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.
The magazine's fearless reporting and commentary did not go unnoticed. The South China Morning Post (SCMP), one of Hong Kong's most influential newspapers, began to take notice of Hong Kong 97's rising profile. The SCMP, which had long been considered the city's establishment newspaper, started to feel threatened by the upstart magazine's willingness to challenge its dominance.
The government, too, began to take a closer look at Hong Kong 97. In 1995, the magazine published a special issue on the upcoming 1997 handover, which included articles critical of the government's handling of the transition. The government responded by accusing the magazine of spreading "untruths" and "half-truths."