On April 1, 2025, hundreds of fans came together to honor Hong Kong’s beloved Cantopop legend Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing, marking 22 years since his passing. Known to many as “Gor Gor” (big brother), Cheung’s music and films continue to echo through time, drawing admirers from Hong Kong, mainland China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and beyond to celebrate his indelible mark on their lives.
At Po Fook Hill Cemetery in Sha Tin, where Cheung’s ashes are kept, the site bloomed with flower wreaths, origami cranes, and butterfly decorations, alongside a life-size cardboard cutout of the star. A heart-shaped tribute in the memorial hall carried the words “Continuing to cherish [him] for 22 years” in Chinese and “Miss you much, Leslie” in English. South Korean fans unfurled a banner and chanted “Leslie, I love you” in their native tongue, their voices joining a chorus of devotion. Outside the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Central—where Cheung fell to his death on April 1, 2003, at age 46—streets were lined with bouquets and posters, a silent testament to his final day.
Born in Hong Kong in 1956, Cheung debuted in 1977 and soared to fame with songs like “The Wind Blows On” and “Monica,” securing his place as a music icon. His silver-screen brilliance shone in classics like Farewell My Concubine, Days of Being Wild, and Happy Together, films that still move audiences across generations. Yet, beneath his radiant talent, Cheung struggled with depression, a battle that ended in tragedy and left the Chinese-speaking world in shock. “I want to make people happy and let them feel love and warmth,” he once shared, a wish fulfilled through his art even now.
This year, fans poured their hearts into tributes. Floral designs spelled out “Leslie Cheung” and “Gor Gor,” while giant boards showcased his stage charisma and album art. A unique police commission certificate, inspired by his role in A Better Tomorrow, stood out among the offerings, as fans sketched, photographed, and wrote messages of longing on cards. Florence Chan Sock-fun, Cheung’s former manager, thanked the crowd—especially those who journeyed from overseas—and revealed plans for a Hong Kong exhibition and a show to bring his circle together.
Daffy Tong Hok-tak, Cheung’s partner, posted nostalgic photos online with the poignant lyric “Who can replace you?” from “Monica,” a question that hung in the air as fans mourned and rejoiced. Through flowers, crafts, and quiet moments of reflection, they affirmed that, 22 years later, no one can fill the space Leslie Cheung left behind.