This past weekend, I took a little drive across the boarder to Toronto to see K-pop group, Younite!
Admittedly, I bought the platinum ticket as soon as it went on sale without ever having listened to Younite before. But, I have found that buying these tickets without knowing much is a good way for me to expand on the groups I listen to. Sometimes I struggle with where to turn to next, so this is a fun way to do it. Plus. the show was on the weekend and in Toronto, which luckily happens to be a pretty easy drive for me. And, with Younite being on the smaller side (comparing to the likes of ATEEZ or even P1harmony), it means that ticket prices, and even the highest VIP tier, was extremely affordable. I also like that it took place in the same small venue I got to see OnlyOneOf at last year.
The day started early checking in – meaning picking up my badge and album that I pre-ordered. Then after a little bit of time to get ready, I lined back up at the venue to start all of the platinum ticket perks. It started with the sound check, which still happens to just be a lame two-song experience. So far P1harmony are the ones to beat as far as K-pop sound check events go. But, I was prepared for it to be lame, so it wasn’t as bad this time around. Next was the hi-touch, where all seven members in attendance (originally 9, usually 8) actually gave pretty sweet and enthusiastic double hi-fives! They had it set up well where directly after the hi-tough they just turned around and we sat in front of them for our group photo. I had the pleasure of making a hand heart with Woono.
After that, we all got ready for the fan sign. I will admit that I was expecting the full sized album with my pre-ordered, but instead I received the POCA album version – boo digital media! So thankfully I had brought the booklet from another album with me to get signed. It was brief and efficient – I never know what to say, so I’m usually just smiling like a doofus and thanking them. Some of the members seemed pleasantly surprised that they were signing their Bit Part 2 album booklet. Finally the last perk of the platinum ticket is the fan chat. I have never done something like that before, so I was a bit nervous. I also picked my member before really getting to know anything at all about them. I landed on Hyungseok because he was very handsome. But it turns out his English speaking is a bit limited. Luckily, I had the foresight to do a small drawing of him in the week leading up to the show and was able to take it out to sign. He was very surprised and impressed with the drawing, so that helped the minute go by smoothly. Yay!
Once all of the pre-show activities were complete, there was some time to kill within the venue with some of the new friends I had made throughout the day. But really, not much waiting went by before we were lined back up to go back into the venue for the show. With the platinum ticket, it landed me in the center of the third row, a pretty perfect spot. I will say I was really surprised with how few of their own songs they played. We’re talking like six max. With seven EPs under their belt, I would have thought we’d get a full set. Instead we got a slew of cover songs. Which are fun, but when they make up half the set it’s kind of a bummer. I was thankful to hear “Bomba,” “Rock Steady,” and “Geekin’,” but there could have been so many other bangers! They sand well, and the choreography was also really well done, but they could have done with some pre-recorded stuff to give them a little break to catch their breath in between songs. They don’t seem super comfortable talking to a crowd, but I commende leader Eunho for trying the most!
After the show was over, me and one of the people I met had been convinced throughout the show to purchase a selfie ticket with youngest member, Sion. So, I got myself a polaroid with him – what a cutie! I also got a shot with the whole group – but thank god the ONE picture they took turned out well. At least last year they took a few! All of that chaos was actually pretty well organized, so I’m sure future events will be even better. All in all, it was a fun day with a talented group, as well as making new friends! I know I’ll be keeping tabs on Younite as time moves forward.
