June 2023 - A Fangirl's Heart - Entertainment and Lifestyle Blog

SEVENTEEN Announced Details for their 'Follow' Tour

Entertainment June 27, 2023

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UNBOXING: SEVENTEEN FML Albums

Collection June 22, 2023

A fangirl's happiness is when she unboxes the albums of her favorite group.

I miss writing contents like this. The last unboxing post I made was my SEVENTEEN Membership Kit. Although I had a lot of other albums and merch that I unboxed the past months, I wasn't able to post about it. I'll try to catch up with postings in the following weeks and months.

But for today, I'll be sharing SEVENTEEN's latest album (as of writing), FML. This comeback has two title tracks which are Super and F*ck My Life.

I pre-ordered the main versions through Universal Music Store Japan because they will be giving codes for an offline event in Japan which unfortunately I didn't won any. But still, it's worth the try. Meanwhile, the carat versions, I pre-ordered it from Aling Chulien since they offer a sure-member cover.

FML Albums

Pre-Order Benefit

Like what I have mentioned earlier, I pre-ordered my albums. Since I bought the regular ones at UMS Japan, their POB are photocards. These photocards are random. That's why I was so shocked that I got the 97-line.

One thing that I don't like about UMS POBs though is the photocards are not the same size with the photocards in the albums. This is a bit longer. So my usual sleeves don't fit these photocards. The good thing though, they still fit in my photocard binder.

Fight for My Life version

For the main albums, there are three versions. Although they have same inclusions - CD, folded poster, two random photocards, random sticker, bookmark, photobook, and lyric book - they have different concepts. For the Fight for My Life version, they are in a boxing ring. So most of their looks here are sporty.

I got Jeonghan and Seungkwan for the random photocards, DK for the random sticker, and Dino for the random bookmark. And I realized something while I'm writing this blog, I haven't actually browsed through the photobook. I think I should do that after writing this.

Faded Mono Life Version

With the three versions, this one is my favorite. Not only because it's pink, but in terms of the concept photos, this is where I can relate the most - SEVENTEEN in their corporate era. Although I can say that I haven't been in a corporate set up for a long time, I feel that this concept is also for anyone who is working. Adulting is indeed hard and here is SEVENTEEN sympathizing with you.

I got Woozi and Vernon for the random photocards, Hoshi for the random sticker, and DK for the random bookmark.

Fallen Misfit Lost Version

When I was unboxing these albums in Japan, this version was the first version I opened. I haven't edited my Japan vlog and unboxing video huhu. I was so surprised that Wonwoo is the first photocard that I pulled.

I was really so frustrated with my Face The Sun albums because I bought a whole set and I didn't even pull even one photocard of Wonwoo. That's why I was so happy and surprised that I got him.

The other photocard that I got was S.Coups. For the random sticker, I got Woozi. And for the random bookmark, I got S.Coups.

Carat Version

Joshua

For the carat version, the member inside is actually random. But thanks to Aling Chulien, they offered a sure-member version. So, I bought Joshua's and Wonwoo's versions. I really like how the carat version looks like. The drawing was so pleasing to my eyes. Aside from that, I also like the wedding theme of this version. It really shows how SEVENTEEN is with us in every phases of our lives.

The carat version includes a binder (which I was surprised that it was small compared to the previous carat versions), 24 member photocard, CD, lyric book, and 4 random photocards. For the random photocards, I got Mingyu, The8, Vernon, and Seungkwan.

Wonwoo

For Wonwoo's version, I got Vernon, The8 (which is the same photocard with the one I pulled on Joshua's), Wonwoo, and Joshua. I was so happy here since my I got my biases in one album - Wonwoo and Joshua. This is the first time that has happened to me.

I'm still looking for a Jeonghan photocard wherein he also had a half-heart pose so that I can pair him with Joshua (oh yes my OTP is Jihan).

Overall, I'm so happy with my pulls in this album. I can't wait to unbox SEVENTEEN's new albums again soon. Hoshi just spoiled that they will be having another comeback on October. But before that, they will be having their Japan comeback this August, with Always Yours.

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Hotel Edoya: A Good Place to Stay in Tokyo for Solo Travelers

Lifestyle June 21, 2023

I had a great experience with Hotel Edoya

When I got the news that I won a ticket for SEVENTEEN's Love Fanmeeting in Tokyo Day 2, I immediately researched for a place to stay. There are three things that I was looking for with my accommodation: near the venue (Tokyo Dome), cheap, and has a private bathroom. Hotel Edoya has those three.

I booked it through Booking.com and I'm so glad that I was able to book it early because a few days later everything was already booked.

In this blog, I'll be sharing to you the pros and cons staying here in Hotel Edoya.

Pros of staying in Hotel Edoya

It is one station away from Tokyo Dome

When I was searching it on Google maps, I honestly thought that it will take me about an hour to go to Tokyo Dome from the hotel. But when I was in Tokyo already, I was shocked that it was only one train station away. In fact, if I had more time, I would have probably just walked from Tokyo Dome to my hotel since it's less than 2km away.

It's spacious yet budget-friendly

Don't mind the mess lol

For a solo traveler like me, I was actually looking for just a capsule hotel since it's cheap and I barely stay inside the hotel. But when I compared the price from the capsule hotel and with this solo room in Hotel Edoya, there's only a few difference. That's why I decided to go with Hotel Edoya.

It was really spacious especially if you're alone. Well, even if there's two of you, it will still be spacious.

It has complete amenities

Just like normal hotels, Hotel Edoya also has towels, shampoo, conditioner, soap, hair dryer, and more. The bed, as you may have seen in the photo above, is also comfortable. I am used to with sleeping in the floor that's why I didn't have any hard time sleeping there. There was also an aircon, a TV, a small refrigerator.

It has a complimentary breakfast

Although I'll be honest, I wasn't able to eat any breakfast from the hotel because I always leave early in the morning. So, I had no time to eat breakfast. But the good thing here is that, they give you vouchers wherein you can use it to eat the breakfast offered by the hotel.

The staff are very friendly

Although some of them do not speak in English, they are still very helpful and respectful to you. They will try their best to explain everything and help you. They always greet you too whenever they see you.

Cons of staying in Hotel Edoya

The hotel is located at the top

Yes. It's near the train stations. BUT, you have to walk a steep path in order to go to the hotel from the train station. It was already a bit tiring to walk without any luggage, but imagine walking with a big luggage? I was literally out of breath. I even tried the less steeper path but still tiring.

So, they highly suggest that instead of walking, take a taxi to the hotel. But since I'm on a budget, I decided to just walk.

The comfort room is small

For a small and thin person to say that something is small means it is really small. If I had a hard time with the comfort room, what more the other people bigger than me? Although I have read in some blogs that Japan's comfort rooms are really small but I didn't expect it to be this small.

The good thing though is that the comfort room is different from the bathroom where you can take a shower. That one is a bit spacious.

Overall comment

Overall, I still think this place is a good one especially for solo travelers on a budget. Aside from the room being spacious, you can also experience the Japanese style hotel without paying much. Actually, I think I got more than what I actually paid for. Comparing it with the hotels here in the Philippines, I believe this is cheaper with all the things offered by this hotel.

If given the chance to go back to Tokyo, I will definitely consider staying at this hotel again. Although I'm still open to staying on a capsule hotel, and a hotel near Minato City because I really loved that place.

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Why you should travel solo at least once in your life

Lifestyle June 16, 2023

It was the best feeling I ever had

I have been to different places before whether it be locally or internationally. Although it was fun traveling with friends, I once dreamt of traveling alone - to see if I can really do it on my own.

And I did.

My recent Japan trip - although it was a short one - has definitely changed my view in traveling. I decided to go to Japan when I got the news that I got a ticket to SEVENTEEN’s Tokyo fanmeeting. I guess it was 2 months before the event? To be honest, I think 2 months is enough to plan my trip especially it was just a short one. But because I was so busy with work, it took me last minute to plan my whole trip (which by the way, I wasn’t able to follow lol).

But still, it was the best experience I have ever had.

Reasons why you should travel alone at least once in your life

You can have the freedom to do the things that you want

I am always a follower whenever I travel. My friend wants to go to this place? Okay. I follow. She wants to eat at this place? Okay. I eat here. She doesn’t want to go to this place? Okay. I won’t go.

In short, I wasn’t totally free to do the things I want.

I’m afraid of getting lost in a place where I’m not familiar. That’s maybe the reason why I just follow my friends whenever we travel. But because of that, there were a lot of experiences that I wasn’t able to experience. There were a lot of food I wasn’t able to eat. There were places I wasn’t able to visit. And that’s probably one of my biggest regrets in life.

Now that I went to Japan alone, I was able to go to the places I want to go like the spots that SEVENTEEN visited during their previous stays in Tokyo - although I met a friend (who was solo as well) who joined me in this adventure.

You can plan your activities based on your mood

There were a lot of places I wanted to visit in Tokyo. In fact, I listed them and put these on my schedule. Unfortunately, the whole flight to Japan was already tiring so I had to cut down some of the places that I would like to visit because I needed some rest too.

Solo traveling allows you to alter your schedule based on how your body is feeling. You can choose to go to that place or just rest instead.

You will discover more about yourself

Aside from the fact that you can have deep thoughts while traveling alone, you can also learn new things about yourself. In my case, I discovered that I am a pro when it comes to commuting.

Who would have thought that this was actually my first travel in Tokyo?

Whenever I share this experience to my friends they always thought that I have been to Tokyo so many times because I never got lost on my way to the hotel, to the venue, or even to the places I wanted to visit.

Since I have always been staying at home (I work from home btw), I didn't know that I am good with following directions.

Discovering more about yourself allows you to be more confident.

I will travel solo more often

There will always be pros and cons with every type of travels like for example the money. You don't have anyone to cut the fees with. Although traveling solo means you'll be spending everything on your own, it will never equate to the experience you will have.

It's scary at first especially when it's your first time. But once you get that feeling, you will long to travel solo more often.

I can't wait for my next solo travel (ehem, South Korea).

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What's inside the premium kit of Seventeen's Love Fanmeeting in Tokyo?

Collection June 12, 2023

An addition to my collection

I know I haven't been posting much about my collection recently. It's just because I am too lazy to take the photocards and albums out of the box and take a picture of it. I actually haven't been filming unboxing videos for my Youtube channel. Because I'm on my ghosting era and I don't want people to see I'm online (well, they barely visit my blog so I'm safe here lol).

But since this item is a very special one for me, I have decided to share to you the actual inclusions of the kit from SEVENTEEN Love Fanmeeting in Tokyo Day 2.

Inclusions

Gift Bag

I'll be honest with you. I was shocked when I received this. I have been seeing this since the Osaka stop and I thought this was actually big. But when I received it, it was actually small. I thought I was going to have a new shopping bayong bag but to my surprise, it was really small.Even some other PH Carats were laughing with me because they also thought this was big.

For the Day 1, the kit was color pink. It was the inverted of this one. Although personally I wanted the pink one, I also appreciate the blue one. The important is I received one.

Premium Seat Strap Pass

I didn't wear this during the fanmeet. It wasn't required but I saw some Carats using it. I plan on using the strap soon once I move to Korea *ehem that's another story to tell in the future*

Premium Seat Pass Sticker

When I checked the inclusions, I didn't know what this one was and what's the purpose of this. It's like a cloth thing but a sticker. I don't know where to use this so I'll just place it back on the plastic.

Rubber band / baller

They call this rubber band, but I call it baller. While I was taking a photo of this, I noticed that the holes were actually in heart shape. It looks really cute.

Ribbon Hair Band

I am pretty sure this hair band can't handle my thick hair. That's why I don't know where I'll use this. This is more of a strap that a hair band for me haha.

Silver Tape Keyring

This is one of my favorite inclusions. I'll definitely use this. I plan on using this for my phone but I have yet to buy a phone tab and of course, I want it to be Seventeen related.

Unboxing

@annyeongruth Premium seat ticket holders for the SEVENTEEN Love Fanmeeting in Tokyo Day 2 received this gift. The ticket price is definitely worth it. Thank you SEVENTEEN! #kpop #seventeen #seventeenlovejapanfanmeeting ♬ original sound Ruthie | The Fangirl

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How to buy K-POP tickets in Japan

Entertainment June 05, 2023

It's just a matter of how determined you are

At first, I was really intimidated about Japan's ticketing system when it comes to K-Pop concerts. In Japan, the ticketing is purely lottery. It's not like how the usual ticketing (like in PH and Bangkok) wherein we queue then choose our seats.

I wouldn't really mind it being lottery since I'll just leave it up to fate. But the main problem is applying for the lottery. That's what makes this ticketing system hard. Maybe that's one of the reasons why I don't try in Japan.

But because of SEVENTEEN, I tried and eventually got it!

READ: My First Tokyo Dome Experience

Although I can't fully explain the whole process, since I also asked help from someone, I'll try to explain what I did to get a ticket in Tokyo.

Buying K-Pop tickets in Japan

Getting a Japan fanclub membership

For this whole blog, I'll be using my experience with SEVENTEEN's Love Fanmeeting in Tokyo. Note: My experience may be different from others because they might have a outlet. But the only thing I'm sure is the ticketing is in lottery style.

Usually, Japan fanclub membership is different from the global membership. It means, it's a different payment. In order to have a Japan fanclub membership, you need to have a Japanese number and Japan address. This is when you need help from people you know (or even some assistance on Twitter).

If you have a friend in Japan, you can ask them if they can lend you their phone number and address. But if you don't know someone in Japan, then look for ticketing assistance on Twitter. There are a lot actually. They just have different rates with their phone number and address rentals.

Once you have secured a Japan number and address, you can now register to the website for the membership - in my case, SEVENTEEN's Japan website. You can try doing this on your own and rely on Google Translate for the translations since everything is in Japanese.

Aside from the Japan number and address, you will also need a Katakana and Hiragana version of your name. There are actually a lot of converter online so you can use it if you don't have a friend to help you. Once you have filled out all the needed information and has paid for the membership, then you can now proceed with the next step.

Applying in the lottery

The dates for the application of the lottery can be found on the website or SNS of the group. In my case, I applied early March 2023, during the first lottery reception. The result came out in the third week of March through email, and also through the link where you applied the lottery.

Depending on the event, you can actually apply for a maximum of two tickets per ticket tier per day. In SEVENTEEN, there are two ticket tiers - the premium seat and the reserved seat. You can apply two tickets per seat but for the premium seat the other ticket holder must also have a Japan fanclub membership.

In my case, I applied for both premium seats and reserved seats in Osaka, and Reserved seat for Day 1 in Tokyo and Premium Seat for Day 2 in Tokyo. The reason why I wasn't able to apply for the other seats in Tokyo is because the phone number that I rented was also rented by another Carat. Meaning, she already has applied for the tickets that I wasn't able to apply. That's why you have to make sure that your number is unique if you want to apply to all seats and stops.

But still, I was so happy that I got premium seat for Day 2 in Tokyo.

During the application, make sure that the name, number, and address is the same as the one in your membership or else your application will be forfeited. After applying, you just have to wait for the email if you got a slot or not.

Paying for your ticket

If you fortunately got a ticket, you have to pay for your ticket on the dates mentioned. If you weren't able to pay for it on time, the ticket will be forfeited and based from some rumors, it may even be hard for you to win a slot next time.

During the first lottery, I got a ticket and the only option was to pay it at Lawson in Japan. So, I really need someone to pay it for me since I am not in Japan. Good thing, the one who helped me with my membership also helped me paying for it. So, she was the one who went to Lawson and paid for it. During the third lottery I guess, credit cards were allowed. So, it really depends. You have to check the posts of the artists' main account.

On the email that you got when you won the ticket, there will be a QR code. It will just be scanned in the Loppi machine, then a receipt will come out, then you just need to show it to the cashier and pay for it. Now, the ticket is reserved.

Claiming the ticket

I claimed my ticket, two days before the event. It was actually easy. You just need to scan the QR code from the email you received on the Loppi machine. Then it will release a receipt and bring that receipt to the counter. The Lawson staff will then give you your ticket. That's how fast it is.

Your name (in Japanese) is also written there at the bottom left.

Just a note with your name, you can actually type your English name using a converter online. You can't just type your English name with a normal keyboard. You must type it in a Japanese keyboard with alphabet. I hope what I'm saying makes sense. That's what my friend did that's why her name is in English when printed in the ticket.

But in my case, I just used my Japanese name since that's what I used with the membership and lottery.

So, that's how I got my ticket in Japan. I'm not quite sure if I have explained it well. But if you have any questions, feel free to comment on this blog or DM me on my Instagram @annyeongruth. I'll try to answer your questions.

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Finding SEVENTEEN Spots in Tokyo

Lifestyle June 02, 2023

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My First Tokyo Dome Experience: SEVENTEEN Love Fanmeeting 2023

Lifestyle June 01, 2023

Tokyo Dome dream has finally come true!

Ever since I became a K-Pop fan, it's really a dream to watch a concert or a fanmeet or just any event in Tokyo Dome. Well actually, it's more of a dream that I never thought that I have dreamt of. A lot of K-Pop artists really dream of performing there too. Tokyo Dome can accomodate 55k people and if a group can sold out the place, then it only means that they are really big in Japan.

I honestly thought that this dream will just be a dream for me. Although I wanted to experience Tokyo Dome, I was still hesitant because of the ticketing. The ticketing system in Japan is different from South Korea. In Japan, it's purely based on lottery. So, you need to have a Japanese fanclub membership, Japanese phone number and address. I'll be explaining this more on a separate blog.

SEVENTEEN is the reason why my dream of attending in Tokyo Dome came true. Finally, I have ticked it off my bucketlist and had another first in my fangirl life.

Outside Tokyo Dome

SEVENTEEN has a two-day fanmeeting in Tokyo (and two days too in Osaka). Since I was able to get a slot for Tokyo, I'll only attend in Tokyo. The ticket that I got was for Tokyo Day 2 but since I'm already in Tokyo, I decided to visit the venue on Day 1.

The venue is filled with SEVENTEEN banners. There's really this fun feeling of having to see these banners up-close and be able to take a photo of these banners.

There was also a Carat Booth wherein you can renew your Japan official membership and be able to get a random photocard. Unfortunately, I'm not yet eligible to renew mine since I just registered last March. I still have a lot of months with my membership.

There was also a Weverse Pick-Up Booth. Yes, it's only a pick-up booth. It means, you have to buy on the Weverse app and then claim it here at this booth. If you have read my previous blogs, I have mentioned that I stopped myself from buying the pickets (uchiwa) of Joshua and Wonwoo at the Love Pop-Up store.

But guess what?

I checked out from Weverse and claimed it there. I got jealous with the other Carats taking a photo with their uchiwa. So, I ended up buying these two. Yes. I can't only buy one. I have to buy both my biases or else one will get jealous lol.

Here's my mandatory shot at the Tokyo Dome

The right photo was the entrance for the Premium seat holders. This is where I entered. It was a bit strict with the premium seat. They really had to check the name on the ticket, your membership card, and your passport/ID. While for the regular seats, you will randomly be checked.

I had a lot of things to be nervous about. First, the name that was registered in my membership and ticket lacks my second name. It was supposed to be Ruth Leen but only Ruth was registered because of the lack of characters in the website. Second, my membership card hasn't arrived yet so I can only show them the "My Profile" in the Seventeen Japan website to prove my membership. And lastly, the name on my ticket was in Japanese while the ID that I'll be showing them is in English.

When I gave my passport, ticket, and membership screen, the staff forwarded me to another staff. The other staff, who can speak in English checked these things too. And then asked me my birthday. Once he has confirmed that I am really the owner, he said, "Enjoy!"

And that's when I know, I'm going to see them really.

Inside Tokyo Dome

In Japan, they are really strict when it comes to taking photos and videos. They will really ask you to come out and delete all the photos and videos. But I believe that it only happens during the fanmeeting itself. Because before and after the fanmeet, there are a lot of people taking photos of the stage yet they were not asked to go out.

So, I grabbed this chance to take some photos of the venue. I was really close to the extended stage and to the carts which makes me so happy. It's just sad that I won't be able to take any photo or video of the event but still, I'm happy I'll get to see them.

Memorable moments at the fanmeeting

OT13 at Day 2

Photo from SEVENTEEN Japan Twitter

During the Day 1 of the Tokyo fanmeeting, just a few hours before the start, they announced that S.Coups won't be attending the event because he was still not feeling well. But during day 2, they announced that S.Coups will be joining the fanmeeting but he will not join the fan benefits like the soundcheck and hitouch.

Although Joshua and Wonwoo are my biases, I am an OT13 stan. I love every member that's why I feel sad when one member can't attend. S.Coups was feeling a little bit better during the second day. But still, not like the normal one. I hope he gets well soon.

Closest experience to the carts

Screenshot from the livestream

This is one of the reasons why I want to attend concerts and fanmeets in Japan and Korea because of the carts. This is the closest experience I have ever been to the carts. And the members on our side were Wonwoo, Hoshi, and S.Coups.

I was really so happy and was crying at that moment because of too much happiness. To the point that I wasn't able to grasp that they were singing Run To You, which happens to be one of my favorite songs.

OTP vs. Bias Line

During the games, the members will choose their partner. So, Joshua pulled Jeonghan and Wonwoo. My Seventeen OTP is Jihan (Jisoo/Joshua and Jeonghan) but my bias line is Wonwoo and Joshua. So, I was torn which to choose. But of course, since Japan is the land of Jihan, Jihan wins here. But it's still a memorable one for me because this happened when I was watching the fanmeeting live.

Jihan, in fact, won the game. And my Jihan heart is so full that night.

Favorite setlist

From svtcontents

Since I am a bit new in the fandom, there were songs that I really want to hear live. And most of them were in this line up - Run To You, My My, Fallin' Flower, All My Love, Campfire. To be honest, my top three favorite songs were Run To You, All My Love, and Campfire. That's why I am so happy with this set list.

Aside from that, I also heard Fighting and F*ck My Life live and even heard a few parts of Super. I really wanted to hear these songs because I think I won't be able to watch their tour this year because of my schedule. That's why I'm so happy I got to hear this.

There are still some songs that I still want to hear and I hope I can still hear them live in the future.

Met some PH Carats who attended the Tokyo fanmeet as well

Although I was solo on this trip, I met a lot of PH Carats who attended. Some were living in Japan, and some also flew to Japan for the fanmeet. Most of them were my friends from Twitter. I'm really so happy to have me these people and I'm hoping that I'll get to see them again soon too!

Mini Vlog

@annyeongruth Definitely another dream come true for me. Watching in Tokyo Dome used to be just a dream. But now, I have finally experienced it myself. I was so happy I got a premium seat ticket to SEVENTEEN’s Love Fanmeeting in Tokyo for Day 2! #kpop #seventeen #lovefanmeetingseventeen #tokyo ♬ Super - SEVENTEEN

This is definitely a core memory and it will always have a special place in my heart. Another first with SEVENTEEN. I can't wait to see what adventures will SEVENTEEN take me next. Encore? Caratland? Fansign? Let's see.

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New SEVENTEEN concert!

A fangirl's happiness is when she unboxes the albums of her favorite group.

FML Albums

Pre-Order Benefit

Fight for My Life version

Faded Mono Life Version

Fallen Misfit Lost Version

Carat Version

I had a great experience with Hotel Edoya

Pros of staying in Hotel Edoya

It is one station away from Tokyo Dome

It's spacious yet budget-friendly

It has complete amenities

It has a complimentary breakfast

The staff are very friendly

Cons of staying in Hotel Edoya

The hotel is located at the top

The comfort room is small

Overall comment

It was the best feeling I ever had

Reasons why you should travel alone at least once in your life

You can have the freedom to do the things that you want

You can plan your activities based on your mood

You will discover more about yourself

I will travel solo more often

An addition to my collection

Inclusions

Gift Bag

Premium Seat Strap Pass

Premium Seat Pass Sticker

Rubber band / baller

Ribbon Hair Band

Silver Tape Keyring

Unboxing

It's just a matter of how determined you are

Buying K-Pop tickets in Japan

Getting a Japan fanclub membership

Applying in the lottery

Paying for your ticket

Claiming the ticket

Finding SEVENTEEN in Tokyo

WONWOO (Daimon Station)

WONWOO (Roppongi Station)

DINO (Daimon Station)

JEONGHAN

MINGYU & THE8

HOSHI (Shibakoen Station)

DINO (Shibakoen Station)

JOSHUA

WONWOO

WONWOO & HOSHI

Tokyo Dome dream has finally come true!

Outside Tokyo Dome

Inside Tokyo Dome

Memorable moments at the fanmeeting

Mini Vlog

About me

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