Backstage at M Countdown!

An incredible opportunity came our way during a trip to Korea!

As the studio begins to clear out, crew members start to buzz getting everything ready for the live show to begin. The hosts enter once again and are studying the script in their hands in anticipation of the live broadcast. They are pros. If they are nervous, there is no sign of it.

The calm of earlier is beginning to fade as excitement replaces it. Eager fans are brought by groups into a roped area. They are very polite and listen attentively as the ushers explain the instructions to the crowd. 

We are given a special spot next to the host's area next to the cameraman and are able to watch from just a few feet away. As the countdown begins to live broadcast, the air electrifies and it seems the crowd takes in a breath in unison and holds it quietly through the countdown. You can't help but to be swept up in it.

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SHINee came onstage while their segment was airing. The audience loved this causual performance.

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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.

We were 
Walking past -
Kim WooBin
Jung Joon Young
SHinee
IU
Block B
T-ara
Ladie's Code
AOA
BESTie 
& More

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.

by:
Melodie Everson
photos by:
Anna Ward
...the two lucky girls from Blossom Petal Productions