In 2019, Hong Kong was a hotspot of hope as thousands of young people took to the streets, dreaming of a more democratic future. Among them was Chan Chi Sum, who was just 20 years old when he was arrested under a controversial national security law due to his activism with a student political group.
The protests, which began peacefully, quickly escalated into clashes with police, leading to over 10,000 arrests. Many of those arrested later found themselves facing serious charges like rioting, with almost a quarter being convicted.
The fallout from the national security crackdown has left permanent marks on the lives of these young activists. While some have sought refuge overseas, others struggle daily, grappling with lost careers and fractured friendships. The drive for democracy, once a shared goal, has now led to isolation as the movement is snuffed out, leaving the protesters to reconcile their sacrifices with their stark new realities.
