Finding Success at a K-pop Concert
The topic is new to me compared to others, yes, but make no mistake. I am confident and where I lack, I have gotten advice from the greats that came before me. I have only been into K-pop for two years while others are going on 14, but I have been going to concerts before I could even obtain memory. If you are new to K-pop concerts and are trying to find your way like we all once were, this one is for you.
Lightsticks
If you are willing to pay $70 for a stick of plastic with a light in it (I completely am) then do so EARLY. Buy them online when you get your concert tickets before everyone else also has this idea and they sell out online too. If that happens, may the fates be with you, get to the venue early, and RUN to that merch line baby.
“If you are willing to pay $70 for a stick of plastic with a light in it (I completely am) then do so EARLY. ”
The whole debate around lightsticks doesn’t just stem from the price, but also the use. “If you don’t have one, you know you’ll feel left out.” This was told to me by my K-pop friend, but then my sister at my most recent concert said, “I loved not having anything in my hands to hold onto. I could just do whatever I wanted.” I didn’t feel left out at Stray Kids when I decided not to buy one, but I also loved having one at Enhypen and P1Harmony. Having one is purely based on preference and the experience that you are trying to have.
Yes, that’s my lightstick going absolutely bonkers on barricade. Thank you to my sister for somehow recognizing my hand.
Outfit
People are going to be dressed up. It’s pretty much a fashion show. If that’s not for you, that’s fine! If that is for you, first of all, YAAAAAASSSS. Second, don’t let anyone get in your head. You look cute and incredible, but most importantly, do not forget to take pictures. There is nothing more painful than wearing the cutest outfit, and leaving just to realize you have zero Instagram-able pics.
I normally go with an outfit that is cute, casual, and has meaning. For Stray Kids day one I chose the color scheme of their Oddinary and No Easy album covers.
Tickets
Aka the deciding factor of if you are or aren’t going to see your soulmates on stage. While camping for P1Harmony, I got the craziest advice from my line buddy.
“Companies will release some tickets a week before the official release to filter out some seats and track the demand.” WHAT?! She used this method to get barricade seats at Ateez and Seventeen, so it’s almost bulletproof.
““Companies will release some tickets a week before the official release to filter out some seats and track the demand.” WHAT?! ”
If it’s the day of release, be on that website like it’s your job, get in that queue and refresh, refresh, refresh. There are also artist membership advantages, so if your ult is going on tour and you have the money, go get ‘em tiger.
Seven hours before this picture was taken, I still hadn’t secured my tickets for the concert and was driving four hours away to go. That’s the beauty of ticketing websites.
Having a good time
If you cannot afford a lightstick or extravagant outfit and you’re nervous about it... girl. Do not feel that others are judging you. They know how much just the tickets cost. If there is one thing I have learned at K-pop concerts, it’s that everyone just wants to know your bias and that you love the group as much as they do, and maybe give you some freebies. This event is for you to see the most incredibly talented people do what they love for who they love. Have fun!
My first K-pop concert and I had General Admission barricade. What a day to be alive!
