By Migo Ho and Amily Soh
Damansara : 2AM’s first visit to Malaysia has indeed created a buzz of excitement for the Malaysian I Am’s (2AM fans) for a few days prior to their showcase on 21st May 2011, Saturday. Therefore, it was to no surprise that hundreds of I Am’s were seen waiting anxiously hours before the autograph session at Wisma Bentley Music on 20th May 2011. This event was organized by Digi, whom is a no-stranger in bringing K-pop to the shores of Malaysia, after their previous success in bringing the 3 korean pop groups to Malaysia a few months ago.
As fans waited patiently for the doors to open at 6pm, they were enticed with sale of the Malaysian version of Saint O’Clock and also 2AM’s official T-shirt, which were sold at the entrance of the hall. Before entering the hall, fans had to also pass through tight security and registration process which serves as a deterrence for outsiders to enter as well as to ensure that each fan will be entitled to get the Saint O’Clock album signed once. Upon entering, fans were given a surprise as they obtained a free copy of the album, however, avid fans were disappointed as they have already owned the album.
The emcee for the event was Jinn from Hitz.fm who appeared energetically before the crowd half an hour later. He then proceeded to distribute free gifts to the audience, which consists of T-shirts and pens. He then proceeded to reiterate his day spent with 2AM the day before the autograph session, and praises them for their professionalism when they were being interviewed.
Just before the autograph session was about to start, Emcee Jinn chose 3 fans to come on stage and play a short game. Three of fans, Narsha, Kelly and Audrey were asked to perform any of 2AM’s songs. Since all of 2AM’s songs were in Hangul (Korean language) it was admirable that all 3 fans knew the lyrics by heart and confidently belted out the songs without missing a beat. Among the three, Narsha gained the most cheers from the crowd and received a special gift from 2AM, which is the opportunity to take pictures with 2AM, while the other 2 contestants received autographed posters.
2AM finally appeared on stage a little after 8pm. Four of them were looking oh-so dashing in their crisp white and black suits. Fans were screaming and shouting as loudly as their lungs would allow, welcoming 2AM to Malaysia. 2AM responded enthusiastically to the crowd and also held a short interview session with the help of 2 translators.
The boys then started the session by performing their hit song “You Wouldn’t Answer My Calls. Fans were thrilled to be able to listen to their favourite ballad group sing live in front of them and cheered for them throughout the 3 minute performance. Their strong vocal voices indeed were commendable and the crowd were soon spellbounded by them. Later, group photo is taken with the fans by the boys.
While 2AM then proceeded back stage for a short break, fans were then asked to queue at the right side of the stage. With the control of the efficient crew, every fan was able to go on stage, meet the four charming boys and get the autograph from each of them. The 2AM boys then appeared by the long table seated with ChangMin on the furtherst left, followed by JoKwon, JinWoon and lastly SeuLong. There was also a drop off point for the fans to leave their gifts for 2AM before going up the stage. Each fan took the opportunity to instil some Malaysian memories in their gifts, hoping that 2AM would remember them and their visit to Malaysia.
Although 2AM had hundreds of albums to sign, they still managed to treat each fan with a warm smile and even greeted the fans by saying Annyeong haseyo (Hello in Korean). Each fan had a mesmerized look on their faces, while some had the look of pure excitement when seeing each 2AM member up close signing their album. However, that was as far as they can get as they could only stare and make small conversations with them as no photography and hand shake were allowed. Nonetheless, each fan was in seventh heaven and gushed excitedly with their friends for being in such close proximity with their idols. The autograph session ended successfully after 1hour.
Overall, it is a well-managed autograph session and 2AM managed to treat each fan warmly even though with the sheer number of fans as well as the limited time. No wonder, with such professionalism and devotion to their fans in Malaysia, all the tickets for the autograph session was snapped up and the session held a full house. This clearly shows that Malaysians are really catching up on the latest Hallyu (Korean wave) craze. Hopefully 2AM would remember our warm hospitality here in Malaysia and return again next time. Thanks to Digi, Malaysian fans had another chance to get close to their favourite Korean idols.
K-Gen is a non-profit club set up in Taylors University, Lakeside Campus, aiming at providing a platform for youths in Malaysia to gather and share their interest in Korean culture and entertainment. They can be contacted through Facebook at K- Generation(K-Gen) @Taylor’s University, or email kgen.tlc@gmail.com. 2 members of K-Gen were sponsored by Digi Telecommunications to attend the autograph session.
