[KCON18LA] Day-2: Saturday Convention Part 1/2

Saturday August 11th, 2018 was Day 2 of KCON LA, continuing the Golden Child-filled weekend. But before we get to the fangirling, there was some business we had to take care of first: sell my Ailee hi-touch and Wanna One audience, and figure out Golden Child's meet and greet events at Star Square and the Toyota booth.

My friend found a buyer for the Ailee hi-touch via Twitter; we sold it for $45. It's a bit saddening that a hi-touch voucher only went for $45 especially when Ailee is a well-known artist, but it is what it is. I also posted my Wanna One audience on several Kakao Talk group chats and was able to sell it for $60. I'm glad that I was still able to see these vouchers the day of and that they didn't go to waste.

I had been debating whether to try and win Golden Child's meet and greet event at Star Square or at the Toyota booth. I explained both in my previous post here. For the Star Square event, you had to be one of the first ~15 to buy $60+ at the KCON merchandise booth on Saturday to win a voucher to take a group picture with either Fromis_9 or Golden Child. As for the Toyota meet and greet, there was a lot of uncertainty but the Toyota staff had told us that the first 20 participants in line at the outside Toyota Ride and Drive booth on Saturday would win a meet and greet pass with Golden Child at the Toyota Booth later today. With this thought in mind, the night before we had walked around the entire convention grounds but had no idea where the actual outside booth would be. We would have come to line up at the crack of dawn, but not knowing where we'd have to line up was very nerve-wracking. 

We decided to go to the convention center at 7AM, and there was under 50 people already waiting in line to get into the convention at 10AM. There was still no indication of where the Toyota booth would be, and I was one of the first in line for the convention hall so it seemed in my favor if I tried for the Star Square event. However I knew for certain that the Star Square event was simply to take a picture, but the uncertainty that the Toyota meet and greet would at least be taking a picture but could be so much greater, I was more determined to try for the Toyota event.

Though we initially waited in line to get into the convention, eventually we saw the outside Toyota booth being set up and people already waiting in line. We were all well aware of the 20 person cap, so we numbered ourselves with a pen; my friends and I were 13, 14, and 15. At 10AM, the Toyota staff said that we had to first register at the inside Toyota booth - people started countering because we had asked what was needed for the event yesterday and they never said we had to register. The staff wanted to value our line and let us go register and come back, however up at the registration booth inside people were already being aware of the Ride and Drive event and were coming down to test drive. Once we went back to the outside booth, we found out that in reality there is a whole stack of sealed envelopes with various vouchers spread among four cars to test drive, and the 20 Golden Child meet and greet vouchers were in this mix. My friends and I all participated in the Ride and Drive event and got...a Toyota Saturday Red Carpet. One girl a few turns before us was lucky to get a Golden Child meet and greet voucher. I was so frustrated at how this event turned out, when I could have much more easily gotten the Star Square voucher. But it is what it is...

I heard that in previous years convention staff members were unaware of Toyota vouchers and had thought they were fake. With this in mind, my friend and I already had regular Saturday red carpet vouchers and decided to sell our Toyota ones. I used the Kakao Talk group chats once again and sold my Toyota voucher for $15.

We decided to scope out Star Square. There were already a few Goldenness here waiting for the meet and greet in a few hours. One girl was so sweet, she had created a banner project to support Golden Child and was passing them out to Goldenness.

The backside of the banner even had Golden Child's three title songs' fan chants! We had been struggling with the opening of "Let Me" so this was very handy to practice.

Golden Child's Toyota meet and greet was at 2:30PM and their Star Square meet and greet was at 2:45PM. Toyota's event wasn't really broadcasted, but I had previously asked the Ride and Drive staff. Just like with the staggered schedule in NY, today would be the same where I'd have to only choose one to get the best view.

My friends and I took to Twitter to see if anyone was selling Golden Child meet and greet passes. We found two being sold in a silent auction style. My friend managed to buy a Star Square one at $100. I had found a Toyota one and offered $150, but was outbid. Here is the voucher my friend bought. The backside had a #7 (Tag^^).

I had a bit of time to kill so I walked around the convention, on the hunt for hidden Golden Child giveaways. Prior to KCON LA, KCON had been advertising their collaboration with UNESCO-CJ Girls' Education. They had a booth where you could donate $1 to get a button of your choice and enter a raffle to win signed albums by the KCON LA artists. I received this raffle ticket with my number. Many of the Golden Child members had autographed Goldenness albums individually (like one member per album) as some of the prizes. In the early evening, the Instagram account @forbrightgirls posted 4 winning numbers.

I also went to the MWAVE booth, and was happy to see a TV playing past MCOUNTDOWN clips, including a clip of Lovelyz performing "Twinkle"!

At the MWAVE booth there was also a banner announcing a chance to win a meet and greet voucher with Golden Child at Star Square, the same event as from being one of the first to buy $60+ worth of KCON merchandise. To enter, you had to participate in the various activities at this booth like voting on MCOUNTDOWN. The entire thing honestly seemed very confusing, where you had to get a "lucky number" every time you completed an event.

At 1:07PM my friend said that Star Square was already becoming crowded. We all gathered back at Star Square; it was crowded with not a lot of space. For reference, that guy on the far left was walking right next to the crowd of people, and the crowd soon encroached onto this area. Why there is a railing right there with a sign completely blocking the walkway, I have no idea.

We all gathered back here and managed to get first row on the far right side. The backdrop for KCON LA's Star Square is adorable and contrasts well with NY's cityscape theme. All the artists' names are labelled throughout this town, with Golden Child's name on the far left in the KCON Village.

While waiting here, we found out that Golden Child had made a surprise appearance at the dance workshop (that wasn't even teaching Golden Child's dance), and the members performed the choreography of "Let Me". I'm so frustrated with KCON's random surprise appearances because these events could've drawn in such higher attendance if they were announced. Others were even saying how Golden Child had like two fans simply because Goldenness weren't at the dance workshop because clearly we were all waiting at Star Square for the announced Golden Child event.

Just after 2:15PM, there was a special appearance by none other than the Shib Sibs! I had been so engrossed in the Winter Olympics earlier this year so it was really cool to see Olympians in person and up close. Apparently they held a panel at KCON earlier. They spoke for a few minutes, then Alex went to the far side awhile Maia went to my side and they both began taking selfies with those in the front row. Maia was so friendly and was able to take selfies with a lot of fans without rushing, whereas Alex really took his time and didn't even make it through half of the front row.

Maia was all smiles! And I didn't notice my Goldenness friend photobombing^^ The next photo she took, she gave a pose with attitude; it was fun seeing her be so personable and comfortable around us Goldenness!

Because Alex and Maia couldn't take pictures with everyone, they were really innovative and decided to take a video selfie with the entire front row! They held out their own camera and filmed while walking slowly in front of the first row. Here you can get a better idea of my view. I'm in the front row but on the right side.

My friend and I had decided to do the Wakanda pose in celebration of Golden Child and "Let Me", though I was a bit sad I covered up my jersey.

Even more, they had walked in front of me twice because a fan had messed up and wanted a redo, so I had a second chance to change my pose but it never occurred to me at the time. Regardless, seeing the Shib Sibs was such a nice surprise. They said their goodbyes and left shortly after. Just two hours later, they posted the video on their Twitter for us to screencap here.

With about 15 more minutes until Golden Child would arrive here, the staff told everyone on my side to shift over because they had to basically remove the barricade on my side to make way for Golden Child to enter. This was very unexpected especially when we had been here for almost 1.5 hours and the staff clearly saw we had already crowded this area. But we did move more to the center, and I felt so bad because everyone became very squished, we became contortionists, and because of the chaotic pushing I still ended up in the front but at the expense of others who were originally in the front. I felt so bad for everyone in this situation, especially for those who had been waiting for so long to secure a good spot.

Now the moment we had been waiting for, Golden Child made their entrance at 2:40PM! They had just finished their meet and greet at the Toyota Booth (it was also a photo opportunity) and walked over to Star Square. Some fans were lucky enough to interact with the members during this transition period and receive high fives!

Jibeom led the pack. How could Jibeom be first, messing with my feels like that. On one hand I'm so happy he was first so I could see him walking for a longer period of time, but on the other hand I couldn't process life. I was so excited and nervous that I didn't know the best way to film. At first I filmed them walking toward Star Square, but then I lost fangirled so much at how close I was to them that I ended up filming only when they walked right in front of me so most of that footage was a blur.

Jibeom was smiling widely while waving to everyone. The remaining members were really bunched up so it was hard to see them. Jangjun and Daeyeol followed Jibeom and happily waved. Next were Jaehyun, Tag, Seungmin, Joochan, and Donghyun.

Maybe Y had left more space or maybe I finally figured out my camera situation, but I was able to see Y decently well.

And Bomin was last, looking so mature and chic and trying to remind me that Jibeom isn't my only bias.

To Goldenness' surprise, the MC was once again Riley, the same MC for Golden Child's artist engagement yesterday. The cameraman filmed the members waving to the camera while the MC began the event - there was no time wasted.

The MC then bowed and said hello in Korean to the members, and Bomin was so polite and saw that she had bowed, so he bowed as well. Next Daeyeol counted to 3 in Korean then those with mics (Daeyeol, Seungmin, Y) said "hello, we are Golden Child" in Korean and the members bowed. Daeyeol added "Hello everyone" in English. Someone (or was it still Daeyeol) added "Nice to meet you, nice to meet you" in English.

The MC then asked the members in Korean something about how they feel about being in LA. She translated Daeyeol's response as "He said that it's their first time in LA but that he's so glad that so many of you came out here to see them.

I'm really grateful the MC was on my side, because when she spoke to Golden Child, the members would lean forward to see her. And they were just so adorable the way they all leaned forward, especially the members on the far end!

The MC said something in Korean to Golden Child, and someone (Jangjun or Daeyeol) said "Really?!" The members looked pleasantly surprised and clapped. The way Bomin claps is so delicate and precious!

The MC continued speaking only in Korean, and the members continued leaning forward for a better view. Jangjun was so adorable leaning so much, but poor Jibeom couldn't see anything (and we couldn't see him). She asked something about how the members felt being at Star Square.

I think Y didn't understand or had some confusion, and the MC leaned toward Y and spoke to him off the record. Afterwards Y understood and replied in Korean. The MC translated his response as "He's so glad to be able to meet all of you guys right here up close and he's also really excited to show you all the hard work he put into tonight's stage." The introduction and Q&A was about 1.5 minutes.

Next was photo time for the lucky fans with the Star Square voucher. The cameraman told the members to step closer to my side for the first set of photos. Bomin was so close to me!

Then the cameraman told him to retreat a bit. In the end this was where the members were for the first set of pictures.

Bomin was so sweet; as the first lucky fan entered, he waved and greeted her while the other members were being nonchalant.

Then Daeyeol came forward, approached the fan, and gave her a handshake; honestly I think this is what happened, but I was facing the fan's back so I couldn't actually see the action. As the second fan entered to join in on the group photo, she didn't have really any interactions with the members. Joochan, Y, and Donghyun then politely gestured the two fans to be in the center.

Then the cameraman told them to scoot more to the far end, and Jibeom was so cute gesturing everyone to back up.

Then Jibeom and Jangjun made more hand gestures telling everyone to back up. Three more fans finally joined, one being my Goldenness friend (who made the black jersey!). She and Donghyun waved at each other^^ Daeyeol was really friendly, brightly smiling and waving at the fans that just joined.

Then Y whispered to Bomin behind Daeyeol's back. I wonder what they briefly talked about!

It took a bit of time for everyone to figure out their placement. Previously the staff had taken the lucky fans' phones so that they can use them to take the group pictures. I couldn't see the group photo time too well, but I noticed Seungmin kept changing his V sign position to vary his poses.

After the photos were taken, the members clapped. As the fans were getting ready to leave, the members slightly bowed to the fans and Daeyeol and Bomin high fived them. The first group had about 1 minute 15 seconds with Golden Child, though a great chunk of that time was just the first lucky fan interacting a lot with the members while the others were standing off to the side waiting for their cue to enter.

As the staff motioned for the second group to enter, Daeyeol gave a finger heart to the crowd.

As the first lucky fan from the second group entered, Bomin once again smiled brightly and directly at her, always paying so much attention to the lucky fans. She also high fived Daeyeol, Donghyun, Seungmin, Tag, Joochan, and Jangjun (and I lost sight of her interaction with Jibeom and Jaehyun). Bomin again smiled professionally toward the next two lucky fans and clapped for them, while the fans high fived a few members. I didn't notice it before, but one of the girls in this group is one of the two girls with their banners that I met at Klub^^

This time around, the group photo was much faster because everyone had the placement figured out. Daeyeol looks so fatherly here, with his hand on Bomin's back!

Then for some reason everyone kept looking over at our side.

Even after all the members looked back at the cameras and began posing, Bomin continued looking over. Then Daeyeol put his arm around Bomin again.

Eventually Bomin finally turned back to face the camera, and kindly squatted down next to the lucky fans. Jibeom kept switching hand poses from pointing upward to finger hearts. Afterwards the members clapped and Daeyeol, mic still in hand, said "Thank you so much." Donghyun, Y, and Daeyeol lightly bowed to the fans while Seungmin cutely waved to them. This second group of three fans had about 45 seconds with the members.

Two lucky fans from the third group entered, and some of the members gave handshakes. Bomin wasn't as smiley this time. The remaining fans took quite some time to join the others, so in the meantime the members interacted with the crowd. Daeyeol waved while Bomin gave a finger heart, then Daeyeol gave more finger hearts to the crowd.

Then the staff told the members to go to the far side to take photos. While I could only see their backs now, I noticed Daeyeol changing up his sign from a thumbs up to a V. Because the remainder of this group took so long, the group photo was only with those two fans. This time they had about 1 minute 10 seconds with the members.

The last group had five lucky fans who all entered at the same time. Bomin again was clapping for them. One fan had a big red cape on, and the members were in awe, especially Bomin! Daeyeol did a cute cheering gesture with his arms.

Everyone quickly got into position for the photos, and Bomin again got on his knees next to the fans. This was literally my view, but I was able to see Y's cute flat heart above his head. This group had about 50 seconds with Golden Child.

To wrap up Golden Child's Star Square appearance, the members bowed to the fans and said "thank you" in Korean. Then Tag gave an ending ment in English, "We love you guys and thank you all for bringing us here to LA. I hope you guys remember this moment. Thank you so much." The members continued to wave to the crowd. Daeyeol gave the ending greeting in Korean, "Until now, it's been Golcha. Thank you~" and they all deeply bowed in sync. Daeyeol and Seungmin then said "Thank you."

While the fans had left from the far side, Golden Child exited again through my side. Bomin blew a kiss to the crowd as he left Star Square. Watching my fancam, I had completely forgot just how close the members were to me!

Daeyeol happily gave more finger hearts.

Seungmin waved while still holding a mic. Donghyun and Tag nonchalantly waved. Joochan and Jangjun smiled widely and energetically waved. Y also waved, and then the staff blocked my view of Jibeom and Jaehyun exiting.

Overall, I was able to see Golden Child for about 7.5 minutes at Star Square. I've been thinking about how I should have maximized my experience for Golden Child's meet and greet: 1) Should I have tried to see Golden Child while they were walking between the Toyota booth and Star Square as well as exiting Star Square; 2) Should I have bid higher to take a picture with Golden Child; 3) Should I have tried to see Golden Child at the Toyota booth; or 4) Did I have the most maximized experience at Star Square?

I do think that I had the best experience I could at Star Square. I'm more happy seeing Golden Child as an audience member for a much longer period of time that I would have taking a picture with them. My friend also told me that her photographer absolutely did not take a proper photo and even cut off one of the members, which is quite disappointing. Of course I completely understand just how special it is for these lucky fans to have gotten this opportunity, and if I did have the chance, I'd probably also feel that taking a picture with them is the best experience^^ As for why I chose to see Golden Child at Star Square instead of at the Toyota booth, Star Square is really straight forward where you know where the members will stand and face, while the Toyota booth is open in all directions and half of it is a dance floor, so I was uncertain where would be the most advantageous spot to see them.

I'm happy that I was finally able to see Golden Child at Star Square in LA after giving it up in NY. It's so cool being able to see the members so close! After Star Square, my friends and I headed to line up for red carpet for Golden Child's next scheduled appearance. I'll blog about that experience in my next post.