Korean Group HADDANGSE Debuts Award-Winning Multimedia Theatre Waiting! at Hong Kong's International Arts Carnival

IAC presents deep-sea adventure in exciting and hilarious Korean multimedia theatre performance "Waiting!" in August

For the International Arts Carnival (IAC), a summer arts festival organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Korean art group HADDANGSE will present its signature multimedia theatre production "Waiting!" this year. The award-winning performance was warmly received by audiences of all ages when performed at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In its coming debut in Hong Kong, the performance features a heartwarming story paired with dazzling visual effects, bringing laughter and surprises.

The story of "Waiting!" begins with a young girl, Bada, who longs to reunite with her fisherman father and unexpectedly embarks on an exciting and hilarious deep-sea adventure. After setting out alone to find her dad, Bada is swallowed by a whale, which takes her to its dark belly where she dances with various glowing underwater creatures.

Using cardboard props and blacklight effects, the programme is set against the backdrop of a magnificent ship and vast ocean. With lively and humorous performances by the cast, the amazing show is full of fun and imagination without the need for words.

Korean art group HADDANGSE, established in 2008, dedicates itself to creating imaginative and community-oriented theatrical works. The group emphasises audience participation, inviting viewers to become co-creators of the performance and experience the magic of immersive theatre. "Waiting!" has won the 2024 International Association of Theatre & Performing Arts for Children & Young People Seoul Children's Theatre Grand Prize and Best Director Award.

"Waiting!" will be staged at 7.30pm on August 1, 11am and 3pm on August 2, and 3pm on August 3 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Studio Theatre. Tickets priced at $280 and $340 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288, or use the mobile ticketing app "URBTIX".

For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit the IAC website (www.hkiac.gov.hk).

This year's IAC will run from July 11 to August 17, featuring a wide array of fun-filled educational programmes by overseas, Mainland and local art groups and artists. In addition to martial arts, acrobatics, dance, music, theatre and multimedia, the IAC will also offer film screenings, parent-child workshops, an online programme, an outreach performance and an exhibition.

IAC presents deep-sea adventure in exciting and hilarious Korean multimedia theatre performance "Waiting!" in August Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

IAC presents deep-sea adventure in exciting and hilarious Korean multimedia theatre performance "Waiting!" in August Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

IAC presents deep-sea adventure in exciting and hilarious Korean multimedia theatre performance "Waiting!" in August Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Notice on appointments to advisory and statutory bodies

A Government spokesman said today (January 12) that Mr Chan Kin-por recently sought approval from the Chief Executive to suspend his three public positions as appointed by the Chief Executive, until the completion of the work of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (Independent Committee). Mr Chan made this request to allow himself more time to dedicate to the work of the Independent Committee. After due consideration, the Chief Executive has agreed to and approved this request. The three public positions are: (1) Chairman of Independent Commission Against Corruption Advisory Committee on Corruption; (2) Non-executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority Board; and (3) Member of Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee.

On December 12, 2025, the Government established the Independent Committee to examine the causes of the incident and related issues, ascertain the facts, and make recommendations on preventing similar tragedies and on improvement measures. The Independent Committee is chaired by Mr Justice David Lok, with Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen serving as members. The Independent Committee held its first meeting on December 19 last year and aims to complete its work within nine months of commencing operations.

Mr Chan Kin-por wrote earlier to the Chief Executive, expressing his wish to suspend the aforementioned three public positions until the Independent Committee completes its work, in order to dedicate more time and focus to the Independent Committee's tasks. The Chief Executive has agreed to and approved the request.

A Government spokesperson said that since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, both the Government and the wider community have been highly concerned about the causes of the incident and the follow-up work. The scope of the Independent Committee's work is extensive, particularly concerning systemic issues related to bid-rigging and connected interests. Given the numerous issues involved and their complex nature, the Government will fully co-operate with the Independent Committee to ensure that it can complete its work and compile its report within nine months. The Government extends its gratitude to Mr Chan for accepting the appointment as a member of the Independent Committee and for his professional and conscientious approach to the Committee's work. When the Independent Committee's work is completed, the Government looks forward to Mr Chan's continuous contribution through his aforementioned public positions.

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