HONG KONG – Four years after a catastrophic stage accident left him paralyzed from the neck down, dancer Li Kai-yin, known professionally as Mo, faces his most painful milestone yet: the first anniversary of the tragedy without his father by his side.
On July 28, 2020, the 28-year-old was performing as a backup dancer for the popular Cantopop group MIRROR at the Hong Kong Coliseum when a massive LED screen detached from its rigging and struck him. The impact fractured his cervical spine, leaving him with only a 5 percent chance of full recovery, according to initial medical assessments.
This year, that already daunting prognosis feels even heavier. Mo’s father, Rev. Paul Lee, a pastor who had been his son’s unwavering companion and weekly prayer-letter writer since the accident, passed away in April. Sunday marks the first July 28 that Mo must endure without his father’s physical presence.
A fan page dedicated to Mo, “momo.lkydk,” posted a poignant illustration on social media to mark the day. The drawing shows a healthy, pre-accident Mo embracing his current self in a wheelchair from behind. The caption, written in English, offered encouragement: “Mo! You have walked a long and difficult journey! We love you, we are incredibly proud of you, and we will always be your strong support.”
The post acknowledged the profound grief of this year’s anniversary. “This year’s anniversary is probably harder than ever because Pastor Lee is not by your side,” it read. “May he gently watch over you on this day, bring you inner comfort and peace, and guide you safely along this challenging road to recovery.”
The accident, which also injured another dancer, prompted widespread public outcry and led to a government investigation into stage safety protocols in Hong Kong. MIRROR’s concert series was suspended, and several event companies faced scrutiny. While the tragedy forever altered the lives of the dancers and their families, Mo’s fight for mobility has become a symbol of resilience in the city.
Rev. Lee had been a public face of his son’s struggle, sharing updates on Mo’s rehabilitation and appealing for privacy and support. His death in April at age 68 from undisclosed causes added a layer of sorrow to an already grueling recovery process.
The fan page message continued: “Today, my heart and prayers are with you and your family. You have carried such a heavy burden and endured such a long time. May this day and the days ahead gently care for your tired body and soul. Be strong; everything will be okay. We are with you.”
Medical experts note that while spinal cord injury regeneration remains limited, emerging therapies—including epidural stimulation and intensive neurorehabilitation—offer hope for some functional improvement. Mo’s family has not publicly detailed his current physical condition, but supporters continue to fundraise and advocate for advanced treatment options.
As the fourth anniversary passes, the central question remains: What next? For Mo, the answer is the same as it has been every day for four years—continue the fight, one painstaking step at a time, now carrying the memory of a father who never stopped praying for his son’s healing.
