The K-pop boy group Enhypen brought their Fate world tour to Newark, NJ last week for two nights at the Prudential Center. As the self-proclaimed K-pop stan of Her Campus at Pace, I was happily in attendance on night two (Oct. 19) with my VIP ticket and lightstick in hand! After arriving almost five hours before showtime and waiting in line (very underdressed for the fall weather), VIP ticket holders made it inside to watch soundcheck. A soundcheck performance isn’t really the group actually soundchecking at the venue, but a more laid-back, intimate performance before the actual show. The seven members performed just three songs but gave all of us in the small crowd a moment to feel connected to them. After that set, I spent the last hour before the main show eating a warm pretzel, purchasing a picket (a handheld sign with a member’s photo on it) of my favorite member, Jake, on it, and chilling in the back of the pit with fellow fans.
In my experience, a K-pop concert is truly unlike any other show you will attend for another artist. Enhypen gave us an almost three-hour-long show with full dance numbers back-to-back, amazing visuals, and pure talent. There’s a palpable energy created both by the members and the crowd, simultaneously fueling one another. This tour is only Enhypen’s second international tour and is a promotion for their newest EP, Dark Blood. The EP is sexy vampire pop perfection, with tracks like “Bite Me” and “Sacrifice (Eat Me Up).” This vibe was brought to life on the stage right in front of our eyes. Every song on the setlist has something to add to the experience, whether that be fire, confetti, or changing sets. A highlight of the night was during their song “Polaroid Love,” when the members split off to either side of the stage and got extra close to the crowd via the sides of the pit. Both chaotic and exciting, this moment was unforgettable, as I got to see some of my favorite artists just a few feet in front of me.
The members had such an amazing time in Newark that they didn’t want to leave when the night came to an end! They even performed “Bite Me” for a second time, just to prolong the experience. With sore feet from dancing and a lost voice from singing, I made the trek back home to Manhattan. This concert was a night I will remember forever, and the perfect start to my spooky season activities!