Weining Hung: Pollstar’s ‘Women of Live’ Honoree Bridging Asia and Universe
The 9 Kick founder secures a global seat, redefining how Asian talent connects with the world.
Words Mariel Ann Breanna Puli
Photos courtesy of NYOU
April 24, 2026
Validation is a quiet, powerful fuel to those who dream. For years, the Asian music industry has worked with a relentless passion, pushing against invisible ceilings to prove that its talent is a global force.
When Weining Hung, Founder and Director of 9 Kick, was named to Pollstar’s 2026 ‘Women of Live’ list, it felt like more than a personal achievement. It was a recognition of that collective sweat. By earning this seat at the global table, Hung is building the bridge that connects the dreams of Asia to the vast opportunities of the universe.
The Meaning of a ‘Woman of Live’
To be named a ‘Woman of Live’ by a trade publication like Pollstar is to be recognized as a visionary in the high-stakes world of concerts and live music. This year’s list celebrates influential professionals and visionaries worldwide who shape the industry’s future.
For Hung, this honor acknowledges her dual role as a connector and a creator. Whether through her work with LUCfest or her management at 9 Kick, a ‘Woman of Live’ means having the enthusiasm to navigate a global industry and the foresight to see where the next international sound is coming from.
Her Journey
The path to this global seat was not built on temporary trends, but on what Hung calls “deliberate career architecture.” Since 2017, she has been a foundational force in the scene as the co-founder of LUCfest, Taiwan’s premier showcase festival and conference. It became a vital meeting point for international industry professionals and Asian talent.
Her journey has been an evolution from building trusted platforms to refining the international paths of artists like Phum Viphurit, ADOY, and WIM. It is a trajectory defined by a philosophy she shared with Pollstar.
"Last year has been less about scale and more about precision. Judgement is the real scarce resource."
Lone Asian Honoree
At the honoree dinner in Los Angeles, the room was filled with executives from global giants like Live Nation, WME, and AEG. Standing among them, Hung was the lone Asian honoree. Achieving that pride of a pioneer is also a big responsibility.
Her presence served as a reminder that while the Asian music ecosystem is burgeoning, it requires dedicated ambassadors to ensure its voice is heard clearly in the Western mainstream market.
Bridging Asia and the Universe
The concept of building the bridge that connects the dreams of Asia to the vast opportunities of the universe is the heartbeat of 9 Kick. More than booking a show, it is about ensuring that Asian talent is recognized worldwide.
By navigating the complexities of the global marker, Hung is making subtle cultural and industry shifts understandable for both sides.
"It’s an honor to see the work we are doing in Asia recognized on the other side of the world," Hung remarked, noting her excitement to see even more Asian faces in these high-level conversations in the years to come.
That “Durable” Future
Hung’s ultimate strategy is focusing on longevity. She believes in building durable touring foundations rather than chasing the fleeting high of a temporary viral spike. Through 9 Kick, she is ensuring that the bridges she builds don't just exist for today, but remain standing for the next generation of talent.
As she puts it: "Whether it was building LUCfest into a trusted platform or now focusing on long-term artist careers with 9 Kick, the goal has always been to ensure Asian talent has a durable seat at the global table."
