Renowned Hong Kong singer Shirley, who once ranked as one of the “Four Heavenly Queens” of Hong Kong music, was reported to be critically ill on October 7th. Hong Kong media publication “East Weekly” captured the moment Shirley was rushed into the ICU for treatment, with her son, Kwun Hin, who hurried back from the United States, and her father anxiously waiting outside the hospital room. The heartbreaking scene of the three generations waiting together stirred widespread attention.
According to “East Weekly,” the legendary songstress Shirley, who had been absent from the music scene for several years, was admitted to the hospital last week and required emergency care in the ICU, causing concern among her fans. Her son, Kwun Hin, who flew back from the United States, stayed by her side day and night while Shirley’s father and relatives took turns visiting her in the hospital. Kwun Hin was seen sobbing on a hospital bench outside the room, refusing to leave as he was deeply worried. It was only after his grandfather’s persuasion that he agreed to return to the hotel for a few hours of rest.
Shirley, 59, rose to fame in 1989 with her debut album “Winter Love” and quickly became a prominent figure in the music industry. She sang hits like “Love Is Hard to Find,” “A Song for You Alone,” and “Under the Twinkling Stars,” alongside fellow divas Sally Yeh, Faye Wong, and Priscilla Chan during her prime.
Shirley’s career saw ups and downs, from successful ventures to sudden motherhood and conflicts with record labels leading to contract termination. Despite maintaining a low profile in later years, she made a comeback after retiring, holding a successful concert at the Hong Kong Coliseum in 2016, where she received unwavering support from her fans.
As a single mother, Shirley raised her son Kwun Hin, born in 2002, on her own while keeping the identity of his biological father a secret.
In April 2020, Shirley took to Instagram to openly criticize the record company for their irresponsible behavior, claiming she had been disrespected and mistreated, leading her to announce her retirement from the entertainment industry. The news came as a shock to many of her followers.
Known for speaking out on social issues, Shirley has been vocal about injustices. She once engaged in a public dispute on social media with fans of singer Anthony Wong over the Chinese government’s ban on his music. During the anti-extradition protests in Hong Kong, she condemned police brutality against protesters and criticized the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing Chief Executive Carrie Lam of disregarding citizens’ welfare.
Shirley’s unwavering spirit and persistent advocacy for social justice have earned her respect and admiration from fans and the public alike. Her music and social commentary have left a lasting impact on Hong Kong’s entertainment and cultural landscape.