On November 1, UK fans of the popular Korean pop group Shinee found themselves gathering at London Heathrow Airport to await their arrival. Shinee are to perform the opening gala at Odeon West end , Leicester square on November 3rd 2011.
Shinee fans waited at terminal 1 to greet the band with fan signs and posters whilst shouting ‘ I love you Shinee’ along with the bands fanchants.
As soon as the members emerged from the gate, fans gathered around the members and walked beside them taking photographs. The atmosphere was full of energy and the crowd was equally as excitable.
When news of Shinee’s coming to perform in London has surfaced on October 27th , Shinee fans (refered to their common name as Shawols) waited online to purchase tickets to their opening gala. The demand for tickets was so high , that the server suffered a complete shutdown and users were unable to buy their tickets for over 5 hours, even through phone calls , thus proving their incredible popularity. Desperation ensued amongst fans and the majority travelled to the ticket box office in Leicester square just to purchase their tickets , showing their dedication.
Tickets are now completely sold out but are still being sold online for over £200 , all of which were originally priced at £20 / £30.
Shinee had recently arrived at London Abbey Road studios on June 22 to celebrate their debut in Japan , being the first asian artists to have ever perform, making music history. Fans had warmly greeted them at the studios showing the ever growing popularity of Korean Pop internationally.
Shinee are set to perform the opening gala at Odeon West end , Leicester square at the London Korean Film festival on November 3 at 4:30pm.
They are to perform their hit singles which include ‘Replay,’ ‘Juliette,’ ‘Ring ding dong’ and ‘Lucifer’ along with the members solo stages.
With the growing popularity of Korean Pop overseas we expect more of the Korean wave to hit internationally. In addition, tickets are still being sold online for United Cube concert on December 5 . Korean Pop Artists such as Beast , 4minute and G.NA will perform at Brixton Academy , proving London has become part of one of the many locations for the Korean Pop music Wave.
