Earlier this month, a well-known kpop group flew over to the UK to perform a concert that many had been waiting eagerly for since the tour was first announced. Known for its upcoming takeover on the world, the kpop industry is beginning to attract mass attention, especially over in western countries such as America, where hundreds or boy groups and girl groups are taking over teen lives and winning over their hearts. With amazing multi talent in vocals, rapping, choreography and performance, its safe to say the these Korean groups are setting out a bit of competition against western stars, and they certainly seem to be winning at it.

Just one of the many groups in the industry, 24k, had the opportunity to play in the capital and in front of their fans, otherwise known as 24U’s, and the response they got was crazy. The 7 member boy group was put together under Choeun Entertainment in 2012 and ever since then their rising popularity has led them to tour across Europe, which is seen as a rarity in the kpop industry, especially to visit the UK as the industry focuses mainly on the United States.

The group offered meet and greet tickets as well as hi-touch tickets, where fans have the opportunity to meet the members and hold their hands, an act which is seen as respectable and considered “fan service” in South Korea. After taking group photos, the show was able to start and the night finally began. The fact remains that the group performed all their songs in Korean, and although it isn’t considered an obligation for the idols to speak Korean – which is why a translator was provided with the tour – the leader of the group, Cory, was able to speak fluently in English and to speak freely with the audience. Each member introduced themselves and even spoke in the broken English that they had knowledge of.

The group even brought fans on stage, teaching them the choreography to their title song on their newest album “Bingo”, and created a competition between the fans on who could perform it the best, all the fans received signed posters from the group, and a lot of attention from fans in the audience. The energy from the audience was a lot different than it was from your average western concert. Whilst, yes, there of course were screaming fans, kpop has been able to become a platform and a bridge to South Korean culture being taught to Western fans, and so the atmosphere was something that became an unforgettable experience.

The 24k tour finished today in France, and whilst the group should be excited to go back to their homes, the members attitude towards being successful was so immensely positive, promising the fans that they would continue working hard and would come back to the UK as soon as possible, ensuring the fans that their years of entertaining us are not over just yet.

The concert ultimately changed the lives of the hundreds of fans that were lucky enough to attend the concert, many taking the time to express through Twitter of their amazement at 24k’s performance, and the tweets are endless.

“@chittaphontnt: can u believe 24k DID that 24k the literal KINGS of korea”

“@younghoarms: Thousands of people came and for once gave them the attention and recognition that they deserve :’) I hope they came back very soon because I’m still not over this concert and I need more”

“@ultchangkyun: THAT WAS THE BEST CONCERT EVER OH MY GOD”

Cheyenne Chan Richies, Ashmole Academy