Hello Readers! Today I am here to talk about something that I feel like I wish someone told me about which is how to prepare for a k-pop concert. Now, I know what you are thinking, aren’t K-pop concerts similar to typical American media concerts? To that, I say absolutely not. There’s a lot to them and we are going to go over it today. I hope you are ready.
Tickets , Merchandise, Concert Perks
Get your tickets as soon as possible! Depending on the artist or group, tickets can go really quickly. Also, check to see if the artist is doing ticket upgrades like VVIP, VIP, or just general admission. A lot of the time depending on the promoter, of course, there are usually different levels of upgrades. To add on, make sure you check which ticket site the concert is being sold on, some groups will sell their tickets on multiple different sites, or just one.
Also, make sure to print your tickets in case of a bad internet connection so the venue can scan you into the venue.
Each one can be different and give you a different experience. For most k-pop concerts, general admission is just entrance to the concert and you more than likely will get towards the back row of the venue especially if the venue is small. Now, VVIP and VIP will have perks that can make the experience worthwhile, you can get free merchandise, sound check, Hi touch, and other benefits.
What is Hi-touch?
Hi-touch is a one in a lifetime opportunity where you get to have a high five session with the group or artist. It usually goes by pretty quickly and a lot of the time you do get to record the session but make sure to ask ahead of time before just doing it.
What is Sound Check?
Sound Check is an opportunity for fans to check out the artist doing their stage practices and usually happen about 1-2 hours before the show starts. The artist will usually do 2-3 songs on soundcheck for the fans but unfortunately a majority of the time, they don’t let you record this session.
What is a Fanmeeting?
A Fanmeeting is a mini concert with a group or artist that includes the concert, raffles on signed official merchandise, games, and a fansign of you getting your album or other merchandise signed by the group or artist. Some artists will also do polaroid sessions where you get to take a picture with them with a polaroid camera, which is a really great memory.
For example, when I went to see Verivery on their 2021 tour, I got the MyMusicTaste Meet and Greet Opportunity package which included a tote bag, a hoodie, a pop socket, a t-shirt, and a signed poster. I also got to do a hi touch session with them as well. Another example is when I got to see MustB for the fan meeting in Houston, Texas, I got a goodie bag with limited edition tour cards, a cute bag, a poster, and the album.
Every k-pop concert does sell the merchandise separately, but if you plan to get any, make sure you get it early because they may run out of the size of shirt or other items you are considering getting. Additionally, there will be times where you can get tour merchandise that you can pre-order like the group’s lightstick or other goodies which can sometimes be announced online a few weeks before the tour starts. The Lightsticks can sometimes be from $20-$60 just for the lightstick and other merchandise like t-shirts can vary in price depending on the company’s merchandise distributor.
For Example, when I saw ATEEZ in Dallas this year. The Lightstick was $60 and a hoodie was at least $80. I bought a t-shirt but the price for that was around $55.
Bag Policy and Venues
If you plan on bringing anything, make sure to check the venue’s website for the bag policy. A lot of the time some venues do have a limit on the size of bags that you are allowed to bring in. Also, research the venue ahead of time so you aren’t stressed and nervous about getting there. Look up transportation whether that be public transportation or driving there and parking at the venue’s parking lot or near the venue.
But if you are bringing a bag, make sure it is easy to open for a bag check and that it can carry your essentials for the concert you are seeing. Some items I personally recommend are, : a Portable charger (1 or 2 at least), a mask (if the venue or concert recommends or requests it), a covid vaccine card, your lightstick (if the group doesn’t have one or you don’t own it, ignore this), a photocard of your bias or biases (good place on the back of your phone especially if its a clear case), your wallet with your ID and spare cash for merchandise, and make sure your phone has enough memory for photos and videos.
Smaller venues in hidden locations are usually better than the largely popular ones like Times Square in New York because there is more fan interaction, the group or artist is usually calmer, and the crowd itself is a lot more relaxed. This is especially great for first-time concertgoers.
Bigger Venues are usually a bit overwhelming for first time concertgoers. Big Venues would be similar to the Smart Financial Theater in Houston or Sony Hall in New York.
In the venues, make sure to look for the closest restrooms near your seat or the stage just so if you gotta go, you can find your way there and back.
Concert Attire
If you plan on dressing up for the concert, based on say an album concept, a member of the group or artist, or just for fun. Make sure you plan to do it ahead of time before the concert. I personally would recommend a few weeks before the concert especially if you are ordering pieces for your outfit from online retailers or small businesses. Also, make sure the outfit isn’t too hot so that you don’t overheat and if you are shorter, maybe wear some cute platform sneakers or heels to get some extra height so you can see the stage but bring an extra pair of shoes just in case you get tired of those.
If you decide to make signs or headbands, make sure they are not too big because otherwise the venue will confiscate it and you will have to go and get it after the concert. This also applies to fan fabric banners as well.
Knowledge of the Group or Artist
I would say before any k-pop concert, make sure you have knowledge of the group or artist that you are seeing. Whether you are, just a casual listener or have been with a group or artist for a really long time, it helps to at least know some of the songs and the members or artists’ names. Also, make sure you listen to plenty of the groups’ or artists’ discography in your free time before the show or on the way so you have an idea of what kind of experience you are going to have, and just get you excited.
For example, I went to the Imfact concert in Dallas, Texas in 2019 having little to zero knowledge about the group or the names of any of the members. But, I did listen to some of their discographies on the way so, I could get a feel of their musical style and how I can picture them performing.
Learn your fanchants for the group or artist you are going to see. If you go to your favorite group’s Youtube page, and look up say for example “DKB’s fanchant for Sober” it should pop up and the group or artist will guide you through it. It’s really nice to know this in advance so you can hype up the group or artist on stage.
Traveling for Concerts out of your Area
If the concert you are going to, you are taking air travel, make sure you have all of your ticket information and passport (only if you are going out of the country of course), for both your flight there and back with all your items. Make sure to plan accordingly for a place to stay with either friends or by yourself if possible near the venue. Also make sure to find adequate transportation to the place you are staying at if it is out of state or out of the country like a taxi, Uber, Lyft, etc.
Camping
If you are planning on trying to get to the front row or barricade, try to camp (stay at the venue for a day, make sure the venue allows it of course). A lot of k-pop fans will do this for interactions and to also be the first people to get in for VVIP or VIP benefits.
An example in my case was for MCND in New York, I stayed at the venue the day before the concert until the day of the concert with some friends and I managed to get front row to see MCND as well as get to be in the first group to do the VIP benefits with them as well.
What is an “Interaction”?
An Interaction is usually something that a group member or artist does for the fans whether that be taking up your phone while it’s recording to sing or rap into it, maybe a wave, a stare, etc. It’s something a lot of fans get excited about and look forward to having happen to them.
What is Fan Numbering?
Fans will often do fan numbering, the day before if they came early or camped which is essentially numbering the people in line with a sharpie or other marker to keep the line organized and to make sure that nobody cuts in front of anyone so that everyone can have a great time. This doesn’t happen all the time but it is something to keep in mind.
Fans
Be prepared to meet all kinds of fans. There will sometimes unfortunately be Saesangs (Overly obsessive fans) at concerts that will literally go to every stop. But you can also meet long-time fans and recent fans as well.
If you happen to meet more people in line during the concert, make sure to get their social media contacts so that you can fan girl/ fanboy and talk about the concert later as well as network for future concerts to go to together!
Be on the look out for fan projects! One of the best things about being a kpop fan is the amazing fan projects that different fandoms plan for concertgoers. You usually can find this information on social media like Twitter, Facebook, etc.
Look out for fans who are giving out or selling freebies aka fanmade merchandise. Some can include buttons, pins, bracelets, custom made photocards or polaroids, and more!
Concert Etiquette
Don’t worry about people judging your behavior, just remember that you are there to have the time of your life with your favorite artist or group.
Be thick-skinned but still be aware of concert etiquette, like during times where the group or artist are talking with the audience. Each group or artist has a different vibe and rules when it comes to the fans.
Respect the group or artist’s personal space if you are filming them entering or leaving the venue. Don’t get up in their face and record them just for your own pleasure, it cannot only make the group or artist uncomfortable but it can make a lot of other fans uncomfortable.
Gifts
Check beforehand to see if you can give the group or artist gifts. Some companies will let their group or artists accept fan letters and some small gifts from fans at concerts. If they do accept the gifts, it will most likely have to go through a security measure before it can be given to the artists or group.
Most importantly, HAVE FUN!
Enjoy this amazing night of singing and dancing along to the choreography, meeting your group or artist and if it was your dream you got to make it possible!
Kpopisforeveryone 