I don’t think I need to describe how much I love the Astro boys; just look at how many posts about Astro I have made in the last 2 months: 1, 2, 3. It has to be some kind of record. I didn’t even do this for Super Junior. 😅
Even though Astro is coming to Singapore on 5 March 2017 for their showcase as part of their “The 1st Season” series, I still flew up to Bangkok to watch their show. Just because. And why not?
The showcase in Bangkok was held conveniently at Muang Thai GMM Live House in Central World. We arrived at the venue around noon so I could pick up my ticket and then we could register for the hi-touch event after the show.
I love the concert tickets in Bangkok because it’s a piece of plastic card which serves as a concert souvenir and collectible as well. Bangkok is the only place in the world I know where regular concert tickets are issued in this form.
It’s always cool to arrive early at the venue because there will always be some fans/fan sites who will be distributing photo cards or do something before the doors open. There was even a corner where people were giving Astro related glitter tattoos. I’m not sure if it’s a fun fan thing or the idea of some enterprising fans. Regardless, it’s cool.
The lights went out at around 5.08 pm (TH) and I assume they played the National Anthem at that point because everyone stood up immediately and bowed once the song ended. I had 2 Korean fans on my left and 2 Chinese National fans on my right so I really didn’t know what was going on. Hahaha.
Astro kicked off the show with the energetic “고백 (Confession)”, which is the title track from their 3rd Mini-album, Autumn Story. Here’s the set list for the show before I go on any further:
- 고백 / Confession
- 불꽃놀이 / Fireworks
- Girl Group Medley (Acoustic)
- 사랑이 / Love
- 숨가빠 / Breathless
- A Thai Song
- 풍선 / Balloons (TVXQ! cover)
- 장화 신은 고양이 / Cat’s Eyes
- 숨바꼭질 / Hide & Seek
- ENCORE: 고백 / Confession
I really, really, really, really, really like this girl group medley that the Astro boys mashed up themselves; proving that they are not just a bunch of pretty faces and they actually have real talent beyond their pretty faces.
Between the songs, there were interview and games with Astro and it was really, really, really fun and entertaining!! I laughed so hard that I triggered my post nasal drip problem even though I made sure to use my nasal spray just before the showcase started. Bloody hell. LOL.
I like the part where Astro had to memorise a line in Thai in preparation for the show and recite it to the fans. Obviously, I had no idea what they were saying but I was equally amused all the same by all the reactions from the Thai Arohas. LOL. It was especially funny how after some Astro members said the Thai phrase, the entire audience went, “HUH??” in unison.
One of the biggest highlight was having the Astro boys demonstrate their aegyo by saying “Noona” as cutely as they can. Oh god. So damn cute them all!! JUST TAKE ALL MY MONEY AND TELL ME WHAT ELSE YOU WANT!!!
It was really sweet of the Thai Arohas to prepare a birthday cake to celebrate Moon Bin’s and Rocky’s birthday at the showcase as well. Moon Bin’s birthday is on 26 January and Rocky’s birthday is on 25 February; which is pretty much like a 2 weeks belated celebration for Binnie and 2 weeks in advance celebration for Rocky.
The biggest highlight of the show has got to be the “From Aroha to Astro” surprise video event to celebrate Astro’s 1st anniversary since their debut that the Thai Arohas prepared which made the Astro boys (Jinjin especially) cried so hard even after the video ended. Check out the beautifully sweet and touching video:
The message at the end (04:55 till the end) is incredibly sweet and touching:
우라가 항상 응원하고 있을게
We will always be supporting you
앞으로… 매일매일 더 빛나는 별이 되어 줘
In the future (starting now)… be an even more brightly shining star to us every day
너희가 별이라면 우리는 하늘이 되어 줄게
And if you say you wanna be our stars, then we will be your sky
너희들의 하늘을 뒤돌아봐
Turn around and look at your sky
😭😭😭
The boys were truly shocked and surprised by the event because when the video came on, they thought it was a technical screw up (which made them panic) and it took them a few seconds to realise that there was a video message to them so they sat on the stage to watch the video.
When they were asked about what they would like to say to the fans after watching the video message, all of them could barely say much without tearing up again. You could see how much tears they had shed when the camera zoomed in on their faces; their make up basically melted away 2 lines down their cheeks.
After the boys regained their composure, they performed a highly energised version of “Cat’s Eyes” and “Confession” for their encore.
No regrets whatsoever for flying up to watch the showcase in Bangkok. Such an amazing event!
I can’t wait to see Astro again when they come to Singapore on 5 March 2017!!
I really really love all your posts especially ASTROs, we have the same feelings for them. I wish I could see them upclose T T
Thanks!! I’m sure you will be able to see Astro upclose someday… they really love interacting with arohas