Easy Finder's counsel accuses watchdog of double standards in tribunal
http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.a ... ntid=53272

Twins' image remains intact after scandal

By Norma Connolly

They say there is no such thing as bad publicity, and in the case of pop duo Twins, it appears to be true.

Although images of Gillian Chung Yan-tung changing backstage were initially deemed indecent by the Obscene Articles Tribunal, the furore doesn't seem to have dampened the pair's popularity.

A spokeswoman for Emperor Entertainment Group, which manages the singers, said she could not comment on yesterday's hearing before the Obscene Articles Tribunal, but said the pair "continue to remain busy".

She said their schedule was full until next year, with some gigs and events being added after the pictures appeared in Easy Finder magazine. The pair just returned from shows on the mainland and were preparing for other engagements.

This doesn't surprise PR expert Clara Shek, who said the star and her minders handled the affair well.

"When it comes to the old saying that there's no such thing as bad publicity, it's partially true in that all publicity raises awareness, but from a PR perspective, there's a big difference between awareness and quality awareness," said Ms Shek, managing director of public relations agency Ogilvy PR Hong Kong and Southern China.

She said that while negative publicity could kill a brand, Chung's image remained intact after publication of the photos because through her reaction, she retained her clean-cut image.

"The singer was perceived to be a victim. When you look at her as a brand, she has always projected a young, healthy, energetic image. The way she has reacted to this unethical practice of someone illegally taking her photograph I think has won her sympathy," Ms Shek said.

After the images appeared, Chung initiated an injunction preventing the magazine from reprinting them, telling the media: "What I am most worried about are my young fans, who look up to me."