuan Province, which is home to the Sanxingdui archaeological site, hailed as one of the most significant discoveries of the 20th century. Spanning 12 square kilometers, the ruins are believed to be remnants of the Shu Kingdom, dating back 4,500 to 3,000 years.
Set against the serene beauty of the Xuanzhu Lake, the gala's main stage draws on Deyang's natural landscape, where misty mountains and shimmering waters create a poetic, dreamlike atmosphere.
Themed "My Hometown", the second segment featured about ten performances that conveyed feelings of longing for home, loved ones and family, as well as the self-striving spirit of individuals and a sense of national unity.
It opened with a vibrant performance inspired by a moon-related poem known as "Qiang Jin Jiu," or "Invitation to Wine" by renowned Chinese poet Li Bai of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), resonating deeply with the Mid-Autumn spirit.
In addition, two folk melodies "Half a Moon Climbs Up" and "The Moon Shines on the Mountains and Rivers" explored the theme of moonlight, symbolizing how all people are united under the same full moon.
Another highlight was a mini-documentary that authentically narrated the resilience and courage of people in Deyang City in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake in 2008.
The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth month on the Chinese lunar calendar. It is one of the most important holidays and celebrations in Chinese culture, symbolizing family reunion, wholeness and gratitude for the harvest. This year, the festival fell on Monday.
CMG Mid-Autumn Festival Gala presents captivating singing, dancing performances
CMG Mid-Autumn Festival Gala presents captivating singing, dancing performances
The Republic of Korea (ROK)'s former impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday was sentenced to five years in prison on arrest obstruction charges.
The criminal division of the Seoul Central District Court in charge of Yoon's obstruction of justice case handed down the prison sentence to Yoon for abusing the presidential security service to hinder the anti-corruption agency from executing its arrest warrant in January 2025.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) was once thwarted in its attempt to arrest Yoon as the presidential security service formed human shields and bus blockades to prevent investigators from entering the presidential residence.
The team of Cho Eun-suk, an independent counsel who led investigations into Yoon's insurrection and other charges, demanded a 10-year prison term for Yoon.
The court said Yoon privatized the presidential security service for personal safety and private interests by blocking the law enforcement agencies' lawful execution of an arrest warrant and attempting to destroy evidence, pointing out that despite the very bad nature of his crime, he consistently offered unconvincing excuses and showed no remorse.
The court stressed that severe punishment was necessary, considering the need to restore the rule of law damaged by Yoon's crime, but it noted that the fact that he was a first-time offender with no criminal record was considered a favorable factor.
The sentencing, which was broadcast live, was Yoon's first verdict coming from his botched martial law bid.
The first-instance sentencing for Yoon's insurrection charges was scheduled for Feb 19. The special counsel sought a death penalty for Yoon on the charges.
Yoon declared emergency martial law on the night of Dec 3 in 2024, but it was revoked hours later by the National Assembly.
The constitutional court upheld a motion to impeach Yoon in April 2025, officially removing him from office.
The ousted leader was indicted while in detention in January 2025 on charges of leading an insurrection, becoming the first sitting ROK president facing such prosecution.
ROK ex-president Yoon sentenced to 5 years in prison on arrest obstruction charges
