Jimmy Lai’s public life, spanning decades of entrepreneurship and political activism, has been chronicled through a series of defining images that trace his transformation from self-made media magnate to one of Hong Kong’s most recognisable political figures.

Born in mainland China and arriving in Hong Kong as a stowaway in his youth, Lai built a clothing empire before founding a major newspaper that became widely known for its outspoken editorial stance.

Photographs from the early years depict a confident businessman presiding over corporate launches and media expansions, emblematic of Hong Kong’s era of rapid economic growth and vibrant press culture.

As political tensions in the city intensified, later images show Lai increasingly present at rallies and public demonstrations, often standing alongside activists calling for greater political freedoms.

His shift from boardroom executive to prominent campaigner marked a significant change in both his personal trajectory and the broader political landscape of the territory.

Subsequent photographs capture moments of arrest, court appearances and public statements, reflecting the legal challenges he has faced under Hong Kong’s national security framework.

Supporters describe his activism as a continuation of his long-held views on civil liberties, while authorities have maintained that enforcement actions are grounded in existing law.

The visual record also reflects the wider transformation of Hong Kong itself, from a bustling commercial hub known for robust media pluralism to a city navigating profound political change.

Images of crowded newsrooms contrast with later scenes of shuttered offices, underscoring the pressures that reshaped the local media environment.

Through portraits, courtroom sketches and archive footage, Lai’s evolution illustrates the intersection of business, media and politics in modern Hong Kong, offering a lens on how individual figures can become entwined with larger historical shifts.