17 Things You Should Never, Ever Do At An In-Person K-Pop Concert
1. Forget your ticket
This might seem like no-brainer, but in all the excitement it can be easy to forget about the little (but very important) things. Your outfit and make-up might be on point, but your oppa can’t pick you out of that sea of faces if you can’t even get through the doors!
2. Scream-sing along to the entire song
This is a concert, not a karaoke bar. If you do this, the person next to you might bludgeon you with a lightstick, and you know what? No one would blame them!
It’s really hard to resist singing along with your favorite groups (especially if you know all the Korean lyrics!), but the other concert goers didn’t empty their wallets to hear you sing. If every person in the venue sang along the entire time, no one would be able to hear the show.
This is precisely why fan chants are so awesome! Fan chants allow fans to sing/shout along at the appropriate moments and listen to the music the rest of the time.
3. Hit people with your lightstick
Although we wouldn’t blame someone for using their lightstick as a “Be quiet! My bias is singing!” tool, we’re definitely not encouraging it. Getting hit with a lightstick (intentionally or unintentionally) can really hurt, so always be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are in the pit. Things can get crazy in there.
4. Watch the show through your phone
By all means, capture the moment (as long as the venue allows recording devices), but don’t forget to live it too! It’s not every day that you get to see your favorite group in person, so why would you want to spend the whole concert watching them through a screen?
5. Be afraid to get social
Concerts are an amazing place to make new K-Pop loving friends, so be sure to mingle with other fans before and after the show. Maybe even go out for a late-night meal after the concert to chat more about it!
6. Block other fans with your banner, sign, phone, etc.
Creating signs is an awesome way to show idols just how much you love them, but be mindful of how big your banners are and how high you hold them up. After all, everyone deserves to see an obstruction-free show!
7. Forget to stay hydrated
It can get pretty warm inside a concert venue so, it would be wise to pack yourself a water bottle (as long as beverages are permitted).
8. Wear uncomfortable and/or dangerous shoes
Everybody wants to look fashionable at a K-Pop concert, but you may want to save yourself some unnecessary pain by leaving your stilettos at home.
If you’re looking for shoes that look great, but also give you the height needed to see over other fans’ heads, try something more comfortable like sneaker platforms.
9. Wear another group’s shirt
Multi-stanning is 100% a-okay, but wearing one group’s clothing to another group’s concert might bring unwanted attention from fans. If you do decide to wear it, just be prepared to answer some questions.
10. Be rude
If another fan wants to wear one group’s shirt to another group’s concert then, hey, that’s entirely up to them. Concerts are the perfect place for fans to come together and make friends, so try to keep any negative comments to yourself to avoid souring the experience for others and for yourself. Whether you’re a brand new fan, a veteran fan, or something in between, every fan should have an awesome time at the show!
11. Throw gifts at your bias instead of to them (or maybe avoid throwing things altogether?)
Idols love to receive presents from fans, and fan gifts have led to some legendary concert moments like EXO‘s yellow squishy. Unfortunately, gifts have also injured idols by hitting them, so if the venue’s rules allow gifts, make sure they are soft ones, and be careful with your aim! That said, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so maybe avoid throwing gifts altogether.
12. Push or shove
This one especially applies to fans in any General Admission area where there are not assigned seats. Everyone wants to get as close as possible to the stage, but it isn’t worth injuring yourself or others to do so.
13. Bring more stuff than necessary
It’s important to bring everything you need for the show, but try not to pack it in the biggest bag you own. Carrying it around all day will get tiring!
14. Arrive late
Make sure you give yourself enough time to get ready, travel to the venue, line up, etc, in order to avoid stressing yourself (and your friends) out before the show!
15. Get grabby
Some idols will reach out and touch hands with their fans during the show. If you’re lucky enough to have one of these skinship moments, don’t ruin it by holding onto the idol. It would be amazing if the moment could last forever, but the show must go on!
16. Initiate physical contact
As mentioned above, some idols like to get up close and personal with their audience, but unless an idol touches you first, don’t put your hands on them in any way, even if they are just inches away from you. Doing so can take the idol by surprise and cause safety concerns.
17. Not…have the time of your life!
K-Pop concerts are a blast, so make sure to soak up every single second of it!
