Hong Kong is grappling with tragedy following a catastrophic five-alarm fire that erupted at Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court, resulting in 94 fatalities and leaving 78 individuals injured. The devastating incident has plunged the city into collective mourning, prompting an immediate surge of support and a noticeable adjustment across the entertainment sector. In a profound show of respect and solidarity with the affected community, several major public events have been postponed or canceled.

The popular Canto-pop group MIRROR announced its withdrawal from the upcoming 2025 MAMA Awards, scheduled for today, October 28, in South Korea. While the high-profile performance was anticipated by fans, the group cited the unfolding humanitarian crisis at home as the overriding reason for their absence.

While some large-scale events are being scrapped, others are being transformed into platforms for aid. The solo concert series, Jer Lau “The Shape of Breathing” Live 2025, featuring MIRROR member Jer Lau (Yau Ying-ting), will proceed as scheduled starting this Sunday, October 30. However, the event’s production company, MakerVille, has swiftly pivoted its focus to relief efforts.

In an official public announcement issued late last night, October 27, and subsequently shared by Lau himself, MakerVille conveyed deep sorrow over the loss of life. “Like all citizens, we are profoundly saddened by the fire at Wang Fuk Court,” the statement read, offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and expressing gratitude to the firefighters, medical personnel, and rescue teams involved in the massive operation.

After careful deliberation, the creative team decided to move forward with the concerts but implement significant modifications aimed at immediate support for the fire victims and their families. MakerVille confirmed that the entirety of the profits derived from the ticket sales for the first show, along with all revenue generated from related merchandise, will be donated to a local fundraising platform dedicated to supporting those impacted by the disaster.

Furthermore, out of respect for the somber atmosphere pervading the city, the production team will be adjusting the performance’s content. The changes are intended to ensure the presentation is delivered in a sensitive and appropriate manner given the circumstances.

In an unusual move for a major concert event, the company also requested that fans refrain from sending traditional congratulatory gifts. “We sincerely ask that any intention to send flower baskets or support gifts be transformed into charitable donations,” MakerVille urged. “Let us unite in supporting the citizens affected by this fire.” The company concluded its statement wishing for the ongoing rescue and recovery work to proceed smoothly and for the community’s safety.

This coordinated response by the entertainment industry highlights the profound cultural impact of the disaster and emphasizes a collective commitment to civic responsibility during times of significant community distress. As investigations into the cause of the tragic fire continue, the focus across Hong Kong remains fixed on supporting the families enduring this immense loss and ensuring long-term recovery for the affected residents of Tai Po.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA— Filmmaker Jafar Panahi dominated the 17th annual Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) on Sunday, securing both the Best Feature Film and Best Director accolades for his Palme d’Or-winning drama, A True Iranian Accident. The awards ceremony, held in Brisbane, celebrated cinematic excellence across the vast Asia-Pacific region, with notable wins also going to Japan and Hong Kong.

Panahi’s latest work, a poignant yet incisive look at modern Iranian life, was a clear frontrunner, reaffirming its status following its premiere success at Cannes. The dual victory underscores the film’s critical reception and its profound resonance with international juries. Panahi, often hailed for his unique narrative voice, accepted the awards virtually, as the event highlighted cinema’s power to bridge cultural divides.

The evening also saw significant recognition for emerging talent and nuanced storytelling from Japan. The drama Impressionist Girl earned two major trophies, including Best Screenplay for its intricate narrative structure and Best New Actor for Yui Suzuki, marking a strong debut performance that captivated the panel.

A compelling highlight of the ceremony was the Gender-Neutral Best Performance Award, a category designed to recognize outstanding acting without traditional gender segregation. Veteran Hong Kong actor Sean Lau (Lau Ching-wan) took home the coveted prize for his moving portrayal in the generational drama Papa. Lau’s performance in the acclaimed family film edged out strong competition, notably surpassing Xin Zhilei, the Venice Film Festival Best Actress winner for The Sun Hanging in the Sky. This win solidifies Lau’s enduring influence on regional cinema and reinforces the growing trend towards inclusive award categories globally.

The Asia Pacific Screen Awards, founded to promote and celebrate the cultural diversity and artistic achievements of the area stretching from the Middle East to Oceania, utilized the ceremony to champion films that tackle complex social themes. The diverse roster of winners reflects the vibrant, multifaceted narrative landscape of the region’s film industries.

Key Takeaways from the 17th APSA:

• Iranian cinema continues to hold a dominant position on the global stage, with Panahi’s win affirming its sustained critical relevance.
• Japan showcased emerging talent, securing wins for both screenplay mastery and fresh acting talent.
• The Gender-Neutral Best Performance category highlighted exceptional acting, positioning cinema excellence beyond traditional labels.

The APSA proceedings, delivered via a hybrid format, ensure that the significant contributions of filmmakers across 71 countries and areas are acknowledged, promoting broader international distribution and collaboration in the years ahead.

Hong Kong pop sensation MIRROR abruptly withdrew from their scheduled debut performance at the MAMA Awards 2025 in Japan, citing a devastating fatal fire in Tai Po as the reason. The group’s management company, MakerVille, announced late today that the decision was made out of profound respect for the victims and those affected by the tragic blaze at Wang Fuk Court. While the annual music award ceremony will proceed as planned, organizers acknowledged the somber mood by canceling the traditional red carpet event.

MIRROR was slated to make their highly anticipated debut at the international music event, but MakerVille issued a special notice stating that the team reached the difficult conclusion not to participate after careful consideration. “MakerVille extends its deepest condolences to the individuals who tragically lost their lives in the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire accident,” the statement read. “We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the injured and all affected individuals, wishing for a smooth and successful rescue operation.” The management team also expressed sincere apologies to the fans anticipating their performance, asking for understanding during this grave time.

The tragedy, which occurred earlier this week, cast a pall over the entertainment community, leading to the group’s unprecedented decision. The move underscores a growing trend among public figures and organizations to prioritize social sensitivity and public sentiment over scheduled professional engagements following major community crises.

In response to the cancellation, the MAMA Awards 2025 organizing committee confirmed that the main music events and live broadcast would continue. However, reflecting the shared sense of loss and respect, they announced alterations to the show’s format. “After careful adjustments to the production, the 2025 MAMA Awards hopes to deliver a well-crafted performance during this difficult time, aiming to bring care and strength to our audience,” the organizers stated. Crucially, the Red Carpet segment, a high-profile fixture of the global music event, was canceled entirely.

The incident highlights the sensitive balance between entertainment and real-world tragedies. For millions of fans globally, particularly in Asia, MIRROR’s appearance was a significant cultural moment, but the management’s swift ethical response prioritized community welfare. The decision signals a profound sense of corporate social responsibility impacting one of the biggest nights in Asian music. Industry observers suggest this action sets a significant precedent for public engagement and solidarity in times of community distress.