Pollstar, a prominent trade publication for the concert and live music industry, has announced its 2026 Women of Live list, celebrating influential professionals and visionaries worldwide. Among this year’s lone Asian honoree is Weining Hung, Founder and Director of 9 Kick—a Taipei-based management and booking agency responsible for playing a crucial role in connecting Asian indie artists with international audiences.
Hung is widely recognized for her work as co-founder of LUCfest, Taiwan’s premier showcase festival and conference. Launched in 2017, LUCfest became a vital meeting point for international industry professionals and Asian talents. As the festival enters its next phase of growth, LUCfest is currently exploring strategic cooperation and new partnerships to carry its legacy in ensuring its continued impact on the global stage.
Hung has recently pivoted het focus toward “deliberate career architecture” through her agency 9 Kick. “Last year has been less about scale and more about precision,” Hung told Pollstar. “Judgement is the real scarce resource.” Her current work with artists such as Phum Viphurit, ADOY, and WIM exemplifies this philosophy: building durable touring foundations rather than chasing temporary spikes is the key for longevity.
As the only awardee from the Asian region at the honoree dinner in Los Angeles, Hung joined executives from global giants such as Live Nation, WME, and AEG. Her career trajectory, from building a trusted industry platform to refining the international paths of top Asian talent, positions her as a key link between the burgeoning Asian music ecosystem and the Western mainstream market.
“It’s an honor to see the work we are doing in Asia recognized on the other side of the world,” said Hung. “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. I’m excited to keep building these bridges and to see even more Asian faces in these conversations in the years to come.”
