Hwasa First K-pop Female Soloist on Rock in Rio Stage

Colorful stage lights illuminate a massive outdoor music festival main stage

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As of September 11, 2026, singer Hwasa becomes the first K-pop female soloist to headline Rock in Rio's main stage. On the 11th, local time, she takes the Palco Mundo ("World Stage") at Rio de Janeiro's Olympic Park alongside Elton John, Maroon 5, and Stray Kids.

750 sweepsPerfect All-Kill wins racked up by Hwasa's latest single on Korea's combined music charts

Key points

  • Hwasa will perform hits like 'Maria' and 'Twit,' plus a solo track she released last year.
  • Rock in Rio launched in Brazil in 1985 and has since expanded to Lisbon, Madrid, and Las Vegas.
  • Past Palco Mundo headliners include Queen, Guns N' Roses, and Beyoncé.
  • Hwasa debuted in 2014 as a member of the group Mamamoo and has built a solo career alongside it.

Singer Hwasa is the first K-pop female soloist to headline the main stage of Brazil's biggest music festival. On the 11th, local time, she takes Palco Mundo — Rock in Rio's flagship stage — at Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro.

Rock in Rio started in Brazil in 1985 and has since grown into a global franchise with editions in Lisbon, Madrid, and Las Vegas. Legends like Beyoncé, Queen, Guns N' Roses, and Bon Jovi have all played this stage.

This year's Palco Mundo lineup includes Elton John, Maroon 5, and Stray Kids, with Hwasa joining the bill. Her set will feature hits like 'Twit' and 'Maria,' plus the single she dropped last October — a track that racked up 750 Perfect All-Kills on Korea's combined music charts, the best showing of any Korean artist's song.

Born in 1995, Hwasa debuted in 2014 as a member of Mamamoo and has built a solo career alongside her group work ever since. This appearance looks set to expand her footprint as a solo artist well beyond Korea.

In Korea right nowIn Korea, the reaction centers on how significant it is for a soloist who came up through a girl group to headline the main stage of a festival rooted in rock tradition. K-pop groups have played overseas festivals before, but a female soloist landing a main stage of this scale is rare, and the moment is drawing attention across the industry.

FAQ

What is Palco Mundo?

It's Rock in Rio's main stage, reserved for the festival's headline acts.

Why is Hwasa's appearance a big deal?

She's the first K-pop female soloist to headline this main stage.

What songs will she perform?

Expect hits like 'Maria' and 'Twit,' plus the single she released last year that became a massive hit on Korean charts.

📎 원문 보기 · Sources

SBS NEWS 기사 이미지Hwasa First K-pop Female Soloist on Rock in Rio StageSBS NEWS · Sep 11, 2026화사, K팝 여성 솔로 최초 '록 인 리오' 메인 스테이지 선다Read the full story & photos at the source →
아시아경제 기사 이미지Hwasa First K-pop Female Soloist on Rock in Rio Stage아시아경제 · Sep 11, 2026화사, K팝 여성 솔로 첫 브라질 '록 인 리오' 메인 무대Read the full story & photos at the source →
MHN / 엠에이치앤 기사 이미지Hwasa First K-pop Female Soloist on Rock in Rio StageMHN / 엠에이치앤 · Sep 11, 2026화사, K팝 여성 솔로 최초 기록 쓴다…'록 인 리오' 메인 스테이지 출격Read the full story & photos at the source →
전북제일신문 기사 이미지전북제일신문 · Sep 11, 2026화사 K팝 여성 솔로 아티스트 최초 브라질 ‘록 인 리오’ 출격, ‘K팝 대표 디바’ 증명 - 전북제일신문Read the full story & photos at the source →

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