How far would you take a case of idol worship? Gansu native Yang Lijuan, 28, put her life on hold and spent 13 years shadowing actor-singer Andy Lau Tak-wah, supported by doting parents who sold their home to finance her obsession. Yang's case made headlines when her father committed suicide as a protest against Lau's alleged indifference to his daughter during their visit to Hong Kong last month. While the tragedy exposes the dark side of adulation, some local fans show it can be a positive influence. Instead of mindless adoration, they look to the stars' strengths for inspiration.
Tony Tso Yick-hong, a lifelong fan of Paula Tsui Siu-fung, says he owes his career to the 1970s Canto-pop star. 'I started listening to her music when I was three and have been hooked since,' he says.
While fans of his generation idolised 80s stars such as Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung, the 31-year-old multimedia engineer was drawn by Tsui's distinctive voice and sophisticated delivery. His devotion sparked a deep interest in music, leading him to study sound design and music recording at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.
Like many fans, Tso has a huge collection of memorabilia and more than 30 CDs and records by his idol. He has attended almost all of Tsui's concerts since she made a comeback two years ago, even following her to Malaysia and Macau. The tickets and travel cost him more than HK$20,000.
'I waited for her backstage every night after the performance,' he says. 'I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't do it.'
Tso insists he's nothing like the desperate autograph-seeking teenagers highlighted by the media. 'I outgrew that. Now we just talk as equals. What I like about her [Tsui] is how she treats her fans. She's very gracious and addresses everyone's requests.'