However, the legacy of Hong Kong 97 lived on. The magazine had helped to inspire a new generation of journalists and media practitioners, who were committed to critical and independent reporting. The magazine's influence can still be seen in the city's media landscape today, with many of its alumni going on to become leading voices in Hong Kong's journalism and publishing industries.
Hong Kong 97 also became known for its critiques of the city's economic system, which the magazine argued was rigged in favor of big business and the wealthy elite. The magazine's writers argued that the city's economic growth was coming at the expense of social justice and equality.
One of Hong Kong 97's most notable early scoops was a exposé on the city's housing crisis. The magazine revealed that the government had been secretly selling public housing to private developers, pricing out low-income families and exacerbating the city's housing shortage. The story sparked widespread outrage and helped to galvanize public opinion against the government's policies.