Catch-up call for Hong Kong as expanded ComplexCon festival returns in March

Pop culture festival ComplexCon will return to Hong Kong in March after making its Asia debut last year, with organisers hoping international stars such as American hip hop artist Metro Boomin and South Korean rapper Zico will attract more overseas and mainland Chinese visitors to the event.

The first non-US edition in 2024 drew about 30,000 attendees, 55 per cent of whom were from more than 40 markets outside Hong Kong including the mainland, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. An estimated 10 to 20 per cent more people are expected to attend this year’s event.

The festival at AsiaWorld-Expo will also be expanded compared with last year. Its merchandise sales area will occupy four halls this year, rather than three, and concerts have moved from one of the smaller venues to the 14,000-seat AsiaWorld-Arena.

The annual festival secured HK$15 million (US$1.9 million) from the government’s Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund for its coming edition. The fund was set up to develop the arts and help promote Hong Kong as a centre for cultural exchanges, while bringing back tourists to the city after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The line-up of the event, which runs from March 21 to 23, also includes Migos rap group member Quavo, Chinese rap collective Digi Ghetto, Japanese rappers ¥ellow Bucks and DJ Shuzo, as well as South Koreans B.I and Changmo. Hong Kong performers such as MC Jin and Jace Chan Hoi-wing will also take the stage.

The festival will include a marketplace with merchandise sales curated by Daniel Arsham, the artistic director for the coming edition, with products and collaborations exclusive to the event.