First Belgian K-pop Festival in Antwerp Draws Thousands of Fans

From casual two-dots to unusual outfits, it was easy to spot thousands of K-pop fans. Yesterday they took to the streets of Antwerp en masse before the concert to catch a glimpse of their idols from the six different groups: Tomorrow x Together, (G)I-DLE, StayC, Oneus, Zerobaseone and RIIZE. It is a real community that could finally come together in our country.

READ IN. Fans gather en masse in Antwerp for the first K-pop festival in Sportpaleis

After concerts in Asia, Latin America and Paris, among others, the festival came to Belgium for the first time, “to bring K-pop to Europe a little”. The South Korean music festival has been traveling the world with live performances since 2011, and that comes with a price tag. “I paid 300 euros,” he says. Other fans paid ‘just’ 190 euros. Is it worth it? “Yes. My purse is not so happy, but I am very happy.”

All K-poppers who have dropped out agree that it is a unique experience. “You should know that. That never happens here, you never see that here, you know.” Only your voice needs to be present, but that’s actually part of a good festival.

READ IN. K-pop music festival ‘Music Bank’ almost sold out: what makes the phenomenon so big?

Philosophy of the world

In May 2011, five popular K-pop groups set foot in Europe for the first time at a concert in Paris. The concert was sold out within 15 minutes and after a protest by hundreds of fans in the form of a flash mob in front of the Louvre, a second concert was held. Our tickets went out the door too.

The phenomenon of K-pop, short for Korean pop music, introduced us to South Korea and especially young talent about ten years ago. Just think of PSY with the popular and catchy song Gangnam Style in 2012.

What makes K-pop groups so popular, apart from their catchy songs, dance moves and flawless looks, is their reach. They would communicate directly with their followers.