A Memorable Journey into K-pop: Experiencing Seventeen Live in Korea

Announcing my plans in our group chat, I triumphantly shared, "Crossing the seas to witness Joshua Hong perform is about to change everything for me." Holding the concert tickets felt like winning an intense game.

Though I never met him, the American member of Seventeen, crossing borders to see him live was an adventure I undertook. On September 13 and 14, Seventeen commenced their tour at Asiad Stadium in Incheon, Seoul’s vibrant neighbor. This tour, orchestrated by the prominent Hybe label, plans to extend across the US and Japan, with potential for more destinations.

Returning from Korea, I grasped the captivating charm of K-pop and deduced why groups like Seventeen resonate internationally, including stateside.

The Intensity of Securing K-pop Concert Tickets

Traveling for shows isn't new to me. June found me in Sydney and Melbourne for 'Critical Role' performances. However, securing K-pop tickets is akin to championship sports. Comparable to the 'Eras Tour,' landing a favorable queue spot during the August presale was luck-bound.

I managed to snag tickets for the fifth level with a central stage outlook. The September 14 ticket price was 132,000 won, about $95.

Diving into a Sea of Fan Merchandise

Arriving by Uber close to noon, the stadium’s vicinity overflowed with fans exploring unofficial merch displays.

Intention was to casually observe, but soon I was examining an extensive array of 'cheering kits' and cloth banners featuring various members. Each costing roughly $13, I found myself packing numerous banners and large fans of Hong into my bag.

Official merchandise awaited, coordinated through a Telegram group manager willing to endure early queues to assist in acquiring goods. Despite intentions of a modest budget, I soon found myself investing substantially more.

Endless Steps Amid Heat and Unseen Camaraderie

Glamorous TikToks seldom depict the physical demands of a K-pop concert. Measuring 20,000 steps, I engaged in wristband pickups and booth visits across the grounds.

Yet, a collective spirit among 'Carats,' Seventeen's fanbase, was evident. Unexpected gifts of sweets, fans, and tissues were kindly distributed, welcome in the sweltering environment.

An Electrifying Concert Kick-off

Sweaty but eager, I settled in the uppermost seating by 6:20 p.m., anticipation building with the show’s imminent start.

When Seventeen’s nine members graced the stage, the crowd erupted as they debuted tracks from their latest album, 'Happy Burstday.'

Witnessing Favorite Idols Live—A Singular Experience

Overcome, I shared the excitement with my seatmate, hailing from China, vocalizing when Joshua Hong's visage appeared on screens.

Within K-pop, your 'bias' is the member you favor most. Sometimes other members, known as bias-wreckers, challenge this preference. This devotion drives significant sales and visibility for labels like Hybe.

Recent statistics spotlight Seventeen’s sales triumph, surpassing previous records set by BTS.

Capturing Memories with Top-notch Technology

Procuring a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, acclaimed on TikTok for its zoom capacity, doubled as my device for concert recording.

Despite initially engaging it eagerly, I soon prioritized experiencing the show naturally, over filming it.

Refraining, I observed as fans heavily documented the concert with stabilizing tripods, but partaking firsthand held unparalleled enjoyment.

Spotlight on Seventeen’s Inactive Members

Though four members currently serve in the military, audience delight followed when all appeared to support their bandmates.

Performance Strength Despite Absences

Even short-handed, Seventeen delivered stunning solos, notably Xu Minghao’s 'Skyfall' and leader S. Coup’s 'Jungle.'

The US tour leg promises an equally intensive experience, with Los Angeles lined up as a significant marque stop.

A Bond of Sisterhood Among Fans

After the show, exploring Seoul led me to a chance encounter highlighting the generous community of Carats.

A shared passion for the group fosters connections transcending geographical and cultural lines.

The Echo of a Unforgettable Experience

Involving oneself in K-pop fandom might invoke baseless judgments, especially in certain circles, but moments like those at the concert emphasize joy beyond societal perceptions.

Leaving Seoul, the tangible thrill of witnessing Seventeen remains fresh, nurturing a desire to relive such vibrant occasions.