Jennie Confirmed To Headline ComplexCon Hong Kong In Festival First

ComplexCon Hong Kong has announced Blackpink’s Jennie and hip-hop artist Yeat as headliners for its 2026 edition, marking a significant milestone for the festival as Jennie becomes the first global female solo artist to top the bill at any ComplexCon event worldwide.

The two-day festival, scheduled for March 21-22, 2026 at AsiaWorld-Expo, will see Yeat perform on Saturday and Jennie close out the weekend on Sunday. The announcement represents Jennie’s first solo performance in Hong Kong and Yeat’s debut show in Asia.

ComplexCon’s Female Headliner Milestone

Jennie’s headlining slot breaks new ground for ComplexCon, which has hosted editions in Long Beach, Las Vegas, and Hong Kong since its 2016 inception. Previous headliners have included hip-hop heavyweights like Travis Scott, A$AP Rocky, and Tyler, The Creator, with the Hong Kong editions featuring Metro Boomin, Quavo, 21 Savage, and K-pop group NewJeans.

“Jennie represents a new standard for global solo artists, with a creative vision that resonates far beyond music,” said Bonnie Chan Woo, CEO and Founder of Complex China and ComplexCon Hong Kong. “Her appearance marks her first solo performance in Hong Kong and her debut as a headliner at an Asian festival.”

The move signals ComplexCon’s recognition of the growing influence of female artists in shaping contemporary pop culture, particularly within Asian markets where women have increasingly dominated music consumption and trendsetting.

Jennie’s Solo Trajectory

As a member of Blackpink, one of the best-selling K-pop acts globally, Jennie has cultivated a multifaceted career spanning music, fashion, and acting. The group’s achievements include multiple Billboard chart entries, sold-out stadium tours, and partnerships with luxury brands including Chanel, where Jennie serves as a global ambassador.

Her solo work includes the 2018 single “SOLO,” which achieved significant commercial success, and collaborations with artists like The Weeknd and Dua Lipa. Beyond music, Jennie has expanded into acting and brand partnerships, establishing herself as a cultural figure whose influence extends across multiple industries.

The ComplexCon booking comes as Jennie continues to develop her solo identity. Her participation in a festival known for its convergence of music, streetwear, and youth culture aligns with her established position at the intersection of these worlds.

Yeat’s Asian Debut

Yeat’s ComplexCon Hong Kong appearance marks the Portland-raised artist’s first officially announced performance in Asia. Known for his distinctive production style characterized by bass-heavy beats and experimental vocal manipulation, Yeat has emerged as one of hip-hop’s most commercially successful new voices.

His albums, including “2 Alive” and “AftërLyfe,” have achieved strong Billboard chart positions, while collaborations with Drake, Young Thug, Lil Uzi Vert, and Future have expanded his reach. His viral headlining performance at ComplexCon Las Vegas in October 2025 demonstrated his appeal to the festival’s core audience.

The artist’s inclusion in the Hong Kong lineup reflects ComplexCon’s strategy of bringing Western hip-hop acts to Asian audiences while balancing the bill with locally resonant performers.

ComplexCon’s Asia Expansion

ComplexCon Hong Kong launched in March 2024 as the festival’s first international expansion beyond North America, representing a calculated move into Asian markets where streetwear culture, sneaker collecting, and hip-hop have established deep roots.

The festival format combines musical performances with exclusive product drops, brand activations, panel discussions, and art installations. This model has proven particularly effective in Hong Kong, where consumer appetite for limited-edition collaborations and cultural experiences has grown substantially.

Hong Kong’s position as a regional hub for fashion, finance, and entertainment made it a strategic choice for ComplexCon’s international debut. The city’s infrastructure, including AsiaWorld-Expo’s capacity to accommodate large-scale events, provides the necessary framework for the festival’s ambitious programming.

The 2026 edition will feature acclaimed artist Kasing Lung as Artistic Director, adding a local creative perspective to the festival’s curation.

The Broader Festival Landscape

ComplexCon’s growth in Asia reflects broader trends in the region’s live music industry. Major international festivals including Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Ultra have explored or established Asian editions, recognizing the region’s expanding entertainment economy and young, digitally connected audiences.

Hong Kong specifically has worked to position itself as a festival destination, competing with established markets like Japan and emerging hubs like Thailand and the Philippines. The city’s accessibility, developed tourism infrastructure, and cultural diversity make it attractive to international promoters seeking Asian footholds.

The pairing of Jennie and Yeat for ComplexCon Hong Kong 2026 illustrates the festival’s approach to programming: combining globally recognized acts with strong Asian followings alongside Western artists making regional debuts. This strategy aims to attract both local attendees and regional travelers willing to visit Hong Kong for unique musical experiences.

What This Means For Festival Programming

Jennie’s headlining slot may signal shifting priorities in festival curation, particularly for events targeting younger, culturally diverse audiences. As female artists increasingly dominate streaming platforms and social media engagement metrics, festivals face pressure to reflect these consumption patterns in their lineups.

ComplexCon’s decision to feature a female K-pop artist as a solo headliner acknowledges these market realities while potentially setting precedent for similar festivals. The move also recognizes K-pop’s evolution from niche interest to mainstream cultural force, particularly in Asian markets where the genre’s influence on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle extends far beyond music.

Additional announcements for ComplexCon Hong Kong 2026, including acts supporting Jennie and brand partnerships, will be released in the coming months. Tickets and further details are available at complexconhk.com.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/hannahabraham/2026/01/19/jennie-confirmed-to-headline-complexcon-hong-kong-in-festival-first/