HONG KONG: Jessie Chan, mother of a 13-year-old son and the chairperson of the Michael Jackson HK Fan Club, says she fell in love with the King of Pop through her son, Neo Ho.

She became interested in the American superstar three years ago after seeing her son watch a video of the Korean star Rain doing a rendition of Jackson's "Billie Jean". Her fascination then grew from her own search for Jackson's original music videos and history.

"Only someone who knew the real face of Jackson can be his fan. He was vigorous and brilliant on stage but vulnerable and kind off stage." Chan said.

Chan and her son were busy last night organizing shows and arranging fans to perform on stage at an event paying tribute to Jackson at the Olympian City shopping mall in Kowloon.

Chan said she cried for days after hearing news of Jackson's death, during which she lost eight pounds due to her loss of appetite every time she thought about Jackson. She said she didn't believe it when she heard the news.

Chan hopes she can introduce Jackson to more Hong Kong people. "I feel better and can concentrate on my work only when I stop thinking about him (Jackson)," Chan said. The mother also had tickets to Jackson's final London concert but she said she would keep the tickets for memory and had no intention of claiming the money back.

Another fan with tickets for the "This Is It" concert was Kase Ng, a 24-year-old nail therapist, who has loved Jackson since she was six. Her fascination began after watching Jackson's music video for "Black or White" on TV.

Ng said she respected every decision made by Jackson, including his alleged injections and plastic surgeries. Her favorite song was "Billie Jean".

She was positive about Jackson's death. "Leaving on the most brilliant moment is the best way for an entertainer. I'm glad he can be relieved from all the troubles," Ng said.

Criss Leung, 27, has loved Jackson for 15 years. Leung, who also cried for days after Jackson's death, felt pity for Jackson as he thought the star was deprived of freedom ever since he was a kid.

Fans performed Jackson's famous songs and dances, including the "Moonwalk" on stage. Taiwanese singer Judy Chou performed "You are not Alone" and "Billie Jean".

A series of tributes in memory of Jackson will be held at Olympian City, which will display the superstar's wax figure from Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.

(HK Edition 07/08/2009 page1)