Introduction

2024 has unfolded into a truly transformative year for Hong Kong, marked by an array of eye-catching moments that captured the city's collective imagination. From exhilarating sporting events to culinary trends, a thriving pop culture landscape, and a few government missteps, let's delve into the hottest topics that had Hongkongers buzzing—and how some of them made waves worldwide.

Messi's Missed Appearance

In a much-anticipated event, football icon Lionel Messi was slated to take the field for a friendly match in Hong Kong with Inter Miami CF. Fans were electrified, rapidly snapping up tickets in hopes of witnessing their idol in action. However, the excitement turned sour as Messi withdrew due to health concerns, alongside fellow football star Luis Suárez, who also remained on the bench. The disappointment was palpable among local fans, prompting match organizers, Tatler Asia, to issue an apology and offer partial refunds in a bid to address the uproar.

The Not-So-Sweet Side of Badminton

In a rather unconventional twist, badminton unexpectedly entered the realm of adult humor after a sex education guideline for Secondary 3 students suggested that students should "play badminton together" instead of exploring their sexual urges. This misguided approach quickly became a subject of jokes and viral memes, with the term 'badminton' now serving as a playful euphemism for sexual activity across social media platforms.

The Paris Olympics' Grand Spectacle

The Summer Olympics held in Paris from July to mid-August captured global attention, with Hong Kong's fencers Edgar Cheung and Vivian Kong making headlines after clinching gold medals, while swimmer Siobhán Haughey added two bronze medals to the tally. In a show of solidarity against Italy, given the contentious nature of Cheung’s gold medal matchup, Hongkongers celebrated with a quirky culinary twist—eating pineapples on pizza!

Wicked Pop Culture Resurgence

Late November saw the release of the film adaptation of the beloved musical “Wicked,” igniting a wave of theatrical enthusiasm throughout the city. Popular musical numbers like “Defying Gravity” began echoing in cafes and on social media, as the city embraced its inner 'theatre kid.' The fervor suggests that the anticipation for Part Two, set to release in late 2025, will only amplify as fans remain eager for more.

Brat Summer: Embracing Imperfections

As summer approached, the term ‘brat summer’ emerged, influenced by Charli XCX's album, celebrating a carefree lifestyle with a dose of rebellion. This trend encouraged spontaneous, messy beauty looks and a general embracing of life's little imperfections. It resonated especially among younger generations looking to celebrate individuality in contrast to the polished ideal.

A Shift to Mindfulness

Just as quickly as the 'brat' movement gained momentum, a contrast emerged with TikToker Jools Lebron's catchphrase ‘very demure, very mindful’ highlighting the importance of graceful behavior and personal presentation. This humorous critique sparked conversations among Hongkongers about balancing social debauchery with more refined actions and appearances.

The Delayed Waste-Charging Scheme

A proposed municipal waste-charging scheme designed to promote eco-friendly practices met resistance this year. Intended to lessen waste through a ‘polluter pays’ system, public appetite for the initiative was lukewarm, leading to repeated delays before the government ultimately postponed implementation indefinitely. This situation has left many questioning the effectiveness of such environmental policies in a bustling urban landscape.

The Rise of New Slang: SLDPK

The evolution of language in Hong Kong received fresh impetus with the rise of the Gen Z slang term ‘SLDPK,’ which translates to the Cantonese equivalent of ‘LMFAO.’ Quickly becoming a top search term, it reflects the dynamic and rapidly-changing landscape of local slang that continues to evolve alongside cultural trends.

McGriddles Mania

After years of anticipation, McDonald’s finally launched its McGriddles in Hong Kong in July, leading to fervent queues from eager customers. Selling over a million units in a matter of days, the product's return to stores after a brief hiatus offers another chance for those who missed out during its initial release.

US Elections and Global Interest

November's US presidential elections drew the eyes of the world, and Hong Kong was no exception. As Donald Trump secured his return to the White House with 312 electoral votes, discussions quickly ignited over global political impacts and local implications of America's shifting political landscape.

Back to Nostalgia: Kowloon Walled City

In a nostalgic comeback, September featured "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In," a martial arts film representing Hong Kong at the Oscars. Set in the now-demolished Kowloon Walled City, the film rekindled interest in this historical locale, leading to a resurgence in themed experiences highlighting its storied past.

Coldplay’s Anticipated Concert

In September, Coldplay stirred immense excitement with the announcement of their concert in Hong Kong as part of their world tour. Following the disappointment of missing out on Taylor Swift earlier in the year, fans swiftly gobbled up tickets, some even reserving hotel rooms just for a glimpse of the performance. An extra concert date was added due to overwhelming demand, highlighting the band’s colossal popularity.

Cultural Collaboration: APT.

October saw the release of “APT.,” a captivating collaboration between Bruno Mars and Rosé from Blackpink, taking the music scene by storm. The ear-catching pop-punk single drew connections to a Korean drinking game, causing a surge in the song's popularity, particularly within party circles where it frequently featured in club playlists.

Panda Excitement in Hong Kong

Last but certainly not least, panda love took center stage in 2024 when Hong Kong's beloved giant panda Ying Ying welcomed twin cubs, followed by the gifting of two additional pandas from China. With the city abuzz, panda-themed merchandise and art emerged, and anticipation built for the cubs’ public debut in early 2025.

Conclusion

2024 truly was a remarkable year for Hong Kong, shaped by shared experiences that resonated both locally and globally. As we step into 2025, we eagerly await what new trends will shape the city in the year to come.