Hong Kong Dream Concert Postponed Indefinitely, Exacerbating Challenges for K-Pop’s Entry into China

Korean pop music is facing difficulties in expanding into the Greater China region. The Hong Kong Dream Concert 2026 and another Dream Concert have been postponed indefinitely, along with the MBC “Show! Music Core” concert, prompting a need to reassess the organization of K-Pop events.

Hong Kong Dream Concert 2026 was originally scheduled for February 6 and 7, but China’s partner, Changsha Liu Jiu Cultural Heritage Corp, unilaterally decided to postpone it indefinitely without prior consultation with KEPA (Korea Entertainment Producer's Association). This decision came shortly after the Dream Concert at Kai Tak Stadium was also postponed indefinitely a week earlier. Around the same time, the MBC “Show! Music Core” concert, which was set to take place in Macau on February 7 and 8, was canceled without any official explanation. Industry insiders noted that such indefinite postponements historically imply actual cancellations.

The Hong Kong Dream Concert generated significant fan interest, with approximately 100,000 people signing up for ticket alert notifications. The lineup included major groups such as Exo-CBX, Mamamoo’s Hwasa, SHINee’s Taemin, and The Boyz. KEPA stated that fan interest surged after the lineup was announced, with fans even preparing for group viewings and overseas trips.

Jeon Deok-jung, vice president of KEPA, said the Chinese partner cited low projected ticket sales based on simulations as the reason. However, he added that for K-Pop concerts, on-site ticket sales are common, and some events have sold over 20,000 tickets at the venue.

The Hong Kong Dream Concert lineup did not include any Japanese members, and KEPA officials explained that nationality was not the primary cause of the cancellation. Although “Show! Music Core” featured Japanese members, the organizers stated that nationality was not a key deciding factor. While some suggest that informal restrictions may still exist, others point to intensified competition in the K-Pop market and poor ticket sales as major contributing factors.