Why Are Some Netizens Angry At The Members of Beyond For Wishing Their Late Frontman A Happy Birthday?

Hongkong rock band Beyond is legendary amongst Cantopop fans, and for good reason. The band, which consisted of brothers Wong Ka Kui and Steve Wong, as well as Paul Wong and Yip Sai Wing, is behind classic hits like 'Glorious Years', 'Loving You', and the unforgettable 'Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies'.

Ka Kui was widely described as the soul of Beyond, acting as their primary songwriter and lead vocal. However, he passed away in 1993 after falling off a broken stage platform while filming a Japanese game show. He would've turned 58 this Wednesday (Jun 10).

Following his death, the other members of Beyond continued on as a three-man band, until 2005, when they announced their disbandment during a concert in Singapore. Later, Paul and Steve had a very public falling out, with Steve declaring that there’s “no more Beyond”.

However, Paul and Sai Wing, who are still on good terms, have been performing together quite frequently, even holding a concert titled Beyond’s 37th Anniversary Concert last year. The title of the concert did not sit well with some fans, who felt that the duo were usurping the band's name.

​These sentiments were echoed by a number of netizens, some of whom have been taking offence at how Paul, Steve and Sai Wing always make sure to wish Ka Kui a happy birthday on their socials every June 10. Strange, we know. 

This year was no exception, with Paul and Sai Wing dedicating posts on Weibo to Ka Kui. While Steve did not post anything, he was not spared from the hate, with one netizen writing: “The three of them always make sure to capitalise [on Ka Kui’s fame] every year.”

Seriously, what's with all the hate?