South Korean K-Pop powerhouse TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) had fans in a frenzy over the weekend as the group took over Midtown Manhattan.
As TXT embarked on their third world tour ACT: PROMISE hitting eight cities with 11 shows, thousands flocked to New York City days before for the concerts on June 1 and June 2 at Madison Square Garden. The showcase was “Promised” to be a night they would not forget with high energy and theatrical performances, pyrotechnics, and intimate interactions with the singers.
Fans, affectionately known as MOA, who were also in possession of VIP floor tickets (no seating) were so eager to get a barricade spot that they camped outside of the arena since May 29 (four days before the concert). For some this has been known as the dark fanatical side of K-Pop, where attendees arrive in advance to police those who could join them while they themselves state they are trying to just help organize the experience.
“We’ve been here since Wednesday and we’ve camping here ever since,” Rose Destine, 21, said. “We’re MOAs. We just want to line lead. Obviously, there are people who are anti-camp, but it’s a part of the culture. I don’t think there is anything wrong with it as long as we are not harming people, and just stick together.”
Destine is a 21-year-old NYC native and was one of 40 concertgoers who met through “X,” formerly known as Twitter, and said that it was important to arrive days in advance so that there would be no line-cutting or fighting when MSG opened their doors.
While they were not allowed to set up camp on the venue’s property, the group of girls laid out their sleeping bags in front of the new Moynihan Hall AMTRAK station steps. While NYPD did approach the growing group of young women, Destine says they were told as long as they did not erect tents and made sure the area was clean they would not be swept away as has been done with homeless encampments.
Additionally, Destine adds that her group of friends were actively communicating with MSG’s staff and security throughout the days in hopes that their fan-made line positions remained in place.
A few potential attendees stated that these measures were excessive, but they too felt pressured to risk it all for that perfect spot to see their favorite band especially after spending close to $800 for a VIP floor ticket (no seating).
Amanda Nogueira, 26, arrived on Friday night, one day before her concert, and held out hand showcasing two unofficial wrist bands stating that she received them from fan line leaders who have been camping out for days.
“I don’t like it, they are not officials and they are not following rules [by MSG.] They don’t have permission to do that,” Nogueira said. “This is the first time doing this. We have Penn Station here and people are coming and going. It’s uncomfortable to be here.”
Nogueira stated that she feels unsafe spending the night outside in NYC, especially the night after a man was stabbed with a machete in Times Square. She believes that MSG should either have the tickets sold with entry numbers or create parameters for overzealous fans willing to sleep outside a days before the concert.
Between waiting outside of Madison Square Garden, some also took turns to leave their spot and spend a few hours outside of Good Morning America’s studio in Times Square just to catch a quick glimpse of the five-member troop—SOOBIN, YEONJUN, BEOMGYU, TAEHYUN, and HUENINGKAI—as they promoted their world tour and performed “Deja Vu” from their album Minisode 3: Tomorrow.
For 29-year-old Daja, while sleeping outside is a bit extreme, it was worth it to see her favorite band who she says has been a pillar of support for her in times of need. Several years ago, Daja was debating on stepping away from graduate school because it was not something she enjoyed. It was in a dark moment when she was watching TXT discussing life on a live stream that one of the members simply stated to their fans, “It takes a lot of courage for someone to drop out just as it takes to stay the course in life. Dropping out is very hard.”
“I needed to hear that at that moment to make a decision, and they pushed me,” Daja said. “It resonated with me in that moment. That’s what I need to hear because I was unhappy and I felt bad.”
“They don’t act like regular K-Pop idols. You can actually see yourself in them, which is a good thing,” Daja said.
On opening night MSG’s concert hall, which has a capacity of 20,000 was said to be sold out for TXT. Thousands piled in wearing blue and white ribbons in their hair, and clutching onto light sticks that synced with their digital tickets so that it all glowed the same color for each song.
TXT is all about their fan service, so they decided to create a 360-degree stage so everyone in attendance could have a direct view of their beloved group. The band did not soley rely on their choreography and signing, but also utilized props, video segments, lighting, and stage settings to create an immersive experience. Midtown Manhattan was the perfect place for their theatrical performance, which also featured a moving stage the likes only seen on Broadway shows such as the Harry Potter and the Curse Child.
“It’s a whole new vibe,” KAI told the crowd. “Promise, we want you to be our world forever.”
