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Oscar Liu

Hong Kong singer Hins Cheung’s new role as a mentor and volunteer for the Security Bureau’s youth rehabilitation programme has sent shock waves through his fan base.
For years, the singer was celebrated not just for his vocal skills but also for his perceived alignment with backers of the city’s social movements.
The South China Morning Post unpacks how the controversy exploded.
1. Who is Hins Cheung?
Born in 1981 in Guangzhou, Cheung moved to Hong Kong in 2002 to launch his Cantopop career and soon rose to fame for his award-winning vocal skills and musical talent.
He is active on social media and regularly interacts with his 1.2 million followers.
Beyond his music career, the 45-year-old is an entrepreneur who has expanded from renowned Avon Recording Studios and fine dining restaurant Junon in Wan Chai into high fashion with historic French label Sennet Freres.
He also launched the brand’s first luxury bridal concept store in Causeway Bay during Covid-19 in 2020, but subsequently shut it down.

2. What is the controversy?
On Saturday, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung announced a special rehabilitation project for about 7,000 people arrested but not prosecuted during the 2019 anti-government protest.
Tang revealed that Cheung had become a mentor for these arrestees and a guide for visits to mainland China.
The singer’s duties include sharing his personal “mental journey” to encourage positive development and leading mainland Chinese exchange tours to foster a stronger sense of national identity among young people.
On the same day, the Wen Wei Po published an interview with Cheung, who expressed “deep repentance” for his past words and actions. He added that some of his past performances were inappropriate and had led the public to doubt his patriotism.
3. What did fans say about his change of stance?
Cheung was seen as a vocal supporter during the 2012 protests against national education and the 2014 Occupy Central civil disobedience movement.
In 2017, a newspaper run by China’s Ministry of National Defence labelled him a secessionist “mouse dropping”. The allegation led to a public boycott and Cheung’s abrupt removal from mainland reality show I Am A Singer, despite his denials of supporting independence.
Over his latest role with the rehabilitation programme, Cheung’s fans expressed polarised reactions online, with some feeling betrayal while others came to his defence.
One fan said: “I thought the news was just a Photoshop image. I never expected him to ‘bend the knee’ for the mainland market.”
Others lamented that nothing lasts forever despite years of loyal support, saying that while they respected his decision: “Our paths have simply diverged.”

But defenders framed the move as a potential sacrifice and a business reality. One user said: “If having him serve as a mentor was the ‘trade-off’ to secure the release of those 7,000 unprosecuted young people, what would you think then?”
Others argued that the public should separate art from politics, saying that “artists are businesspeople in a market economy” and that it was reasonable to protect one’s livelihood rather than being subjected to moral judgment.
Meanwhile, many supported Cheung’s decision.
“Everyone makes mistakes while growing up. It is very difficult to face them with sincerity and repent, but being able to take that first step is something I truly admire,” a supporter said.
Another said: “Many people will be envious of you and will continue to smear your name indiscriminately. But firmly believe that there will be a greater force supporting you.”
Despite his active social media presence, Cheung has remained silent since the news broke. Online users spotted a massive purge of his Instagram following list, with the singer unfollowing more than 1,000 accounts.
The list included Cheung’s inner circle, with friends such as singer Ivana Wong and lyricist Wyman Wong, as well as fellow industry heavyweights within the same record label such as Joey Yung, Twins, Leo Ku and even his manager Mani Fok.
The SCMP has contacted Cheung for comment.


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Why Cantopop star Hins Cheung’s new mentor role has polarised Hong Kong fans

Singer Hins Cheung performs at Sha Tin Racecourse. Photo: Kenneth Chan.

Hins Cheung moved to Hong Kong in 2002 to launch his Cantopop career and soon rose to fame. Photo: Getty Images

The Cantopop singer’s fans at Sha Tin Racecourse. Photo: Kenneth Chan.

Hins Cheung to lead arrested 2019 Hong Kong protesters on mainland exchange trips

Singer Hins Cheung has apologised for his past support for the 2012 protests against national education and the 2014 Occupy Central movement. Photo: Getty Images

Secretary for Security Chris Tang says the project is aimed at about 7,000 people arrested but not prosecuted during the protests. Photo: Karma Lo

Rehabilitation project open to all 2019 Hong Kong protest arrestees: Chris Tang

Anti-government protesters are detained by police during a demonstration in Causeway Bay in 2020. Photo: Dickson Lee

Singer Hins Cheung has said he is helping with leading mainland exchange trips for 2019 protest arrestees. Photo: Kenneth Chan

Leader of Hong Kong’s Catholics calls for giving young offenders ‘second chance’

Security chief Chris Tang has repeatedly stated there is no time limit for charging the roughly 7,000 protesters arrested during the 2019 social unrest. Photo: Robert Ng

Cardinal Stephen Chow has also said it will be more helpful if children are not comparing their lives with others, an approach that needs to start with parents. Photo: Edmond So

News

Hong Kong

Society

Singer previously supported local social movements but now says he regrets past and will help rehabilitate 2019 protesters


Singer previously supported local social movements but now says he regrets past and will help rehabilitate 2019 protesters.


Why Cantopop star Hins Cheung’s new mentor role has polarised Hong Kong fans

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Singer previously supported local social movements but now says he regrets past and will help rehabilitate 2019 protesters

1. Who is Hins Cheung?

Singer previously supported local social movements but now says he regrets past and will help rehabilitate 2019 protesters