Chinese pop star Lay Zhang Yixing calls off Hong Kong concert over security fears
- Studio says it could not ensure the safety of fans at venue near city’s airport, scene of days of anti-government protests
Chinese singer Lay Zhang Yixing has cancelled a concert in Hong Kong on Saturday over security concerns amid ongoing anti-government protests in the city.
“Nobody would like to see what is happening in Hong Kong now,” Zhang’s studio said in an online statement on Monday night. “Therefore, we have to announce after deliberation that we will cancel the Hong Kong concert on August 17.”
The announcement came after a mass sit-in by protesters at Hong Kong International Airport, one of the world’s busiest, stopped passengers from checking in or clearing security, prompting the airport to cancel all outgoing flights. The disruptions continued at the airport on Tuesday as check-in services were again suspended.
Zhang’s concert was originally due to be held near the airport at AsiaWorld-Expo.
The studio said that before deciding to cancel, Zhang, his team and concert organisers tried “all possible ways” – including increasing on-site security, putting on free shuttle buses and buying insurance for attendees – to ensure the safety of the fans and that the concert can be held on schedule. But this was still not enough to overcome traffic and security concerns, the studio said, adding that all tickets would be refunded.