Finding SEVENTEEN Spots in South Korea

Entertainment May 16, 2024

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Fangirl's Pick: Favorite KDramas of 2023

Entertainment December 30, 2023

I started watching KDramas again after moving to South Korea

As far as I can remember, I wasn't able to watch any new KDrama in the first half of 2023. And when I moved to South Korea, I didn't immediately watched KDramas. In fact it took me almost two months before I started watching dramas again. You can say that I am in a drama slump.

But thanks to Tiktok, my FYP has been all about KDramas. So, I got interested again and started watching KDramas. Plus, it can also help me with my Korean language journey.

These are the KDramas that I liked this 2023

Twinkling Watermelon

Twinkling Watermelon is a story about a high school student who has this passion for music but keeps on hiding it because he needs to take care of his family who has a hearing disability. When he was about to give up he visited a mysterious music instrument shop which led him to go back to the past. He then met his father and mother.

One of the reasons why I liked this show is probably because of music. I am also a music lover. I used to dream about being a singer to be honest. And I probably was able to relate with the giving up music part. That's why I got hooked with it. Eventually, I fell in love with the casts.

Night Has Come

Different genre from Twinkling Watermelon, Night Has Come is a mystery teen drama wherein students who had a field trip suddenly ended up playing Mafia. The twist is, the killing happens in real life.

As someone who likes these kind of dramas, I was immediately hooked. I was guessing who are the Mafias, tho it's a bit obvious. But still, there were times I was wrong. It's not recommended to watch at night though.

Perfect Marriage Revenge

Perfect Marriage Revenge is one of the dramas that you didn't expect will really hit. No one actually expected that a lot of people will watch this drama. Perfect Revenge Marriage is a drama based from a webcomic which is about an adopted girl who died after running away from her evil family and was given a chance to change her life. She came back to life a year after the incident happened. With this, she decided to change her life.

I would again like to thank Tiktok for the clips because I was able to watch this amazing drama. Although it was a bit fast for me, I still enjoyed it. I love the main leads' chemistry.

Daily Dose of Sunshine

Daily Dose of Sunshine is a drama about a nurse who is working in a neuropsychiatry department. She tries her best to deal with every patient.

This is one heavy drama for me to be honest. Even though I get triggered by this drama, I still wanted to continue watching it hoping that I too can be healed in the future. It's heavy but still heartwarming.

The Escape of the Seven

If you're looking for a KDrama like Penthouse, then I can recommend this drama. Aside from the fact that some casts here are also in Penthouse, the stress (but interesting feels) that this can bring you is insane. It is about 7 people who are trying to continue living despite being involved in a girl's disappearance case.

I'm still waiting for the second season of this drama though. But the first season is really great to watch.

How about you guy? What are your favorite 2023 KDramas? Share it to me so that I can add it to my list.

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Fangirl's Pick: Favorite K-Merch of 2023

Entertainment December 29, 2023

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Fangirl's Pick: Favorite KPop Songs in 2023

Entertainment December 28, 2023

Favorite KPop Songs in 2023

As 2023 ends, I am back with my Fangirl's Pick series. To start off this series this year, I will choose my favorite KPop songs this 2023. Compared with 2022, I have been listening to other groups' songs (well, mainly because of Tiktok and because of my video editing job). But I still listen more on Seventeen and DAY6 songs this year.

I tried to choose my top 5 songs of the year. I cannot actually show you my Spotify Wrap or Apple Music Replay because it will be filled with past year songs.

SEVENTEEN - Headliner

As a B-side enthusiast, Headliner is definitely one of my favorite songs not only this 2023 but in my whole playlist. The melody is really just what I would always love to listen. But what makes it more better is that the lyrics is made especially for Carats.

Usually with SEVENTEEN songs, I liked the Vocal unit's song the most. But in this album, Headliner won my heart. I will always cry hearing this. I really hope I will get to hear this live.

BSS - Fighting

This song is really a great song to start the year. Aside from its fun beat, the meaning of the song is what we usually feel. Life is really hard. That's a fact. And sometimes, well most of the time, we do not have a choice but just to continue.

For those having a hard time like me, we can just do Fighting all the way.

AKMU - Love Lee

Much awaited comeback from the AKMU siblings, Love Lee really made it's way up to my playlist. Ever since their first album, AKMU's songs have been my comfort song. Whenever I experienced anxiety and panic attacks, listening to their songs helped me a lot. I'm also happy that Tiktok has helped this song in so many ways.

XG - Left Right

One of the songs that I got really LSS with. I barely listen to new groups but thanks to Tiktok, this song from XG caught my attention. Whenever I listen to this song, I can always remember the dance and the melody. I love it really. I hope XG will release more songs like this.

I am actually kinda thinking if this song is under the KPop category since first XG is not composed of Koreans. The lyrics is not Korean. But this was promoted in Korean music shows that's why I considered this as a KPop song.

S.Coups - Me

Although 'Me' was released on the last day of 2023, it has made immediately on my top 5. The lyrics was just so simple you can really feel all the emotions there. But what made me like this song is S.Coup's husky voice. It really fits him.

Bonus Song

Chuu - Underwater

It's so funny that I'm not even a fan of Chuu or her former group Loona. But how did I got to know this song? Well, it's because I was editing a reaction video for this song. And I immediately fell in love with this song.

The melody is just so pleasing to hear. And it really gave me the underwater feels. This song is a very calming and I would love to listen to it every time I feel stressed.

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First K-Pop Concert Abroad: Here Are The Things You Need To Know

Entertainment August 05, 2023

Watching K-Pop concert abroad is a dream come true

At one point in our life, we have also dreamt of watching our K-Pop concert abroad. As someone who isn't financially capable, I thought that this will just be part of my bucket list that I won't be able to tick. But I guess the saying "If there's a will, there's a way" made it possible for me to watch K-Pop concert abroad.

My first concert abroad was in 2018 when I watched Wanna One's One: The World in Kuala Lumpur. And the latest K-pop event that I attended was SEVENTEEN's Love Fan Meeting in Japan.

If you plan on attending concerts or fan meetings abroad, you're on the right blog post! I'll be sharing to you what I prepare whenever I attend K-Pop events abroad.

What to prepare for your K-Pop concert abroad?

Concert Tickets

Of course, your main goal is to attend the concert or fan meeting. So, you have to buy your tickets in order to watch it.

When buying tickets, make sure to check the organizers' social media accounts or the official accounts of the group you're going to watch. They update about the details of the ticket selling and the ticket prices. There will also be time where you need such memberships in order to get early access with the ticketing.

Every country has different ticketing platforms. For example in my case, when I bought my ticket in Thailand for Be The Sun in BKK, the ticketing platform is the Thaiticketmajor. It's somehow like SM Tickets here in the Philippines.

But in Japan, it's a very different way of buying tickets. Japan ticketing is more of a lottery type of ticketing. So, you just have to put your luck on fate.

Passport

Your passport is one of the most important items that you must have when you plan to watch concert abroad. First, it's a need when going out of the country. Second, this will serve as your ID abroad.

They won't accept your license ID, school ID, or whatever local ID you have. The only ID that they will accept, if you're a foreigner, is your passport and/or ARC (Alien Registration Card).

Why do you need it? Because some venues require ticket verification before entering. In order to verify your identity, you have to present a valid ID. Also, when I watched Lee Dong Wook's fan meeting in South Korea, I have to claim my ticket at the venue itself. So, ID is required.

Hotel Accommodation and Flight

Just like other normal trips, you have to book your accommodation. Unless you only plan to watch and fly (which I don't really recommend). For booking your accommodations, there are a lot of things you need to consider like your budget and the distance from the venue.

Personally, I like booking somewhere near the venue so that I won't be in a rush when going to the concert venue. But when I was in Korea, my friends and I always book in Hongdae since we're used to with it already.

If you're on a budget with flights, check out the flight scanner online. It will give you the cheapest and best options when traveling.

Extra Money for Merch

When watching concert abroad (especially in South Korea and Japan), all the official merch are being sold there. Even if you don't have plans on buying, you will end up buying merch. Well, this was from my experience. So better have extra money for your merch. There are times that they accept card but it's also good to have some cash with you.

Buying merch there is much cheaper than buying merch through group orders. Just take note that sometimes, especially on SEVENTEEN concerts, there's a pick-up option on Weverse wherein you have to order online and just pick it up onsite.

(Depends on the country) Clear bag

There are some countries that require a clear bag when entering the venue. They don't allow even small bags if it isn't clear. I don't know the exact reason for it but it's better to be updated with the do's and don'ts of the certain country you're going to be watching.

Tips on watching K-pop concert abroad

Visa - Ticket - Accommodation and Flight

If the country you're visiting requires you to have a visa first like South Korea and Japan, make sure to get your visa first before buying your ticket and booking flights and accommodations. Because there is a chance that your visa might not be approved. Not all countries allow a ticket refund.

So my suggestion is get a visa first, then concert ticket, then book a flight and accommodation.

Check on Twitter if you have some mutuals attending the same event

Recently, there are more and more people going abroad to watch concert. Who knows, one of your friend on Twitter is attending too? I had a friend and I didn't know she'll be going to Love FM in Tokyo not until she posted it a few days before the fan meet. If I only knew she'd be coming then I should have come with her. But experiencing a solo travel is still good experience tho hihi :)

I also met new friends who are going to attend the same event I'm attending. It was really cool to meet fellow fans who have the same hobbies as yours.

Check out if there are pop-up events or places that you can visit too

There are a lot of pop-up events especially in Korea and Japan. Because of these events I was able to visit it during my stay there. I am fangirling and at the same time getting to visit places in the country.

You can also visit the places that your idol has visited before. In my case, I visited different SEVENTEEN spots in Tokyo. Soon, I'll do it in South Korea too.

Take lots of photos/videos and enjoy!

Well, unless you're not allowed to take photos like in Japan fan meeting.

When I was editing my Japan vlog, it felt like I came back to being in Japan. I remembered the emotions I had during my stay. How I wished I have filmed more. But the photos suffice it tho.

As someone who can't remember anything after a couple of weeks, having photos and videos will make you be reminded of those special moments.

I am a very shy person. I barely take photos and videos before. That's why I barely remember my past travels because I don't have something to look again. That's the reason why I encourage you to take lots of photos and videos.

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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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Seungkwan Moments that Will Always Be Memorable For Me

Entertainment January 16, 2023

Seungkwan will always have a special place in my heart

Do you have that member in a group wherein he or she isn't your bias yet holds a special place in your heart? Well, in my case, that is Boo Seungkwan. Ever since I became a Carat, I have been a solid Joshua and Wonwoo biased. But, Seungkwan always have a special place in my heart. I think of him as my younger brother who I want to take care of always.

To celebrate Seungkwan's special day, I have listed down here my favorite Seungkwan moment that will forever be memorable to me.

Seungkwan hitting the high notes

I will never ever forget the iconic 4 high notes of Pretty U. As someone who loves to sing, it's really difficult to reach such notes. And I appreciate Seungkwan for that. He has been singing it well. But not only that, I also love it whenever he sings Kidult effortlessly.

Seungkwan eating sausage

Who would forget this iconic scene? Up until now, this lives rent-free in my mind. SEVENTEEN had their reality show "Seventeen's One Fine Day" which aired in 2016. In here, the boys went on Yeoseo Island with only few items with them. They even have few food before.

This scene is where Seungkwan saw a sausage near the telephone and hid it. Instead of sharing it with his fellow members, he ate it all himself. But what made it funny is when Woozi happened to catch Seungkwan eating it which made Seungkwan's disguise busted. This scene will always make me laugh.

Seungkwan during Hot

I was really amazed at how handsome and mature Seungkwan looks at the Hot music video. Because of his fluffy cheeks, it makes him so young and cute. But during Hot music video, he definitely look different which I really love. I have been tweeting about Seungkwan's look here ever since this music video was released.

Seungkwan being the 'Aju Nice' police

boo seungkwan: the aju nice police pic.twitter.com/kBA1Go9FwN
— hana ❁ (@min9yu_tttop) October 14, 2022

Will you jump or not? Aju Nice will always be iconic in every SEVENTEEN events. Mainly because it's never ending. Even the members get surprised when they thought it has already ended. But during this segment, Seungkwan has been eyeing on Carats who don't jump during Aju Nice.

There are a lot of fancams wherein you can see Seungkwan pointing on certain fans who don't jump. But not only that, he even say it all the time that he will be checking those Carats who are not jumping. I really love his expression whenever he points on those Carats who are not jumping.

Here are just some of the Seungkwan moments that I love. How about you? What's you're favorite Seungkwan moment? Share it to me!

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Fangirl's Pick: Favorite K-Merch of 2022

Entertainment December 28, 2022

As a K-Pop fan, collecting merch has been one of my favorite thing to do. Although I tried to pause from buying merch, recently I came back because it gives me so much happiness unboxing the items. It feels like that I rewarded myself for working so hard.

For this blog post, I'm going to share my favorite purchases this 2022.

Carat Bong Version 2

Even before I became a fan of SEVENTEEN, I really loved their lightstick. And who would have thought that I will finally buy one for myself? It's definitely the prettiest lightstick out there. Maybe because it has my favorite colors? This purchase was a bit impulsive but I'm happy I bought it because I was able to use it to a lot of events this year.

I bought this from kpop_merch.ph on Shopee for only P2000. And it's FETA!

I wonder how will the version three looks like. There are some posts on Twitter saying that there will be a version three to be released in 2023.

SEVENTEEN-inspired Face Mask Strap

This one isn't official but I really have used this almost every time I go out. I love the design and it really looks so pretty when you wear it. I'll probably be wearing it as long as I wear my face mask, unless the concert I'm attending is not SEVENTEEN.

I bought this from littlethingsmnl on IG.

SEVENTEEN-inspired Necklaces

To be honest, I don't really like wearing necklaces or jewelries as a whole. My skin easily gets irritated. But what's the reason why I bought these? These two necklaces have their own stories.

The diamond-shaped necklace is a remembrance of my impulsive decision of attending Be The Sun in Thailand. The confetti from the concert is inside that resin necklace. Other PH Carats who also attended there ordered their necklaces.

Meanwhile, the Carat Bong necklace, it's from Tala by Kyla. I also bought this impulsively since I saw it on a bazaar in SMX MOA, a day before Be The Sun in Bulacan. I wasn't able to attend Be The Sun in Bulacan because it was my friend's wedding day. But, my friend Joyce, brought my lightstick to the concert. So, I wore this Carat Bong necklace on the day of the wedding to represent my fangirl heart.

SEVENTEEN In The Soop Making Photobook

This is one of the latest merch that I received this year. Why is this my favorite? It's because it's In The Soop. I really enjoyed watching Seventeen's In The Soop so much that it made me buy the photobook. I'm not really a fan of photobooks but I wanted this so bad.

I'm really excited for January 2023 to come because SEVENTEEN In The Soop 2 is coming!

How much did I spend with merch this year?

That's... a secret. But I spent more than what I spend last year. And the funny thing is I spent it mostly on SEVENTEEN. Unlike last 2021, I bought albums from different groups. I'll still probably collect merch in 2023 as long as I have the money and I like the merch being released. To be more budols this 2023.

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Fangirl’s Pick: Favorite KDramas of 2022

Entertainment December 27, 2022

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Pages

SEVENTEEN Photo Spots in South Korea

Mingyu

Woozi

Woozi, Vernon, Hoshi, Wonwoo

Woozi and Hoshi

Hoshi

Jeonghan

Dino

Seungkwan

The8

Dino and DK

SEVENTEEN

I started watching KDramas again after moving to South Korea

Twinkling Watermelon

Night Has Come

Perfect Marriage Revenge

Daily Dose of Sunshine

The Escape of the Seven

Collecting merch heals my inner child

Jeonghan's Toram

Japan Love FM Premium Seat Kit - Keyring

Carat 7th Generation Kit - Mug

Favorite KPop Songs in 2023

SEVENTEEN - Headliner

BSS - Fighting

AKMU - Love Lee

XG - Left Right

S.Coups - Me

Bonus Song

Chuu - Underwater

Watching K-Pop concert abroad is a dream come true

What to prepare for your K-Pop concert abroad?

Concert Tickets

Passport

Hotel Accommodation and Flight

Extra Money for Merch

(Depends on the country) Clear bag

Tips on watching K-pop concert abroad

Visa - Ticket - Accommodation and Flight

Check on Twitter if you have some mutuals attending the same event

Check out if there are pop-up events or places that you can visit too

Take lots of photos/videos and enjoy!

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

Seungkwan will always have a special place in my heart

Seungkwan hitting the high notes

Seungkwan eating sausage

Seungkwan during Hot

Seungkwan being the 'Aju Nice' police

Carat Bong Version 2

SEVENTEEN-inspired Face Mask Strap

SEVENTEEN-inspired Necklaces

SEVENTEEN In The Soop Making Photobook

How much did I spend with merch this year?

Big Mouth

Business Proposal

Ghost Doctor

The Golden Spoon

Twenty Five Twenty One

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