A catastrophic inferno in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, resulting in scores of casualties, has compelled several prominent actors to cancel their scheduled appearances at a major international cultural event. Following a devastating five-alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court on November 26, which tragically claimed 128 lives and injured 79 others—with reports indicating around 200 additional cases still unconfirmed—the entertainment industry in Hong Kong has seen widespread cancellations and postponements.
The immediate aftermath of the disaster led stars Louis Koo, Tony Wu, and German Cheung to scrap their trip to Japan for the Tokyo Comic Con. The trio, who feature in the hugely popular film Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, were set to attend the three-day event at the Makuhari Messe convention center beginning December 5.
Tokyo Comic Con officials publicly confirmed the cancellation on their official social media channels today, November 28. The convention’s post explained that the cancellation stems directly from the ongoing crisis in Hong Kong. “Louis Koo, Tony Wu, and German Cheung have announced the cancellation of their visit to Japan,” the statement read. “Due to the large-scale fire that occurred in Hong Kong on Wednesday, November 26, 2025,” and the necessity for them to focus on “local relief efforts and support work,” making travel difficult, the decision was unavoidable.
The actors’ decision underscores the severity of the unprecedented disaster and the deep impact it has had on the community. The shift from celebrating cinematic success—particularly the Japanese popularity of Twilight of the Warriors—to prioritizing local humanitarian needs reflects a broader solidarity within Hong Kong society.
“We deeply apologize to all those who were eagerly anticipating their visit and ask for your understanding regarding the current situation in Hong Kong,” the Tokyo Comic Con notice continued, extending profound condolences to those affected by the blaze.
The incident in Tai Po has mobilized attention globally. Local reports indicate that Koo, Wu, and Cheung have redirected their efforts toward supporting those impacted by the fire, either through direct involvement in relief activities or by assisting organizations dedicated to recovery efforts.
The ripple effect of the tragedy on the cultural calendar is evident. Across Hong Kong, numerous concerts, promotional events, and film premieres have been either postponed indefinitely or entirely canceled out of respect for the victims and to allow focus on the emergency response. The entertainment sector’s prompt restructuring of activities highlights a collective recognition of the need for sobriety and community support during this period of intense mourning and recovery.
As emergency crews continue to manage the disaster site and authorities work to identify victims and determine the exact cause of the fire, the focus remains firmly on humanitarian assistance. The choice by these high-profile figures to forgo international engagements to assist their home community serves as a powerful symbol of unity and public devotion during a challenging time. Further updates regarding the comprehensive relief efforts are expected in the coming days.