Why is Boy Band MIRROR so Popular in Hong Kong?

Summary

The video explores the rise of MIRROR, a popular Hong Kong boy group, and their cultural significance. It explains how MIRROR emerged during a time when Hong Kongers were seeking local pride amidst political and social challenges. Despite initial skepticism and criticisms of being a 'K-pop wannabe,' MIRROR's blend of local slang and influences from Korean and Japanese pop helped them connect with the younger generation. The group has since become a symbol of community and nostalgia for Hong Kongers, reflecting the city's unique pop culture and fostering connections both locally and abroad.

Takeaways

• 🎤 MIRROR is a popular boy group in Hong Kong, formed through the talent competition show 'King Maker' in 2018.
• 🌟 The group's rise to fame coincided with a time when Hong Kongers were seeking a sense of hometown pride and cultural identity.
• 🎬 The success of MIRROR is also attributed to the nostalgia for the golden era of Cantopop and Hong Kong cinema in the 80s and 90s.
• 📉 The decline of Cantopop and the rise of Mandopop led to a shift in focus for Hong Kong artists, impacting the local music scene.
• 🏙️ MIRROR's emergence provided a sense of unity and optimism during challenging times, including political unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 🎶 Their music, which includes local slang and colloquial language, resonates with the youth and gives a strong 'local feel'.
• 🌐 Despite initial criticism for K-pop influences, MIRROR has managed to rekindle interest in Cantopop among younger generations.
• 🤝 The group has fostered a strong community and fan culture, providing a sense of belonging and connection, especially during times of social isolation.
• 📺 MIRROR's presence has extended beyond music to television and social media, creating a broad cultural impact.
• 🗣️ The group's popularity has also led to the creation of humorous and inclusive online communities, such as the 'My Wife Married MIRROR' Facebook group.
• 🌐 MIRROR serves as a cultural bridge for Hong Kongers worldwide, helping them maintain connections to their roots and find new ones in foreign lands.

Q & A

What is the significance of MIRROR in Hong Kong's pop culture?

MIRROR represents a hometown pride and a sense of community for Hong Kongers, especially during times of uncertainty and division.

How did MIRROR's rise to fame coincide with Hong Kong's socio-economic changes?

MIRROR's rise occurred during a period when Hong Kong was facing political movements and a pandemic, providing a much-needed sense of unity and local pride.

What role did the decline of Cantopop play in MIRROR's popularity?

The decline of Cantopop created a void that MIRROR filled by re-igniting interest among youngsters with their unique blend of local and international influences.

How does MIRROR's music resonate with the local Hong Kong audience?

MIRROR's music includes local slangs and colloquial language, giving it a familiar and local feel that resonates with Hong Kongers.

What influence from other regions can be seen in MIRROR's style?

MIRROR's style shows influences from K-Pop and possibly J-Pop, which helped them appeal to a younger audience that had drifted away from Cantopop.

How has MIRROR contributed to fan culture in Hong Kong?

MIRROR has created a strong fan culture that fosters a sense of belonging and community, especially during times of limited social interaction.

What is the significance of the Facebook group 'My Wife Married MIRROR and Left Our Marriage in Ruins Concern Group'?

The group serves as a humorous and light-hearted community for Hong Kongers to connect, joke around, and not take themselves too seriously.

How does MIRROR help Hong Kongers feel connected both locally and globally?

MIRROR provides a way for Hong Kongers to feel connected to their local culture and language, and also helps them find new connections in unfamiliar places.

What was the public's initial reaction to MIRROR, and how has it changed over time?

Initially, some people criticized MIRROR as K-pop wannabes, but over time, they have grown to be seen as hometown heroes and a reflection of Hong Kong's current cultural moment.

How does the script describe the impact of MIRROR on Hong Kong's pop culture?

The script describes MIRROR as a significant cultural phenomenon that has brought people together and become a symbol of local pride and community.

What does the script suggest about the future of MIRROR and their role in Hong Kong's cultural landscape?

The script implies that MIRROR's role in Hong Kong's cultural landscape is likely to continue as they represent a unifying force and a reflection of the current cultural zeitgeist.

Outlines

00:00

🎤 The Rise of MIRROR: Hong Kong's Boy Band Phenomenon

The first paragraph introduces MIRROR, a boy band formed from the 2018 talent competition 'King Maker', which has become a cultural phenomenon in Hong Kong. Initially met with skepticism, the group's hard work and dedication won over the public, who saw their transformation into stars. The paragraph discusses the historical context of Hong Kong's entertainment industry, including the golden era of Cantopop in the 80s and 90s, the decline due to the rise of Mandopop, and the impact of political and economic changes on local pride. MIRROR's emergence is tied to a desire for hometown pride, especially during challenging times like the 2019 political movement and the pandemic. Their music, which includes local slang and is influenced by K-Pop, has resonated with young people and rekindled interest in Cantopop. MIRROR is portrayed as a symbol of local identity and a source of unity and hope for Hong Kongers.

05:03

🤗 MIRROR's Impact on Hong Kong's Social Fabric and Fan Culture

The second paragraph delves into MIRROR's influence on social interactions and fan culture in Hong Kong. It highlights how the band has created a sense of community, especially during a time of limited social activities due to the pandemic. The paragraph mentions a Facebook group that humorously laments the band's impact on marriages, which actually serves as a platform for fans and non-fans to connect and share light-hearted content. MIRROR is described as a unifying force that helps Hong Kongers, both locally and abroad, maintain a connection to their local language, culture, and community. The paragraph concludes with the speaker's personal appreciation for MIRROR and their role in documenting this chapter of Hong Kong pop culture, inviting viewers to share their thoughts on the band's popularity and impact.

Keywords

💡MIRROR

MIRROR is a popular boy group from Hong Kong that emerged as a result of the talent competition program 'King Maker' in 2018. They represent a resurgence of 'Made in Hong Kong' pride and have become a cultural phenomenon. The group's success is tied to their ability to resonate with the local audience through their music and performances, which are infused with local slang and colloquial language. Their popularity is also a reflection of a broader desire among Hong Kongers to reconnect with their local culture and community, especially during times of social and political unrest.

💡King Maker

King Maker is a talent competition program that played a pivotal role in launching MIRROR to stardom. The show was initially met with skepticism, but as contestants demonstrated their growth and dedication, it became a platform for Hong Kongers to rally behind a new generation of local talent. The program symbolizes the potential for local entertainment to capture the public's imagination and create a sense of collective pride.

💡Cantopop

Cantopop refers to the Cantonese popular music that was dominant in Hong Kong during the 80s and 90s. It was a period when Hong Kong film industry and music scene thrived, producing stars like Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui. The decline of Cantopop is mentioned in the script to contrast with the rise of MIRROR, indicating a shift in the cultural landscape and the resurgence of local music that MIRROR represents.

💡Four Heavenly Kings

The Four Heavenly Kings were a group of male Cantopop singers who were extremely popular in the 1990s. They symbolize the golden era of Cantopop and were heartthrobs of their time. Their mention in the script serves to highlight the historical context of Hong Kong's music industry and how MIRROR's rise is reminiscent of that era's impact on the local culture.

💡Mandopop

Mandopop, or Mandarin pop, is a genre of music that gained prominence as Hong Kong singers shifted their focus to the mainland Chinese market, releasing more Mandarin albums and performing there. The rise of Mandopop is contrasted with the decline of Cantopop in the script, illustrating the changing dynamics of the music industry and how MIRROR's success signals a resurgence of local Hong Kong music.

💡Hometown Pride

Hometown pride is a central theme in the script, reflecting the emotional connection Hong Kongers have with their city and culture. MIRROR's rise to fame is tied to this pride, as they offer a sense of local identity and unity during times of social and political division. The group's music and presence serve as a rallying point for Hong Kongers to express their love for their city.

💡K-Pop

K-Pop, or Korean pop, is a globally popular music genre that has influenced MIRROR's style, as noted in the script. The mention of K-Pop's influence on MIRROR highlights how the group has adopted elements from international pop culture to appeal to a younger audience and reignite interest in Cantopop. This also shows the group's ability to blend local and global influences to create a unique identity.

💡Social Interactions

Social interactions are discussed in the context of fan culture and community building around MIRROR. The script mentions how MIRROR's popularity has created a space for social connection, especially during times when physical interactions are limited, such as during the pandemic. This underscores the role of pop culture in fostering a sense of community and belonging among fans.

💡Facebook Group

The script references a specific Facebook group, 'My Wife Married MIRROR and Left Our Marriage in Ruins Concern Group,' which humorously captures the extent of MIRROR's impact on everyday life. This group, with its large membership, illustrates how MIRROR has become a part of social discourse and a platform for fans and non-fans alike to engage in light-hearted banter and shared experiences.

💡Emmigration Wave

The emigration wave refers to the period when many Hong Kongers left the city in 2021. The script suggests that MIRROR serves as a cultural anchor for those who have moved away, helping them stay connected to their roots and find a sense of community in new places. This highlights the group's role in maintaining cultural ties and providing a shared identity for the diaspora.

💡Local Language and Culture

The local language and culture are central to the script's discussion of MIRROR's appeal. The group's use of Cantonese slang and colloquial language in their music is seen as a way to preserve and celebrate Hong Kong's unique cultural identity. This is particularly significant in a time when there is a perceived threat to the local culture, making MIRROR a symbol of cultural preservation and pride.

Highlights

MIRROR's omnipresence in Hong Kong is undeniable.

The author initially had doubts about MIRROR's success but was won over by their hard work.

MIRROR's formation coincided with a resurgence of pride in 'Made in Hong Kong' products.

The rise of MIRROR occurred during a period of decline for Cantopop and a shift towards Mandopop.

MIRROR's music and lyrics provided a much-needed boost to Hong Kong's morale.

The group's use of local slang and colloquial language resonated with the Hong Kong audience.

MIRROR's success was partly due to their incorporation of K-Pop and J-Pop elements.

The group became a symbol of hometown pride during a time of political unrest and a pandemic.

MIRROR's fan culture fostered a sense of community and belonging among Hong Kongers.

The group's popularity was a response to the need for light-hearted entertainment during challenging times.

MIRROR's impact extended beyond music, influencing fan projects and social media interactions.

A Facebook group humorously named 'My Wife Married MIRROR and Left Our Marriage in Ruins Concern Group' gained a large following.

MIRROR served as a unifying force for Hong Kongers, both locally and abroad.

The group's imperfections made them more relatable and endearing to the public.

MIRROR's success is a reflection of the current cultural and social climate in Hong Kong.

The author's personal connection to MIRROR and their impact on Hong Kong pop culture.

The video aims to spark interest in other aspects of Hong Kong's culture and society.

Transcripts

MIRROR is everywhere.

I meant this one!

If you're around Hong Kong these days, you cannot go one day without seeing them.

But I mean...I'm not complaining.

And that's not just because I like seeing their pretty faces!

"Are you sure about that?"

Fine I lied, that's partly my reason.

But there's something more to that.

We all know and love these talent competition programmes.

And 2018's "King Maker" was the one that created Hong Kong's hottest, biggest boy group - MIRROR.

But I have to admit, when the show first aired, I was one of the many skeptics

who did not think that these contestants would make it big.

But as we follow along and see the hard work they've put in to improve,

I felt like I witnessed their transformation into a star!

But I think there's something behind the scene, something more than the group itself that

turned MIRROR into this phenomenon.

See, MIRROR arrived in an age where Hong Kongers are protective over what's "Made in Hong Kong".

We needed some sort of a hometown pride to root for because

there isn't a lot that we can proudly call ours.

Back in the 80s when the Hong Kong film industry took off, so did Cantopop!

Stars like Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui gained a massive following,

and they even have fans abroad who don't speak Cantonese.

And during the economic boom in the 90s, fans were more and more willing to spend.

The Four Heavenly Kings, who were heartthrobs of their time absolutely dominated that era.

But the slow decline of Cantopop corresponded with the rise of Mandopop.

It was about this time that Mainland China has opened up and established Hong Kong singers

found more commercial success tapping into that market.

They were releasing more Mandarin albums, and along with that,

they're focusing on their performances and shows in the mainland.

With the industry shifting its focus, Cantopop faced stiff competition.

And that's beyond music.

It's the feeling that anything people used to take pride in about Hong Kong was

leaking away.

Fast forward to 2019, Hong Kong was facing the biggest political movement,

and immediately followed by the pandemic.

The city was divided, hopeless, and anxious.

Then MIRROR came along.

They felt like a long-awaited cure, the hometown pride that we all wanted to root for!

MIRROR's uplifting music and inspirational lyrics was like a real shot in the arm for Hong Kongers,

especially young people.

In their lyrics, they also include slangs and colloquial language which is familiar to us,

giving a very local feel.

The reason I say "local feel" is because

it's clear that it's not really all from Hong Kong.

New York Times also pointed out that it's easy to spot some of K-Pop's influence on the group.

In the beginning, some people criticised them for being a K-pop wannabe,

but I think it's with these elements from Korea or even Japan, that they were able to

re-ignite the interest of many youngsters, who at this point stopped listening to Cantopop.

Just like that, MIRROR embodied the hometown heroes

that's exactly what we need in a time of uncertainty.

And through that, they've also created a community.

Fan culture, whether it's about celebrities, movies, sports team, is inherently a social activity.

People use common media, just like a music group, to find a sense of belonging.

And with MIRROR, they came at the perfect time when social interactions are limited.

At times like this, Hong Kongers are desperate to feel connected,

especially with something light-hearted!

Who would want to miss out on a TV show featuring two of the members as a couple,

making us lose our collective minds when they kiss on screen!

[Ahhhhhhhhhh]

And this was taken to another level when even

those who aren't fans of MIRROR can take part in a community of their own.

The biggest one being a Facebook group called

"My Wife Married MIRROR and Left Our Marriage in Ruins Concern Group"

I mean this group has 344,000 members.

You'll see "ex-husbands" losing their beds to MIRROR members,

dads doing their absolute best,

and a parrot singing a MIRROR song (?)

[Parrot singing to IGNITED]

On the surface, it's for people to complain about MIRROR.

But in reality, it's really just a comfort zone for Hong Kongers to joke around,

and take themselves less seriously.

And so, little things like fans collaborating on projects,

or non-fans sharing their slice of life on Facebook,

all of these bring together people of different age, stance and background.

This became especially valuable when so many Hong Kongers have left Hong Kong in 2021

during an emigration wave.

MIRROR is one way to feel connected with those back home,

as well as find new connections in an unfamiliar place.

MIRROR might not be the perfect group.

Not all of them are the best dancer, or the best singer.

But they're no doubt the perfect reflection of Hong Kongers in this moment in time.

This is a group that's reflective of a time when Hong Kongers all around the world

are desperate to hold onto a local language, culture, and community together.

And that's why I grew to like them more and more.

Every time I pass by a hoard of fans taking pictures of the members,

I take pictures of them taking pictures of MIRROR,

because it's worth documenting this chapter of Hong Kong pop culture.

And that's it for now on MIRROR.

What do you guys like about them?

And what do you think about their popularity?

Let us know in the comments!

I hoped that you enjoyed this video, and it got you interested to learn more about other

aspects of Hong Kong as well!

Thank you so much for watching, and we'll see you next time

Bye!! :)