Celestial Tribute to a Hero
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has officially named an asteroid in honor of Ho Wai-ho, a 37-year-old Hong Kong firefighter who lost his life while rescuing residents during the devastating November 2025 blaze at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po. The asteroid, formerly cataloged as 34871, is now designated “34871 Howaiho.”
The tribute was initiated by Hong Kong-born astronomer William Yeung Kwong-yu, who discovered the space rock in 2001. The 43-hour inferno, which claimed 168 lives, remains one of the deadliest disasters in the city’s recent history. Authorities have since charged multiple individuals and firms with manslaughter and fraud, citing “gross negligence” and the use of unsafe construction materials.
Hong Kong on Screen
As the city processes this tragedy, its image is also being reflected in pop culture. The new Hulu drama “The Season,” created by Yalun Tu, premieres this week, offering a stylized look at Hong Kong’s ultra-wealthy circles. While the show features a fictional narrative reminiscent of “Crazy Rich Asians,” it leans heavily into the city’s distinct geography and social stratification.
Critics note that while the show’s plot is highly dramatized, it captures the visual essence of Hong Kong’s skyline and the deep class divides inherent in its history. Unlike the somber reality of the Tai Po disaster, “The Season” focuses on the escapist side of the city’s cosmopolitan life, providing a contrasting perspective on the same territory.