Who is Hong Kong’s alleged triad leader ‘Shanghai Boy’ Kwok Wing-hung?
He has been arrested several times in recent years, but escaped charge. And the controversial character certainly has a distinctive look
1. Who is “Shanghai Boy” Kwok Wing-hung?
Kwok is neither a boy nor from Shanghai. He is 59 years old and was born in Hong Kong. There were media reports that he got the nickname because his father looked Shanghainese. Other reports said his father really was from Shanghai. Kwok is known for his signature bowl haircut, which he once claimed was an homage to his idol, kung fu star Bruce Lee. He is often seen wearing a Chinese tunic and sunglasses.
2. Why is he a big deal in Hong Kong?
Depending on who you ask, Kwok is either a controversial self-made businessman, a big player in the local underworld, or a former top leader of the Wo Shing Wo triad society. He once told a local magazine that he started working as a hotel doorman to support himself at the age of 12. He is understood to have led the Wo Shing Wo from 1998 to 2000. Sources have said he is still a faction leader, with great influence in the group.