Living in 15 sq ft: Inside Hong Kong’s coffin homes

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Hong Kong’s pricey property market has a dark side - cramped and claustrophobic subdivided flats, where people live in spaces as small as 15 sq ft (1.4 sq metres). What is life like inside a flat smaller than a prison cell? SCMP explores the city’s shoebox flats through the lives of those who call these tiny spaces home.
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Life in Hong Kong’s shoebox housing sc.mp/6ku5
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[@fidesimatupang]

This is no longer just cheap. This is simply inhumane.

[@abc11130]

This is capitalism.

[@pt7716]

@@abc11130 Na, Capitalism wants to build more houses so they can take your money. Its the corrupt government that they voted for that keeps telling them no. This is democracy at its best,

[@selenadvictor]

​@@abc11130liberalism support capitalism. So think again , you want to be liberal or comunis

[@selenadvictor]

​@@LomanLawsonnope, thats a capitalism ,you cant change my mind. You just blind and didnt want to educate your self

[@GothboiKenzy]

@@abc11130 you mean communism

[@emoneyy68]

Little Johnny saved up for 10 years for an apartment in Hong Kong.

[@joss5515]

Nah😭

[@Hornet7581]

and decided to use galvanised square steel with extension screws from his aunt

[@axzontheproto]

And eco-friendly wood veneer!

[@Frost_Draws]

Ohohohoh nyohoho, you did not 😂😂😂😂😂

[@JJfromOrleans]

And his wife suddenly had 100 million kids.

[@sudonim7552]

In the United States, some people are trying to do the same thing, marketing them as "pods" and acting as if it is some "futuristic" and "sustainable" style of living. I hope these conditions will improve and go away some day and that people will no longer be forced into living like this in the future. This is not how human beings were meant to live.

[@rosebud0391]

For some people, those options are the only way for them to get ahead. My problem is when they charge outrageously using those marketing tactics instead of actually providing affordable housing. I have found that most pods created by these greedy people are just as expensive as renting a room somewhere.

[@Tangarisu]

Slavery never went away, it just changed names and got more efficient.

[@FirstLast-yj1hp]

Is it for actual living/housing or for something like cheap “pod hotels” for travelers like in Japan?

[@zirconium2014]

No dude they're hotel pods..

[@Mcbignuts]

@@justsomedude3045 I grew up on a 5 acre plot, the thought of ppl living like this, makes me feel suffocated and claustrophobic Capitalism and the industrial revolution were all mistakes imo, serfs in Russia lived better than these ppl

[@Steamj2]

So thats why those galvanized steel square videos exist

[@JustAnotherGamerUS]

i was thinking the same

[@Shadocat_Real]

Yknow, its...kinda Funny how Things Become Darker when you Understand the true meaning behind them, huh...

[@fixed6354]

Yea

[@user-dh7sm9zh9e]

Chinese aren't that tall

[@bugattiveyron8282]

Bruh

[@rahmalialia6738]

This is a nightmare. Now I get it why those people I saw in a bus when I visited HK, looked depressed and exhausted, even in the morning. No smile on their faces. No wonder, they're living a super rough life like this. This is far from normal :(

[@Carter-dv4hz]

what do you know about normal?

[@rahmalialia6738]

@@Carter-dv4hz none like this? Sorry if this is your normal. No bad intention

[@_tolmo_8832]

Not all people live in subdivided flats: the reason behind the scene you saw in HK is likely a result of the intense hustle

[@turronfunni]

Bro this is a ducking a nightmare to live in

[@vocaste1062]

To be fair, some people’s mouths are naturally turned downwards when they are resting

[@zenithchan581]

The inequality is very scary. I pity the people of Hong Kong who have to live in hard times.

[@KarmeshMadhavi]

Inequality? What inequality have to do with this? 🤷🏻‍♂️ People made this situation. and people live in there. This is system. Very simple logic.

[@JC42069]

@@KarmeshMadhavi Well it is since everyone is supposed to be "equal" in a communist society

[@zenithchan581]

@@KarmeshMadhavi I'm talking about income inequality. The gap between the rich and the extreme poor is making it difficult for the middle class to live or what do you think?

[@iseekpeaceandtranquility]

@@zenithchan581 i agree that chinese is bad, but the term of "income inequality" really made me chuckle

[@Tabula_Rasa1]

@@JC42069 Now Hong Kong is communist? lol

[@tjr4459]

I’m so thankful for what I have after watching this. Living like this is an unimaginable nightmare.

[@ramaaji381]

Same bro

[@subotaiKhan]

Don't be thankful for what little you have. Be angry at how little others have. Such inequality in a wealthy nation is an injustice.

[@haunter4764]

@@subotaiKhan Couldn't have said it better myself friend

[@1mmemorial]

real

[@kalicasts]

@@subotaiKhan True

[@PhobosID]

2022: Expressing Concern 2023: Expressing Concern 2024: G A L V A N I Z E D S Q U A R E S T E E L

[@Nifenol]

Don't forget Eco Friendly Wood Veneer and Reinforced Steel Borrowed from Aunt

[@GL0WSTONE]

Also don't forget he has 1 billion kids *ACCIDENTALLY* ​@@Nifenol

[@berfae]

@@GL0WSTONEdon’t forget there being not nearly enough beds

[@CuteCuteJames]

I am clearly missing a meme. Anybody kindly explain?

[@berfae]

@@CuteCuteJames okay so basically There’s these home design channels that have dumb animations and they always use Galvanized square steel Screws borrowed from your aunt Little John/liam having over 20 kids or breaking up and moving away Hong Kong, New York, Beijing Eco freindly wood veneer So we are referencing this

[@catlui3919]

I am from hk and these housing situations are rarely mentioned by those who are privileged enough to not rely on the government. Its really disturbing in a sense that not a lot of people realize large issues and even if they do, choose to ignore them completely. Hong Kong has its nice communities and some people are just saints, but overall, the vibe is that its a man eat man place where people would rather ignore than engage in normal circumstances.

[@bvedant]

and then there’s the issue around the domestic helpers’ conditions

[@theodanielwollff]

Not to worry, soon you will join china. well before 2049.

[@elpuertolas.6191]

@John Doe still more human than homeless people

[@haiieveryone8606]

@@elpuertolas.6191 not really.

[@MbisonBalrog]

Can HKers move to China ?

[@winniechen943]

This is reality. The reason they used graphics instead of real footage is because when media has shown these cage or coffin homes on TV before the government would respond by cracking down on these buildings and kicking the tenants out of their homes. So in order to prevent further individuals being punished for bringing attention to this issue, they use graphics to describe things and prevent risking the public. The graphic and layout description really did help put in perspective just how inhumane these conditions are because often the spaces were so cramped and cluttered that real footage was not able to grasp the full picture.

[@Geluonis920]

You can show these rooms without showing any identifiable information. Like just dont show the number or person who lives there. How will govertment identify who lives there if there's thousands of these 'rooms'?

[@nguyentandung42]

@@Geluonis920 quite easily actually, how do you think they catch criminals? The government have a ton of data on citizens appearances and characteristic so just a single face getting flash on would allow them to narrow the area down and start looking through camera footage to identify the building

[@kristopherryanwatson]

i appreciate these visuals over actual photography captured video. the cross sections in the animations of the featured rooms give a lot of insights as to just how bad it is to live in such conditions

[@KnakuanaRka]

@@kristopherryanwatson Yeah, the visuals do help to make the dimensions more understandable.

[@DontGoogleDinosaurWith500Teeth]

Source: "trust me bro"

[@ladymire]

This is so upsetting. It hit hard when they said they’d receive more space if they were to commit a crime and be placed in prison. I’m absolutely blessed as I look at my single person 250sq ft dorm room. And to think I once complained I found it small.

[@Ericskykid]

Same, I used to think i could live a bigger space but now my living space is considered big for others, shows how I should be grateful of what I have

[@Suiseisexy]

It's propaganda lol

[@Bigbrodonateddollarsthroughsup]

@@Suiseisexy explain how this is propaganda npc

[@naissance8032]

@@Bigbrodonateddollarsthroughsup maybe it's propaganda because he thinks this video promotes complacency and an attitude like "I should appreciate what I have and not strive for more" type beat

[@naissance8032]

@@Suiseisexy I saw your other comments, although I'm not ruling out that this is just propaganda, I think that the reason people have a stronger emotional reaction to this than the homeless is because they find this problem a lot more relatable, like how many have been homeless and how many have actually lived in a smaller without much room apartment. Like one is different situation (being homeless) and the other is an "extreme" off an already known situation, therefore more relatable, yet I can see why this extremeness could be considered propaganda, more like as a form of fear mongering

[@perplexical]

I'd suggest for Milton to expand his living space with screws borrowed from his aunt and galvanized square steel, paired with eco-friendly wood veneers.

[@crunko3432]

Milton can also install a squat toilet at the corner of the room paired with a shower head above to fully utilize the small space, adding a glass door in order to keep his room dry

[@cultistaautista]

​@@crunko3432Don't forget the induction cooktop on a foldable table installed above the toilet

[@Neffster294]

​@@cultistaautistaOf which he can use for work and can double as a dining table when he isn't working

[@Aquadelol]

Chinese youtube channel reference 🤣

[@sdwlmkcgarou]

@@Neffster294Don’t forget to add some hidden drawers where he can store his smelly underwear and socks

[@sibr4111]

I experienced witnessing one of those being built by Chinese landlords in Canada, Alberta. Me and my husband had some tough times and rented a room for a couple of months in a typical Canadian house. We were not told that construction will be going on there. We were the first renters. It was tough staying there due to noise and rude landlords who arrived daily to build there and had no concept of personal space, privacy or tact in communication. Within 2 months that lovely house was transformed into this shoe box layouts and a bunch of Chinese students arrived to live there. It all seemed so unsafe. If fire would happen there, not sure if they all would be able to get out in time.

[@UseVisine]

Where in Alberta? Like seriously... that's a safety issue. Pretty sure legal standards aren't met.

[@strlke]

@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist9 stop spamming in each comment

[@dwightd.eisenhower2031]

@@strlke it’s a bot

[@pooliner]

@@dwightd.eisenhower2031 😳

[@ClNDY2.0]

@@strlke Dude- chill. I respect him. He is just sharing the gospel. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@hstc94]

The housing situation in Hong Kong really brings home how phenomenal Singapore's system of public housing is. Successfully housing 80% of citizens in HDBs in a very densely populated city state with land at a premium is incredible, and the reason why Singapore hasn't ended up like Hong Kong.

[@viriyo4958]

It feels like HK is a parallel version of Singapore without LKY where everything went wrong with the urban planning.

[@hstc94]

@@viriyo4958 Agreed, Singapore was very lucky that its political system concentrated power in the hands of a man who, while flawed, was highly intelligent and had the country's interests at heart.

[@vannhantran547]

@@hstc94 he's a great man 🐐. And that's a really really big fortunate for your country.👍. But can't be without work hard ànd smart people

[@nycsp]

@@vannhantran547 who is he?

[@nurdiyanamasri5763]

@@nycsp Lee Kuan Yew. I'm no Singaporean.

[@kat-thee111]

It’s so crazy how some people are able to live in mansion and others quite literally live in shoebox spaces. I don’t even know where to begin to solve such issues in our world but this video makes me grateful for all I have and I wish others will also find it insightful and give perspective on our lives and others.

[@OCC_Plumbing_and_Restorations]

You can't solve the problems

[@MajinMist603]

@@OCC_Plumbing_and_Restorationswe can , squeeze the rich wealth

[@OCC_Plumbing_and_Restorations]

@@MajinMist603 So steal money that isn't yours? Got it.

[@samuelcroll344]

​@@Arunk0320 and look how well these people are doing under the current economic policies.

[@MrVlad12340]

@@Arunk0320and those living in cages and shoeboxes doing any better now? Communism may have failed, but capitalism failed too.

[@fazole]

When I lived in Hong Kong 25 yrs ago, there was a scandal that wealthy were keeping their previous govt. housing illegally, but little was being done. I met someone who was working for a well off business owner who still had occupancy rights to one of these govt flats and was allowing his servants to stay there.

[@h3dbopqux6ekvas98]

Servants!

[@Cubicflow]

Unless im misreading that's unsurprisingly kind, dude is breaking the rules but at the same time is allowing other people to stay there, what a gray situation lol

[@christinewong5723]

so what the situation after 25 year is just getting worse and worse. What does it suggest?

[@jackcat3745]

The GDP of Hongkong is close to 0 percent if the world GDP.

[@davidmar867]

@@jackcat3745 Another senseless remark. Along with the other remark makes me wonder if your green with envy.

[@KatSpicert]

This looks like a scene of a future dystopia movie, but this is our reality. Really scary and inhumane living conditions these unfortunate people live in.

[@anttam117]

Some parts of China are a dystopian science fiction reality.

[@KatSpicert]

@@anttam117 True tbh. As well as their social credit system and their overall privacy...or lack there of.

[@HydraSpectre1138]

I’ve seen these kinds of pods in Deus Ex: Human Revolution. And in China, no less!

[@Pyxtica]

Night city 2077

[@johnindigo5477]

Reminds me of Victorian London. Have you heard of Kowloon walled city?

[@redc7146]

Why don’t they just expand the room by removing the existing windows and using galvanized square steel? Ask your aunt if she has any extra expansion screws lying around.

[@FluffyNuo]

don't forget to cover the steel with eco friendly wood veneer (durable for ten thousand years)

[@koweedate]

​How durable is it? Supports entire weight?

[@redc7146]

@@koweedate of course. And very breathable.

[@koweedate]

@@redc7146 really? Eas there any visual evidence for it? I wouldn't be surprised if its just made up

[@koweedate]

@@redc7146 really? Sorce?

[@mistersir3185]

I wish I hadn't watched this, but I'm also glad that I watched it. I feel for those people that live under such miserable conditions. This video has had such an impact on me, it was an eye opener. This thing that we call life is so unforgiving.

[@uglypotata6110]

Yeah in America we get spoiled by our space and still complaining about it

[@redsol3629]

Winners and losers, my loss is your gain.

[@Mug1029]

I’ve seen far too many liberals wanting housing like this to be wide spread

[@James54590]

@arianna1906 your living conditions are a lot better than most africa trust me I would know 😅

[@v.j.3029]

We’re all subjected to this cruel life lottery game when we are born. Only a few get the jackpot.

[@jak.cr1ym]

This is genuinely heartbreaking. My room is more than double the size of the entire family's flat.

[@Lifeeasycool]

Your room is 242 square feel

[@jak.cr1ym]

@@Lifeeasycool Yes.

[@Daniel-ld7xs]

@@jak.cr1ym nice

[@nitropicxd]

u rich

[@cssstylescommand4]

Lucky Hong Kong is not controlled by the British anymore, and the Chinese Communist Party will fix this issue now that Hong Kong has reunified with mainland.

[@tiramisuAsylum]

Heartbreaking. Everyone deserves a comfortable and safe bed to sleep in at night no matter what their background is and how little money they make.

[@randymillhouse791]

"Knock, knock." "Who's there?" "COME WITH US!!!!!!!!!"

[@jean-claudechucklee7911]

Nah

[@abhi2511768]

Absolutely. For this to happen, our society needs to achieve sustainable population levels, embrace socialism, and transition to a more equitable economic system by discarding capitalism. How can we contribute? By stopping investing in the stock market which makes 10% population rich while the 90% struggle to meet their basic needs.

[@pegasus2682]

How would socialism solve this issue? The problem is there are too many people who want one space, capitalism at least encourages people to seek other places to live.

[@YabaHP]

Lol

[@rolfehorne1624]

I lived aboard a boat and a van that were about the same dimensions. The difference was the outside world was huge and clean. I can't imagine living in a place where you are never free to walk without tripping over someone else.

[@toddjones1480]

There are no vans that small. There are almost no cars that small. The Isetta is the only one I can think of.

[@kingstonsteele7820]

@@toddjones1480 yeah, 4 x 4 feet is MUCH worse than 5 x 7 ft Being able to lie down is a world of difference

[@loucipher7782]

i dont know why so many people still live in HK with these conditions its year 2024 just buy a plane ticket and fly with those dumb high rent for a coffin box, can easily get a campervan and move around in other country

[@noeltan3596]

The whole reason for such living conditions is not because of space limitation but people in positions of power colluding with property developers to drive the property prices up. There are more densely populated countries/cities with far better living conditions. Macau (SAR of China) with a population density of 19,737/km² has a housing affordability index of 22.82. Hong Kong (SAR of China) with a population density of 7,126/km² with a housing affordability index of 42.59. This issue already exist before HK was handled over to China.

[@gabrielserrano5054]

There are cities built not to house people but for development projects that get demolished latter. They should make storage units for those people living in small apartments nearby.

[@pepelepew1227]

you could save a lot of space by communalising kitchen, dining and laundry. i lived in a 8m2 hostel private room for the first 6 yrs off the coop. comfy enough for me.

[@Dept246]

The government should step in an insure that there are certain standards such as size regarding housing.

[@pepelepew1227]

@@Dept246 this is a supply crisis. halving shoeboxes will only put people on the streets. have you thought abt that?

[@questworldmatrix]

Yep, and they'll blame Beijing for it, pushing for some independence that won't solve the problem because it's the system they chose. Or at least what Britain chose and they kept.

[@mistersir3185]

To realize that your bed is bigger than those coffin rooms. I have no words.

[@uglypotata6110]

Yeah in America we get spoiled by our space and still complaining about it

[@stefanpejak9131]

I was living in a village with 4 huge backyards, 2 big houses and 3 workshops. Now I moved in a 200ft² appartment(for five days a week) due to education. I thought I was having a hard time, and it doesn't help the fact that I hate city life. When I saw this I realized how much I take for granted.

[@DanielHYNg]

After watching this video, I am so fortunate to stay in a house that provides me so much comfort compared to the coffin homes in Hong Kong.

[@jordanpeterson8414]

Thats what the video intended to do

[@wahtx7717]

@@jordanpeterson8414 It is working then

[@Xx3dviolencexX]

1000+ social credit points

[@dwightd.eisenhower2031]

@@Xx3dviolencexX you mean -5000 social credit

[@ps2bans]

@@wahtx7717 I’m x so 😩

[@spookieghost]

Truly puts so much into perspective. We (as in, most of us in the United States) take so much for granted. Just the other day, my friend's 8-year-old son could be heard saying, "our house is SO small!". They live in a 1,600sq ft single-family home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, and also a backyard space that is big enough for a trampoline, gazebo, and hot tub (which they own). I am going to show him this video.

[@MrNut-ox3ic]

Well he’s also 8 so there’s that

[@bbgede7446]

kids need to get educated fr

[@pengii6804]

@@MrNut-ox3icbros still hella ungrateful 😃 Imagine what he’s gonna be like if this level of ungratefulness continues

[@d3vilman69]

This is the reason why the term "spoilt brat" was created

[@abduwalimuse7482]

@@MrNut-ox3ic no excuses

[@lymarie1974]

My husband and I lived in an RV 28 Square feet for three years. I hate to admit this really humbled us. I appreciate shelter. Our 480 square foot shelter now feels like a huge home. Crazy inmates have larger shelters.

[@erwinlommer197]

It is crazy how in most developed nations the inmates get free food and warm housing whereas honest person with some bad luck has to live in the streets

[@lymarie1974]

@@erwinlommer197 very true 😟

[@harshgill3164]

Can u tell your pandemic experience if u are okay with it

[@faithzzzzzzz]

Im extemely impressed with your graphic visual. So meticulously detail. So realistic. Keep it up.

[@mikaross4671]

I really appreciate the art work and diagrams. It really puts into prospective how small these places are. I truly hope the people living here can leave someday to a bigger flat. It's so enraging than even actual prison cells are bigger than their homes.

[@BoleDaPole]

Makes you think though why did this US government funded media Corp use drawings instead of real life photos? Surely there is a plethora of real life evidence and not made to stir up more conflict and hatred towards China.. right?

[@PhilJLF]

@@dingusmusicproductions lol you are one angry person

[@LittleFrenchHen]

It almost makes you wish they would commit a crime so they could experience a larger space. Almost, mind you....I'm not condoning crime, but I think if I were them, I would be considering it!

[@1-Alien-1]

They might as well just commit a crime like rob a bit of money from a bank just to get a bigger space :/

[@markvanleeuwen6678]

Lived in my 5th wheel trailer for 10 years. The tiny house novelty quickly wears off, ultimately became very depressing. Bright side, i saved enough money to buy a house on a few acres.

[@pdvision2194]

Exactly what I am doing at the moment. I've been doing van life the past few years and I've save enough loot to get some land/property.

[@antcantcook960]

@@wagu7003not at all

[@integr8er66]

I have no problem with a tiny house as long as its in the middle of my 300 acres of woods with barns and storage containers

[@YoudeservetheBest]

A tragic story for these 220,000+ people. I truly believe the figure reported here is a gross understatement. In stark contrast to the rich who many of them spend more than the rent reported here just for lunch!!

[@peterfrank1572]

But they have democracy ...

[@clementihammock7572]

HK need tough men like Sg LKY the Political Bulldozer, and Early Days Builder Howe Yoon Chong.

[@quisqueyanguy120]

@@peterfrank1572 They don't have democracy. HK is a "limited representative system" where the business elites get their own voting block with more voting power than the rest of the population.

[@thefauwwboy7354]

You know what they need? Galvanized square steel, eco friendly wood veneers and screws borrowed from their aunt

[@tamalpodrido8960]

Knew the recent comments wouldn’t disappoint.

[@koweedate]

It would make the situation worse

[@thegame3417]

I don't get the reference

[@koweedate]

@@thegame3417 a meme channel called Home Design in whivh it incorrectly show ways to expand a small home using square rods, wood and screws. Never mind the fact that doing those would do many violations on building codes as well as contract between landowners. This is on top of many risks would involved such as support between the expanded space and original one.

[@neapolitanpineapple3660]

It's simply unbelievable the mental fortitude these people have to endure such conditions. Quite extraordinary.

[@evviolet8370]

Right ?? Somehow it amazes me how a human being can withstand that

[@NORMAN-HATES-YOU]

​@@evviolet8370 Before you know it you'll be living in a box too, learned hopelessness and degeneration happen slowly, over the rest of your life, and after that they'll start putting us in cans and feeding us to eachother, if you were born after 1990 you are the living dead walking and a majority of people know this and thats why things are getting worse, we worship mass shooters and pedophiles and keep reproducing and packing ourselves into tighter and tighter spaces, recycling is not the answer, green energy will not save us, we are going to live in a permanent state of pandemic as we continue to grow the viruses and bacteria will only get smarter, and with so many people to take care of dont expect the government or doctors to help you, everyone knows theres too many of us and in the smallest subconscious ways everyone around you wants you dead simply so the world is that much less crowded, but it makes no difference, there are eight billion of us, the police, the doctors, any crutch authority set up does not care, you are data.

[@bandithyena4089]

People can withstand darkness if they have never seen the light of the sun

[@drchilapastrosodrlasmacas438]

You assume they're alright... They aren't. And if they aren't, maybe they would be thought of as evil.

[@wowftw120]

Literally how do they cope and go to work and carry on?? Unbelievable.

[@sunnyonurlawn]

Before I moved to my current home in Germany at 4, I lived in Hong Kong. My family is upper middle class, so we lived in a pretty big house in a nice neighborhood in Clearwater Bay. Our life was great, so when I think back of m childhood there, Hong Kong feels like an utopia. It's shocking and incredibly sad to see that people have to live like this in that very same city.

[@MarcosAKSP]

Pretty big house today in Hong Kong and your family would be way above upper middle class 😂

[@minhchaubuingoc8384]

You still remember stuffs back when you were 4 years old?

[@RecordCheese]

Clearwater Bay residence = only upper middle class? lol

[@fsdds1488]

Middle class in Hong Kong is really a myth, remember that the median income of all households are around 27.5k/mo, IMF definition of middle class is essentially 80-150% of this value and that means a maximum 40k per household, and tell me, how can a household of 40k income, as per 2022 brought a big house in Clearwater Bay, the relations still holds even discounted for inflation.

[@feralkat9370]

Clearwater Bay has many OLD DECREPIT BUT BIG VILLAGE HOUSES, passed down the generations, so the OP is probably not even upper middle class, just a villager.

[@Augustprincess24]

As someone mentioned in a previous comment, watching this video is so devastating and I feel so sad after watching it, it’s an eye opener for me as I always complain about my living situation and limited space as I rent a studio. But now I feel very grateful that I have a roof over my head. Kindly Remember to always be nice and kind to other people, you never know what their living situation is, or what they might be going through ❤

[@VampireJaku]

Agreed❤

[@dumbcubershorts5240]

Actually, Hong Kong isn’t that bad. I have lived in Hong Kong for about 8 years now and the houses are usually big

[@drsuicide8474]

Your white westenr woman so NO, no ONE believes you wills top complaining so stop it.

[@BaritonesNAcoustics]

After all, its nice to be nice. Spread the word❤

[@2bored4life]

Imagine being asked to stay in quarantine while you live in a coffin.

[@RiceBoi-bo6xd]

They should just expand it with galvanized square steel and eco friendly wood veneers borrowed from his aunt

[@louloustreasuretrove2122]

Inhumane for sure. Makes me thankful and grateful to have what I have, even if it is not much, it’s more than a cage! 😢

[@HarryWhittle2019]

It's south China news. Probably propoganda

[@notyourdays]

@@williama.6197 I finally understand why china is having problems with low natality nowadays. Probably more and more people decide to not have children because this type of thing

[@tdeo2141]

@@notyourdays China's birth rate was artificially lowered due to the government's one-child policy. However, they are paying dearly for it. When you stop replacing workforce (stop having kids), your economy will eventually tank. And the signs are already there for China. Most of the planet is empty. It's not people who are the problem, it's the systems that explore the people that are the problem.

[@fynkozari9271]

They should leave, to a different place other than HK.

[@chocdraws]

@@fynkozari9271 Many have… a lot of Hong Kong citizens migrated to other countries. But not enough to make our land enough for the population.

[@K_alliope2024]

Appreciate how this documentary was presented. 👌 Kudos to the illustrator ,researcher and narrator.

[@Tonystarkes888]

Probably drawn by slaves 😂

[@stormssf8538]

Guess what is a slum afterall?

[@mubdimim9176]

i agree. You can tell they directly went there and interviewed the people and examined the places thoroughly but rather than trying to film directly someones home and privacy, they did a great job with the animations and detail descriptions.

[@this.is.picnic]

And editor too

[@VicariousVoyager]

It paints a grim picture when you realise that each of Hong Kong's two golf courses, both sitting on relatively flat and easy to develop land with adequate access to transport infrastructure, are roughly size of Central, a district that houses roughly 230,000 people.

[@_Just_Another_Guy]

Why can't they just put the golf courses on the rooftops? Put a tall fence/net around it and add some trees & grass to tbe rooftops to help with city-cooling?

[@quisqueyanguy120]

@@_Just_Another_Guy Because the rich elites will never tolerate losing their precious golf areas for the betterment of people they consider "lesser" than them because they are not rich.

[@phucanh0374]

@@_Just_Another_Guy because rich people will complain that it drains their time, youth and energy to get up there and actually play golf.

[@MagicalKid]

@@_Just_Another_Guy where can you find rooftops that are the size of a golf course?

[@daniellin1726]

@@MagicalKid Might not be too far fetched to have an artificial roof-top golf course, physically we can probably build it. Albeit the massive time investment where the place will remain as a construction site, not to mention who’d want to invest in it and other social implications of a huge complex sitting across so much land.

[@SouthChinaMorningPost]

Watch how an architect try to solve HK's housing problem by building apartment with concrete pipes: sc.mp/jia87

[@thienthao4326]

feels weird to know that some prisoners have “better lives” than them

[@eustab.anas-mann9510]

Not necessarily. Corporal punishment is still very accepted in penal systems of Asian ex-British colonies countries and territories.

[@_Just_Another_Guy]

@@eustab.anas-mann9510 The OP meant the prisoners have more spacious cells to sleep in.

[@zeroheroes4081]

@@eustab.anas-mann9510 yeah but in other parts of the world murderers, rapists, pedophiles etc have a much better living standard than these people... Life is truly without any fairness

[@mctrimm7097]

Yes and no. Most Hong Kong prisoners live in dorms, like big rooms with many bunk beds. For max security inmates, most cells are for two, only a few super max inmates get their own cell.

[@ascendedbox612]

@@zeroheroes4081heard a lot of those bigger criminals gets roughed up a lot in prison, dunno if its just popular rumors or not though

[@chasidahL]

Such a powerful, raw & thought provoking video. The art work was incredible. The attention to detail was astonishing. It really illustrated the claustrophobic conditions these poor people live in. I'm in UK 🇬🇧. Most of my wage goes on my ridiculously high rent, but at least I have space, privacy and a sense of safety. I sincerely hope these tenants find some alternative soon....

[@randomdeltaruneguy506]

Should use galvanized square steel and eco-friendly wood veneer

[@thebaldpizzaman6319]

This sorta reminds me of capsule hotels, when I was looking into tourist gimmicks. It’s one thing to stay cramped for 1-7 nights, but I can’t imagine the feeling of staying for an undetermined amount of days.

[@comediannamestaken]

at least capsule hotels have sufficient air conditioning, and it’s also clean.

[@swr2437]

Even then, the capsules in those hotels are much larger than these coffin apartments, along with having storage space and air conditioning, among other things

[@killingfields6599]

Lol the capsule hotel would be a million times better while staying for months or years

[@sarahkaltenecker]

I saw a couple videos similar to this about a year or two ago. I really hope this issue gains traction. It really puts things into perspective. my heart goes out to the people living like this. This is inhumane

[@jewellui]

It's been like this for many years. People in the government have not made the necessary changes.

[@JAlfredPrufrock2012]

What changes dude? No one is forcing these people to live here. They can move out of the city and go elsewhere.

[@yourdogisbeautiful5845]

Oh it’ll gain traction. It’ll get much worse in the coming years and probably be exported to other developed countries.

[@jewellui]

@@yourdogisbeautiful5845 unlikely because HK has a rather unusual setup in that they fund the government by selling land.

[@iAmNothingness]

It wont. China treats their citizens like ..

[@ItsNearMellowL]

People live like this in Dubai also. A bunch of people crammed into one room in several partitions...it's pitiful 😔

[@9小号]

Can U explain more I am curious. I thought Dubai is the richest country?

[@hastytarsier6270]

@@9小号 the migrant workers in Dubai live like this

[@9小号]

@@hastytarsier6270 ah understand I work at factory before and understand. my mistake, I thought rumor that even migrant worker have higher live standard than basic civilians compare to other nation.looks like it just a myth.

[@yoyojoyy]

@@9小号 just because a country is richer doesnt mean everyone is rich

[@9小号]

@@yoyojoyy thanks for explain .I am just graduate and worked in factory therefore life experience is severely lacked. I keep hearing that everyone wants to go to America/Dubai /1st world country since doing the same job but getting higher pay and life standard.looks like myth busted and everywhere is just the same .....

[@HLPlaysWoWB]

No one should have to live like this

[@peterfrank1572]

Better than living under China's communist system ...right?

[@jackcat3745]

Pigs should live in a pen.

[@rozenkurosei3995]

@@jackcat3745 totally agree. Now get back to your pen.

[@ughburn]

@@rozenkurosei3995 😂😂

[@funcisco]

I stayed at a Hong Kong Airbnb that was the size of a cage home, except it was a triple bunk bed. Luckily, it was just me and a friend, so we used the third bed as a closet.

[@SamsungS23Ultr]

@rachelfourie9083 No. No you would not. You'd learn to cope, there are far worse things out in the streets at night.

[@tdeo2141]

@Rachel Fourie I felt the same way when I took an overnight train in Europe. I could not sleep. I spent most of the night in the hallway (and made friends with one of the overnight staff).

[@spartantriple7]

I legit would not fit on any of them

[@redditor7548]

@Rachel Fourie homeless but with a cheap gym member ship so you can use their toilets and showers is becoming the new meta

[@tdeo2141]

@@redditor7548 but then if they are homeless... where to sleep at?

[@daze.png_]

has he considered galvanized steel wood, eco friendly wood veneer, and screws borrowed from his 2nd aunt? I believe these few additions would be beneficial

[@LadyMngwa]

The video is very well done and graphics manage to show how little these spaces are to viewers. Also it made me appreciate the apartment I live in. It now seems like a huge, infititely vast space to me.

[@theboredblueberry]

I have no words for what my heart feels for these people and countless others around the world. Is there a way to change this or is this how it has to be?

[@louloustreasuretrove2122]

Amen 🙏🏼

[@Anderson-yn4or]

Remove all private real estate developers that lobby the government frequently to gain more money in creating housing and removing space for actual public housing for all

[@theboredblueberry]

@@Anderson-yn4or curious how that could realistically at this point be achieved…I clearly see your idea has merit but don’t see the “How To” part of the solution. 👊🏻

[@Habu2]

Yes it's called legs closed and no more babies.

[@Headloser]

The only way is to drill into the mountain itself.

[@unit0261]

It's no difference living in a bedspace in Dubai, I have live like that for a couple of years, we were 10 people in one room, 5 double bed and the only thing that separates the bed was the curtain. You have to side walk to reach the door because there is not much space to walk to. It is the cheapest rent 700 aed at that time. We have common kitchen and bathroom. To make the place comfortable we never put to many stuff inside and we just eat outside or anywhere convinient. Everything depends on your lifestyle. But I don't want to live like that again unless I have no choice.

[@parrolet5774]

Wow, and KZbin videos showing how people are rich in Dubai and living glamorous lives, and one video said beggars can make thousands in one day in Dubai.

[@tungvudang9414]

@@parrolet5774 thing is, they can actually "make" thousands, but do they get to "keep" any? or is the cost of living there already chomped most of what they earn everyday

[@YouTube_Intl_School]

Why the population in Hk is rising so fast is because many people from other countries want to live here. Most of the foreign people have bigger salaries and therefore push the prices higher. Leaving many Hongkongers living in tiny spaces like these. In my opinion, I think the government should limit the people that aren’t from Hong Kong from living here.

[@peterfrank1572]

But isn't all that freeDUMs and capitalism better than China's communism? Aren't they better off than their Chinese counterparts?

[@-TheOracle-]

LOLOLOLOL sorry, but that is funny.

[@nugrohonuggets]

Lol you wrong they come there to work, simply to get money. None of them wants to live there.

[@shinbi6009]

Imagine being a foreigner and get treated better than local residents. Hong Kong peasants are second class citizens

[@jasonreviews]

HK has become china. they're free to live in the motherland.

[@sheeptherobloxyt1907]

I was born and lived in Hong Kong my whole life and this is a big problem with people who live in poverty and have to live in a tiny room like that because they cannot afford anything

[@MyStudioBearHouse]

It’s sad to watch that families and individuals live in such a small space with high rent. Hopefully they can live in a better place soon.

[@Lexxabine]

Galvanized square steel and eco-friendly wood veneers are the solution

[@sahlibrahimi]

This just makes you realize how much luxury you're living without even paying attention

[@escapetherace1943]

Don't forget to mention 85 percent of Hong Kong's land is undeveloped but also unused for farming, and they do this because it's more profitable

[@Ashash197]

Sounds like *SOMEONE* doesn’t have galvanized square steel

[@Nuhuh396]

Eco friendly wood veneers and borrow screws from your aunts

[@fard-hc7nw]

gold

[@aljabarkbbt564]

Lol

[@bugattiveyron8282]

😂

[@btsarmysai]

Tbh I can never imagine to live in this room and I will be choked if I ever try to . It's scary for me

[@peterfrank1572]

But isn't it better than living under China's communist system?

[@btsarmysai]

@@peterfrank1572 ya u r absolutely correct I will be less chocked 🤣

[@tkw3864]

Yeah, even the sidewalks in Los Angeles is way better. Ask the homeless there.

[@btsarmysai]

@@tkw3864 u r absolutely correct los Angeles is way better and the situation is that in expensive countries like hongkong I can't even dare to rent a room then buying a house is like imagination for me

[@sumitbhattacharya4402]

No one wants but they had to

[@joansolar8853]

I am thankful for what we have here in the Philippines. I cannot imagine living in such a small space.. my heart goes out to Hongkong citizens living in such conditions.

[@cherry414]

And the Filipinos who live in Hong Kong.

[@shani7x]

F u

[@ViperDivinity]

The Philippines have high population dense cities in the world but surprisingly I never heard at least know a situation as bad as this. Living in slums is better than this, the cramp space is just way too much for a person to bear.

[@salmaislam3415]

@@ViperDivinity same in Bangladesh. Even we have Highest population density in the world but I never seen anything like this is my entire life. Even I grow up in Dhaka most populated city in the world. Our house is small only 850 square feet. But It's enough for 4 people. At least we have 2 bedroom, a corridor, one bathroom and one kitchen and also a balcony. But It's better.

[@jancarlosmanon4556]

​@@ViperDivinitylmao no, living in the slums is not better than this, there is not hygiene nor proper infrastructure in the slums then you have low uneducated criminals hanging around waiting to harm you

[@friendlyatheist9589]

It's horrifying. I live in a very big house and after watching this i am privileged to what i have and i will show this to my niece and nephews to show them to be thankful for what you got

[@highspeedrailenjoyer1045]

Need some eco friendly wood vaneers

[@aimebo9878]

I’m still here as a broke university student looking for an apartment to buy in canada and thinking it’s extremely expensive when people in Hong Kong have to go through this really makes me feel grateful for what I have right now

[@IcedEstus16]

Be grateful but don’t accept these conditions that are put onto us just for some people to be filthy rich

[@madzr3093]

You are broke but looking to buy an apartment in Canada? How does that work? How much does an apartment cost?

[@seigakufuji]

If you're able to afford an apartment unit in Canada, you are not broke. You are more privileged than most people.

[@gregkareem9824]

Ironic you didn't respond to these comments typical human behavior you didn't even admit your wrong and apologize typical human behavior man smh

[@gregkareem9824]

​@@madzr3093that person contradicted themselves alot I see

[@ohara_na]

This living situations are rlly inhumane. I hope less fortunate ppl and the governments can afford and provide much better place

[@Ksu8O8]

@uhhh now give the source

[@leveluplegends123]

little johny you get the galvanized square steel and the eco frendly wood ventures i will call my aunt for the extra screws

[@BamBamMotorsports]

I literally cried when I got to Vanessa and bill. I have two small children and we are blessed to have a large property. Makes me appreciate everything I have for sure 😢

[@BoleDaPole]

Maybe you could help the homeless around your area? Share the blessing with others?

[@marisakirisame2366]

@@BoleDaPole they prolly donate to homeless shelters

[@jakeg3126]

@@BoleDaPole his definition of large might not equal yours.

[@aneia6353]

Me too

[@kratos834]

@@BoleDaPole Maybe you could ;)

[@tammyczz]

there is a ‘saying’ in hong kong that says “你唔做嘢，就要瞓天橋底”(if you don’t work, you have to sleep under the bridge) but honestly, that might as well be better than living in tiny, inhumane spaces like this. as a rather privileged, middle class person living in hong kong, i feel really sorry for the unequal distribution of economies within hk and feel awful for people who have to live in poor conditions like this. i’m glad awareness is raised about this situation and hopefully something can be done about it.

[@A_G_w_R]

They did not borrow their aunt screws and used eco friendly wood

[@CrispiestFries]

And they did not use galvanized square steel and Eco friendly wood venners

[@christophervv]

Thank you @SCMP for shedding light on this topic. Still, these living conditions are considered a "norm" in certain districts, with public housing being near non-existent as land predominantly gets sold to new developers. Keep up the conversation with these type of visuals! A necessary touch to the public eye

[@opiuchi864]

when I lived in hongkong for a while, I was outside until around 10 pm every day because I didn't want to return to my cramped apartment.

[@sharkgun]

Little John sure could use some galvanized square steel, eco friendly wood veneer, and expansion screws borrowed from his aunt

[@ultranav0]

i've visited hong kong before, my experience was vastly different. i'm shocked that such a beautiful city could have depressing places. as the saying goes, life is not a rosy picture.

[@CausedEel667]

"You will eat the bugs, you will live in the pod, you will own nothing and you will be happy. Do not resist" it is sad to see that come to fruition. Even across the world. It hurts to see people forced to live like that.

[@jakespacepiratee3740]

And Capitalism was its cause. Turns out, that suits Beijing just fine.

[@nietzschesncream8833]

@@jakespacepiratee3740 how so if you don’t mind elaborating?

[@mariocollisionmaker]

Eat ze boogs

[@jakespacepiratee3740]

@@nietzschesncream8833 Basically the Beijing Government isnt Communist and hasnt been for a while. It very clearly does not care for its poor and especially not it workers.

[@Berserkism]

@@jakespacepiratee3740 we found the basement dwelling, loser manchild.

[@august8094]

Wow, this is really sad. I live in a small one-room in Seoul (the whole place is about the same size of my room back home) often times I complained about not having enough space but I don’t even have the right to after watching this

[@quirogatnonerrat3214]

Do you have your own bathroom at kitchen? Like a studio? Or more like a dorm where only the room is yours? Do you also have roommates? I had to share my room with 3 other people and have a shared bathroom with 7 people, shared kitchen with the entire floor 😩 at university in Romania and I thought that was bad. Turns out I was wrong.

[@august8094]

@@quirogatnonerrat3214 I’m actually a little bit more lucky on that part, I do have a bathroom and a small kitchen, it’s like a tiny studio. But when I had roommates, we were 3 sharing a room with only one bunk bed 🤣 and the bathroom we shared among 4 people. You must’ve had such a hard time!

[@leosunaquamoon]

@@quirogatnonerrat3214 That is still bad. Just not as bad as the situation in the vid.

[@offensivearch]

I don't think we should be comparing ourselves to the worst possible situations. Some people have multiple mansions, more living space than they could ever use or need.

[@quirogatnonerrat3214]

@@offensivearch We have to compare ourselves with the worst possible living conditions as not to fall into depression and feel better. That's what I do. Cuz when I compare myself with those that have villas or even better living conditions, it makes me sad and slowly pushing me over the edge of depression 😟😞🤕

[@ment_y]

they shoulx add some galvanized square steel and eco friendly wood veneer

[@FreeSoul76]

This is inhumane to let people live like that 😢

[@tylermccandless925]

What do you expect when There's 7 billion people on the planet

[@mohsenpordeli3536]

These coffin homes are smaller than my room, that is terrifying.... Salute to everyone who has to live in these conditions

[@ensignmjs7058]

My Queen sized bed is bigger than Milton's "apartment." My bedroom can fit six of these units. Thirteen if you stack them and include my closet.

[@mohsenpordeli3536]

@@ensignmjs7058 Letting that fact sink in makes me so much grateful about what I have, I would be miserable if I was to live in these coffin homes for a week let alone a day

[@jjangjinni]

Im from Hong Kong and I actually never heard of the coffin homes! Not many people live in this terrible condition but people do live in a very very small flat called 劏房 instead. (The ones the video talked about) Im very grateful to be able to live in a decent sized apartment!

[@yeetyfreety6938]

动态网自由门 天安門 天安门 法輪功 李洪志 Free Tibet 六四天安門事件 The Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 天安門大屠殺 The Tiananmen Square Massacre 反右派鬥爭 The Anti-Rightist Struggle 大躍進政策 The Great Leap Forward 文化大革命 The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution 人權 Human Rights 民運 Democratization 自由 Freedom 獨立 Independence 多黨制 Multi-party system 台灣 臺灣 Taiwan Formosa 中華民國 Republic of China 西藏 土伯特 唐古特 Tibet 達賴喇嘛 Dalai Lama 法輪功 Falun Dafa 新疆維吾爾自治區 The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region 諾貝爾和平獎 Nobel Peace Prize 劉暁波 Liu Xiaobo 民主 言論 思想 反共 反革命 抗議 運動 騷亂 暴亂 騷擾 擾亂 抗暴 平反 維權 示威游行 李洪志 法輪大法 大法弟子 強制斷種 強制堕胎 民族淨化 人體實驗 肅清 胡耀邦 趙紫陽 魏京生 王丹 還政於民 和平演變 激流中國 北京之春 大紀元時報 九評論共産黨 獨裁 專制 壓制 統一 監視 鎮壓 迫害 侵略 掠奪 破壞 拷問 屠殺 活摘器官 誘拐 買賣人口 遊進 走私 毒品 賣淫 春畫 賭博 六合彩 天安門 天安门 法輪功 李洪志 Winnie the Pooh 劉曉波动态网自由门

[@oioimati]

@@yeetyfreety6938 you’re so funny /s

[@Nersius]

@@yeetyfreety6938 Hong Kong is (thankfully) not part of China just yet.

[@Arystanbek98]

@@yeetyfreety6938 it’s not China bruh

[@bobongleizi5179]

@@Nersius ikr. thanks to that we have people living in great conditions just like in this video!

[@MisteriousMyseri]

You just need some galvanized steel square and eco friendly wood veneer

[@stant7122]

is this code for something? why is everyone saying this?

[@diamod630]

@@stant7122 theres a meme where a character named "little john" expands coffin homes

[@Userrxpur]

This is not poor, this is inhumane. Imagine having to live in a tiny room, smaller than my bedroom. And you have to fit a bed and shelf yet that already took up most of the space. Singapore is very expensive but im lucky enough to live in a normal sized house :(

[@deedumeday518]

Being treated like dogs...

[@m.m4647]

in a couple years maybe a few decades the real effect wil come in. chinas population will drop to the millions because of the lack of birth and chinas economy willl also collapse breaking apart china again. because the brith control in china has already set in

[@Userrxpur]

@@m.m4647 true

[@deedumeday518]

@@m.m4647 cope. Mainland is fine.

[@Jack_huntakilla]

Nice graphics, clearly illustrated and communicated for understanding. Top work!

[@JamesTheTurnbull]

That's not cheap. That is treating you like an animal. I know I'm against strict regulations and bureaus but this is exactly what happens when we don't have regulations and red tape power checking each other. I'm also grateful here in the U.S that even our lowest low seems higher than...this.

[@komododragon410]

Even my third world country has a better low then that!

[@rainbowhyena1354]

Well, two-penny hangovers was invented in the US

[@vincentlive2763]

So I'm suppose you're speaking for the millions of homeless people in the US huh 😑😑

[@krichenboi]

The problem is that Hongkong has literally no space for houses

[@Theviewerdude]

Regulations don't prevent this sort of thing from happening. This doesn't happen in the US because it's not this poor or overpopulated. How would you regulate this away in Hong Kong? Too many people, not enough space. All that would happen is removing spaces to live and more people forced onto the street. At the end of the day, people choose to live like that, over being street vagrants.

[@riverbandit2138]

The illustrations really help to emphasize the situation

[@nyjiafinley1845]

It makes so much sense when people move to different countries like the U.S. The living conditions are usually the prime reason many people migrate over here. Just looking for a stable life for themselves and their families. I’ll keep them in my prayers

[@aneia6353]

Your an awesome person. I hope you have a great day whoever you are. Hugs 🤗 #Payitforward ❤

[@changsterville]

Yeah when they come to the US, they vote socialism. It won’t be long before the US fully turn into the country they came from. It’s been happening for the last few decades.

[@Zaliery]

Galvanized square steel and eco friendly wood veneer should do the trick

[@Mayo-vu9vc]

They just need some galvanized square steel

[@Sunflowers9191]

Oh man I feel so spoiled for living in my (small) two bedroom apartment now. It’s literally a villa compared to those “coffin homes” It’s insane the government allows people to live like this and rents it out 😢

[@Nugginsworth]

Before you complain about the size of your house you must ask yourself: do i have any galvanized square steel laying around?

[@Andrew0867]

Little john needs to ilegaly expand his apartment with galvanized square steel and eco friendly wood veeners

[@mikylejeramos3467]

Just use Galvanized Square Steel, Expansion screws borrowed from Aunt and Eco-Friendly Wood Veneers

[@suhlmanil]

I used to complain about my small room, only to see how these live in these small areas makes me thankful for everything

[@Angela-xe1gz]

Can’t even begin to fathom what the pandemic must have been like for these families

[@teaboy0996]

Well how about we give them some galvanized steel squares, expansion screws from aunt, and some eco-friendly wood vinner

[@Svierge]

Little john irl:

[@Idantheguy]

Bro, just borrow extension screws from your aunt and buy galvanized square steel and eco-friendly wood veneers.

[@DouglasDC10.30]

Maybe Milton should buy a new apartment and rebuild it with eco-friendly wood veneer, galvanised steel and bolts borrowed from his aunt…

[@BRAZILIAN_MIKU]

I love how there's a clear divide between two types of people: 1- "This is so depressing, it is actually distopian, i will never step foot on this place 2- "GALVANIZED SQUARE STEEL TIME LET'S GOOOOOOO" (I'm starting to think these little john videos are for the masses to slowly accept these inhuman living conditions as the norm but I can't stop consuming this slop it's so addicting)