5th April 2025 – (Hong Kong) American YouTuber Speed, known as IShowSpeed, captured headlines during his visit to Hong Kong on 4th April, 2025, as he live-streamed his adventures around the city. His presence attracted large crowds of fans, causing significant disruptions for local residents. The situation intensified at the MTR Tin Hau station, where fare evasion incidents and damage to ticket barriers prompted police involvement, categorising these events as complaints and criminal damage.
With 38 million subscribers, Speed’s visit was viewed as an excellent opportunity to promote Hong Kong. However, many netizens voiced concerns about the chaotic nature of his itinerary, suggesting a lack of coordination that ultimately undermined the city’s image. Some commentators noted that his previous tours in mainland China were better organised, allowing for a more seamless showcase of local culture without the frenzy seen in Hong Kong, and lamented the missed chance to represent the city positively.
Throughout his busy schedule, Speed took part in various local activities, such as the traditional “da siu yan” ritual below the Canal Road flyover in Wan Chai and a visit to Ocean Park to see pandas. His every action drew considerable online attention, making him a hot topic among local netizens.
After arriving from Times Square in Causeway Bay, Speed engaged in the “da siu yan” ritual, where he humorously followed local instructions, amusing onlookers with his antics. Despite the excitement surrounding his visit, many commentators highlighted the disorder stemming from his poorly planned itinerary. Issues included inadequate transport arrangements, confusion on public transport, and the absence of English-speaking guides for traditional experiences. Fans were seen rushing into the streets without coordination with police, creating hazardous situations. Additionally, the lack of restaurant reservations meant Speed had to settle for sandwiches instead of sampling local cuisine, and his unplanned boat trips led to him boarding tourist vessels without prior arrangements. Many felt that the absence of special activities, coupled with streaming issues due to poor Wi-Fi, contributed to a less-than-stellar representation of Hong Kong.
Overall, netizens expressed disappointment, believing that Speed’s itinerary in mainland China was far superior. They felt his highly publicised trip to Hong Kong ultimately became overshadowed by the chaos, undermining what could have been a significant promotional opportunity for the city.
At Ocean Park, Speed’s enthusiasm was evident as he exclaimed, “This is my first time seeing real giant pandas!” He also had the chance to feed penguins, revealing a playful side to his personality. As he explored various locations in Hong Kong, Speed indulged in local delicacies like egg waffles and even helped a fan tie their shoelaces, demonstrating his approachable nature. However, he also engaged in some risky behaviour, leaning out of a tram to wave at fans following him on the street.
The visit led to vibrant discussions among Hong Kong netizens, many of whom noted that Speed’s casual style and spontaneous adventures showcased the city’s unique charm, despite the lack of formal organisation. While some praised his efforts, they urged him to prioritise safety in future outings to avoid further chaos.
IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., gained fame through his energetic live streams and has built a substantial global following. His YouTube channel features a diverse range of content, including music, and continues to resonate with a youthful audience.
