Is Hong Kong’s celebrity-driven ‘fan economy’ a game changer, or a bubble about to burst?
- Celebrities can get their fans to buy anything, but experts doubt impact on city’s efforts to bounce back
- Fans go to extremes proving their devotion, splashing out on products endorsed by idols
Freda Wong* was never a big fan of any celebrity until the day she watched Hong Kong Cantopop heartthrob Keung To perform on television in early 2020.
The Covid-19 pandemic had just begun to ravage the city and, listening to the singer from the 12-member boy band Mirror, the 51-year-old freelance community officer was simply blown away.
“Each of his songs carried a special message from his own emotion and experience – loneliness, the loss of a beloved, the struggle against preconceptions of youth, the frustrations of young people,” she recalled.
“His songs struck a chord in my heart with a healing effect. I found great relief in his songs, which motivate me to live a meaningful life no matter what.”
The single woman became such an ardent fan that she has not thought twice about spending large sums to show her devotion to Keung.
She has splashed out on concert tickets and products endorsed by her idol, attended fan activities and followed him to overseas performances and events.