Based on these two pics, I don't see anywhere mentioning "Hong Kong". The second pic does mentioning their office address in Shanghai. The extra stickers they put on the box look like this pair is originally for retail in China.
Not sure if you want to pay that much for the JOL: https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Balance-Men-997-Suede-M997JOL-Made-In-USA-white-off-white-navy-M997JOL/222515028371?hash=item33ceede193:m:mA-gut09egfWn7T0vgeVjFQ&var=521867720817&_sacat=0&_nkw=m997jol&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313
Just received a pair of unworn 10+ years old 1500, I am wondering if I should do a sole swap. I've walked around indoor with it for an hour and it seems like it is holding up alright.