Hong Kong singer Lam Ka-Chun, widely known as “193” of the pop group ERROR, recently voiced frustration over online harassment directed at him by certain “fans” of the popular girl group COLLAR. On June 16, the artist used the social media platform Threads to share the persistent barrage of direct messages (DMs) he received following interviews where he mentioned COLLAR members, raising questions about the boundaries of celebrity interactions and fan engagement.
The controversy comes as 193 actively promotes his new single, Your Name My Hymn, featuring promotional collaborations with several industry peers, including members of COLLAR. Lam expressed confusion and mild distress over the persistent messaging, noting that their interactions are merely friendly and often included lighthearted joking during interviews, a standard practice in the entertainment industry.
Navigating Celebrity Mentions and Fan Backlash
Lam, known for his candid and often humorous interview style, emphasized that he frequently discusses various artists without issue. He pointed out the reciprocal nature of these mentions, stating that COLLAR members have also referenced him in their own interviews. “We are friends, and we see no problem with it,” Lam wrote, adding that their on-air banter is generally “harmless fun.”
However, he claims that a small but vocal faction of “toxic fans” saw these mentions as grounds for harassment, leading him to publicly ask, “Is it that from now on, all artists cannot mention COLLAR?” He suggested that if this policy were necessary, he would inform fellow artists and reporters to avoid future misunderstandings or distress. Lam also specifically called on reporters and the alleged disruptors to read his public statement, seeking to draw attention to the problem of online toxicity impacting professional relationships.
The Fallout of Collaboration and Rumors
The recent friction follows increased media attention on 193’s interactions with COLLAR members. Earlier, he was linked to COLLAR’s Candy Wong Ka-Ching after they were seen together in a widely publicized video. The pair later clarified that their gathering was a promotional shoot for his new song, not a romantic outing.
When addressing the speculation during an interview, Lam chose a playful, non-committal stance, joking that he was contemplating whether to “admit or deny” the dating rumors, perhaps even considering leveraging a “couple brand” opportunity for financial gain. This light-hearted approach, however, appears to have fueled intense scrutiny from dedicated fan communities.
Implications for Hong Kong’s Entertainment Landscape
This incident highlights a growing challenge within the fiercely competitive Canto-Pop scene: managing the intensity of dedicated fan bases, or “fandoms.” While passionate support is crucial for artist success, unsolicited harassment and aggression towards those who interact with their idols can stifle organic professional collaboration.
Industry analysts suggest that the hyper-parochial nature of some Hong Kong fandoms often leads to extreme possessiveness over an artist’s image and relationships. Lam’s public post serves as a rare, direct confrontation of this behavior, forcing a conversation about establishing respectful boundaries in the digital age. Moving forward, both artists and management agencies may need to implement clearer strategies to protect their talent from online abuse without alienating their core supporters. The hope remains that open communication, rather than public shaming, can create a healthier ecosystem for Canto-Pop talent collaboration.
