Book Punch Founder and 3 Staff Arrested for Allegedly Publishing Seditious Materials; Long Lines Form Outside Store Late at Night
The cultural scene in Hong Kong was rocked last night, all centered around Book Punch, the beloved independent bookstore in Sham Shui Po that’s a favourite spot for the city’s creatives and thinkers. News broke suddenly in the evening that founder Pang Yat-ming and three staff members had been picked up by the National Security Department for questioning, and subsequently arrested. The charges are serious: conspiracy to print, publish, distribute, display, or reproduce seditious materials.
I’ve lived in Sham Shui Po for years and often find myself wandering around Tai Nan Street. Book Punch is more than just a place to buy books. It’s a small space, but it’s always hosting talks and screenings, and has a famous little nook where people love to curl up with a book. It has a vibe that’s completely different from a chain store—it’s got that neighbourhood charm, that… how to put it… that fierce independence you only find in a true indie bookstore.
So when I heard the news last night, I knew it was serious. I rushed down to the street, and sure enough, the metal shutter was half down, but a crowd of dozens had already gathered. Some were neighbours, others had taken the trip specifically. Everyone looked grim, whispering among themselves. A few young women were standing there, unable to hold back tears. They told me they came here almost every week and were devastated at the thought of never seeing the Book Punch sign again.
The police’s National Security Department operation reportedly targeted certain publications found in the store. Sources indicate that besides founder Pang Yat-ming, the store manager and two other colleagues were also taken in, making a total of four people. The news exploded on social media, with many in the cultural and publishing circles speaking out, noting that even independent bookstores are now in the crosshairs. Some fear this is just the beginning.
In recent years, it’s become common to see bookstores turned into tourist attractions. People go not necessarily to buy books, but for a photo op or a drink. But Book Punch always felt like it still had its core—it was a place with something to say, a place for expression. Now that core has been taken away, and the atmosphere on the whole street has turned heavy.
A friend texted me asking what I thought. I said I’m not here to analyze the big picture, but as someone who lives in this neighbourhood, I know one thing: there are many bookstores in Sham Shui Po, but at 11 p.m., to see a group of people spontaneously gather on the street because of what’s happening to one particular bookstore—that image speaks volumes.
This incident is far from over. The most pressing concern now is the fate of the four individuals and what will become of the bookstore. For us neighbours, there’s not much we can do but wait. But I’ll remember that on Tai Nan Street, there was once a place called Book Punch. It used books to land a punch, one that woke up a lot of people just trying to get by in this city.
Key Incident Details at a Glance
- Arrestees: Book Punch founder Pang Yat-ming and three staff members
- Alleged Offence: Conspiracy to print, publish, distribute, display, or reproduce seditious materials
- Latest Status: The four are being detained for investigation. The bookstore is temporarily closed, with a crowd of citizens gathering outside at one point.
- Public Reaction: Widespread concern from the cultural sector and book lovers, raising questions about the future of independent bookstores.
As someone who’s watched Tai Nan Street transform from a fabric market into a hub for creatives, I can only say this: what’s happening to Book Punch is a reflection of the broader cultural atmosphere in Hong Kong. Will there still be places like this in the future, where people can quietly flip through books, attend a talk, or just have a chat? I think that’s a question on many minds right now, one that remains unanswered for the time being.