V.I.P. Carlos M. has been a fan of Big Bang since their debut. He showed off his skills in the line party by making it to the final round and scoring 5 out of 5 in the trivia contest. 

Fans who registered on Facebook for the Big Bang MADE Tour Line Party played for chances to win prizes. Those going to the final round were given a special bokjumeoni luck pouch with a ten won coin for good luck. They had 5 chances to answer more trivia questions in the final round. The first 5 with perfect scores received a pair of Big Bang socks and bonus entries.

Southern California hosted two Big Bang concerts on consecutive days, Oct 3rd & 4th. Starting out in LA at the Staples Center, the event went smoothly with friendly staff. They quickly processed 18,000 fans into the arena and to their sections. Tour merchandise was available at many locations as was food and beverage.

The view from above was a little unsettling at first, but that went away once the show began. Being able to see backstage was a nice perk to our nearly hanging from the rafters seating.

Big Bang put on a fantastic show!

Sunday in Anaheim at the Honda Center was equally a great show from Big Bang. The rules there were a bit different for the fans. No cameras and yes, you were tapped if caught. So no pics from this show. Waiting in line was a bit stressful as security tried to cram hundreds into cattle chute style barricades. After standing for hours and facing many more hours waiting, no sitting was allowed. For some reason even after it started to rain, security once more made an uncalled for demand that the people in line could not use umbrellas. Fed up, people sat anyway. A couple of people passed out at the venue, perhaps due to these crazy rules. With the tons of room outside the Honda Center, this kind of fan treatment is unnecessary and poor business. Plan your potty stops if you are going to the Honda Center. Inside were ample bathrooms, but for the fans waiting outside, your choice were two horrific porta-potties in the parking lot or a long hike to a store far away. Once our bag of the half eaten Chex Mix and half-full water bottle were confiscated at the door, we had the option of the $5 glass of water and stadium food. Pass on both. I think some of the Honda Center staff needs to take a class in hospitality.  Pardon the rant. (not all staff were rude, the elevator operator was very sweet and  asked us in his best Hitchcock-movie monotone voice, "Did the concert meet your expectations?" Yes, and we did exit quickly...still has us laughing). 

Thankfully as the concert began, all was left behind and Big Bang once again owned the building for a stellar performance to the end with several encore songs.

Tuesday we began compiling all of the entries for the fan prizes. a record 1110 entries were logged in and sent to the random number generator. Here are the winners!

Grand Prize Winners for select Big Bang merchandise: Ann Nguyen, Belen Carrillo, Carlos Matsumoto, Helen Chiu, Jenny Zavala, Kendra McCray, Madeline Wentworth, Osmara Bautista, & Tammy Nguyen.

Grand Prize Winners:  Make sure you leave your mailing address in the comment section of the form so we know where to mail your prize.

Prize winners of your choice of idol socks:  Ashley Glenewinkel, Cassandra Sio, Grace Shi, Griselle Ochoa, Jay Chan, Kai Amana, Kailie B, Kayla Johnson, Lindy Wong, Maritza Villegas, & Song Lor.

Prize winners:  Leave your email so I can send you your code for your free socks.

***update***  Had BTS known what happened here to their ARMY fans, they would have been very upset. They give their all to their fans. The devotion of ARMY is so strong, even those who didn't get to go remain true supporters of these boys. I still wish I could do something for these fans.

After weeks of anticipation and hours waiting in the rain, over 100 ticket holders where denied entry into the BTS Concert on Saturday, September 26th at the Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. The rather small venue of 1100 was oversold by the tour promoters, TGM Events. This is the same company which was blacklisted in Maylasia for the B1A4 event earlier this year.

After a 2 1/2 hour wait in the rain, ticket holders were stopped at the door and told the venue was at capacity. Event staff sent the venue manager to deal with the unhappy crowd. They were told that they would receive a refund for their tickets. Their names were hastily jotted onto a piece of paper, but not told how the refund would be handled. A few were allowed to attend the hi touch and participate in the group photo before being sent out of the building and back into the rain. No autographs were given to any of these fans. Other fans were promised a hi touch and picture, but were later told they would not, after they were lead into the room with a thread of hope that they'd at least see BTS.

Two friends planned in advance to meet in Atlanta. Tickets were purchased through Trinity Grace Marketing (TGM) via Highlight Tours. Carefully planning their airline flights, hotel, and transportation, this duo invested nearly $1000 for a chance to spend a few hours enjoying the entertainment of BTS, also known as Bangtan Boys, a popular KPOP group from South Korea. Instead they were met with confusion and disappointment as all of their efforts and expectations were crushed through the error of the promotion company.

One mother brought her two children to attend their very first first KPOP concert. Usually a KPOP concert is a place where you find many families enjoying the KPOP experience together. For these two young fans, the evening ended standing outside in the rain, their clothes drenched, and tears blending with the rain.

​Instead of celebrating and reliving the moments from the high energy concert BTS is known for, their evening will consist of a trip back to their hotel and a long drive home without the memories they came to create.

Compensation? Concert ticket refund?​ How can refunding the concert ticket come close to compensating for their monetary loss and disappointment?

Even after the ordeal of missing one of their favorite groups perform, neither had any ill feelings towards BTS. Their fan status of A.R.M.Y.'s are unwavering. For these two, the flight back to Philadelphia and the drive back to Birmingham will be filled with thoughts of missing out being able to see BTS perform.

They are just two of the over 100 fans who met with the same disappointment. 98+ other fans will be ending their day with tears and an emptiness that should have had another outcome - one filled with the excitement and energy BTS brings to the stage. 

By Melodie Everson
Founder of To:Hallyu, with Love

Imagine Kim Woo Bin, Jonghyun from Shinee and Jung Joon Young standing within arms reach. They all look at you, smile, and nod a friendly hello. IU and her group just passed by, so you have to step even closer. The mood in the studio is relaxed as IU steps onstage for her final run through before the performance. Calmly taking their turn are Block B, T-ARA, Ladie's Code, AOA, BESTie, and others. As group after group are blocked on stage and the camera operators have a plan, the performers head backstage to the partitioned areas to change into their stage clothes. Each cubical is marked with a simple printed paper to show which one is assigned to which group. Some groups head down the hall to yet more rooms.

IU walks past us once again, this time pausing to stop, bow politely, and says, "thank you for coming". This is more amazing than anything we could have imagined just a few short hours earlier. 24 hours ago, we were just wondering where we were going to eat the next day. Now, we are special backstage guests of the show.

Live at the studio was different than what was aired even though it was a live broadcast. A few of the performers were recorded earlier. When the recorded segment was aired, the studio audience got a treat. The performers gave a more relaxed performance. They interacted with the audience and clowned around with each other on stage. Shinee was one of these groups. Dressed casually, it was fun to watch them having fun with their performance.

Jung Joon Young absolutely blew us away with his performance. Such a powerful voice.

All too soon, the show came to an end. IU was awarded 1st with Red Shoes. The audience made their way out of the studio and the performers visited and congratulated each other backstage. We watched as everyone was gathering together for group shots. Without notice we were wisked into the crowd and placed on either side of Woo Bin. He kindly wrapped us up in a big hug and smiled for a picture. Somewhere on a camera in Korea that picture exists. What I wouldn't give to be able to find the photographer who took that picture! For now, it will just exist in our minds along with the memories of walking with all these Korean idols for one amazing evening.

Pure Boys hit the KPOP scene with 4 performances on major music shows in Korea during their 1st week after debuting! This is quite an accomplishment even for a seasoned group. Their song, Yellow Shirt has an upbeat tempo with a retro vibe and RAP that shows off their range of voice and dance talents.

It's just minutes before they take the stage of Music Core (MBS). We will be adding more about this rookie group allowing you a glimpse into making it in the competitive world of KPOP.

Fans gathered outside the Warfield Theater in downtown San Francisco hours before the concert. The line was a sea of sprouts as many fans sported lime green sprout headbands to show their love of B1A4.

Officially known as BANAs, BA from B1A4 and NA (me in Korean) representing the fans. When put together, BANADA means "we have fallen for each other". Leader, JinYoung is credited for naming the fan group.

Fandom was shown in many creative ways. Fans sported custom shirts, donned sprout headbands, made custom signs to show the love, and even created masks of their beloved group. Fans were invited to enter for great B1A4 themed prizes at To: Hallyu, with Love on Facebook and the website. Congrats to the winners! Destinie S, Larissa L, Gina R, Katherine W, Olivia K, Lan N, Stacie K, and Teresa R.

To: Hallyu, with Love celebrated with Birthday celebrators in the line party. Those having a birthday the week before or after the concert received a Choco Pie and were able to register online for special birthday gifts from Korea. Happy Birthday! Tabitha, Cynthia, Nawang, Kiyomi, Tiffany, Monica, Scott, Czarlene, Danny, Mikaela, and Janice.

The show opened with a few songs that were drowned out by screams. It finally settled down a bit and the songs could be heard.  B1A4 gave an awesome performance. They traveled with a live band, danced and sang, always interacting with the crowd. 

Known for their great fan service and generosity, I can see why they have such a following. Many of their events are tied to goodwill campaigns and donations to different causes both local in Korea and around the world. First introduced in 2011 through a webtoon, this 5 member group all come from the countryside of South Korea. Their name came from their blood types - 1 type B and 4 type A. Blood type is a popular social topic in Korea.

At first I thought the fans were called sprouts. After looking into it a bit more, I found the origins of sprouts. They created a dance (sprout dance) so that the fans could dance along with them. 

Has anyone tried this?

All too soon the concert came to a close. Some lucky fans lingered for a high touch session while the rest of us waited outside. The crowd watched as the theater worker rose in the lift basket to remove B1A4 from the marquee. Groans could be heard from a few as they were not quite ready to let go of the evening.

Thank you B1A4 for a fabulous night!

by Melodie Everson
San Francisco B1A4 Concert Attendee
Please share your experience at one of the B1A4 Road Trip concerts.

KFans from all over will be gathering at THE WARFIELD in San Francisco on Saturday, October 11th. 
For those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them at KCON, we will be able to get a full dose of B1A4 as they take the stage on their own for an evening of awesome music and entertainment.

To: Hallyu, with Love will be celebrating with B1A4 merchandise give-aways, custom Hallyu T-Shirts, and Choco Pies for attendees celebrating their birthday this weekend (the first 12 we find - just show us an ID with your birthday).

To enter, Like us on Facebook (< click here for link) If you have already liked our page, just like the post to enter. For more chances to win, register here on the home page of this website  (it's just us, so your info stays in the house) Find us in line at the concert!


Look at this fun stuff !!!

If you have found yourself caught up in the Hallyu Wave, no doubt you are singing along with the catchy lyrics. Have you ever asked yourself, “What am I singing?” 

How many of you drama fans watching with subtitles have seen a drama character talk on and on only to see a three word subtitle? There's got to be more to it, right?

If you answered yes to either of these, it has probably crossed your mind that you would love to learn Korean. Learning a new language can seem daunting, especially one that uses different characters.

So, where do you start?



Fortunately, there are millions of options online. But at the same time, unfortunately, there are MILLIONS of options online. Who has time to look at 44 million Google search results? Usually you can go through the first few pages of the search and get some pretty good sites. This is one search that I did not find some of the best in the top spots. Some of my favorites have been hidden gems found as subsections of websites.






This is where I started. It gave me confidence to move forward.


Over the next few months, our team will be combing the web to bring you our favorites. One or more will be just the right fit for you and with a bit of study, you will be on your way to reading, speaking and understanding the Korean language.

We will rate the different options as follows:

• User Friendly
  
• Fast Track vs. In Depth
  
• Free vs. Fee
  

Follow along with us and decide how and how much you want to learn. Whether it is a little or a lot, our suggestions will help you along your way.

Sign up here for email updates!

Oh, NO! Please, say it isn't so! This and other protective phrases are usually the first reaction of hardcore fans when their celebrity idol finds themselves in a scandal.

In recent news out of the South Korean world of entertainment, popular singer Kim Hyun Joong has been accused of physical abuse of a long time girlfriend.

In the fandom world, our celebrities are elevated to status of hero, an almost demigod existence. Their every action carefully followed as fans devour any tidbit of information that can be unearthed. Often, especially in the entertainment industry, these idols take a tumble off of their pedestal. The person that they had invested their admiration in did something to cause deep disappointment in the heart of their fans. Like a puff of smoke in a magic act gone bad, the image of their idol dissolves into thin air right before their eyes. Lost, gone, poof –

          The initial response from Trish, 32, California, USA was, “I feel very shocked to hear the news. 
          Although the details aren't clear I hope the allegations are not true and that it is a misunderstanding.”

Others hold out judgment until all the facts are on the table.

          Jenny, 34, Minnesota, USA “I don't really trust articles about Kpop stars (many turn out to be 
          overblown or  completely false) so I'd have to hear more of the story before making judgment on him.”

          Sean, 28, California, USA (our only male responder) also had thoughts along the same line. “I don't 
          really know whether to believe it or not. Stories like this always have a second and 3rd side and the 
          truth usually lies somewhere in the middle.”

So far, allegations are mostly one-sided. The day after news hit, Kim Hyun Joong's agency, KeyEast Entertainment, responded by acknowledging there was a physical fight between the two, but that the truth is being exaggerated. They have since claimed it was an unfortunate one-time occurence. He admitted to hitting her and expressed remorse of his assault.

His agency further announced that he will continue with his current tour obligations and focus on the charges when he is finished. However, Chinese promoters for the drama, 'Generation of Youth', are unsure how to continue when faced with the assault scandal.

Either way, his image is going to suffer greatly. At this point, it is hard to tell how or if he will be able to recover in the eyes of his fans.

          Anna, 25, Seoul, South Korea replied, “I feel really sad. If it turns out to be true, then I will have a hard 
          time watching anything with what was one of my favorite actors. If it turns out to be a hoax, that's a lot 
          of bad publicity and could end his career unfairly. Either way, it's no good, it's sad.”

          Elise, 15, California, USA is both sad and conflicted. “I am sad. Of course I would want him to be punished 
          if he did that, but I wish people wouldn't talk about it. After idolizing him for so long, hearing about it makes 
          me feel conflicted. Is it bad if I still like him as a performer? He was one of the first actors to make me love                               Korean Dramas & Kpop. I don't know. I'm just really sad.”

     Until the dust settles on this one, I think his fans are going 
     to remain conflicted as to where their fan status will land.

          Angel, 48, Delaware, USA shares, “Now you know I love this man. I mean, past tense. I am horrified by 
          this news. I realize he is also human, and the pressures the Koreans put on themselves and everyone 
          around them is enough to drive anyone over the edge, but I don't think ANY excuse is acceptable. I 
          might understand the pressure cooker, it's an explanation not an excuse. I'm sad, a little crushed and                                       heartbroken. I like my idols to be worthy of idolizing over. He is no longer worth that for me.”

She continues as she seems to try to hold on to hope.

          “Actually, if there was any doubt about his accountability, I think I would be inclined to support him until 
           he was proven guilty. But it doesn't look that way. But girl, he was so beautiful *sniff* I'm so sad!”

As countless hopefuls have dreams of being in the spotlight, little thought is usually given to the changes that will happen in their lives. So, dreamers, take note... As you gain fame, bit by bit, you give your privacy away in exchange for becoming known in the hearts and lives of your fans. So your rise to fame comes with this price tag. Know that fans are going to be watching and scrutinizing your every move. Your fandom hangs by the string you create with your talent and actions both in and out of the spotlight.

           “How could he do that?”, questioned Kerliza, 25, Florida, USA. “He being a celebrity knows eyes are 
           on him at all times and the majority of his fans are females and also what kind of things are going 
           through his mind when he thinks its okay to hit her?”

           Kim, 58, Australia reflected on what might have caused this, “Well nothing really surprises me at my 
           age...but my first thoughts when I read this was that maybe roid rage might be a factor. He beefed up
           very quickly for Inspiring Generation.”

Wherever your opinion and response lies to this and other scandals, the overall effect on us, as fans, is sadness. Our fantasy world of fandom takes a hit and it is almost a sense of mourning we enter into when our idols fall. Kim continues as she sums up perhaps a lot of our feelings.

          “I remember when the Beatles took drugs I felt like they weren't the same 
          people I imagined them to be. It's part of the disillusionment of growing up 
          I think. One's idols are just ordinary people with flaws....not the gods we                       
          thought they were.”

       How do you feel when one of your celebrity’s actions fail their fans?



by Melodie Everson
Blossom Petal Productions and HUGE Hallyu fan
Founder of: To Hallyu, with Love
contact at [email protected]

*Written August 25, 2014. Updates added.