Hong Kong boy band Mirror reflects city's identity in mainland shadow

Idols who revived Cantopop aim to conquer world while maintaining their roots

20240517 mirror birthday

Fans celebrate the birthday of Mirror member Keung To in Hong Kong's Causeway Bay area on April 30. (Photo by Peggy Ye)

PEGGY YE and KENSAKU IHARA, Nikkei staff writers

HONG KONG -- One of Hong Kong's most popular boy bands is dancing a fine line between expanding its reach while maintaining its local charm, all while Beijing pushes for greater cultural integration between the city and mainland.

On the last day of April, thousands of fans took over the Causeway Bay shopping area to celebrate the birthday of Keung To, a member of the group Mirror. Posters, LED displays and buses decorated with the singer's picture completed the district's temporary transformation into "Keung To Bay."

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.