Just got back from seeing NU'EST perform live at Toronto Kpop Con and just feel like noting some of my impressions from the show.
First of all, so impressed by the boys and the staff for getting seamlessly through the microphone issues and continuing to sing live in spite of them. Seriously, a member would switch out their malfunctioning headset for a handheld mic so professionally I didn't even notice.
Singing was so on point and I admire them so much for having the energy to get through the notes and the choreography each time despite arriving yesterday on a 13 hour flight and having no time to sleep and adjust to time zones. I pray they get rest on their way to Dallas.
The staff and the audience were great as well. Very polite and well-handled. Cheering had to be shushed a few times for the group to talk, but nothing obnoxious or inappropriate was shouted at them, and the few times they called for quiet it happened right away. So proud of the audience for that, as I know excessive yelling can be an issue for Kpop concerts in Western countries.
On to my impressions of individual members!
Of all the members, Aron was the best for audience interaction. Not because he spoke English, but because he took every opportunity to bend his stage persona and make faces or look into someone's camera. He was also the one most obviously seeing the humour underneath what he was doing. He took notice of audience members and reacted to them, and made an effort to say kind things during the hi-touch and fan signings on behalf of the other members.
Minhyun was the most expressive and emotional performer. I found my eyes constantly drawn to him when they stood together as a group. And as usual his harmonies and high notes were gorgeously executed.
Ren made every move, every expression as fierce as he possibly could. Watching him was sort of like being threatened by an extremely attractive willow branch. Until the aegyo opportunities came along and he was far and away the most eager to make giant hearts in the air and yell how much he loves the audience. Repeatedly. Also, during the hi-touch and fansignings he made sure to grasp every person's hand and look them in the eye even though they were hurrying people along.
JR's cheek bones, if you can believe it, are even more defined in real life than on film. His intense smoulder is always on regardless of the situation (though it's possible he was just exhausted). He didn't always interact with fans, but when he did it was always as personal as he can make it; always special. Also, I think SHINee's going to be annoyed when they find out he stole one of their suits.
Baekho was an extremely professional, focused performer. He was completely involved in every song, and clearly putting forth all his effort into giving a flawless performance. Though he could only speak through a translator, he was earnest and made sure he finished a complete thought before letting her repeat it to the audience. The surprise and gratitude was so apparent on his face when the signs supporting him went up after Face, and it was obvious how excited Aron was for him the moment he realised what was going on. During the fansign he wanted and tried to be invested in what every person had to say to him despite the aforementioned rushing and language barrier, and gave everyone a high five and his trademark teddy bear smile.
All of them were photo-perfect, and the wardrobe clearly fanservice heavy (looking at you Ren's tight t-shirt with an loose neckline, and JR's butt-grabbing two-piece suit). The singing was flawless, so much so I was actually shocked when Ren's headset slipped and no background track covered him.
Though in the beginning they were just sort of getting through the choreography, hitting the moves on time but without much sharpness or feeling, they all fed off of the energy of the audience and woke up significantly as the show went on. Within the last few songs, especially the encore, all the boys were much more active with the audience, smiling and waving into cameras, blowing kisses, and touching the hands of people in the front row.
Overall, I was so pleased with the quality in the performances, and the candidness between songs. The boys were sweet beyond manufactured image, and seemed in equal parts genuinely surprised and happy to be there. Not only were they gracious to the audience, they took the time to thank the organizers and express how impressed they were by the amateur performers that went ahead of him.
I was a little disappointed that they didn't perform Sleep Talking, but with a bare stage and no back up dancers it might not have been possible. Anyway, seeing Don't Wear Revealing Clothes performed live more than made up for it. I never knew how much fanservice could fit into a three minute song.
From my perspective (obviously I don't see behind the scenes), Toronto Kpop Con, and the NU'EST stage was the best organization I've experienced during a first-year convention. I was honestly blown away by how minor and quickly resolved any issues of behaviour among the attendees were. Canadian Kpop fans know how rare and conditional a show like this is. The difference in etiquette was apparent between the Canadian Dream Stage and the NU'EST concert in a way that respected what was appropriate audience behaviour for both. (Slight edit: there was an issue once during the Canadian Dream Stage of way too many people basically urging a youtuber to strip onstage, and while he navigated it well, that's never appropriate)
I'm proud that this is crowd NU'EST experienced. We want them to come back, we want other Korean idols to take notice of Toronto, and Canada in general as a tour destination filled with passionate, respectful fans. I think everyone knew that the outcome of KCon would make or break that chance, and at this stage we know the value of a once-in-a-lifetime show.
And I am overwhelmingly happy that NU'EST is the first Kpop group I've ever seen live, and might be the last for a long time, unless I magically come across the funds to travel to Vancouver or the States. I managed to get through this without devolving into manic fan squealing, but know inside I have become glowing hot pink goo. I have felt feelings never before stirred in me even by ridiculously good looking celebrities.
Congratulations to everyone involved. Audience, organizers, staff, and NU'EST, of course. Please get some sleep, boys. Please.
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I'm so happy that fans enjoyed their concert. I really thought NU'EST is a perfect group. But maybe not all of us thought that way. maybe I'm being bias here haha. Anyway! This made my day so you better read this. It's from http://heavenlyooberries.tumblr.com. I'm sure NU'EST treasure every minute with their Canadian fans..
P.S. I hope NU'EST will rest. I know that you are all worried for their health. Let's wish for their success! And don't forget to feed them a lot of nice messages. It will surely help them get away with stress :)
P.P.S. Still happy for a nice fight, Manny Pacquiao. He's still the pride of the Filipinos. He'll always be the winner of our hearts...
#FilipinoPride #goManny #boxing
