The highly anticipated Hong Kong leg of BLACKPINK’s global “DEADLINE” tour commenced today, January 24th, 2026, at the Kai Tak Stadium, drawing an overwhelming crowd of dedicated fans, known as Blinks, for the sold-out opening night. Beyond the quartet’s powerful vocal and dance performances, the event cemented a unique connection with the locale when member Rosé publicly indulged in a classic Hong Kong street snack, the egg waffle (Gai Daan Jai), continuing her signature tradition of live “mukbang” (eating broadcast) segments during the world tour.
Throughout the evening, which saw members Jennie, Rosé, Lisa, and Jisoo delivering spirited performances to a packed venue, the group made concerted efforts to engage directly with their Hong Kong fanbase. The Korean stars charmed the audience by using carefully practiced Cantonese phrases to express their affection, greeting the crowd with “Dai Ga Ho!” (Hello everyone!), declaring “Ngo Ho Gwa Jyu Nei Dei!” (I miss you all very much!), and passionately chanting “Blink Sai Yat!” (Blink is the best!), sending the stadium into frenzied cheers.
Global Culinary Diplomacy: The Rosé Mukbang Tradition
One of the most engaging features of BLACKPINK’s DEADLINE tour has been Rosé’s impromptu segments where she samples a signature dish from each host city. This “eating broadcast” moment has become a celebrated highlight for fans and a unique way for the group to acknowledge local culture.
In Hong Kong, Rosé’s choice fell upon the widely beloved egg waffle, a ubiquitous, airy street treat. Her enthusiastic enjoyment of the freshly made snack on stage generated immediate excitement, transforming a simple culinary moment into a viral spectacle. This focus on local fare extends a tradition observed globally:
| Tour Stop | Local Specialty Featured by Rosé |
| :— | :— |
| Chicago | Garrett Popcorn |
| Toronto | Timbits Doughnut Holes |
| New York | Pizza and Bagels |
| Paris | Baguette and Croissant |
| Milan | Pasta |
| Barcelona | Churro |
| London | Scone and Fish & Chips |
| Taiwan | Bubble Tea, Pineapple Cake, and Salted Crispy Chicken |
This culinary gesture serves as a powerful form of cultural exchange, drawing massive attention to specific local foods and further solidifying the intimate appeal of the global superstars.
The massive turn-out at Kai Tak Stadium underscores Hong Kong’s position as a critical hub for international entertainment and reinforces the immense global drawing power of BLACKPINK. As the group continues its multi-day residency, the blend of high-energy performance, multilingual fan interaction, and localized appreciation—symbolized by a simple egg waffle—is ensuring the Hong Kong leg leaves an indelible mark on both the tour and the city’s culinary landscape. This successful opening night sets a high standard for the remaining performances, promising a memorable engagement for all Blinks.