Tang Ngai-hong, an 18-year-old student who gained fame through a popular Hong Kong web series and documentary about the grueling secondary school public exams, has made headlines for an entirely different reason. Tang was recently convicted of shoplifting at a Don Don Donki store in Kowloon Bay, a revelation that has shocked his fans and followers.
On Monday, Tang was fined HK$3,000 (US$385) by Magistrate Betty Lau Suk-han at the Kwun Tong Court after being found guilty of theft. Court documents revealed that Tang confessed to stealing items from the Japanese discount chain store “out of greed,” a momentary lapse in judgment that he now deeply regrets.
The incident occurred on the evening of May 9 at Amoy Plaza in Kowloon Bay. Tang walked out of the Don Don Donki store with a yellow reusable bag filled with 17 unpaid items, including beef, eggs, apples, instant noodles, and two cans of soda, valued at nearly HK$700. His actions triggered the store’s anti-theft alarm, leading to his apprehension.
Following the conviction, Tang took to Instagram on Monday night to issue a public apology. He expressed deep remorse, apologizing to his family, the producers of the documentary, and the audience who had supported him. “Because of my own momentary greed, I committed a mistake and deeply regret it,” Tang wrote. He explained that he had refrained from making any public comments earlier due to the ongoing court proceedings. “I’m sorry that I let you down and disappointed every member of the audience who had expectations of me,” he added.
Tang’s rise to fame began with his participation in a campus beauty pageant organized by the YouTube channel Trial and Error, which eventually selected him as a subject for their documentary web series about the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) exams. The series chronicled his arduous journey through the DSE, capturing the immense pressure and challenges faced by students in Hong Kong’s highly competitive education system.
Despite his best efforts, including an intense 100-day revision schedule, Tang was unable to improve his grades enough to secure a spot at a university. However, his candid portrayal of the struggle resonated with viewers, and the series garnered over a million views on YouTube, receiving widespread acclaim.
The success of the series led to the creation of a full-length documentary titled Once Upon a Time in HKDSE, which was released in cinemas on July 4. The documentary, which has grossed more than HK$5 million at the box office, sparked significant discussion about Hong Kong’s education system, societal expectations, and the immense pressure placed on students.
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However, Tang’s involvement in the documentary came under scrutiny when he was notably absent from its publicity events, including the film’s premiere. His absence led to speculation among viewers, with many wondering why the star of the documentary was not promoting the film. Trial and Error co-founder Hui Yin, who also appeared in the documentary, initially attributed Tang’s absence to “personal issues” without providing further details.
In response to the shoplifting incident, Trial and Error released a statement on Tuesday, acknowledging that they had been in communication with Tang and his family and were providing the necessary support. The production team also confirmed that all of Tang’s work and promotional activities had been suspended following the incident. “Whatever the reasons, one has to bear responsibility for one’s acts. Whether he deserves another chance, he will need to fight for it himself,” the statement read.
Tang’s legal troubles have overshadowed what was supposed to be a milestone in his life, with his role in the documentary bringing him into the public eye. While his actions have disappointed many, they also serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that come with sudden fame, particularly for young individuals still grappling with personal growth and responsibility.
The incident has cast a shadow over Tang’s future, both in the entertainment industry and in his personal life. As he navigates the fallout from his actions, the question remains whether he can overcome this setback and regain the trust of his audience and supporters. For now, Tang must confront the consequences of his actions and reflect on the choices that led him to this point.
