Lesson learned? Tsuen Wan parking meter clash protagonist makes his comeback

The central figure in last month’s viral Tsuen Wan parking meter dispute has quietly returned to work, reigniting public debate over the incident that sparked widespread outrage

Kwan, a 47-year-old parking attendant at a car repair shop on Heung Wo Street, was spotted back on duty Sunday morning—weeks after a heated altercation that made him the subject of online scrutiny.

The controversy erupted in early July when footage showed Kwan aggressively confronting a driver attempting to park in a metered space, hurling profanities and making physical threats.

Though colleagues initially claimed he had been fired, Kwan was recently seen assisting a customer with a flat tire, dressed casually in a black shirt, pants, and flip-flops.

Shop owner Wong on Sunday confirmed Kwan’s reinstatement to Sing Tao Daily, The Standard’s sister publication, offering a terse explanation: “He needs to earn a living.” 

Reports indicate Kwan has been back at work for over a week, though he has since avoided media interactions.

Online reactions have been divided. While some skeptics questioned whether Kwan ever truly left, others cynically noted, “Time can really wash away everything,” or quipped about “reclaiming” the disputed parking space.

The July 8 clash—involving a 26-year-old driver surnamed Li—resulted in no injuries but drew police attention, prompting increased patrols to monitor parking violations in the area.

The incident also unearthed Kwan’s alleged history of similar disputes, including a prior confrontation in Mong Kok.

(Phoebe Poon)