To celebrate birthday of Hong Kong idol Keung To, fans organise Free Ride Day on trams, charity pop-up shops
- Earlier this month, the Canto-pop singer took to social media to encourage his supporters to celebrate his birthday by helping those in need
- This Saturday, everyone in the city can ride the trams free of charge, thanks to Keung Show HK Fan Club
When Keung To turned 22 last year, his fans raised money to purchase advertisements on billboards across Hong Kong. Photo: May TseWhen Hong Kong heartthrob and singer, Keung To, celebrates his birthday this Saturday, everyone else in the city can, too – with free tram rides all day.
Hong Kong Tramways announced on April 17 that the local celebrity’s fan club, Keung Show HK Fan Club, would be sponsoring a day of free tram rides on April 30 as a birthday gift to the idol.
“The Free Ride Day is a generous [donation] ... from the ‘Keung Candy’ in response to their idol’s call for more charitable work,” the company said on social media referring to the nickname for Keung’s fans.
The transport service added it was “unprecedented” for a local community group to initiate a free tram ride day. In the past, similar events were typically sponsored by companies.
As the popular member of the boy band Mirror turns 23 this week, his fans have been planning month-long celebrations, including putting birthday ads on billboards across the globe.
Earlier this month, Keung posted on social media saying that while he appreciated all the gifts and attention, he encouraged his supporters to celebrate his birthday in a charitable way.
“This year, I hope you [my fans] can help more people in need with the money and resources you use to support me,” the post read.
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An administrator for the fan club, who said she did not want to reveal her identity, said the purpose of organising the free ride day was to celebrate the momentous day with everyone in the city.
“We hope to benefit all Hongkongers and brighten up our society,” she told Young Post.
In response to the Canto-pop idol’s call, the fan club has also organised fundraising pop-up shops in Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui. Open for a month from this week, the shops will sell Keung-related merchandise such as cushions, laptop sleeves and tote bags, and the net proceeds will be given to various charity organisations.
The group will donate additional money if more than 430 people post photos with Keung’s birthday billboards on social media with the hashtag #HappyKT430Day2022.
Overseas fans can take Insta-worthy pictures with billboards of Keung in countries such as Britain, the United States, New Zealand and Japan.
“Happy birthday to Keung To, and we wish for world peace,” the fan club administrator said.