For what it's worth, here's my fan account, the last of the three providing coverage for this event.

Enduring this event for a prime glimpse of our girls in a unique US setting was a difficult one. It meant camping out at the very front of the stage for 7 hours since 10AM, braving +90F degree weather, absence of personal space, testing the limits of being dehydrated - this is just a small snapshot of my experience on Sunday, a testament to my unwavering support for our beloved T-ara.

Many speculated or have come to conclusions on how the setting of their 'debut' concert in America would be like. The environment was everything I had anticipated a pool party in Vegas during Memorial Day weekend could be - not exactly one that's compatible with their image. But my biggest disappointment comes from the fact that there was a lack of proper introduction by Chris Brown, more specifically, the critical link between T-ara N4 and Chris Brown that have been constantly circulated in the Korean media. We as dedicated fans (and those that just keep up with current events) know that to be true, but the rest of the crowd was oblivious to that, and they'd have no idea why there are 4 Koreans performing a song, in their native tongue, in what was predominantly a hip-hop and rap setting. Even a simple shout out from Chris Brown would've sufficed. (But in general, Chris Brown's appearance time totaled about 10 minutes out of the 7+ hour event and left much to be desired by his own fans. Many of *his* fans around me were understandably upset as well.) The only introduction came from one of the DJ's, stating that the girls came all the way from Korea.

To be fair, the remixed version of JWD played at the pool party, as well as the new choreography, was well suited for the event. There is some amount of cheering for the girls, as the crowd started to warm up to them. The ladies next to me were even asking me about them, and they definitely have become aware of T-ara N4. But for some reason, the song was interrupted, prompting a moment of confusion. "What happened?" can be clearly heard by Eunjung in my fancam. I was disappointed that the misunderstanding between different DJs concerning playing the remixed-yet-unreleased track resulted in an awkward moment for the girls. The music resumed, and was abruptly stopped again shortly afterwards. Eunjung took that moment to approach us and thank us by shaking our hands, having noticed us supporting them the entire way through. This small gesture alone means they really do appreciate us fans.

http://i.imgur.com/CYDwGe0.jpg

After their performance, I went to go drink some water because I was dehydrated from having camped out in the front since 10AM. T-ara N4 was escorted to an open VIP area near the pool where fans were able to get autographs and signatures. Though heavily guarded, the girls seemed in high spirits, and my friend snapped many pictures of them relaxing and having fun. I'm a little disappointed that I was not able to interact with them after their first performance, due to the tight security around them. T-ara does love to interact with their fans (Eunjung had taken a picture of us on her camera), especially since they had spotted us Queen's in the crowd waiting for them near the front and they made it known that they appreciated the support of us fans in light of a difficult situation. Many people have wondered where my selcas and pictures with them are - regrettably I came away empty-handed, because their guards always had the final say in turning me away. I had even talked to some of the bodyguards earlier in the day, which had me a little frustrated. Considering the amount of effort I put into attending this event, it left a little (or a lot) more to be desired when it comes to fanservice (and especially compared to my other friend’s numerous selcas), but this is through no fault of T-ara N4. At least I can find solace in knowing Eunjung had recognized me from the LA fanmeet two weeks prior.

After about 5 minutes, they were shortly escorted away to another location. Assuming they had left the venue, we had started to make our way back out when all of a sudden, T-ara N4 was called up to perform a second time roughly 15 minutes later after the first performance, which is the setting from the fancam currently being circulated, which took place after the DJs had apologized for cutting them off earlier. However, the effect is essentially similar to playing a song you just heard, again, so reception was understandably milder. Also, the supportive group/new fans standing around me was replaced by different people - since Chris Brown had presumably left. In both cases, T-ara N4 performed admirably, always giving it their all, and they definitely made us Queen's proud by putting on a stellar performance.

They had retreated back to their previously mentioned VIP area near the pool, where the bodyguard presence was heightened afterwards. I personally felt that after their second performance was not the best time to be asking for fanservice. We should have kept our distance, respecting their personal privacy at that point. Not everyone agreed with my point of view. The girls appeared a little less enthusiastic, seeing as they just performed the same song time twice to the crowd, but they only appeared that way and it could have been for any number of reasons. Unfortunately, another person from our group seemed to have misinterpreted what was seen and has passed it off as fact. For what it's worth, some of the members were still in high spirits afterwards - some were willing to take pictures. As one of the few people who actually attended the event, I can't say with confidence what actually happened unless we were actually talking to them. They were escorted out soon afterwards by security.

To clarify one of my tweets from the event, my disappointment mostly stems from the way that the event was handled. I want to emphasize that there is no reason to be concerned for T-ara N4's well being. I know their managers in the US are trying to give N4 a new start, but so far I'm deeply concerned about this venture. Fans in the US may be 'lucky' to see them in any case, but it's difficult to be a fan because their plans thus far have been so unpredictable. And the pool party is simply out of reach for most of their fans' demographic who wanted to see them perform live, as well as being very expensive. As far as fan presence goes, there were only three of us who went to the extent to see them there, so addressing the bodyguards and managers - is it too much to ask for a picture with them? The biggest gripe comes from the fact that Chris Brown didn't share the spotlight with the girls - how can we expect them to use this as a valid avenue to get exposure? Can we expect the same thing to happen at the BET awards in June? I hope in some way or form, this issue has been realized and addressed.

T-ara as a whole have been through a lot, and their perseverance in trying times is admirable and inspirational. Coupled with their down-to-earth personalities, which we have witnessed and experienced first-hand (for me at the past two events), they are all indeed the lovable idols that we have come to known them as. I sincerely hope that someday, T-ara can perform to a venue in the US packed to capacity with the supportive fans they so rightfully deserve.

Reply · Report Post