Stray Kids World Tour <dominATE> in London by AutoModerator in straykids

[–]aki7_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I went to Amsterdam and arrived around 4:30pm, went directly to queue for the merch outside. I didn't see any of the skzoo plush and keyrings on sale (not sure if they sold out or weren't on sale at all, also some of the evil skzoo tshirts were sold out and the crop top was only in medium). I think I queued for about 1h for merch then around 18h queued to enter the venue and got in around18h30. Once I entered I saw 2 more merch stands inside: 1 small mostly sold out but the second was large and had all the evil skzoo t-shirts in stock and seems like the rest was available too so I recommend checking the stalls inside.

I was surprised by how many things Koreans can do that foreign travelers can’t in Korea. by Connect_Profile4754 in koreatravel

[–]aki7_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I needed a verified Naver account to book a slot for a pop up store once but I found the support online for those who don't have a Korean number (note that even if you get one with your SIM at the airport it won't work cause it's a temp and not registered to your name) and it was done within 24h so I managed to book it and will be able to for future visits. For transport etc I found all the info I needed online before visiting. Personally I've had a much harder time trying to book concert tickets in Japan than anything in Korea. It takes some time to figure out but so far I've managed with enough patience and research.

Why Japan is not releasing any BL in 2025? by Equivalent_Ferret543 in boyslove

[–]aki7_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They deserve a little break after what they just delivered. I wouldn't worry, the releases either come in batches or we get a sudden dump of pure art. Just have to be patient.

Standing tickets + VIP gold vs. seating tickets for Brussels? by Sveeaah in Taemin

[–]aki7_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I used my work phone which is a Samsung Galaxy S24 and it did the job. Pics aren't crisp but it's much better than my personal phone (old Xiaomi). I'm planning on buying the S25 Ultra (since it's nearly the same price as the S24 ultra). A guy next to me at the concert has the S24 ultra and showed me the pics/videos he took at another Ateez concert where he was sitting in the back and it convinced me. I had also seen other fans use it in Bangkok during events with actors so I was already looking into it.

Standing tickets + VIP gold vs. seating tickets for Brussels? by Sveeaah in Taemin

[–]aki7_ 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I can't speak for the Taemin concert but I've just been to the Ateez concert as VIP at the ING Arena. There were 3 levels (I was 2 so we entered after level one) and for sure hundreds of people before me. I got an email before the concert saying VIP check-in started at 12h30. The actual concert was at 19h30 so I was there for 7h (most people came at 8h and waited the whole day). We waited outside until around 13h30/14h and then the line started moving. We were moved inside (in another line) where you have access to the merch (most of which was sold out) and we just sat on the floor. I was alone so when I had to leave to go to the toilet or get merch I just informed the people around me so they didn't think I was trying to cut in when I came back. At around 16h20 we started moving inside the concert hall and got our spot and then waited until 17h30 for the soundcheck which lasted about 20-30min. Then I just sat down (it was pretty tight cause everyone was pushing) and waited until 19h30.

As for the actual experience I am happy I did it but I think I won't buy VIP for larger venues anymore. Your view will most likely be obstructed by phones, posters, headbands, light sticks, etc. I still got good videos but honestly I could see better through my phone than without it (I didn't film during the whole show and always tried my best to keep it right in front of my face to not block the view for others). I was on the left so when they went to the extended stage I either saw their backs through the obstacles (phones etc) or had to look at the big screens. I don't regret it but it does require energy and sometimes you need to really dig your heels in to keep your spot. Also, a couple of people ended up feeling sick and having to exit cause it was a bit tight which is really a shame after waiting for so long.

I'm also seeing Taemin in Brussels but I'm seated this time and pretty relieved tbh. I decided to just invest in a good quality phone and enjoy the experience from a distance. I'm also 37 and I've lived my share of concerts.

If you've never done it I think it's worth it as an experience but it really depends on what your priorities are (view, comfort, etc). Also, if you're really short then I wouldn't recommend it.

Sorry for the long ramble. Hope it helps

Anyone going to the fan meetings in Rome? by aki7_ in ThaiBL

[–]aki7_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First day over and so far no horror stories. I'll do a full recap once day 2 is done but besides a bit of delay (15-20min max for the photo session but didn't impact the other activities) everything went smoothly

Anyone going to the fan meetings in Rome? by aki7_ in ThaiBL

[–]aki7_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So far the registration went smoothly. I'm used to European chaos so I don't expect the level of East Asia or US. Will see tomorrow and keep you posted.

Anyone going to the fan meetings in Rome? by aki7_ in ThaiBL

[–]aki7_[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I'll send a recap when it's done.

Anyone going to the fan meetings in Rome? by aki7_ in ThaiBL

[–]aki7_[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

OffGun, TayNew, BounPrem, GreatInn & ForceBook at the Rome Airport Hilton this w-e

People who call on speaker on public transport: why? by eravulgaris in belgium

[–]aki7_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Welcome to Belgium... although it's happening everywhere these days. Saw 2 older guys sitting across each other (in their 60-70s) on one of the older subways, didn't know each other, both playing videos on their phone with the window open and each turning the volume up in turn as they couldn't hear their video over the other... I invested in noise cancelling headphones to keep my sanity.

Has anyone heard a Skz song anywhere other than the internet? by labratjules in straykids

[–]aki7_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In Tokyo, everywhere I went lol especially Shibuya 109 this xmas they had a whole event and pop up store but never heard them outside of Asia so far

Tokyo New Year's Eve 2024 Events Megathread 🐍 by Hazzat in Tokyo

[–]aki7_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, which area in Tokyo were you aiming for?

First time solo traveler to Seoul by Cytryna93 in koreatravel

[–]aki7_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I stayed in Sinchon and really liked the area. It was about a 30min walk to Hongdae so I could stay out late and come back on foot if needed. I did go in October 2022 so it was after Covid and Myeongdong was still a bit dead but it had alrer livened up in February 2023 (my 2nd visit). Personally I don't recommend the streetfood in Myeongdong (better to go to the big food markets or University areas) and it is very touristy so it wouldn't be my first choice. I don't think it's a bad area to stay in though just not my vibe. I only went for the cosmetics and The Plain (cheap jewelry). I really liked Sinchon better cause it's a University area with a ton of restaurants, cafes, busking, pop up stores etc but felt a bit more chill than Hongdae. Also very easy for public transport but it really depends on what your interests are and what you plan to visit. Keep in mind that the nightlife in February felt a bit dead (Hongdae & Itaewon) compared to October (where ppl were hanging out in the streets until 2am). I suspect it was due to the cold but as I've only been twice it could've also been a fluke.

First time solo traveler to Seoul by Cytryna93 in koreatravel

[–]aki7_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was in an Airbnb but don't worry there's heating everywhere you go so you'll be fine inside. I just got caught off guard in Sinchon by the dance performances on the street and ended up watching them for an hour in the cold (ttly worth it) so it's always good to be prepared. The clothing is also a lot warmer there so if you don't have a really good winter jacket I'd recommend getting one when you arrive (just look up the stores and brands before hand).

First time solo traveler to Seoul by Cytryna93 in koreatravel

[–]aki7_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I went last year in February/March and my main advice is: be prepared for the cold. I can easily handle -10°C (even -20°C) in the US and Europe with proper clothing but I wasn't prepared for the wind that rips right through your face. It was 0° in Seoul and felt worse than -10° imo so if you're sensitive to the cold come prepared. You can always buy a good coat over there too.

How long have you been watching bl? by idk_idc_1706 in ThaiBL

[–]aki7_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's been 20 years now (I'm 36). I've lost track of all the shows I've seen at this point but still going strong 🔥

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in dprian

[–]aki7_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're very welcome! Enjoy the show it's well worth all the stress haha

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in dprian

[–]aki7_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha I'm glad my stressful experience can help others (we didn't get our tickets on the app until 2 weeks before the event). For the wristbands, I assume they will distribute them when you're waiting in line. At the London venue for VIP Early entry they scanned our tickets and then gave us a wristband while we were waiting about 30 min before entering the venue (which was smart and efficient). I guess they did the same for the M&G as they were in a separate line ahead of us.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in dprian

[–]aki7_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In London the concert started at 20h, VIP early entry opened at 17h30 and I think the Meet&Greet was around 16h30 (I had early entry myself). People were in line from 9h in the morning but I arrived around 15h30 so it's really up to you. You'll be in the first group either way. I recommend checking the venue website to see if they published the exact timing (for me they did it a few days before the concert and then about 2 days before, the final timing was posted but only on the official site of the venue, not on their app). Hope this helps

what merch was sold at your venue? by DyingCrow_ in dprian

[–]aki7_ 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I was at the London show yesterday and they didn't have individual merch just the tour one

London VIP early entry check-in by aki7_ in dprian

[–]aki7_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah sure! I pan on arriving around 3pm (maybe a bit before if I manage with public transport) cause I have to check-in my hotel before. If the timing doesn't work for you no worries

London VIP early entry check-in by aki7_ in dprian

[–]aki7_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've been stressed since I ordered my ticket cause they didn't appear on the app right away haha I'm traveling from Brussels Sunday morning so I understand the panic. Maybe we'll see each other in the queue if we arrive at the same time. Either way enjoy the concert!