Chung Kim-wah

Chung Kim-wah is an exiled Hong Kong-born scholar. He is noted as a political commentator in Hong Kong, and frequently references the dystopian fiction Nineteen Eighty-Four.

Early life

Chung was born in a sailor family at Choi Hung Estate, Kowloon. He received his Bachelor's degree in Chinese University of Hong Kong and PhD from University of Hong Kong, both in Social Science. He works as a social worker and teacher. As a scholar, he conducts surveys and writes analytic pieces.
Chung was disappointed with the government after the handover of Hong Kong in 1997.

Chung's early articles focused on social policies. These includes opposition to legalizing gambling in Hong Kong, suggesting universal pension and standardized working hours. Hoping to reach a wider audience than published survey reviews, he began writing opinion pieces on political issues, both online and on newspapers.
After retiring in 2020, he joined the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute and served as the chief executive. His researches on popular opinions suggest a decline in self-identification as "Hongkongers", rising feeling of hopelessness, and dissatisfaction with the government under Pro-Beijing camp.

Chung was investigated by the National Security Department for his public survey on the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. He left for United Kingdom that April, following several arrests on political dissidents, citing concerns of his safety.
In December 2024, the National Security Department issued a warrant for Chung for "inciting secession of the state" and "colluding with foreign countries or external forces to endanger the national security". The government accused him for advocating Hong Kong independence; and of treason, for pleading foreign sanctions against People's Republic of China and the government of Hong Kong. Chung maintains his innocence.
On 14 January 2025, Chung’s wife and son in Hong Kong were detained from home to two police stations for investigation by the national security agents. Eight days later, Chung's brother and two sisters were also detained from their homes to 3 different police stations for investigation by the agents.