Leslie Cheung still loved and mourned 22 years after death

Jamie Liu

Hundreds of fans offered flowers in tribute to 1990s Cantopop icon Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing yesterday as the late actor and singer's enduring legacy continues to resonate in Hong Kong decades after his passing.

The resting place of Cheung's ashes at Po Fook Hill Cemetery in Sha Tin was adorned with flower wreaths and tributes from fans around the world, including the mainland, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam.

A giant heart-shaped decoration stood in the memorial hall, bearing the Chinese slogan "Continuing to cherish [him] for 22 years," and "Miss you much, Leslie" in English.

Other offerings include origami cranes, butterfly decorations and a life-size cardboard cutout of Cheung. A group of South Korean fans brought along a banner, chanting in Korean "Leslie, I love you."

Cheung's former manager Florence Chan Sock-fun thanked fans for taking the time to pay tribute to the late star, especially those who flew from overseas.

She revealed plans for a commemorative exhibition in Hong Kong and a show that will bring together Cheung's friends and fans.

Flower bouquets and posters also lined the streets outside the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Central, where Cheung fell to his death on April 1, 2003, at age 46.

Daffy Tong Hok-tak, the romantic partner of Cheung, posted several old pictures and wrote: "Who can replace you?" in Chinese - a lyric from Cheung's hit single Monica.

jamie.liu@singtaonewscorp.com