If you've been to more than one K-pop concert, you'll start to notice that they all follow basically the same "formula" or timeline of events. In this article, I'll focus on concerts of groups that have multiple members, not solo artists. There will be some differences depending on whether or not it's a small or large venue, but I'll cover those.
First of all - expect the concert to start on time.
Of course, there may be unforeseen events that delay the start of the concert, but you'll want to make sure you are ready and in your seat at the concert's start time because there is usually no opener to start the show. At larger venues, they may play a short video to get the crowd hyped and prepared before the artists come out on stage, but at smaller venues that have no screens, it's possible you'll see the artists come out immediately and start performing within minutes after the concert is scheduled to start.
The artists will usually perform about 3-5 songs to start the show, and then take a break to introduce themselves.
I know we all know who we came here to see, but they use this time as an opportunity to take a breather, drink some water, and cool off. There are usually water bottles and towels stashed somewhere near the stage for the artists to use while they take turns introducing themselves. This gives time for each of them to take a little rest before they start the next set of songs.
After the second set of songs, you may see the artists leave the stage.
Usually, the group will take a longer break after the second set of songs. At larger venues, they will play another short video, or sometimes a game will be played with the crowd. For example, they may play random K-pop songs in an attempt to get the crowd dancing. If you're any good, the camera may show you dancing on the big screens! At smaller venues, the members will usually take turns leaving the stage during the break. While the other members are gone, the one's left onstage will entertain the crowd in a variety of ways. Sometimes they'll tell stories or jokes, or they may decide to sing a cover of another artists song or engage in a dance battle!
Usually after the second break, the artists will come out in new outfits.
This is just about the halfway point in the show. Also about halfway through the show, is when you'll see the artists perform their unit songs or any solo songs if they decided to include any of those in the concert.
After any unit or solo songs, the artists will then perform another few songs as an entire group.
If you hear the artists announce after this that it's almost the end of the show, don't be fooled! While it does always seem like concerts go by way too fast, I promise there will still be many more songs to go.
Eventually there will be another break where you'll see the artists come back out wearing their own concert merch.
This is when you'll know the concert is finally nearing the end. The group will perform a few more songs and then take turns giving a short speech to say their goodbyes. They will usually take a selfie with the crowd in the background too and post it on social media.
If they leave the stage directly after saying their goodbyes, don't start packing up yet!
They will always end with a song, so be prepared for them to come back out for an encore performance. After saying their goodbyes, they will have at least a couple more songs to sing and will usually save some of your faves for last.
During the last song, the artists will walk around the stage waving goodbye and try to interact with the crowd as much as possible before they go. You'll know it's the end when all the members are leaving the stage and waving goodbye together while the end of the music still plays.
The ending always feels a little bittersweet. Don't be surprised to find yourself already missing the experience and longing to see it again before it's even over!
Have you ever been to a K-pop concert before? Is there anything else you've noticed about the flow of a K-pop concert that is different from others you've been to? Please like and share your experiences in the comments section.
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