Seoul (South Korea) Day 4: Starfield COEX Mall + Vanner's Fansign Event + Starfield Library

We took a cab to Starfield COEX Mall which was quite a distance from our hotel (an hour journey if we take train). We alighted at the Gangnam Style Sculpture at 6.45pm, a popular photo spot to celebrate the global success of PSY's hit song 'Gangnam Style'.

After snapping a quick photo, we noticed a group of tourists came to crowd the spot. Not wanting to queue in the cold, especially since I left my jacket at the hotel, we quickly made our way into the mall.

As we walked around the mall, we noticed a crowd gathering around the railings. We peeked down and saw a stage set up for a fan sign event for Vanner's 3rd mini album. I decided to join in and wait around to catch a glimpse of the K-pop group.

After 15 minutes of waiting, Vanner finally arrived at 7.05pm, greeted by cheers from their fans. They are a boy group that debuted in 2019 consisting of five members. They are currently promoting as a four member group as Sungkook is enlisted in the army. They are now back with their third mini album 'Burn'.

From left to right: Taehwan (leader), Gon, Hyesung and Yeongkwang (maknae). Taehwan and Gon were looking at our direction.

After the greeting, the fan signing event straight away began. Gon was still waving at us.

I like how the setup allowed for a more personal interaction between the idols and their fans. Seats were arranged for fans to sit down and have one-on-one moments with the boys, making the experience more memorable for the fans.

After staying for several minutes, we left to look for dinner. We passed by an eatery selling lunch box and rice bowl, it caught our attention and decided to settle for it.

I had Pork Bulgogi with Rice at ₩10,900 (or S$10.72). The pork bulgogi was quite flavourful and the accompanying kimchi carried a hint of spice that added a kick to the meal. Our dinner was settled in half an hour time.

SPAO is a well know Korean fashion brand often endorsed by K-pop idols, I got my bro a brown sweater at ₩39,000 (or S$38.35) as his souvenir.

One of the reasons for visiting Starfield COEX Mall was the iconic Starfield Library, a two level library featuring 13 meter tall floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that draws countless visitors.

The Starfield Library is more than just a library, it is the blend of literature and architecture. Many visitors came here to immerse themselves in a good book or enjoy a peaceful moment in the serene atmosphere.

It brought back memories of my younger days when I loved borrowing books from the school library. One of them was reading the entire Harry Potter series. As technology evolved and eBooks released, I stopped visiting the library and opt for the convenience of eBooks.

It was nearly 9.30pm and the fan sign was coming to an end, we managed to catch one last glimpse of Vanner as they bid farewell to their fans. 

We took a cab back to the hotel, a 30 minute journey for about ₩18,000. We reached hotel at 10.10pm, ready to rest after another fulfilling day.

FTISLAND Live [THE TRUTH] Singapore 2017

After 3 years, FTISLAND is back to Singapore again.

I was there for their concert 5 years ago too, so happy to see them back again. 

My first time in the standing area for concert.

Thanks Jeremy for the ticket.

The fans have all been waiting eagerly for the comeback of FTISLAND.

We found ourselves a spot near the centre of the stage.

The boys took the stage with their electrifying songs.

They were very energetic and have spread their vibes to the crowds. Everyone went high together with the boys.

Hongki, Jonghun, Jaejin, Seunghyun and Minhwan took turn to greet the crowds. Hongki also commented that the crowds have all grown up since he last seen us few years back. We have grown together with them.

 Besides the songs from their latest albums, FTISLAND also performed songs from their first album to reminisce the old good times. 

FTISLAND also tried to adapt to our Singapore culture by speaking Singlish like 'so hot lah'. So hilarious. They definitely know how to keep the crowds entertained. There is never a boring moment.

Hong Ki thanked the fans for waitng patiently for them even though their last visit was 3 years ago.

They are also worried at the same time if the fans in Singapore has forgotten about them and thanked the crowds for coming today.

The 2 hours concert has come to an end.

Great time always passed fast.

Good bye boys.

It was a great 2 hours of energetic performance.

See you soon again in Singapore.

21st Asian Television Awards 2016

Oh yes, I have the opportunity to attend 21st Asian Television Awards 2016. 

Thanks CK for giving us the tickets and GF for calling me along.

This was my second time attending Asia Television Awards. I was here last year too, read my post here. 

Met up with GF after our work.

We met up pretty often this week, this was our 3rd meet up this week. So many stuffs to update her. Felt so good that exam was over, finally have the time to catch up with friends without worrying about time.

The award ceremony was again held at Suntec City Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The reason why I wanna come is not for the awards ceremony, but to watch the music performance in between the segment. Amber from f(x) and JJ Lin will be performing later on. Can't wait for that.

The show began with the red carpet.

Among the celebrities that graced the ceremony from all over the world, we spotted Bernice Liu from Hong Kong.  She was in a green sexy gown that night.

The hosts of the night were Adrian Pang, Stephanie Carrington, Alden Richards, and Baki Zainal.

Here comes the first performance of the night by Charli XCX, a British singer.

She brought us 2 songs - "Boom clap" and "After the after party".

Her appearance has warm the crowds up.

The audience started to get high with her.

Pierre Png was here to give out awards.

He has huge fan club presence at the ceremony screaming for him.

"Shake that brass" with Amber.

She is a member from kpop girl group f(x) signed under SM Entertainment.

Kpop performance never failed to garnered lots of cheers throughout the performance. Her dance performance was awesome.

I'm a kpop fan too.

Amber also sang us her English release "Borders".

Pls come back to Singapore with the other members.

Last but not least, The most anticipated performance and the reason why I was here tonight, JJ Lin.

He is my favourite local singer and I love all his songs. The lyrics and melody are so captivating and mesmerizing.

JJ started off with "可惜沒如果", this is one of my favourite songs of his. I love this song very much.

全都怪我 

不该沉默时沉默 该勇敢时软弱 

如果不是我 误会自己洒脱 

让我们难过 可当初的你 

和现在的我 假如重来过 

倘若那天 

把该说的话好好说 该体谅的不执著 

如果那天我 不受情绪挑拨 

你会怎么做 那么多如果 可能如果我 

可惜没如果 只剩下结果

And the last song for the night that JJ sang was "不为谁而做的歌".

Nice songs are worth the wait.

GF and I enjoyed his performance. A great start to begin our weekend.

20th Asian Television Awards 2015

I am so thankful for having the opportunity to attend 20th Asian Television Awards 2015.

Thanks Luxe Society for giving me a pair of tickets.

Asian Television Awards is the Asian TV industry’s most significant and celebrated event, recognising excellence in programming, production and performance. Launched in 1996, Asian Television Awards is back in 2015 for its 20th show.

I was caught in some stuffs prior to attending, so afraid I couldn't make it on time. Asian Television Awards was a live broadcast on regional TV channels. Hence, if you came after the show started, you will only be let in at the commercial break. So glad that I made it to the venue in the nick of time.

20th Asian Television Awards was held at Suntec City Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Awards were divided into two days, we were here for the second day.

With my lovely buddies at the award ceremony. Thanks Meryl for the photo and saving a seat for me, and Terence for bringing me in to the show.

Photo credits: Meryl.

Glad that I didn't miss much of the show. Red carpet ceremony coming up next.

Both of us were excited for the show. For me, I was here for the live performance. hehe..

The hosts for red carpet were Munah Bagharib and Max Loong from FLY Entertainment.

Local artistes, Joanne Peh and Chen Han Wei, were among the first to grace the red carpet.

Han Wei brought his lucky black rose out too, may lady luck be with him.

Fangirls screaming when JTR came out. The Swedish boy band was here as performing artiste.

Mimi Chu was up next.

Max asked her if there is any character she has yet to play and like to try. Mimi stunned him by saying that she want to play the role of young and beautiful girl.

Melvin Sia and Pierre Png were among the last to grace the red carpet. 

Pierre was the winner of the best actor in a leading role last year, will he be able to walk away with the award this year too?

Host of the award ceremony: Joey Mead King and Allan Wu from FLY Entertainment.

Tosh Zhang and Wang Weiliang together with Thai Actress, Karnklao "Grace" Duaysienklao, presenting the award for Best Reality Show Award.

Throughout the award ceremony, the audience were being treated to an impressive line up of performance by international artistes.

First up, Anggun from Indonesia.

Anggun is a Indonesian and French singer-songwriter. She brought us the song 'Saviour', the soundtrack from the film <Transporter 2>.

Swedish boy band, JTR, took the stage next.

JTR is the initial letters of their names John, Tom and Robin. The three brothers rose to fame from The X Factor Australia 2013.

The boys were very energetic. 

 They performed their single 'Centre of Everywhere'.

Pierre Png and Joanne Peh are presenters at the Asian Television Awards.

The third performing artiste, Jeff Chang from Taiwan.

He is definitely one of my favourite singers. He never fail to captivate me with his sentimental love songs. Jeff Chang serenaded the audience with two songs from Asian television dramas. The first song was '爱你没错' from Chinese drama <Swords of Legends>.

I loved this song very much, I finished watching the chinese drama too.

The second song was a song that everyone was familiar with, the Mandarin version of 'My Destiny', the soundtrack from Korean drama <My Love from the Star>.

When Jeff Chang sang 'My Destiny', the audience switched on their mobile phone torch and waved with the melody. I'm sure Jeff Chang saw lots of stars waving at him.

Photo credits: Meryl

Selfie during commercial break. We totally enjoyed Jeff Chang's performance, so awesome.

The main highlight of the night was definitely the performance by Korean girl group, Secret.

I'm a big fan of kpop, I was feeling thrilled to have the opportunity to watch the girls performing live. Secret performed two songs as well. The first song was 'I’m In Love', a song that was released last year.

Pretty Hyoseong. She is also the leader of Secret.

Secret charmed the audience with dance moves that drew the loudest cheers.

 Secret made their debut in 2009, they are in their 6th years.

Sunhwa, Jieun, Hyoseong and Hana.

Who is your bias?

For me, my favourite is Jieun.

Sun

Secret performing the second song, 'Love Is Move'.

Two song are definitely not enough, pls come back to Singapore soon again for more performances.

Last but not least, congratulations to all the winners. Proud to say that Asia got Talent.