Xie recently starred in the Channel 8 drama "The Gift of Time" in 2025, where he played a wealthy entrepreneur battling cancer. The role marked his first acting project since leaving showbiz in 2005.

Reports indicate that he had already asked to be excluded from consideration before the awards nominations were finalised, and that he will not attend the ceremony scheduled for April 19 at The Theatre at Mediacorp.

In a message posted on Instagram, he expressed in Chinese gratitude for the recognition he received during his career and credited the success of his performances to the teamwork behind each production.

He also emphasised that awards are the best recognition for young and active actors and should remain so, as he is semi-retired.

"I deeply understand what awards mean to every colleague still climbing the ladder of success; they are a testament to hard work and perseverance, and stepping stones to the next opportunity. Although I had the opportunity to meet the audience last year as Lin Huoyan, I am already semi-retired and hope that the spotlight will remain on outstanding actors who are still active, giving them more opportunities to shine," reads Xei's message when translated.

Born on 15 September 1961, Xie Shaoguang, whose birth name is Cha Shao-kwong, is widely regarded as one of Singapore’s most accomplished Mandarin-language television actors.

He built his reputation through numerous dramas produced by MediaCorp Channel 8 and became one of the country’s most recognisable screen stars in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Over the course of his career, Xie won the Star Award for Best Actor five times, a record that stood for many years and helped cement his status as one of Singapore’s leading television performers.

During the height of his career, Xie appeared in several critically acclaimed series. One of his best-known roles came in the 1998 family drama "Stand by Me", where he played Du Hanmin, a former doctor who becomes paralysed. The series was a major success and won Best Drama Serial at the Star Awards, with Xie himself taking home the Best Actor prize for his performance.

After stepping away from acting in 2005, Xie spent nearly 20 years pursuing other interests. During that period, he worked as a chef and even spent time as a Buddhist monk before eventually returning to the screen in 2024.

Despite his comeback, Xie has suggested he now considers himself semi-retired and prefers that the spotlight shift toward younger actors in the industry.

The survey, conducted in October, questioned about 13,000 people worldwide.

What’s behind the rise?

Cultural content emerged as the single biggest driver of that rise. 

Nearly half of respondents cited Korean pop culture — including K-pop, dramas and films — as the main factor shaping their positive view of the country, far ahead of economic performance or political influence. The impact was strongest among younger audiences, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

Favourability was highest in the Middle East and parts of Asia, led by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and the Philippines. The UK also recorded one of the largest year-on-year gains, becoming the only European country to score above the global average, the culture ministry said.

The findings reflect the expanding reach of Korea’s cultural exports, which now shape how millions encounter the country for the first time — largely through video platforms and social media . Global stars such as BTS, Blackpink, footballer Son Heung-min and actor Lee Min-ho were named as among the figures most associated with Korea’s positive image.

Korea’s president, Lee Jae Myung, trailed these cultural stars.

In August 2025, another Korean cultural export made global headlines when the animated film “K-Pop Demon Hunters” became Netflix’s top-grossing film , racking up more than 236 million views at the time. 

The film’s namesake soundtrack also claimed four simultaneous spots in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.

Culture over politics

For Korea,  its international perceptions has now broadened beyond security tensions on the peninsula or idol culture alone, with growing interest in its economy, society and political system. 

At the same time, the survey noted a gap between how Korea is viewed abroad and how Koreans see their own country, as well as lingering concerns about social inclusiveness.

Still, the message from abroad was clear: Korea’s cultural soft power has become one of the most effective image-building tools in the world — turning music, drama and film into a global calling card that continues to reshape how the country is seen.

FiveThirtyEight reveals the latest popular music in the film. Take Jingle Bells , for instance. It was never meant to be a Christmas song written in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont and originally titled  One Horse Open Sleigh . Intended as a Thanksgiving tune, it wasn’t until decades later that it became a quintessential holiday classic. Its cheerful melody has since found a home in countless films, cementing its place in the hearts of audiences worldwide.

The hauntingly beautiful Silent Night has a more sombre origin. Composed during the “Year Without a Summer” in 1816—a time of great hardship following volcanic eruptions—this Austrian carol carries a poignant reminder of resilience and hope. Its cinematic appearances have only added to its emotional resonance during the holiday season.

Meanwhile, Auld Lang Syne , with its 18th-century Scottish roots penned by Robert Burns, has become a staple of New Year’s Eve scenes in movies, evoking a sense of reflection and connection. Its inclusion in films has made it a powerful anthem for bidding farewell to the past and welcoming new beginnings.

Other classics, like We Wish You a Merry Christmas , trace their origins back to 16th-century England. These timeless songs have seamlessly blended history with modern storytelling, becoming the soundtrack to our collective holiday memories.

Films and Christmas songs share a unique symbiosis, with movies amplifying the emotional impact of these melodies while the songs themselves create unforgettable cinematic moments. From joyous jingles to heartfelt hymns, holiday music remains a vital thread in the tapestry of festive storytelling.