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KUALA LUMPUR – The Bukit Jalil National Stadium was painted black and pink, as attendees of the highly anticipated Korean girl group Blackpink’s concert were dressed in the colours of their favourite quartet.
With at least 50,000 concertgoers present, queuing began hours before the stadium gates opened and long lines persisted after the concert’s start.
Following concerns of a downpour, fans took no risks and came prepared with protection against the rain.
One such concertgoer, Samir – who had brought a raincoat – said the rain would not stop him and other fans from having fun at the concert.
The 21-year-old also said that despite exorbitant prices for concert tickets, getting a chance to hear the K-pop quartet singing live was worthwhile.
“It is my first time going to a concert alone. It is expensive, but you only live once,” he told The Vibes.
“I picked the cheapest seat location. At least I get the chance to listen to them once,” he added.
First-time concertgoer Daniya Laxmi said she was “rushed with adrenaline” to experience the concert.
She shared that her favourite member is Jennie, and paid no mind to accusations against the member.
“I don’t care about the controversies and rumours, since I mostly listen to the group’s music,” she briefly commented.
For context, various rumours and posts have spread about Jennie and her group mates, including criticism of their singing and dancing prowess, as well as nitpicking their personal lives.
Man Ee, who arrived at 2pm for her first concert, disagreed with the controversies revolving around the group.
“I like Blackpink very much, I don’t really need a reason to,” the computer science student quipped.
“You can see there are many people here, and everyone is supporting the group,” she added.
Similarly, a pair of close friends who go by Naza and Nuna opined that Blackpink would not have been globally famous and chart-topping artists if the members were not skilled performers.
Both of them began supporting the group even before their debut in 2016, when the members were still trainees in the K-pop industry.
“We know they are talented, as we have watched them since the beginning.
“If not, how can they be the most popular group, or win awards? Their music videos would not have reached over a billion views (on YouTube) if they weren’t talented,” they said unanimously.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Petronas graduates Syakira, Adzlin, and Maizatul said it is human nature to feel fatigue, while natural phenomena like rain are inevitable.
“We like Blackpink as is, we do not obsess over them. I would feel tired too if I had to sing and dance for hours every day,” said Maizatul.
“We also cannot be upset when it rains, as it is God’s grace. The show must go on,” Adzlin chimed in.
Syakira’s sister, who wishes to go by Mai, said Blackpink’s lyrics have deep connotations, which is a major reason why she supports the group.
“Despite their songs often being upbeat, a lot of their lyrics have deeper meanings,” she said.
Syahmil Haziq, who went to Blackpink’s previous concert in Malaysia in 2019, shared that the group’s existence had brought comfort into his life.
“Seeing the crowd today, it’s suffocating. But for our girls, we’d do anything,” he joked.
“Blackpink brings me comfort. When I am down, I often watch their variety shows,” he added.
Nonetheless, Syahmi lambasted the concert organisers for marking up the prices, while also providing suboptimal set-ups for the audience.
“I am mad at the organisers. Tickets are expensive but you do not get the best experience,” he said.
“I’m sitting further from the stage, and the screen (the organisers) provide is really small,” he added.
Syahmi’s friend, Arif Shahmi, shared similar sentiments but ensured beforehand that there would be no downpour, as he had checked weather forecasts prior to arriving. – The Vibes, March 4, 2023