The group has won numerous accolades since their debut, including a Metro Radio Hits Music Award for Best Group, an Ultimate Song Chart Award for Group of the Year (Bronze), and Group of the Year (Gold) at the inaugural Chill Club Music Awards held by ViuTV. Mirror is considered one of the driving forces in the renewed interest of the Cantopop genre and to have prompted an unprecedented wave of fandom culture in Hong Kong.[2][3][4] Their 2020 single "Ignited" won Top Ten Song of the Year at the Ultimate Song Chart Awards and the Chill Club Music Awards. Their 2021 single "Warrior" topped the Ultimate 903 Chart for two weeks, the first song from a group to do so in 15 years.[5]
All members of Mirror have also debuted individually, most notably Keung To, who won the Ultimate Song Chart Award for My Favourite Male Singer, and Jer Lau, who won the Best Newcomer Gold Award. The members have also participated in various drama series, reality shows, and films, most notably Ossan's Love.
Career
2018: Good Night Show –King Maker and formation
In July 2018, ViuTV's reality talent competition Good Night Show - King Maker started scouting for potential artistes. 99 male contestants successfully auditioned for the show. Participants performed individually and in groups, with a panel of judges deciding who would advance to the next round.[6][7] The finale aired live on 14 October 2018, with results decided by a public vote and a judging panel. Keung To won the competition,[8] with Ian in second place, and Lokman in third. Anson Kong, Edan, Jeremy, and Stanley were among the top 10.[9] ViuTV intended to form a boy group with the top 10 finalists and proceeded with contract talks.[10]
2018–2020: Debut and career beginnings
Mirror logo
Mirror officially debuted on 3 November 2018 with twelve members,[11][12] with King Maker's producer, Ahfa Wong as the group's manager.[13] According to the group's leader, Lokman, the name Mirror was chosen because "members look in the mirror every morning and see their real selves; when there are multiple mirrors, they can reflect infinite images; similarly, with infinite potential, the combination of these unique members would allow for unlimited possibilities."[11] During the debut press conference, they performed their debut single "In a Second" (Chinese: 一秒間).[14]
On 21 December 2018, they held their first live concert 2018 THE FIRST MIRROR LIVE CONCERT at the Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre Star Hall. The tickets were sold from 15 November 2018[11][15] and all tickets were sold out.[16] During the concert, apart from performing some original songs, they also performed Korean pop songs including "Love Song" and "Trouble Maker", although they expressed their preference of creating their unique renditions instead of going for a "K-pop feel".[17]
Between January 2019 and November 2020, the group released five more singles, including "ASAP" (2019), "Broken Mirror" (破鏡) (2019), first-year anniversary single "Reflection" (2019), "Ignited" (2020) and "One and All" (2020).[18] "Ignited" won two awards at Hong Kong's major year-end music awards shows, including the Ultimate Song Chart Awards and the inaugural Chill Club Awards.
Members also began to make their solo debuts, with Ian and Keung To in 2019, and Anson Kong, Anson Lo, and Jer in 2020.
2021–2022: Rising popularity and commercial success
On 20 January 2021, the group released their debut studio album, One and All, comprising six group singles and fifteen solo songs released by the members in 2020.[19] In March 2021, Mirror released their group single "Warrior",[20] with the lyrics "vastly usher in another new century" (浩浩蕩蕩迎來另一新世紀) which has become a symbol of the group since. "Warrior" topped the Ultimate Song Chart for two consecutive weeks, breaking a 15-year record, and also charted number one on Metro Radio and RTHK.[5]
Mirror after MIRROR One and All Live 2021
Originally, Mirror had planned to hold a concert in 2020 to mark the second anniversary of their debut, but it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The postponed concert was eventually announced to be held from 6 to 8 May 2021, titled MIRROR "ONE AND ALL" LIVE 2021, at Kowloon Bay International Trade & Exhibition Centre - Star Hall. It was planned to be held at 50% capacity due to the social distancing policy at the time[21] but was increased to 75% capacity after two weeks following government guidelines. Tickets were sold out within minutes on 25 March 2021 for 6 to 8 May, and three more shows from 9 to 11 May were added.[22]
On 9 June 2021, "Boss" was released.[23] "All In One" was released on November 3, 2021, to mark the group's third anniversary. On 22 December 2021, Mirror released a Christmas themed new single, "12".
Their twelfth single "Innerspace" was released on 25 April 2022.
In March 2022, Edan confirmed in an interview that Mirror would be headlining a concert at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Summer 2022.[24] On 26 April 2022, they held a press conference announcing their concert, titled MIRROR.WE.ARE. LIVE CONCERT2022, for 10 shows, from 25 to 31 July, and 2 to 4 August.[25] An extra two shows were later added for 5 and 6 August, for members of Mirror's official fan club, MIRO. All tickets were sold out. On 17 July, Mirror was invited to perform at the prestigious 40th Hong Kong Film Awards. On 22 July, "WE ARE" was released as the theme song for their concert.
2022 concert accident
The moment a large screen came loose, crushing Mo Li Kai-yin
On 28 July 2022, during the fourth of the twelve planned shows at the Hong Kong Coliseum, a large overhead video screen fell down onto backup dancer, Moses "Mo" Li Kai-yin, 27, leaving him in critical condition. Li suffered serious damage to his nerves and remains in hospital, but his condition has improved over time.[26] The accident also left a second backup dancer injured, Chang Tsz-fung, who had injuries to his pelvis and cervical spine. The concert was immediately halted and organisers announced the cancellation of remaining concerts. Safety concerns had already been raised early on after dancer, Zisac Law Tak-chi, was reportedly injured during rehearsal, and member of Mirror, Frankie Chan, fell off stage two days prior to the accident.[27][28][29]
On 10 October 2022, Mirror released the new single, "We All Are", marking their comeback after a two-month hiatus. At the 2022 Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation, Mirror won the Best Group Gold Award for the first time, and My Favourite Group Award for the second year in a row.
2023–present: Global debut and first concert tour
On 8 January 2023, Mirror was invited by internationally renowned DJ, Alan Walker, to perform as special guest at his Hong Kong show, as part of his Walkerverse tour.[31]
On 17 March 2023, Mirror made their official global debut with the release of their first English single, "Rumours".[32][33][34] Four Mirror members, Jer, Jeremy, Keung To and Anson Lo, later performed the song on the Japanese channel, The First Take.[35][36][37][38]
On 18 May 2023, it was announced at a press conference that six members would be holding solo concerts in the summer of 2023 and 2024, in a concert series collectively titled "IN MY SIGHT".[39] On 23 June 2023, Mirror released their first Cantonese single of the year, "Sheesh". On 13 October 2023, Mirror released the single "Catch a Vibe" as part of celebrations for their fifth anniversary.
On 20 November 2023, Mirror announced their first concert tour titled MIRROR FEEL THE PASSION CONCERT TOUR 2024.[40] An official press conference held on 18 December 2023 further unveiled the cities of Macau, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, London, Manchester, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Toronto to be part of the upcoming tour.[41] The tour opened with 16 sold out shows at the AsiaWorld–Arena in Hong Kong from mid January to February 2024.
On 2 January 2024, Mirror released the single, "Rocketstars".
On 21 March 2024, Mirror was featured on the "Future 25" list by Rolling Stone.[44] On 28 March 2024, the action comedy film, We 12, starring all 12 members was theatrically released.
On 5 April 2024, Mirror released their second English single, "Day 0", which features NBA star Damian Lillard (Dame D.O.L.L.A.).[45] The group subsequently promoted the song on Good Day New York and CNN, marking their first official appearance on American television.[46][47]
On 23 September 2024, Mirror released the single "Hunt You Down".
Other ventures
Participation in TV programmes
The first television reality show based on Mirror is Mirror Go, which aired from December 2018. In the show, members of the group played games in different parts of Hong Kong, including Ocean Park and Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village, while other episodes were filmed in Macau, Thailand and South Korea.[48][49][50] Lokman said that the show was intended to resemble the South Korean programme Running Man, to provide members with opportunities to overcome challenges, live under the same roof and bond with each other as a group.[48] The second season of the show, Mirror Go 2 released in May 2019. In every episode, a group of two members embarked on different missions, while others had to answer questions based on the footage of these missions. For the last 10 minutes of each episode, two members would partner with a fan and compete against each other in a series of Q&A.[51] In 2021, all members of Mirror participated in ViuTV's game show Battle Feel (考有Feel) against ViuTV's other boy group Error, hosted by Kitty Yuen, Dixon Wong and Edan.[52] In early April 2021, the group took part in a variety show titled Be A Better Mirror (調教你MIRROR) with actor-director Joey Leung Cho-yiu [zh][53] and the show aired from early June 2021 on ViuTV.[54]
Members of the group have also participated in various television drama series aired on ViuTV. The first television drama with a member of Mirror as part of the main cast was Retire to Queen in 2019, starring Keung To.[55][56] In 2020, a volleyball drama titled We are the Littles (男排女將) aired on ViuTV. It is the first television drama that starred all members of Mirror, with seven of them composing the main cast, including Ian, Anson Lo, Edan, Jer, Tiger, Alton and Jeremy. The other main casts include Stephy Tang and members of boy group Error, while other members of Mirror appeared in guest roles.[57][58] In Audience at the Folk TV Awards 2020 (觀眾在民間電視大奬2020), which was open to public voting, the drama was nominated for various categories and won Best Drama, Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography. Anson Lo won Best Supporting Actor as Bobby in the drama.[59][60] In June 2021, Edan, Anson Lo, and Stanley starred in the Hong Kong adaptation of the Japanese series Ossan's Love with actor Kenny Wong.[61]Ossan's Love became ViuTV's highest-rated original television series.[62]
Endorsements
Mirror, both individually and as a group, have acquired numerous endorsement deals in various industries throughout their career. They have collaborated with multiple luxury fashion brands such as Gucci, Dior, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, and Yves Saint Laurent,[63] and endorsed cosmetics brands such as Shiseido,[64]NARS Cosmetics, Charlotte Tilbury, Laura Mercier, and Estée Lauder.[65] They are popular figures in the food industry as well, endorsing brands such as Häagen-Dazs, Vita, Nestlé, Deliveroo, and Coca-Cola.[66] In 2021, three members of Mirror collaborated with McDonald's to release the Hong Kong-exclusive "Keung B Meal", headlined by Keung To.[67] Anson Lo and Ian collaborated with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to promote local attractions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong.[68] In August 2021, Samsung Hong Kong announced Mirror as its ambassador for the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Z Flip3 5G smartphones.[69][70] On 8 September 2021, it was announced Anson Lo and Edan were to join the Bvlgari Family and to star as brand ambassadors for their B.zero1 jewellery collections.[71] In September 2021, Calvin Klein Hong Kong unveiled Anson Lo, Anson Kong, Ian, and Keung To, as the faces of their 2021 Autumn and Winter series, with their ad campaigns featuring across Asia.[72] According to a report by admanGO in 2021, Mirror's ads amounted to 70% of Hong Kong's ad market, helping drive up ad spend overall.[73] In October 2021 and December 2022, Mirror collaborated with McDonald's Hong Kong to promote the 'Famous Order' campaign. In February 2023, Watsons launched a crossover campaign with Mirror, titled 'Let's Go Green with MIRROR', to encourage customers across the four Asian markets of Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Singapore to make more sustainable choices.[74]
The group's leader and main rapper. He is known for his rapping and locking skills. Prior to joining Mirror, he worked as a dance tutor[76] and starred as one of the main leads in the dance film The Way We Dance in 2013.[76]
One of the group's lead dancers. He was a backup dancer prior to joining Mirror. He has starred in multiple drama series, and mainly has projects in acting.
Also referred to as AK, is the group's deputy leader. He was a backup dancer and K-pop trainee prior to competing in Good Night Show. Kong had his solo debut in February 2020 with the release of "Intentional" (特登).[77]
One of Mirror's main vocals. He was a busker prior to competing in Good Night Show. Jer had his solo debut in February 2020 with the single "Tale of Water Torture" (水刑物語).[77]
One of Mirror's main vocals. Ian was a member of the Hong Kong men's national volleyball team before participating in Good Night Show.[78] He was the first member to debut solo, with the release of "Phase II Building" (二期大樓) in June 2019.
The group's main dancer and English rapper. Prior to competing in Good Night Show, he was a backup dancer and dance instructor. Lo had his solo debut in February 2020 with the single "A Lifelong Mission" (一所懸命).[79]
Edan is known as the group's "quadruple talent", with projects in music, film, television dramas, and variety shows. In January 2021, he had his solo debut with the single "Mr. E's Series of Unfortunate Events" (E先生 連環不幸事件).[80]
He released his first solo song "No. 1 Seed" (一號種籽) in June 2019.[8] He became the youngest person to win the 'Favourite Male Singer' and 'Favourite Song' awards at the Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation in 2021.
Mirror have been described by local and international media as "the new kings of Cantopop",[112] and a "Cantopop phenomenon". They are credited for reviving the Cantopop genre,[113] which had been slowly declining since the 2000s.[114] Mirror's appeal in Hong Kong transcends demographics, and the group is regarded as a "symbol of hope" in a city struggling with political upheaval and the COVID-19 pandemic.[115] Luisa Tam from the South China Morning Post described Mirror as "the latest icon to represent Hong Kong pride", which the city has not seen since the deaths of Cantopop icons Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui in 2003.[116]New York Times reported that there were faces of the group members on "ads for everything". A tongue-in-cheek Facebook group called "My Wife Married Mirror and Left My Marriage In Ruins" gained 300,000 members,[117] more than double the followers count on the official Facebook page.[118] In 2022, Mirror was listed on Tatler Asia's Most Influential.[119] In 2024, Mirror was featured on the "Future 25" List by Rolling Stone.[120]
^ ab黃寶恩, ed. (14 December 2018). "戰MIRROR處男騷 隊長Lokman︰我們好幸運" (in Chinese (Hong Kong)). Sky Post. Archived from the original on 25 April 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
^陳禮恒 (23 November 2020). "《男排女將》鄧麗欣激發MIRROR排球夢". Sky Post (in Chinese (Hong Kong)). Archived from the original on 25 April 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
