Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Entertainment
Jomar Teves

Jackie Chan's Sweet BLACKPINK Concert Gesture Turns Him Into an Unlikely K-Pop Icon — Here's What Happened Next

No fanfare. Jackie Chan sends flowers and a heartfelt note to BLACKPINK during their world tour stop in Hong Kong. (Credit: Facebook/Jackie Chan)

BLACKPINK's Deadline World Tour stop in Hong Kong delivered its share of spectacle, but one unexpected moment away from the stage quickly became a cultural talking point. Veteran actor Jackie Chan quietly sent the group a bouquet of flowers along with a handwritten note wishing them well, a gesture that instantly resonated across K-pop fandoms and beyond.

The moment gained traction after Lisa shared an image of the flowers on Instagram, revealing Chan's message: 'To BLACKPINK, Welcome to Hong Kong! Good show! With love, Jackie Chan.' According to Times Now News, the post went viral within hours, with fans praising the unexpected show of respect from one of Asia's most recognisable film icons.

Why the Gesture Struck a Nerve

Jackie Chan has long been associated with action cinema rather than pop culture trends. As a result, his support for BLACKPINK felt significant rather than performative. The flowers were not part of a publicity appearance or sponsored crossover. Instead, they came across as a personal welcome from a local legend to visiting global stars.

Fans interpreted the gesture as symbolic of how K-pop has moved beyond niche fandoms into broader cultural acceptance across generations. Social media reactions highlighted the contrast between Chan's decades long film career and BLACKPINK's modern pop dominance, framing the moment as a meeting point between eras.

BLACKPINK's Hong Kong Shows and Rising Momentum

The concert itself marked the beginning of BLACKPINK's three night run at Kai Tak Main Stadium, one of the group's most anticipated tour stops. The show featured local touches, including Cantonese dialogue, which further endeared the group to Hong Kong audiences.

The timing of Chan's gesture also aligned with renewed excitement around BLACKPINK's comeback. Their mini album Deadline reportedly sold out within minutes during pre orders, reinforcing their continued commercial power even with a limited tracklist. That momentum amplified the attention surrounding every detail of the Hong Kong shows.

Jackie Chan's Longstanding Cultural Soft Power

While the moment appeared spontaneous, it fits within a broader pattern of Chan acting as a cultural bridge. Over the years, he has taken on ambassadorial roles that extend beyond cinema. In 2009, Chan famously adopted two giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base and was named Chengdu Panda Ambassador, according to CCTV.

That history adds context to his BLACKPINK gesture. Chan has often used symbolic acts rather than speeches to express cultural connection, whether through conservation, tourism, or now, popular music.

A New Kind of Cross Generational Influence

What made the BLACKPINK moment notable was not just fan excitement, but how it illustrated shifting ideas of influence. K-pop is no longer limited to youth culture. Recognition from figures like Chan signals its establishment as a global cultural force, capable of earning respect from icons outside the music industry.

For BLACKPINK, the gesture reinforced their stature during a critical tour moment. For Chan, it demonstrated adaptability and awareness of modern pop movements without compromising his own legacy.

Why the Moment Matters Beyond the Viral Clip

In an era where celebrity interactions are often transactional, the simplicity of Chan's flowers stood out. There was no joint appearance, no brand tie in, and no announcement. Yet the impact was immediate.

As BLACKPINK continues their tour and Chan maintains his enduring presence in Asian cinema, the moment serves as a reminder that cultural relevance does not always come from spectacle. Sometimes, it arrives quietly, handwritten on a card, and shared organically with millions.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.