On the 50th anniversary of the untimely death of kung fu legend Bruce Lee, fans from Hong Kong and across the globe gathered at his statue to pay their respects. The life-size bronze statue, situated with the stunning backdrop of Hong Kong\’s Victoria Harbour, became a place of homage as fans took pictures, bowed, and laid down flowers.
In a display of admiration for Lee\’s martial arts prowess, some fans performed moves from his signature kung fu style, \”Jeet Kune Do,\” and even wielded \”nunchucks,\” the iconic chained double truncheon weapon popularized by Lee in his films.
Among those who traveled to Hong Kong for the anniversary were individuals from mainland China, Asia, and Europe. Bruce Shin from South Korea, sporting a brush cut and large framed sunglasses, emulated Lee, expressing his lifelong adoration for the kung fu legend. Shin passionately shared how he had trained for 50 years, inspired by Lee\’s enigmatic physique and figure.
Born in San Francisco but raised in Hong Kong, Lee passed away at the age of 32 on July 20, 1973, just days before the release of his globally renowned movie \’Enter the Dragon.\’
Lee\’s indelible contributions to martial arts and popular culture continue to inspire a devoted global fan base. However, in his former British colony of Hong Kong, some view his legacy as a relic of the past. The Wing Chun style of Kung Fu, which Lee learned from his former grandmaster Ip Man, is still taught in various schools, but it faces challenges in attracting new disciples in the fast-paced, skyscraper-filled metropolis.
One of Lee\’s most famous sayings, \”Be water, my friend,\” from a 1971 interview, served as a source of inspiration for Hong Kong\’s pro-democracy movement in 2019. The phrase became a symbol for city-wide protests against Beijing\’s tightening control over the global financial hub, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
Wong Yiu-keung, the chairman of the local Bruce Lee Club, marveled at the enduring global remembrance of Bruce Lee, pondering how one person\’s legacy could resonate so profoundly around the world even after half a century.
