In a lively event on April 18, 2025, MIRROR members Keung To and Ian attended a special ceremony celebrating the Hong Kong-born giant panda twins, Jia Mei and Xiao Mei, at Ocean Park. The duo, who appeared as 'star parents' for the panda family, captured the attention of attendees with their charm and humor.
Keung To expressed his joy at being a 'star parent,' humorously noting his similarities to pandas. "I feel like I have a lot in common with pandas, like enjoying sleep and food! So I wish to be a panda in my next life, as it’s such a happy thing to be cared for by so many staff!" he said, eliciting laughter from the audience.
Ian shared that they had visited Ocean Park several times to learn about the day-to-day care of giant pandas, including their feeding routines. Their engagement comes at a time when many Hong Kong residents are eager to support local attractions, especially during the Easter holiday.
In a show of enthusiasm, fans flocked to the area around Causeway Bay’s Golden Plaza and the nearby shopping centers, taking photos of birthday advertisements for Keung To. One fan, identifying as a 'Jiang Tang' (Keung To's fan club), expressed their commitment to supporting him, stating, "We usually travel during long holidays, but we definitely won’t leave in April, fearing he might have an event!" They mentioned spending nearly a thousand yuan at a support restaurant, humorously declaring, "He is boosting Hong Kong’s economy!" Keung To was visibly touched by their dedication, thanking his fans for their unwavering support.
However, the event wasn't without controversy. Renowned filmmaker Wang Jing made headlines by criticizing Keung To, labeling him with derogatory remarks. In response, Keung To graciously accepted the criticism, saying, "I appreciate any feedback from seniors and believe it’s their way of guiding us. As a junior, I can only do my best." He further defended his fans, stating, "It's okay to criticize me, but please don't insult my supporters. This industry comes with its challenges, and while I can take the heat, my fans' happiness is what truly matters."
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Tourism Board continues to enhance local tourism by inviting international celebrities to promote attractions. Recently, Wi Ha-joon, the star of the hit series 'Squid Game,' was seen at Ocean Park, visiting the pandas as part of a promotional campaign. The 33-year-old actor, who has gained significant fame in the past year, participated in filming a promotional video that showcased various local attractions.
Wi Ha-joon’s visit included exploring Central, taking photographs at the tram station, and indulging in local cuisine, all to highlight the vibrant culture of Hong Kong. He joins a growing list of celebrities, including Lee Jung-jae and Takeru Satoh, who have been enlisted to draw attention to the region's tourism offerings.
In addition to these celebrity endorsements, Ocean Park has been actively promoting its attractions through engaging content. The park recently released heartwarming footage of the panda twins, Jia Mei and Xiao Mei, as they enjoyed bamboo together, showcasing their adorable interactions.
On April 22, 2025, Ocean Park will host a live broadcast event titled "Hong Kong Babies Panda Arrival" in collaboration with the Tourism Board and iPanda. This special will allow fans to witness the daily lives of the panda twins while hearing firsthand accounts from their caretakers. The broadcast is set to run from 7 PM to 8 PM, offering an intimate glimpse into the pandas' playful antics.
During a recent ceremony held on April 18, Ocean Park established a support club for Jia Mei and Xiao Mei, where they shared updates on the twins’ health. Currently, Jia Mei weighs 17.7 kg, while Xiao Mei is slightly heavier at 18.5 kg. Caretaker Mandy noted that while the twins are growing, they still experience fluctuations in weight.
Mandy explained that the twins have reached a stage where they no longer require as much assistance from their caretakers, a significant milestone in their development. She mentioned, "Initially, the twins needed help with activities like climbing trees, but now they are becoming more independent. Recently, visitors might have noticed that mama panda Ying Ying has been pushing her children from the trees. This is part of their growth and learning process, teaching them how to descend safely from heights."
As the excitement around the panda twins continues to grow, fans and visitors alike are eagerly anticipating the upcoming live broadcast. Ocean Park, in collaboration with the Tourism Board and iPanda, promises a delightful experience for all panda enthusiasts.
