To really get into it, my coworkers and I decided to dress up like the bands. Here is a video of two of the groups we dressed like.. also a chance to hear some Korean pop music.
My coworker Tim and I posing in the Subway station
The concert itself was very interesting. I noticed a lot of differences between Korean concerts and American concerts. First of all, each group only played 2 songs. In the US, if such big names were playing, the concert probably would've lasted all day, even all weekend. This show was from 7-9:30. There was also an awful lot of talking at this concert. The announcers spoke for a few minutes between artists which made the show drag on.
The crowd also acted in a very different manner than a crowd in the states would. Everyone sat throughout the entire concert. At a pop concert. It was pretty subdued which was very odd. For someone whose pop concert experience reached its peak during the N'Sync years, I expected a lot more screaming, dancing, and jumping.
The last thing that I found odd was the lack of alcohol at the event. It was sold in the venue, but the only people in line to buy it were foreigners. Though alcohol is a big part of Korean culture, it is not used in the same way it is in the states. For example, there is no alcohol allowed at pool halls or in bowling alleys.
Despite the oddities, the concert was very fun. One of the highlights was an Indonesian singer's set. She made everyone stand up and sing Michael Jackson's Heal the World. I also enjoyed hearing all the songs live that my students sing constantly :)
Oh snap. Me thinks you should always dress like that Sil when you return to the States. There is still lots of love here for the early 90's. Many Spanish countries are the same, with unreal popularity still for boy bands and 80's pop music.
ReplyDelete