SM Town in New York 2011

After traveling all over the world, hitting seven different international locations since 2010, the famous SM Town Live finally made it to New York City. From early in the morning on October 23rd, Madison Square Garden was flooded by K-pop fans proudly brandishing their fandom colors. Meanwhile, tourists and locals alike stood by wondering who could possibly ignite such a massive movement. Many even wondered if Justin Bieber was going to be performing.

Oh the ignorance of this world to the power of the Hallyu wave [1].

Billboards in Times Square and at the venue announced the big event while the elusive SM Town pink bus rolled around the city followed by screaming fans. Not to mention it was be the very first performance by an Asian artist in Madison Square Garden. With all the hype there were grand expectations for SM Town Live in NYC.

For the most part, I was extremely excited merely because TVXQ would be there. Incredibly, by concert time, I was excited to see every single group. My roommates made sure I knew all of SHINee’s names and most of Super Junior’s. I even learned a few Girl’s Generation songs, especially their latest maxi-single The Boys [MV].

As the clock ticked closer to 7 o’clock, more and more people were lining up for the concert. KBS and MNet cameras were all over the place interviewing fans and taking footage of all the fan events going on the grounds of Madison Square Garden. The merchandise booth line coiled around the corners of the venue. Flash-mobs were suddenly erupting around the Garden. Fans were chanting for SM Town while they waited in line. The atmosphere was over the top amazing. It was crazy! Surprisingly, though, as fans filed into the venue everything went extremely smooth. 15,000 people walked into Madison Square Garden and took their seats in a very orderly fashion.

While everyone waited, three gigantic screens flashed announcements, commercials and, most important of all, the official trailer for BoA’s Hollywood debut movie, Cobu 3D. It reminds me of every other dance movie but I’m certainly looking forward to watching it.

Finally, and with absolutely no warning, the concert began. All the lights went off and everyone went crazy. F(x) opened what was quite an amazing show. From then on, there was no stopping, and I mean it. From the moment those five girls stepped into the shadows of the stage SM Town didn’t stop to take a single break.

ROXY

A Caribbean Islander who wants to fly. Criminal Justice graduate with a lot to say about social injustice. An eternal scholar. I want to know everything. I blame Disney for making me a total dreamer. My head is mostly in the clouds and I have background music in real life.

4 Responses

  1. Julyssa says:

    Lol, your TVXQ bias is showing girl….

    • Roxanne says:

      @Julyssa, It’s pretty inevitable >_< They had me waiting all night until FINALLY TVXQ!! lol It was first time seeing them EVER! But… I still need to see JYJ to feel ultimately fulfilled. Have tons of fun at the concert in Germany!

      By the way it's incredible how similar our experiences were in the different SM Towns. Minus the SHINee 'cause I wasn't a fan to begin with. But I think I was a closeted SNSD fan as well O_O

      • Julili says:

        @Roxanne, Everybody and their grandmother is a closeted SNSD fan. It’s like, you are watching them perform and you can’t but start dancing along. Suddenly you find yourself singing to every song, cus for some reason u know them all. Finally, when Yoona looks your way, you melt.

        I find it annoying that they have to wait for DBSK to come out at the very last set. Talk about special treatment much? Isn’t this supposed to be a family?

  2. Roxanne says:

    One more comment…. the SM Town photographers…. NOT GOOD. Look at those pictures. Seriously. Where’s the balance and the focus?

    But I have no camera >_> can’t complain much.

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