7 Differences between Western Concerts and Kpop Concerts

With the global pandemic hits the world, concerts are held virtually where you can enjoy from your most comfy spot. However, when the pandemic is over (which we hope sooner), in-person concerts will soon be held again. If you are a new Kpop fan and have never been to an in-person concert, you might need to pay attention to some key differences between Western concerts and Kpop concerts.

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Table of Contents

Differences of Western and Kpop concerts

1. The main act

Typically, in Western concerts, you’d have multiple artists and/or bands. The concerts will start with an opening act from varied artists and/or bands. The main artist will usually come at the end of the concert for you to see.

Meanwhile, Kpop concerts is a one-act show. You may expect to see your idol(s) right from the beginning of the show to the end.

Twiceland Twice Kpop Concert GIF from Twice GIFs

2. What you should bring to concerts

One thing you have never forgotten to bring to Western concerts: your phone to record the show. That’s it.

In Kpop concerts, you might also need your phone to record the show, but don’t forget the other essential things. First thing first, your lightstick. Other things are your banner and a sign with your bias’s name. During the concert, you probably will find a way to hold those things with your two hands.

3. Concerts attire

To attend Western concerts, all you have to wear is just anything standard outfit depending on your fashion taste. It can be a chic one, casual, semi-formal, or formal attire.

In Kpop concerts, you still can wear whatever you are comfortable with. But it is definitely not wrong to go all out. You can wear your bias shirt or a headband with your bias’s name, or both.

4. Meet and greet opportunity with the artist

In my experience, it is quite hard to see Western pop artists during their concerts. Unless the artist you’re trying to see is a bit more ‘underground.’

However, in Kpop concerts, they offer different types of tickets that would allow you to access a photo op, meet and greet, fansigning, or other once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

5.Prepare enough money

Western concerts price depends on varied factors, like locations and status of the artist. But there is the possibility to get tickets when they initially go on sale or avoid crazy prices.

Nevertheless, you have to be prepared with extra money to attend Kpop in-person concerts. Yes, it varies depending on the Kpop stars, but seeing a good Kpop concert can cost you more than a few hundred dollars.

Blackpink Money GIF from Blackpink GIFs

6. Be ready to travel

Most Western concerts are held in plenty of cities. A huge chance that they will have a concert show at least within driving distance for you.

Unfortunately, considering Kpop concerts are one-act show, Kpop artists have mostly four to five cities in a country. So, you’d better book a plane ticket and hotel if you plan to attend a Kpop in-person concert.

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7. Concerts are a serious matter

You usually don’t need to come much earlier to Western concerts before the show started. Though, it depends on the artists, especially those with dedicated fans.

In Kpop concerts, the general admission is “first come, first serve.” Kpop fans might line up in the wee hours of the morning. Worse, for KPop stars with a massive number of fans, you might need to camp out days earlier.