Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today met the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Hong Kong concerning an incident in which a song strongly linked with violent protests was played during the Asia Rugby Sevens Series in South Korea.

At the Asia Rugby Sevens' second leg final between Hong Kong and South Korea held in Incheon, the organiser Asia Rugby played a song closely associated with the widespread violent protests and Hong Kong independence in 2019 instead of the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China.

Taking the initiative to meet the Korean consul general, Mr Chan reiterated that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strongly deplores and opposes the incident and requested the Korean side to comprehensively look into it. 

Mr Chan stressed that the national anthem is a nation’s symbol and sign and must be respected on all occasions, and that organisers of international sports competitions bear the responsibility to ensure the proper and correct playing of national anthems during every competition.

He noted although Asia Rugby has explained the incident was due to human error by a local junior staff member and that an apology has been made, the Hong Kong SAR Government raises strong objection to the association for its inability, as an experienced organiser of sports competitions and together with the local organiser, to prevent the incident from happening.

Mr Chan added that the Hong Kong SAR Government unequivocally finds it totally unacceptable that, while Asia Rugby has confirmed the recording of the national anthem submitted by the Hong Kong Team coach was the correct one, a song closely associated with the widespread violent protests and Hong Kong independence in 2019 ended up being played during the competition.

Police said their Organized Crime & Triad Bureau is investigating the incident and will take follow-up actions seriously in accordance with the law on whether it has breached the National Anthem Ordinance or any other legislation of Hong Kong, including the National Security Law.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong SAR Government has requested the Hong Kong Rugby Union to deal with the matter seriously by launching a full and in-depth investigation, together with submission of a detailed report. The union should also ensure that no similar incidents will happen again.

It will also write to Asia Rugby requesting the latter to further investigate the incident and responsibilities involved as well as give an account thereof.