Hong Kong director Johnnie To slammed by Beijing-backed newspapers after saying city had ‘no soul’ in BBC interview

Tensions rise as To's comments spark debate about Hong Kong's cultural identity

Renowned Hong Kong director Johnnie To has come under fire from Beijing-backed newspapers after saying in a BBC interview that the city had "no soul".

To, known for his acclaimed crime films such as "Election" and "Mad Detective", made the remarks during an interview with the BBC's HARDtalk program, which aired on Monday (September 12).

When asked about the cultural identity of Hong Kong, To said: "I think Hong Kong has no soul. It's a city without a soul." He added that the city had become "too commercialized" and that its "culture has been diluted."

To's comments have sparked a heated debate online, with some netizens agreeing with his assessment and others accusing him of being out of touch with the city's grassroots.

Beijing-backed newspapers have also weighed in on the controversy, with the Global Times publishing an editorial on Tuesday (September 13) that accused To of "smearing" Hong Kong and "insulting" its people.

The editorial said that To's comments were "not only factually wrong but also politically harmful." It added that To was "ignoring the great progress that Hong Kong has made since its return to China in 1997."

To's comments come at a time of heightened tensions between Hong Kong and Beijing. The city has been rocked by pro-democracy protests in recent years, and there have been growing concerns about the erosion of its freedoms.

Some observers have suggested that To's comments may reflect a broader sense of disillusionment with the city's current state of affairs.

One netizen wrote on Twitter: "Johnnie To is right. Hong Kong has lost its soul. It's now just a playground for the rich and powerful."

Another netizen wrote: "I disagree with Johnnie To. Hong Kong may have its problems, but it's still a vibrant and dynamic city with a unique culture."

The debate over To's comments is likely to continue in the coming days and weeks. It remains to be seen whether his remarks will have a lasting impact on Hong Kong's cultural identity.