HONG KONG — Renowned Hong Kong singer Cheung Wai-man, once celebrated as the “King of Beautiful Voices,” is at the center of an alleged elder-care scandal after his legal guardian reported that a nursing home failed to provide basic care for more than a year, leaving the 66-year-old with severe bedsores, infected feet, and untreated deterioration.
Cheung’s manager and legal guardian, Fong Chun, publicly disclosed the situation this week, prompting an immediate response from the Social Welfare Department. The department confirmed it had received a complaint and said its licensing office has launched an investigation and inspection of the facility. The nursing home in question rushed Cheung to a hospital on Monday, January 27.
“If the media hadn’t generated public pressure, the home would have continued to ignore his condition,” Fong said, expressing deep regret over the delayed intervention.
Guardian Alleges Year-Long Neglect
According to Fong, Cheung had been bedridden for approximately 18 months without being bathed. When he was finally examined, caregivers discovered deep pressure ulcers on his lower back and severe swelling with ulceration on his feet. Fong said the home had concealed the severity of Cheung’s condition from him and from authorities.
The Social Welfare Department confirmed it has received the complaint and that its licensing branch has “immediately commenced follow-up and inspections.” The department did not name the facility but said it would take appropriate action if violations are found.
Patient in Agony, Emotional Distress
Cheung, who remains hospitalized, is described by Fong as mentally alert but in extreme physical pain. The singer reportedly cries out and swears when anyone attempts to touch his wounds. His mood has grown despondent; he has made hopeless remarks and occasionally bites his fingers to cope with the agony.
To soothe him, Fong played recordings of Cheung’s past hits. Upon hearing familiar melodies, Cheung reportedly smiled and mimicked his old stage gestures—a brief respite from his suffering. Although his appetite remains fair, the constant pain has taken a severe toll on his morale.
Medical Findings and Next Steps
Cheung was admitted to the emergency room at 4 p.m. Monday but waited 24 hours before being assigned a bed. Initial X-rays revealed inflammation in the affected areas. Hospital staff have recommended transferring him to a convalescent home for further treatment.
Fong expressed frustration that the nursing home had never ordered X-rays earlier. “I can only provide him with soup and nutrition supplements. There’s little else I can do on my own,” he said. “But at least public opinion saved Cheung this time.”
Fong is now coordinating with the Social Welfare Department to move Cheung to a new, properly staffed facility.
Broader Implications
The case has reignited public concern over the quality of care in Hong Kong’s residential nursing homes, particularly for elderly patients with chronic conditions. Advocacy groups are calling for stricter inspections, mandatory reporting of pressure sores, and better training for care staff.
Cheung, who rose to fame in the 1980s and ’90s with hits like “The Drifting Song” and “Love in the Wind,” has no immediate family. Fong serves as his sole legal guardian.
The Social Welfare Department said it will continue to monitor the situation and ensure the singer receives appropriate care. No official findings from the investigation have been released.
For readers: If you or a loved one resides in a care home and suspect neglect, the Social Welfare Department’s licensing hotline is [insert local contact]. Advocacy groups such as the Elderly Rights League also offer free guidance on filing complaints and seeking transfers.
