Top 7 Wish-I-Was-There Concerts of 2012…So Far

Emily Wu on Saturday, June 30, 2012 10:00PM

It’s only been half of the year so far, yet so many concerts have occurred in the first half of 2012 and mostly in Asia because you know, KPOP loves them Asian countries. But there have been quite some spectacular concerts that I wish I could’ve gone to. But alas, money doesn’t fall out of trees or the sky.

(Disclaimer: I did go to the SMTOWN Live in Los Angeles this year, so no questions about why I didn’t include it in here!)

SHINee Japan Arena Tour

Considering that SHINee was the group that did get me into KPOP, I have wished that they would hold a solo concert in the States or that I could specifically go visit them in Asia and see one of their concerts. I have been blessed to see a few of their songs live but what I wouldn’t give to see them perform more songs live, such as their debut songs. Oh wait, I am talking about their Japan Arena Tour.

Considering they have released an album and a few songs in Japanese, plus special stages, this is a concert that would seem quite fun. And if you’ve seen the fancams and listened to their solo stages, you may agree.

IU Real Fantasy

IU is one of my favorite solo artists and she has embarked on her very first concert tour since her debut 4 years ago. I just love her because she has a fantastic voice and she doesn’t really try to cater to the “popular” trends going around KPOP nowadays, but just tries to remain herself and stay true to herself musically. I like that. Besides, when I read that her concerts would focus on the soul of music and stay away from the glitz and the glam, I was hooked. Oh, why do I live so far away from Seoul? Not to mention, she also prepared some special stages that show off her hidden dance skills.

XIA 1st ASIA TOUR CONCERT TARANTALLEGRA

JYJ’s Junsu made a solo debut in May with Tarantallegra and subsequently embarked on his 1st Asia Tour. Because it’s his first time performing without his fellow members at a concert, I think it would be quite interesting to see how he does. After all, when you’re normally performing alongside with your fellow members, then you suddenly find yourself alone on stage, the stage can be just a little daunting. Especially when you have to perform for at least a couple of hours. Besides, seeing him perform his new songs would be exciting!

After School Encore Playgirlz Concert

This encore concert performed in Tokyo on June 17th would have been one I would have loved to see. Not only did it mark the end of After School’s 1st Japanese tour but it also marked the last public performance from leader Kahi, who will be graduating from the group in September. Kahi is one of my favorite members in the group and I wish that I could’ve seen her perform with her group members live. Being at that concert would have resulted in special memories and some tearful moments.

Super Junior Super Show 4

Super Junior recently wrapped up their Super Show 4 concert series, which was supposed to be worldwide (but it was just basically Asia + France). It seems that Super Junior embarks on these Super Show concert tours every year so you kinda have to wonder just how many new stages that the group can create. But hey, with special and fun stages, such as Eunhae’s “Oppa Oppa” and the members cosplaying, it would be a sight to remember. And indeed because this seems to be the last concert tour for Leeteuk, who will be enlisting in the military this year (and rumor has it that Yesung will be going as well). Not only that but I could have dragged my younger brother to the concert as a promise to him to see by themselves at least once.

BEAST Beautiful Show World Tour

Earlier this year, BEAST embarked on their first ever World Tour (let’s see how many countries you’ll hit, Cube) and hasn’t really been seen since (though their comeback is looming on the horizon). If you think about it, they only debuted almost 3 years ago, so having a World Tour when their labelmates 4minute haven’t had such an event, it’s pretty spectacular. Plus, I would be able to spazz with my BEAST-loving friend, who always tells me to go with her to go see BEAST if they ever come to the States. Oh, how I wish I had a teleportation machine so my friend and I could indeed go.

BIG BANG ALIVE TOUR

BIG BANG began their ALIVE TOUR during the midst of their promotions for Alive and though they will be going to the States for part of their tour, a part of me would’ve liked to see them in Asia. You know, for one of their earlier concert dates, in all their swagger and fierceness. After all, Seoul is where their heart truly lies and they would most likely put on an unforgettable show.