I was determined to recount my very first ‘real-life’ Kiss Me experience, but I seriously can’t remember everything that had happened. Too much to recount for my little brain. But even though my memory is blurred, at least I can still write about what it meant to me.
Domestic fans and international fans are two sides of the same coin. We have the same goals but we achieve them differently. For international fans, support is through virtual activity. Online communities, distribution of content, streaming, voting etc. For domestic fans, it is mostly physical activity (but they still have a fair share of voting to do); being there in person to support U-KISS at the events, live performances, etc. It must be tiring, time and money consuming. After all, who has the time and money to attend every single event? But even so, I think it’s easier to be motivated as a domestic fan than an international fan. A personal example would be, the fans out there who provides subtitles for videos for other fans. This process takes hours. After 8 hours of slaving away, you really just want to get away from the computer and look at a nice tree or something. Although your effort put in equals to several hours, you are generally only motivated through that same screen. Domestic fans have the opportunity to see U-KISS in the flesh and experience in real-time the reason why they do what they do. And today was the first day I really experienced why I was a fan of Kevin and a Kiss Me.
For the longest time, I was dedicated to spreading awareness about Kevin/U-KISS based on their talents and how hardworking they were. From other fan recounts, I knew Kevin was the nicest guy on earth…but let’s be honest, you never really know anything until you experience it for yourself. After 6-7 years, I began to feel restless. Is it really worth it? Am I wasting my time? Did those couple of thousands dollars go to waste? That’s why my exchange to Korea was not only for the mind-blowing culture experience, but also, to lamely put it, rediscover why I was a fan.
Kiss Me Day was an ‘athletic’ event where the U-KISS members each have their own team, playing against each other for prizes such as individual polaroids with your desired member, signed merchandise, etc. Upon hearing news of this event, I signed up in a half a heartbeat (despite my total lack of coordination, athletic skills, etc.). It was only until I saw my name on the list for Kevin’s team had I realised I was really going to see Kevin in front of me. Moving and all. Like, I could reach out and touch him and it wouldn’t be my computer screen (not that I caress my screen). So I was excited. For him and for the rest of U-KISS of course.
I was doing quite well for 80% of the event. Calm and collected, but still excited. I was delighted, all the expectations I had were confirmed and even exceeded. Kevin was very nice. I don’t think ‘nice’ even begins to describe how he is like, though. But ~angel sent from above~ is a tad too dramatic for me. U-KISS are all very nice. They were all very entertaining, clearly liked what they were doing (some more than others) and it was simply fantastic not to see them through a computer screen anymore. At some point of the event (guessing around 81%), I realised that the past 6-7 years I’ve spent…was actually spent on a very, very, very excellent and fantastic human being. Every single doubt I had ever come across, every thought of hesitated evaporated. And that’s when I became a god damn mess (and that never shall be disclosed publicly)…
But that’s not the point, the point is that despite the many hardships I’ve personally been through as a fan and troubled pathways we’ve walked down together…I am very proud to be a Kiss Me. Even if our name is a little cheesy and things aren’t always right, I am thrilled to know that who I am supporting is worth supporting. They are worth every single second of support, yours and mine.
So really…this long rambling is for those who ever lost their way or find yourself being pulled away by doubt, I urge you to rediscover how you got to be a fan in the first place. It’s hard to be loyal. I don’t mean you need to take a 6-month trip to Korea (I highly recommend it, one month in and I’m doing the moonwalk here), but if you just try to find your way back…you inevitably will be able see the worth of your support.
Laura says
It’s nice to read that you enjoyed the event fully!
You really deserve this little time spent with the members and the fans.
And this is quite a thing that they are coming back next week, few weeks after your arrival! I’ll be here if you need tips of course (I did not write some Buzz articles for myself – or in case I’m caught by Alzheimer).
When I read your post I smiled.
You can probably imagine, but it really reminded me when I met them, although it wasn’t in the same context.
When I compare with friends who met other groups or artists, all the fandoms and the members are different and some are “disappointing” (i.e: big groups that cannot stop and chit chat with their fans because they are 1558 following them).
But U-KISS is not one of them. Even if I had some disappointment (i.e. Soohyun ignoring 2 fans -my friend and I- who waited 2 hours under the rain just to greet them) in worthed it anyway. The members really are nice and some fans are also as cute as cupcakes.
I’m glad you could enjoy this even and also stir (?) some profit from being an official fan (there are not that many occasions for UKISS I swear) :)
canityo says
Yes, I realise how lucky I am to be able to attend this event. There were so many fans that came to Korea just for Kiss Me Day, and I was really surprised. Passion runs on different levels, and I am glad for that. As for disappointing cases, it is impossible for one person to remain 100% the same the whole time. There are so many things affecting us each day…so you can imagine so many variables that build up to the moment that you and someone meet, right? I’m not making an excuse or anything. Just saying that disappointment is a part of life. No doubt that those who haven’t met U-KISS and have read this post will probably have higher hopes than ever, but their experience may be extremely different.
Your help with attending shows would be VERY appreciated. I have no clue. Not one.
Laura says
Yes, you are right :) So you can be a little selfish and enjoy what you are living.
When I see your twitter updates you seem even more organized than I am! I guess you caught the right flow for music shows, I guess I’ll be able to help you for special shows (not MuBank, Inki, MCD, MuCore) like Immortal Song (a real mafia story with people who win 10 tickets and hand them to their friends lol), or Athletics and such..!
canityo says
Haha, those get announced very last minute and are usually held on a weekday (where I have class) so it’s very hard for me to attend. :( I’m not at the level where I want to skip every class just to catch a glimpse of them.
And I am definitely not organised. It is SO hard to get into music shows when SHINee and Infinite are promoting as well. :(
silverhoneycat says
This is inspiring to hear. Your “before” thoughts are so common amongst us international fans, it’s so good for the soul to live through your experience and get those little doubts answered. I, personally, have never been a hardcore fan of anything or anyone before discovering our boys– and I immediately fell in love with their backstories, personalities, energy, and of course their music. They are such an inspiration to anyone looking for positivity in life. KissMe Forever! Thank you so much for sharing this!!
canityo says
I’m so glad my post was inspiring, even if it’s all jumbled! :)
ukiss stan says
I am so glad to read your post.I have no doubt whatsoever of why I love these boys.I personally never have loved an artists or bands in my life like I love UKISS.I’ve been a fan of one group for months but i cannot say i’ve been a true fan but when i found UKISS ,since day one ,i’ve never left them nor waiver my love for them even if people saying negatively or criticizing them.They were the only artist that made me buy an album and that shows how much i love and care for these wonderful people.they are truly an inspiration to people who cannot give up on their dreams .I will be forever a loyal fan of these loving,kind,sincere,talented boys and i can honestly and proudly say they are worthy of my love,money,support and time.
Ant says
This is so touching! :’) For me to post a comment here is kinda eccentric but I inevitably felt the same way anyways. I never had the face-to-face experience with UKISS nor be an inches or just foot away, although I’ve already seen them twice performing live. I’m always dedicating my fangirl life to this group since I started being into Kpop. They brought me here, without Ukiss- there is no me that a fangirl; but it doesn’t count to be a reason why I’m still holding on to support and care for every little thing they do. Whenever someone is approaching me, asking why I stan them (I get the point of ‘why them, they aren’t even winning?’) I will always have a firm answer., it’s because of their UNDYING PASSION. I tried to runaway from them, and just go back in my natural living but that is something impossible for me to do. It’s not that I can’t live without them, it’s just- I don’t even wanna try. Soohyun is the one making me realize [the most] that ukiss is worth my time and effort :) they surely bringing the best in me in a way that no one can and would ever dare to try. I’m hoping to experience what you’ve experienced~ although the chance is very little.. but what’s impossible with God when you have an extra-terrestrial faith!? ^^; I may not be as useful (not a good word I guess) and efficient as other KMs are but I think the fact that I’m stil with them and growing in this fandom is what counts the best. KISSMe world <3 UKISSaranghae.
lita0591 says
such a nice experience^^ so glad that our boys did many interactions with fans..
i have tons of group i like in my first year into KPOP.i can’t be a loyal fan.i will be a fan of one group in some months, fangirling over them, and then get bored and find out another group..that happens many times until i found UKISS in 2010 with “Shut Up”.they are different. i love their music, choreoghrapy, personality, and how they are so lovely to fans..i don’t know how to explain, but they are different and i love it. they have a power to keep me into them, and love them more and more.they are the first artist who make me bought KPOP album, streaming all day long, voting, etc..
until now, i still be a loyal KISSME (eventhough i like some rookies group, but not become a fan). let’s hardwork for their comeback.^^
Ant says
Oops sorry I doubled the repky. ;_;
canityo says
Haha, don’t worry. I fixed it!
Agnieszka says
I’m from Poland in Europe :) I would lie if I write that I don’t envy you. I started supporting U-KISS just last year and that was because I got a job but I have listened to U-KISS way longer. 3/4 of my experiance with K-POP I didn’t have any idea about fan cafes, sites that I can communicate with others, watching variety shows or buying from overseas ecspecially from Korea and Japan. I’m not good at communicating with people and I’m not a screaming “sjahdluszlbflkbhg” type of a fan. I were just browsing their images and listening to their music and I loved it. Now, after gaining some knowledge about them and their work I became much more respectful for the sounds they are giving me to the other side of the world. They made me work harder in order to reach my goals. They made my day better when I was watching them on the TV shows even when I didn’t understand what they are talking about. They also made me worry when something when wrong, when one of them got hurt or went to the hospital. Kiseop for example. The best connection I feel towards Eli. It may sound weird but I feel like I know how he feels in certain situations because I am responding in the same way. I know that I don’t even know him but still this feeling comes every time. They are all different but in the same time they are making a great group. I hope that the unofficial news from last year will come true and U-KISS will arrive to UK. Then, without hesitation, I will buy the VVIP ticket to have some face-to-face time; to experiance on my own their relationship and passion.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the event and U-KISS :)
Denice Tan says
aww i love this post! i feel you, being an international fan is really a challenge. i am so happy for you that you get to experience this which can make up for all your dedication for rocketboxx! :) i hope one day, i will also get to realize and rediscover why i was a fan. :)