There's over 7 million people in HK, at the largest protest, they estimated around 2 million took part, so not even half. During most protests, that number is significantly lower.
Two million out of seven is nearly half. You have to account for the kids, sick, infirm, etc. It's a mind-boggling proportion of the population to have in a single march.
Don't get me wrong, it was absolutely massive. But 28% isn't half, or even nearly half the population. of course a lot of people didn't go out, but still supported the protestors.
2 million turned up. Now how many support the protests and were unable to/didn't want to turn up to protests? Many people are very old, work on Sundays, wouldn't be allowed by their parents (people typically live with their parents into their thirties here). You can probably double that figure.