I wanted to put up this post that very night the concert ended. But considering I only got back to Hong Kong around 2am, I was too damn tired to do anything but sleep. To say it was a hectic day would be an understatement — but I’ll write about my Macau experience when I begin my Hong Kong travel series.
This post is going to be all K-pop!
I chose to go to Macau on 2nd July, 2012 (Monday) because the K-pop Nation concert was happening that evening. I got up early and took the ferry from Hong Kong in the hopes of reaching Macau airport before the flight from Incheon (Seoul) landed at 10:40. That didn’t go according to plan for reasons I’ll rather talk about in the Macau post, but long story short, there was no need for me to go to Macau airport. You see, my biggest (K-pop) dream is to see the members of SNSD up close and in person. But as soon as I got past immigration, I saw a bunch of Shawols (SHINee fans) waiting outside. I was wearing my custom-printed SNSD t-shirt when a considerate girl approached me and told me in her limited English that SNSD arrived yesterday night at this very terminal! She told me it would be of no use to stand around if I was hoping to see the girls.
I thanked her for that bit of information, but as disappointed as I was, I thought “what the heck” and waited to at least see SHINee up close.
![Macau Shawols ferry terminal Macau Shawols ferry terminal](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/macau-shawols-ferry-terminal.jpg)
![Macau Shawols waiting for Shinee Macau Shawols waiting for Shinee](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/macau-shawols-waiting-for-shinee.jpg)
![Shinee fans Macau terminal Shinee fans Macau terminal](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/shinee-fans-macau-terminal.jpg)
![Macau Shawol Diablo sign for Shinee Macau Shawol Diablo sign for Shinee](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/macau-shawol-diablo-sign-for-shinee.jpg)
![Shinee arriving Macau terminal Shinee arriving Macau terminal](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/shinee-arriving-macau-terminal.jpg)
![Taemin Key Onew Shinee Macau arrival Taemin Key Onew Shinee Macau arrival](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/taemin-key-onew-shinee-macau-arrival.jpg)
![Onew Jonghyun Shinee Macau arrival Onew Jonghyun Shinee Macau arrival](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/onew-jonghyun-shinee-macau-arrival.jpg)
![Macau Shinee ferry terminal arrival Macau Shinee ferry terminal arrival](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/macau-shinee-ferry-terminal-arrival.jpg)
Despite the hour long wait, my experience of seeing SHINee (or whatever I could see of their faces – I couldn’t even see Taemin’s face), lasted less than a minute. Just like that it was all over. There were sunglasses and other things belonging to fans scattered on the floor in the frenzy as girls ran all over the place to get a glimpse of their idols. But fortunately nobody got hurt, and SHINee’s asshole manager didn’t punch anybody either.
I left the ferry terminal and took the bus to The Venetian Macau to get my tickets to the concert as my return ticket back to Hong Kong was only at 11:45pm. I got the HK$780 (Rs. 5,500/$100/€82) ticket and decided to spend some time sightseeing until sunset.
![Cotai Arena counters Macao Cotai Arena counters Macao](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/cotai-arena-counters-macao.jpg)
![Inside Cotai Arena Macau panorama Inside Cotai Arena Macau panorama](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/inside-cotai-arena-macau-panorama.jpg)
As the clock struck 8pm, a DJ came on stage and started playing some dance music to pump up the crowd.
![Kpop Nation Cotai Arena glowsticks Kpop Nation Cotai Arena glowsticks](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/kpop-nation-cotai-arena-glowsticks.jpg)
![Cotai Arena unsold seats kpop concert Cotai Arena unsold seats kpop concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/cotai-arena-unsold-seats-kpop-concert.jpg)
And then, seven guys walked on stage. Then walked off. Then walked back on again.
![U-Kiss Kpop Nation Macau concert U-Kiss Kpop Nation Macau concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ukiss-kpop-nation-macau-concert.jpg)
![U-Kiss Kpop Nation stage performance Macau U-Kiss Kpop Nation stage performance Macau](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ukiss-kpop-nation-stage-performance-macau.jpg)
![U-Kiss concert Macau China U-Kiss concert Macau China](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ukiss-concert-macau-china.jpg)
![U-Kiss performing Kpop Nation macau U-Kiss performing Kpop Nation macau](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ukiss-performing-kpop-nation-macau.jpg)
![U-Kiss performing Macau kpop concert U-Kiss performing Macau kpop concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ukiss-performing-macau-kpop-concert.jpg)
The organziers were pretty strict about anyone recording video, but some people (as always) managed to record fancams.
![B.A.P entrance kpop nation Macau concert B.A.P entrance kpop nation Macau concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/bap-entrance-kpop-nation-macau-concert.jpg)
![B.A.P performance K-pop Nation Macau concert B.A.P performance K-pop Nation Macau concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/bap-performance-kpop-nation-macau-concert.jpg)
![B.A.P K-Pop Nation Macau concert B.A.P K-Pop Nation Macau concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/b.a.p-kpop-nation-macau-concert.jpg)
After two songs or three, every group would take a break to introduce themselves to the audience. The audience had a laugh when one of the B.A.P members said something along the lines of: “… I’m excessive to be here”. He meant “excited” but that’s not how we all heard it
![B.A.P performing Macau China B.A.P performing Macau China](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/bap-performing-macau-china.jpg)
![B.A.P Kpop Nation concert Macau dancers B.A.P Kpop Nation concert Macau dancers](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/bap-kpop-nation-concert-macau-dancers.jpg)
After B.A.P’s energetic performance, it was now time for the big guns of K-pop. The hugely popular SM Ent. artists were up next. I was a little disappointed to not see Minho since SHINee are not Super Junior — even if one member is missing, their choreography just doesn’t feel right.
![Shinee kpop nation concert Shinee kpop nation concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/shinee-kpop-nation-concert.jpg)
![Shinee Kpop Nation Macau concert Shinee Kpop Nation Macau concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/shinee-kpop-nation-macau-concert.jpg)
![Shinee performing in Macau Shinee performing in Macau](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/shinee-performing-in-macau.jpg)
![Shinee on-stage Macau China Shinee on-stage Macau China](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/shinee-on-stage-macau-china.jpg)
Or at least that’s what I assumed he was talking about, because he spoke in Korean and the translator only spoke in Cantonese(?). Maybe Minho was filming his drama.
![Shinee Sherlock live in Macao China Shinee Sherlock live in Macao China](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/shinee-sherlock-live-in-macao-china.jpg)
![Shinee Sherlock live in Macau China Shinee Sherlock live in Macau China](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/shinee-sherlock-live-in-macau-china.jpg)
![Shinee Sherlock dance Macau concert Shinee Sherlock dance Macau concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/shinee-sherlock-dance-macau-concert.jpg)
![Shinee Sherlock Kpop Macau concert Shinee Sherlock Kpop Macau concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/shinee-sherlock-kpop-macau-concert.jpg)
After “Sherlock,” I assumed “Hello” or “Replay” was next. But no. The boys looked at each other and awkwardly just walked off stage waving goodbye to the audience. I was like: “huh?”. The deal was that each artists would perform five songs each. I assumed SHINee would do an encore of two more songs later. At least that was the hope.
![Kpop nation concert dj Kpop nation concert dj](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/kpop-nation-concert-dj.jpg)
![Kpop Nation Macau concert stage Kpop Nation Macau concert stage](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/kpop-nation-macau-concert-stage.jpg)
![Sunny Sooyoung Seohyun screen Sunny Sooyoung Seohyun screen](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/sunny-sooyoung-seohyun-screen.jpg)
![Jessica Yoona Yuri screen Jessica Yoona Yuri screen](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/jessica-yoona-yuri-screen.jpg)
![Taeyeon Tiffany screen Taeyeon Tiffany screen](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/taeyeon-tiffany-screen.jpg)
![Snsd Macau kpop nation concert Snsd Macau kpop nation concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/snsd-macau-kpop-nation-concert.jpg)
![Girls Generation Kpop Nation Macau entrance Girls Generation Kpop Nation Macau entrance](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girls-generation-kpop-nation-macau-entrance.jpg)
![SNSD Kpop Nation Macau China SNSD Kpop Nation Macau China](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/snsd-kpop-nation-macau-china.jpg)
![SNSD Girls Generation Kpop Nation concert SNSD Girls Generation Kpop Nation concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/snsd-girls-generation-kpop-nation-concert.jpg)
![Girls Generation leg dance Macau Girls Generation leg dance Macau](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girls-generation-leg-dance-macau.jpg)
![Yuri Hyoyeon Snsd dancing Macau Yuri Hyoyeon Snsd dancing Macau](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/yuri-hyo-snsd-dancing-macau.jpg)
![Tiffany Genie performance SNSD Macau Tiffany Genie performance SNSD Macau](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/tiffany-genie-performance-snsd-macau.jpg)
![Girls Generation Genie end pose Girls Generation Genie end pose](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girls-generation-genie-end-pose.jpg)
![SNSD Macau Genie line dance SNSD Macau Genie line dance](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/snsd-macau-genie-line-dance.jpg)
![Sunny behind Sooyoung Genie dance Sunny behind Sooyoung Genie dance](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/sunny-behind-sooyoung-genie-dance.jpg)
![Run Devil Run dance SNSD Run Devil Run dance SNSD](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/run-devil-run-dance-snsd.jpg)
![Girls Generation on-stage Cotai Arena Girls Generation on-stage Cotai Arena](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girls-generation-on-stage-cotai-arena.jpg)
![Ice Princess message for Jessica Macau Ice Princess message for Jessica Macau](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ice-princess-message-for-jessica-macau.jpg)
![Sooyoung Girls Generation Macau Sooyoung Girls Generation Macau](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/sooyoung-girls-generation-macau.jpg)
![Taeyeon Girls Generation Macau Taeyeon Girls Generation Macau](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/taeyeon-girls-generation-macau.jpg)
![Girls Generation Macau audience interaction Girls Generation Macau audience interaction](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girls-generation-macau-audience-interaction.jpg)
![SNSD Hoot graphics SNSD Hoot graphics](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/snsd-hoot-graphics.jpg)
![Girls Generation Macau Hoot performance Girls Generation Macau Hoot performance](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girls-generation-macau-hoot-performance.jpg)
![Girls Generation technical problem Macau concert Girls Generation technical problem Macau concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girls-generation-technical-problem-macau-concert.jpg)
![Taeyeon surprise Macau concert Taeyeon surprise Macau concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/taeyeon-surprise-macau-concert.jpg)
![Yoona talking Macau concert Yoona talking Macau concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/yoona-talking-macau-concert.jpg)
![Girls Generation Hoot down dance Girls Generation Hoot down dance](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girls-generation-hoot-down-dance.jpg)
![Girls Generation Hoot Macao Girls Generation Hoot Macao](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girls-generation-hoot-macao.jpg)
![Girls Generation technical problem Macau Girls Generation technical problem Macau](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girls-generation-technical-problem-macau.jpg)
![SNSD on stage Macau SNSD on stage Macau](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/snsd-on-stage-macau.jpg)
It was really funny, but at the same time we all wondered what was going on. Here’s a good fancam of the goof-up(s):
The girls were about to walk off stage…
![SNSD Hoot third time Macau SNSD Hoot third time Macau](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/snsd-hoot-third-time-macau.jpg)
![Hoot SNSD Macau Kpop concert Hoot SNSD Macau Kpop concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/hoot-snsd-macau-kpop-concert.jpg)
![Girls Generation Macau concert Girls Generation Macau concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girls-generation-macau-concert.jpg)
![Girls Generation The Boys live in Macau Girls Generation The Boys live in Macau](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girls-generation-the-boys-live-in-macau.jpg)
![Girls Generation hair Macau concert Girls Generation hair Macau concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girls-generation-hair-macau-concert.jpg)
![Snsd hair funny picture Snsd hair funny picture](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/snsd-hair-funny-picture.jpg)
![Girls Generation The Boys Macau concert Girls Generation The Boys Macau concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girls-generation-the-boys-macau-concert.jpg)
![Snsd The Boys live in Macau Snsd The Boys live in Macau](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/snsd-the-boys-live-in-macau.jpg)
![SNSD lights Macau concert SNSD lights Macau concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/snsd-lights-macau-concert.jpg)
![Girls Generation Taeyeon jig Girls Generation Taeyeon jig](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girls-generation-taeyeon-jig.jpg)
![Taeny Macau Kpop Nation concert Taeny Macau Kpop Nation concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/taeny-macau-kpop-nation-concert.jpg)
![Snsd Macau stage Snsd Macau stage](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/snsd-macau-stage.jpg)
![Snsd Gee performance Macau Snsd Gee performance Macau](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/snsd-gee-performance-macau.jpg)
![Girls Generation Gee crab dance Girls Generation Gee crab dance](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girls-generation-gee-crab-dance.jpg)
![Girls Generation Gee dance Macau Girls Generation Gee dance Macau](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girls-generation-gee-dance-macau.jpg)
![Sunny Hyoyeon Jessica Girls Generation Sunny Hyoyeon Jessica Girls Generation](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/sunny-hyoyeon-jessica-girls-generation.jpg)
![Kpop Nation SNSD confetti Macau Kpop Nation SNSD confetti Macau](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/kpop-nation-snsd-confetti-macau.jpg)
![Kpop Nation Macau crowd Cotai Arena Kpop Nation Macau crowd Cotai Arena](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/kpop-nation-macau-crowd-cotai-arena.jpg)
![Empty seats Kpop Nation Macau Empty seats Kpop Nation Macau](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/empty-seats-kpop-nation-macau.jpg)
![Girls Generation SNSD saying goodbye Girls Generation SNSD saying goodbye](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/girls-generation-snsd-saying-goodbye.jpg)
The DJ came back on again and some of us waited to see if there was going to be a encore. I was hoping for more SHINee, but there was none. The announcer said ‘thanks for coming’ and I left the arena.
![Kpop Nation The Venetian Macau Kpop Nation The Venetian Macau](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/kpop-nation-the-venetian-macau.jpg)
![B2ST 4minute Macau concert B2ST 4minute Macau concert](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/b2st-4minute-macau-concert.jpg)
![Kpop Nation tickets Kpop Nation tickets](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/kpop-nation-tickets.jpg)
Well, kind of. I can now say I saw Girls Generation live in concert. And U-Kiss, B.A.P and SHINee. Add to the fact I’ve seen Jay Park and three-fifths of BIGBANG, I guess I’m lucky to have seen enough K-pop acts compared to most fans back in India. On the other hand, K-pop Nation 2012 wasn’t a well put together concert. For something that promised to be an unique show with the artists interacting with the fans and sharing stories… yeah, there was none of that. Pretty much all the interaction went like this: “We are _______” “Hello Macau, I am _______” “What’s up Macau, how you doing?” “Our next song is _____” “Goodbye Macau, we hope to be back”. That’s it – standard concert talk. In fact, SNSD spoke the most, and it was thanks to technical difficulties.
As much as I loved seeing SNSD, it was B.A.P’s set that I can say was the best without any bias. Their segment was if that’s how they would have done their stand alone concert. From start to finish, their act packed quite a punch. So I appreciate the effort they put in putting on an impressive show for what was a multi-starrer concert.
I’m proud of the fact SNSD were pretty much the only group who didn’t lip-sync! Every other group danced well, but didn’t bother singing live (did B.A.P sing live? some vocals sounded like it did). Girls Generation did both live, and were funny… god, tell me why I love them so much again?
It would have been cool if the venue was sold out as the experience could have been wilder, but that’s what you get when you price a concert out of the reach for most K-pop fans (who are really young). I know K-pop concerts in general are more expensive (heck, I’ve seen world famous David Guetta and Metallica for less!), but I can imagine the cost of bringing down such acts to such a small place like Macau, and that too in an expensive venue. Still, it’s baffling to see how many seats were empty for a concert that had U-Kiss, SHINee and Girls Generation in the line-up! That last group alone could fill up a stadium.
Of course I would have wished I was closer to the stage so I could see the girls better, but in some ways I’m glad I only paid HK$780. SNSD barely came forward to the smaller stage up front, so there was quite a bit of distance even for those who were seated in the most expensive section. It would have been nice if they had like a T-shaped stage, but anyway… I’m saving up and hoping for an SM Town in either Singapore or Bangkok later this year.
Otherwise the concert was alright. Oh yeah, there was one moron who showed up with his girl to the venue and accused me of taking his seat. I didn’t want to argue with him so I just let him sit in my seat. SNSD were just finishing up “Gee” and I wanted to click as much as I could before they left the stage. I don’t know what his problem was.
All-in-all, looking at the above photos, I’m happy I was there. My love for K-pop remains the same and I don’t think my urge to see the SNSD again has died down one bit.
As for the rest of my day, I’ll begin writing about my Hong Kong trip soon.
P.S: I did take a few more photos of U-Kiss and B.A.P, so if any of you fans/clubs want to see those, just ask. I’ll e-mail them to you. I didn’t take any videos as the Canon 450D can’t take videos, plus I didn’t want to get into trouble as the usher was right behind me.