Photo taken in Malaysia stirs outcry in Hong Kong
HONG KONG (AP) - The cover of Hong Kong magazine that shows a photo of a local pop star adjusting her bra while changing backstage has stirred an outcry, with critics denouncing the picture's display as despicable.
One of the cover photos in question, published in the current issue of Easy Finder magazine, shows Gillian Chung of the Hong Kong female pop duo Twins fixing her bra backstage at a concert at the Malaysian entertainment resort of Genting last week.
Her breast is not revealed.
The second, smaller cover photo shows Chung naked shoulder up.
The headline reads, "Ah Kiu releases bra near back window,'' using Chung's Chinese nickname.
The photos have drawn protests from the government, editorialists and members of the public who filed hundreds of complaints against the cover to government regulators.
Easy Finder didn't immediately return a call by The Associated Press seeking comment.
One newspaper photo showed a teary-eyed Chung, covering her mouth with clutched fists, in response to the magazine cover.
The respected Ming Pao Daily News said in an editorial Thursday the cover "can only be described as dirty and obscene.''
"These magazines, for the sake of galvanizing readers and spike circulation, have stooped to a level where they use illegitimate means, and anything goes,'' it wrote.
Hong Kong's Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology Joseph Wong was quoted as saying in Ming Pao, "taking photos secretly is always wrong.''
"The wording in magazines is getting increasingly obscene and gross,'' Wong reportedly said at a private gathering with reporters.
Chung's record label EEG said in a statement it's seeking legal advice.
"We urge journalists to rethink their current method of covering entertainment news. We hope they respect the dignity of artists while defending freedom of press,'' the statement said.
Spokeswoman Viola Kwan for the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority, which regulates local publications, said the body has received 246 complaints against the magazine cover.
She said the matter has been referred to Hong Kong's Obscene Articles Tribunal, which classifies offensive print materials.
Easy Finder is part of the Next Media group of publications, known for its aggressive and at times sensationalistic reporting.
It also publishes the popular newspaper Apple Daily and the weekly Next magazine in both Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Hong Kong's in-your-face paparazzi tactics have drawn fire before.
Eastweek magazine was shut down amid the backlash after publishing on its cover a photo of a visibly distressed, seminude female star, widely reported to be Carina Lau, in October 2002.
Eastweek was then owned by businessman Albert Yeung, who controls Chung's record label EEG. It was later reopened under new ownership.
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SOURCE: THESTAR.COM.MY
Very disturbing la Malaysians like this, like gila seks only...Now, surely after this international artists will think twice before performing in Malaysia.
