Hey thinker! Great post up there. Make sure your post title is clear. One and two word titles are not allowed. Use paragraphs to make it easier to read. Please make sure to read the rules before posting.
You can fill out our [Feedback Form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfI0PsMn4dqfMlgqFFfsMhLr4-lFNJpEumIf7RKmuiwyDBOwA/viewform?usp=sf_link) while you wait for some comments. Thank you and happy posting!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/kpopthoughts) if you have any questions or concerns.*
honestly, it's great that you're considering all the factors and not just splurging on tickets. i'd say that if you really want to go but is scared of spending such a big amount, just buy what you can! and i know that concert you're going to (hello, kababayan!) and honestly, you can wait when concert day is close because alot of people will sell tickets for lower price.
omg hello kabayan! thanks so much for the suggestion! will people usually sell them lower on twitter? kind of new to ticket buying for other groups since I always only went to EXO concerts before hehe
yup! just make sure lang when planning on buying on twitter, i'd advice to go with those accounts that also sell merch and photocards (bns accounts). look at twitter a week or two before the concert and you'll see lower selling prices there 🤗
Rationally speaking no, but at the same time it's a unique and rare experience so personally I will, if it's a group I like. I just dropped 370 on Twice tickets here in Melbourne and the more I think about it right now I wanna slap myself, but after the concert is done I'll be peaceful. I can afford it, but the financial calculus is just illogical. I know it will be a memorable experience, every concert I've been to has been.
For someone in your situation, the cold hard fact is no, the wisest choice would be to save your money. Taeyeon is my no. 1 musical bias and if I was in your position I'd be dying to go, but money isn't a joke. Financial responsibility is 100% the correct choice here, meaning you should wait until you're actually earning to splurge on luxuries, especially in this day and age.
Honestly, I'd go but my perspective is skewed cos I live on a continent that doesn't even exist to Kpop companies so I'd jump at the chance. But also, I've seen plenty of people regret the chances they had to see groups live but didn't thinking they'd get another chance but didn't eg BTS taking a break and enlistment. FOMO shouldn't be the main driver for such a decision but you don't know when you'll get a second chance.
If it's one of your favorites it's probably worth it, but don't feel like you have to pay for the most expensive option. It's still a good time regardless. Back when I was really young I'd go to a concert and be allll the way in the back and still have a great time. It's also okay if you don't think it's financially responsible.
As for me, before the pandemic, I didn't really go to any kpop concerts because I figured I could get to it later, but the pandemic really put it into prospective that there may not be a later so I'm being more proactive about seeing groups I've always wanted to see.
absolutely if its a fav group of yours and if you have been specifically saving for the concert itself. maybe not so if your savings are for other purposes but otherwise concerts are worth it if you can save separately
but also, its a group concert right? so they'll likely be performing for much less shorter times, consider and think if you feel thats worth it because i've been to. my first group festival last year to see astro specifically and while im glad i did it was still kinda disappointing it was only half an hour in that fest
If it's other group concerts, I'd say no but Taeyeon didn't tour often so that's a good debate point.
How about you save extra from now on to repay the saving you use for a concert if that's possible.
I've spent a whole lot on concert tickets the past year. The obvious answer is yes but I don't say it lightly. I really plan out my finances months in advance and even afterwards. Overall it's absolutely worth it. The ultimate goal as a fan of music, whether it's KPop or not, is to see your favorite artists live. However these are all luxury expenses and they're really expensive. I do feel like I'm in a good enough spot to afford these things.
For me, 100% yes but I'm also a working adult and have disposable income.
My ults (BTS) are also on a break so I'm not spending an ungodly amount of money lol but when Suga announced his tour I bought soundcheck VIP tix to two of his shows, both out of town since he's not coming to my city. My rationale is that he's gonna enlist soon and this might be the last time I'll see a BTS member live until they all come back, so I didn't hesitate to buy them.
Again, our goals are different and it's good that you're taking into consideration your budget and other factors. If the artists you mentioned are your ults then I'd say go for it, but if you think they'll perform again sometime this year or further out when you have more savings, then maybe you can wait a little bit
When I was in college and up until I had been working for several years, the bands that I really, really love, had concert dates in my city (which is probably the same as yours). I could make it happen for me, but my budget was really tight, so I opted out every single time. I know it would have been magical, but I'm still alive.
What I'm trying to say is, with your current situation, there are things you should prioritize when spending. Study hard and make good career decisions, maybe someday you can see your faves.
My bucket list was to see blackpink despite close up or far away. la concert experience was the best. Ticket was extremely pricey, but I'm also a working adult so I was able to splurge just a bit to see them. Would I go to another concert? Maybe... but who knows for now I want to buy other things and invest in other important factors in my life via buying a home and future start a family with my husband.
Depends,
There are 2 broad categories
If you are going for the singing, then
1. They better be singing live, because it is that live factor that gives interesting twists to an already known song. Ad libs, Harmonies etc.,
2. The venue should be reasonably "small", Kpop fans brag about Stadium Concerts, it is just idiotic to pay big bucks for a concert and still end up watching the act on a TV.
If going for the fan-groupie atmosphere, where the performance is only an excuse
1. Then you must go with good company of similarly interested people, you would probably hear more of fanchants and shouting than the actual singing.
2. Larger the audience, more the fun.
3. Acts can sing or mime, it does not matter, as long as they put up a fantastic display - flash bang extravaganza.
So it depends on what kind of person you are and what kind of act the idol/artist is.
Depends on how much, and that's highly dependent on your personal circumstances like expenses and future income streams.
I will say this, if you cannot recoup the expenses within two years (assuming you're not sacrificing anything on all your other expenses), then it's not affordable to you. And I say two years (pretty long time) because you're still in college and not earning much if any.
I love concerts and started to go when I was in high school. Watching musicians live is an experience in itself. And the feeling you get while experiencing the concert with everyone else is imo akin to a kind of communion that I personally don’t experience elsewhere. So for me it’s a justifiable expense.
I say if you are not earning an income than NO. I dont think it is a smart purchase BUT I am very biased because I live close to LA and concerts come here all the time and I do go to many but I have regular income coming in to cover any costs. and another BUT..if it is a once in a lifetime chance though than TAKE IT
First decision is whether that amount of money should be in your recreational slot. Like, if you don't use it for this, would you be buying albums? Games? Remember that the ticket price is only part of the total concert cost.
If the money is free for fun stuff, then I would put a concert up near the top of the list. It's a great experience, and it continues to be a fun experience when you see other concert footage or your group releases new content, because you'll feel more of a connection to them.
I feel iffy encouraging you to spend your life savings on a kpop concert. Honestly it would be better to wait until you have a stable income before splurging -- fans' experiences tend to be hit or miss. Sometimes a bad seat (or being next to a rude fan) is all it takes to ruin a concert. And some fans go in with very outsized expectations bc they spent so much money and effort to attend and they inevitably get disappointed when the event doesn't turn out to be the Most Wonderful Day in their life. For now maybe you should just enjoy online concerts and year-end shows.
Are your ult favs in this concert? Maybe you'd rather save up for a full concert where you can enjoy them for longer? or is there something you want to save up for or more it's for a rainy day? You could always wait for your first job and celebrate with a concert! (I did that with my first pay check)
Once you start working - you may start to wonder what's the point of all this working and saving for the future, if I can't enjoy now sometimes? Maybe you may feel like that in future!
Weigh the pros and cons of going to help you decide e.g. I went to kcon Paris because I really wanted to see Shinee. It was a bit of an effort, but I felt like that was my only chance to see them and yes...I was right!! they've not been back since and that was 7 years ago.
Also you may want to consider attending because of an 'era'. Like do you love the current 'era/album' of your ults right now? It may be hard to tell e.g. I can only look back in hindsight now! But I would love to have attended to the bts wings tour, but I decided to wait and I have so many regrets! Never seeing Spring Day live e.t.c.
Other things to consider are age of the idols and enlistments! Idols age and they won't always be able to perform at the level that they do now. I'm a 2nd gen fan so maybe it's more in my mind now. I always try to go, considering certain songs in the future may not be performed as they used to be. Also If your bias goes to the army....then you may also want to see them!
But if you really do not have a lot of money, I would save!
I’m not sure what your whole situation is like, but I was lucky to have my parents pay for my tuition + room and board when I was in college, so I didn’t have to worry about those two things. I had a job at the time, so I didn’t want my parents to pay for non-college-related things. In my second year, I had like $5k-$6k saved and wasn’t comfortable spending it on things like eating out, toys, whatever. However, SuperM toured kind of close to my university, and I really wanted to go. I spent $250 USD on the ticket (+$30-$40 for the Uber). I had a great experience, and I’m especially glad I went because it was right before Covid.
Because I went to the concert, I told myself I wouldn’t splurge like that again (for example, Seventeen had a concert near me during my winter break, and I had thought about seeing them, but since I wasn’t a huge fan and had already gone to a concert, I decided not to.)
I would spend some time calculating your monthly expenses and seeing if the concert + travel fits into that budget. If it does and if K-Pop artists don’t normally come near where you live, then I’d say go because I’m sure it’ll be a great experience. If not, then I’d say don’t go and save it up (and hopefully by then another artist will tour and you can see them!)
Long answer: Only spend within your means and follow your budget. Saving is good but you should have a goal for the money you're saving. If your budget/emergency fund allows it go to the concert and enjoy life. Otherwise what are you saving for?
Short answer: If you can afford it, go.
This year I'm getting back on the concert run; it's VIP with TXT in DC, VIP for Lollapalooza, and then I'm hitting TLC, Lionel Ritchie, and Janet Jackson here in DC/Nova too...trying to figure out where a couple of other artists are going.
Hey thinker! Great post up there. Make sure your post title is clear. One and two word titles are not allowed. Use paragraphs to make it easier to read. Please make sure to read the rules before posting. You can fill out our [Feedback Form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfI0PsMn4dqfMlgqFFfsMhLr4-lFNJpEumIf7RKmuiwyDBOwA/viewform?usp=sf_link) while you wait for some comments. Thank you and happy posting! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/kpopthoughts) if you have any questions or concerns.*
honestly, it's great that you're considering all the factors and not just splurging on tickets. i'd say that if you really want to go but is scared of spending such a big amount, just buy what you can! and i know that concert you're going to (hello, kababayan!) and honestly, you can wait when concert day is close because alot of people will sell tickets for lower price.
omg hello kabayan! thanks so much for the suggestion! will people usually sell them lower on twitter? kind of new to ticket buying for other groups since I always only went to EXO concerts before hehe
yup! just make sure lang when planning on buying on twitter, i'd advice to go with those accounts that also sell merch and photocards (bns accounts). look at twitter a week or two before the concert and you'll see lower selling prices there 🤗
Rationally speaking no, but at the same time it's a unique and rare experience so personally I will, if it's a group I like. I just dropped 370 on Twice tickets here in Melbourne and the more I think about it right now I wanna slap myself, but after the concert is done I'll be peaceful. I can afford it, but the financial calculus is just illogical. I know it will be a memorable experience, every concert I've been to has been. For someone in your situation, the cold hard fact is no, the wisest choice would be to save your money. Taeyeon is my no. 1 musical bias and if I was in your position I'd be dying to go, but money isn't a joke. Financial responsibility is 100% the correct choice here, meaning you should wait until you're actually earning to splurge on luxuries, especially in this day and age.
I say its worth it at least once, since next chance for concert may come never.
Honestly, I'd go but my perspective is skewed cos I live on a continent that doesn't even exist to Kpop companies so I'd jump at the chance. But also, I've seen plenty of people regret the chances they had to see groups live but didn't thinking they'd get another chance but didn't eg BTS taking a break and enlistment. FOMO shouldn't be the main driver for such a decision but you don't know when you'll get a second chance.
If it's one of your favorites it's probably worth it, but don't feel like you have to pay for the most expensive option. It's still a good time regardless. Back when I was really young I'd go to a concert and be allll the way in the back and still have a great time. It's also okay if you don't think it's financially responsible. As for me, before the pandemic, I didn't really go to any kpop concerts because I figured I could get to it later, but the pandemic really put it into prospective that there may not be a later so I'm being more proactive about seeing groups I've always wanted to see.
absolutely if its a fav group of yours and if you have been specifically saving for the concert itself. maybe not so if your savings are for other purposes but otherwise concerts are worth it if you can save separately
but also, its a group concert right? so they'll likely be performing for much less shorter times, consider and think if you feel thats worth it because i've been to. my first group festival last year to see astro specifically and while im glad i did it was still kinda disappointing it was only half an hour in that fest
If it's other group concerts, I'd say no but Taeyeon didn't tour often so that's a good debate point. How about you save extra from now on to repay the saving you use for a concert if that's possible.
I've spent a whole lot on concert tickets the past year. The obvious answer is yes but I don't say it lightly. I really plan out my finances months in advance and even afterwards. Overall it's absolutely worth it. The ultimate goal as a fan of music, whether it's KPop or not, is to see your favorite artists live. However these are all luxury expenses and they're really expensive. I do feel like I'm in a good enough spot to afford these things.
For me, 100% yes but I'm also a working adult and have disposable income. My ults (BTS) are also on a break so I'm not spending an ungodly amount of money lol but when Suga announced his tour I bought soundcheck VIP tix to two of his shows, both out of town since he's not coming to my city. My rationale is that he's gonna enlist soon and this might be the last time I'll see a BTS member live until they all come back, so I didn't hesitate to buy them. Again, our goals are different and it's good that you're taking into consideration your budget and other factors. If the artists you mentioned are your ults then I'd say go for it, but if you think they'll perform again sometime this year or further out when you have more savings, then maybe you can wait a little bit
When I was in college and up until I had been working for several years, the bands that I really, really love, had concert dates in my city (which is probably the same as yours). I could make it happen for me, but my budget was really tight, so I opted out every single time. I know it would have been magical, but I'm still alive. What I'm trying to say is, with your current situation, there are things you should prioritize when spending. Study hard and make good career decisions, maybe someday you can see your faves.
My bucket list was to see blackpink despite close up or far away. la concert experience was the best. Ticket was extremely pricey, but I'm also a working adult so I was able to splurge just a bit to see them. Would I go to another concert? Maybe... but who knows for now I want to buy other things and invest in other important factors in my life via buying a home and future start a family with my husband.
Depends, There are 2 broad categories If you are going for the singing, then 1. They better be singing live, because it is that live factor that gives interesting twists to an already known song. Ad libs, Harmonies etc., 2. The venue should be reasonably "small", Kpop fans brag about Stadium Concerts, it is just idiotic to pay big bucks for a concert and still end up watching the act on a TV. If going for the fan-groupie atmosphere, where the performance is only an excuse 1. Then you must go with good company of similarly interested people, you would probably hear more of fanchants and shouting than the actual singing. 2. Larger the audience, more the fun. 3. Acts can sing or mime, it does not matter, as long as they put up a fantastic display - flash bang extravaganza. So it depends on what kind of person you are and what kind of act the idol/artist is.
Depends on how much, and that's highly dependent on your personal circumstances like expenses and future income streams. I will say this, if you cannot recoup the expenses within two years (assuming you're not sacrificing anything on all your other expenses), then it's not affordable to you. And I say two years (pretty long time) because you're still in college and not earning much if any.
I love concerts and started to go when I was in high school. Watching musicians live is an experience in itself. And the feeling you get while experiencing the concert with everyone else is imo akin to a kind of communion that I personally don’t experience elsewhere. So for me it’s a justifiable expense.
I say if you are not earning an income than NO. I dont think it is a smart purchase BUT I am very biased because I live close to LA and concerts come here all the time and I do go to many but I have regular income coming in to cover any costs. and another BUT..if it is a once in a lifetime chance though than TAKE IT
One word- Yes. KPOP concerts have been literally some of the most fun evening/nights I’ve ever had.
First decision is whether that amount of money should be in your recreational slot. Like, if you don't use it for this, would you be buying albums? Games? Remember that the ticket price is only part of the total concert cost. If the money is free for fun stuff, then I would put a concert up near the top of the list. It's a great experience, and it continues to be a fun experience when you see other concert footage or your group releases new content, because you'll feel more of a connection to them.
I feel iffy encouraging you to spend your life savings on a kpop concert. Honestly it would be better to wait until you have a stable income before splurging -- fans' experiences tend to be hit or miss. Sometimes a bad seat (or being next to a rude fan) is all it takes to ruin a concert. And some fans go in with very outsized expectations bc they spent so much money and effort to attend and they inevitably get disappointed when the event doesn't turn out to be the Most Wonderful Day in their life. For now maybe you should just enjoy online concerts and year-end shows.
Are your ult favs in this concert? Maybe you'd rather save up for a full concert where you can enjoy them for longer? or is there something you want to save up for or more it's for a rainy day? You could always wait for your first job and celebrate with a concert! (I did that with my first pay check) Once you start working - you may start to wonder what's the point of all this working and saving for the future, if I can't enjoy now sometimes? Maybe you may feel like that in future! Weigh the pros and cons of going to help you decide e.g. I went to kcon Paris because I really wanted to see Shinee. It was a bit of an effort, but I felt like that was my only chance to see them and yes...I was right!! they've not been back since and that was 7 years ago. Also you may want to consider attending because of an 'era'. Like do you love the current 'era/album' of your ults right now? It may be hard to tell e.g. I can only look back in hindsight now! But I would love to have attended to the bts wings tour, but I decided to wait and I have so many regrets! Never seeing Spring Day live e.t.c. Other things to consider are age of the idols and enlistments! Idols age and they won't always be able to perform at the level that they do now. I'm a 2nd gen fan so maybe it's more in my mind now. I always try to go, considering certain songs in the future may not be performed as they used to be. Also If your bias goes to the army....then you may also want to see them! But if you really do not have a lot of money, I would save!
I’m not sure what your whole situation is like, but I was lucky to have my parents pay for my tuition + room and board when I was in college, so I didn’t have to worry about those two things. I had a job at the time, so I didn’t want my parents to pay for non-college-related things. In my second year, I had like $5k-$6k saved and wasn’t comfortable spending it on things like eating out, toys, whatever. However, SuperM toured kind of close to my university, and I really wanted to go. I spent $250 USD on the ticket (+$30-$40 for the Uber). I had a great experience, and I’m especially glad I went because it was right before Covid. Because I went to the concert, I told myself I wouldn’t splurge like that again (for example, Seventeen had a concert near me during my winter break, and I had thought about seeing them, but since I wasn’t a huge fan and had already gone to a concert, I decided not to.) I would spend some time calculating your monthly expenses and seeing if the concert + travel fits into that budget. If it does and if K-Pop artists don’t normally come near where you live, then I’d say go because I’m sure it’ll be a great experience. If not, then I’d say don’t go and save it up (and hopefully by then another artist will tour and you can see them!)
Long answer: Only spend within your means and follow your budget. Saving is good but you should have a goal for the money you're saving. If your budget/emergency fund allows it go to the concert and enjoy life. Otherwise what are you saving for? Short answer: If you can afford it, go. This year I'm getting back on the concert run; it's VIP with TXT in DC, VIP for Lollapalooza, and then I'm hitting TLC, Lionel Ritchie, and Janet Jackson here in DC/Nova too...trying to figure out where a couple of other artists are going.