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letsrilakkusu-blog · 1 year

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OnlyOneOf appreciation + concert experience

My love for OnlyOneOf is new but immense! I only discovered them recently but fell into them so fast and so hard that I decided to travel out of state to attend the last stop of their Grand America Tour!

A little over a month ago, my YouTube recommendations included a music video for "because" by Rie. As a BL enthusiast, I clicked because I saw two guys kissing in the thumbnail LOL, but I was pleasantly surprised by how good both the song and the video were. When I looked into it more, I found out that Rie is a member of OnlyOneOf, and that he was playing a couple in the MV with fellow member Junji! I also learned that "because" is the fourth in a series of six solo songs released by the group as part of their undergrOund idOl project, which explores themes of love and acceptance in support of the pride movement. The songs are all fantastic, each a different style to reflect their individuality, and the MVs, which feature the members paired off as couples, are beautifully shot and feel very intimate without fetishizing. I was so impressed with their music and the messages they were sending that I felt the need to look into them further.

In the comments on their solo videos, the song I saw mentioned most was libidO. I checked out the MV, then the "Guilty Pleasure" choreography video, and then a bunch of live performances. I was shooketh, it was soooooo sensual. I read that it received a lot of hate in Korea for being "controversial", but the boys stood by it and explained that the song is about a young man experiencing first love and exploring his sexuality, eventually deciding to leave it to instinct and primal desire aka libido. The MV and choreography express this concept perfectly, and honestly, it's so tastefully done in a way that is sexy, but not egregiously so, that I see no room for complaints.

I was hooked enough to do a deep dive into the rest of their discography where I found countless other songs, both title tracks and b-sides, that I loved. I'm not sure how to describe their sound in technical terms, but it's different and more experimental than most K-pop out there. They have a lot of songs that are mid-tempo, smooth, and sexy, and the way they process their vocals gives them this kind of ethereal, breathy effect. They have a very distinct sound and regardless of whether the song is an upbeat banger like seOul drift, a mid-tempo bop like gaslighting, or a slower, sentimental track like OnlyOneOf yOu, you can tell it's them. It's pretty niche, which unfortunately means less general public appeal and popularity, but I appreciate that they stay true to it and hope that one day it catches on. Either way, I was sold.

Of course, just because I like a group's music doesn't mean I go all out and commit myself as a fan. But I felt compelled to check out OOO's other content because I was curious about the group dynamics, seeing as how they seemed very comfortable acting as couples for their solo songs, libidO, and skinz. I'm sure this is true with most groups, but they are completely endearing crackheads! They are fun and silly, have great chemistry with each other (they are basically shipping themselves), and they show off their crazy abs on camera a LOT lol. I got sucked into them real quick.

One week later, I was pretty much a newborn lyOn club, and I was aware that they were touring in the US at that time. I still have huge regrets of not being able to see Seventeen in concert last year because I also found them while they were in the middle of their US tour, so I didn't want to experience the same thing with OOO and decided to check whether there were still tickets for any shows available. I live in Hawaii so it's not like I can just hop around the continent to see them, and I was in the middle of my busy season at work, so I had a lot of limiting factors. However, I saw that there were still general admission tickets for their show in LA, which was after my big work deadline. After finding a pretty good deal on airfare, I bit the bullet and bought concert tickets for me and my husband (bless him). YOLO, am I right??

In the few weeks before the the concert, I got more and more hyped and as I continued to fall even deeper into the lyOn den, I started to get a little greedy. I really wanted snapshot tickets for my two biases Nine and Yoojung. I was scouring Reddit and twitter in search of anyone selling, to no avail. But it's okay because two days before the concert, I was able to snag a VIP ticket from a kind Reddit user who was selling theirs because they could no longer attend the show. So even though I couldn't have individual polaroids with my favorites, I would be able to do a hi-touch with all of the members, plus a group photo! Ahhh!

04-30-2023 - GRAND AMERICA TOUR LOS ANGELES

The LA show was held at the Avalon Hollywood, a nightclub which doubles as a concert venue. We arrived at the venue and started lining up for VIP at around 4:15. Once they started letting VIP into the venue, my husband (again, bless this extremely supportive man) went to go stand in the general admission line while I went on ahead. I'm pretty shy and everyone around me was with another friend, so I didn't really talk to anyone while waiting. But once we got let into the room where the hi-touch and group photo were happening, the girls in front of me started freaking out so naturally I freaked out with them hehe. It was comforting because it was the first time doing hi-touch for all of us.

The hi-touch/group photo happened so fast, I wish I had a little more time to soak it in. I high-fived each member and definitely looked at them while I was doing it, but the only one who I can clearly remember now is Yoojung. The man is so beautiful that he dazzled me into remembering only his face, even over my number one bias Nine! xD For the group photo, I stood behind Junji and Yoojung and was probably cheesing so hard, I hope I come out looking okay in the photo lol. And that was it! But even in such a short time, I could sense the members' kindness and sincerity. They are seated for the group photo, but they stand up for the hi-touch and thank each fan as they go by. And then after the photo is taken and we're exiting, they stand up again and turn around to greet us on our way out. I was starstruck. Ugh, next time maybe I'll splurge for VVIP so I can get a few more seconds with each member~

The venue was standing only, so VIP got to enter after VVIP was all settled in. I'm a shortie, and I had done my research prior so there was a second-floor balcony that I was aiming for. Luckily, it was still open when I got in so I made a dash for it and secured a spot against the balcony railing, with an unobstructed view of the stage below. It was perfect for me and since the venue is small, I still felt so close. My husband joined me once general admission was let in and to his joy, there were couches behind us that he could rest on lol.

The concert itself was absolutely amazing! The boys, who I'm sure were exhausted as this was the last of an 18-stop tour over the course of one month, brought 110% of their energy to every performance. Before seeing them live, I was thinking that maybe some of their choreography just looks cool because of good camerawork, but I was wrong, they really are that cool. Moments I can't believe I saw in real life:

The entirety of skinz, especially Yoojung and Mill's body rolls, and the KB/Yoojung moment in the second verse

The chest popping in gaslighting

THAT part by Yoojung in the final chorus of chrOme hearts

Crazy chemistry between Junji and Rie during be mine

Iconic libidO crotch grabbing by Nine

KB destroying his shirt during a sOng Of ice&fire

Rie saying "OMG pleeeease everyone, jump!!!" for angel, and everyone really jumping!

I had also seen someone on Reddit who was disappointed after attending OOO's first show because they felt they weren't singing live (I'm thinking it was a sound mixing issue rather than the members actually not singing), but for this concert I could definitely hear them over the backtrack and they were so good! During one of the breaks, they took requests to sing parts of songs that they wouldn't be performing, and this was another testament to how well they can sing. I was screaming because I got to hear a bit of byredO live.

Just as they gave their full energy for their songs, they did the same for their ments in between. They are so personable, sweet, and funny, and full of fan service! They also tried their best to speak in English when they could, which was extra endearing. And I may be delulu but they definitely waved in my general direction of the balcony a few times, so I excitedly waved back! At the end when they took the group photo with the audience, they accepted pride flags from fans and set it in front of them or draped it over their shoulders. Stan these supportive, inclusive kings. *Flag not pictured below because Studio Pav doesn't have Pride :\

The very last song was OnlyOneOf yOu and it was magical hearing them sing this beautiful number while the crowd held up their phone flashlights and swayed them to the beat. When they finally left the stage, I was overwhelmed with happiness, wishing the concert could go on for like three hours more, and a certfied lyOn. I'm totally rooting for OOO's success and hope they come back to America again someday soon!

#onlyoneof #ooo grand america tour #ooo kb #ooo rie #ooo yoojung #ooo junji #ooo mill #ooo nine

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here4theheartbreak · 1 year

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I'd love to hear more about your experience at the ooo fansign, if you'd like to share. I can't imagine what it would be like to be up close to the boys. I feel I might die from awkwardness, but they look warm and relaxed and your photos are so cute!

Hiiii - I saw this and meant to respond but I've been out all day so I'm just getting a chance to sit down and compile my thoughts about it now. It's a really long post - I have talked to friends about bits of it, but never really sat down and wrote it all out - so I'm putting it under a cut.

Fansign

The fansign - and all the engagements really - were so overwhelming and fun. I've done hi touches before, but this was a whole new level. I was a few rows back hanging out with another Rie stan; she was teasing me bc Junji was at the start of the line and Rie wasn't until the end - I wasn't sure how I was going to face Junji first. I also had gifts to give them, so I had to somehow make my fingers and mouth work. Junji was super sweet, he's got such a nice smile. He's so loud though - I was anticipating him being the quiet, easy one, but no, you could hear him across the venue - he was so happy with everyone. Just shouting "HELLO" - bless him. Nine too - he's so handsome in person, but not like... Intimidatingly so? I was worried about it with him but he was one of the easier members to interact with throughout the night. Kyubin was super easy and nice as well, and then Rie.

I interacted with Rie 4 times that night and every one was embarrassing or overwhelming 🤦🏻‍♂️ - what did I do when I saw Rie for the first time? Made eye contact with him and gasped in his fucking face. I couldn't help it, he was so much more handsome than I anticipated and his gaze is so intense. Apparently I gasped loudly bc his eyes widened a bit and he looked somewhat concerned before smirking and greeting me. I slid his envelope over like a moron and moved on (I think I muttered a hi, thank you? I'm not sure tbh - I blacked out). Then there was Yoojung (who is so pretty oh my god.) But he was very quiet and gentle, but unfortunately he came up right after Rie so I was still reeling through him and Mill.

Afterward we ended up meeting and befriending a lyOn standing in front of us because they overheard a dirty comment my friend made and cracked up so hard they almost fell over 🙈 (you know those moments where it's super loud and you're safe to talk - then as soon as you say the thing it's quiet? That happened. Not "quiet" but our little area of people was just quiet enough for this person to hear us).

Hi-Touch/Photo

Then afterward was the hi-touch and group photo; I was prepared this time. Or so I thought. Junji was fine - he's got massive hands omg. But he's so very gentle, I didn't realize just how nice that was until later in the night. Nine was so happy and grinny and bubbly - his normal hyper self. (Side note, Nine was wearing his crop top and idk how he managed to have both the firmest washboard abs while simultaneously looking like he has the softest tummy - his skin is eerily perfect.). Kyubin was very professional, and unfortunately I don't think I gave him all the attention that I could have, because I knew Rie was coming.

When I reached him I looked anywhere but his eyes - I wasn't going to be stupid. I would say thank you, touch his hand, and that was it. He fucking noticed - I swear to God he did. Maybe it was a coincidence, but I was purposely looking at his mouth/neck when I reached him so I could speak, and he tilted his head just enough to catch my eyes and smirked. Which of course short circuited my brain (moreso when he curled his fingers around my hand for a split second - I know it was only a few seconds but I felt like I held up the line for ages 😂) - I was a stupid grinny fool then with Yoojung, who - imo - looked slightly amused. Either he saw how Rie was affecting me or he was just was in a silly mood idk.

Concert

Then we had the concert - amazing experience overall. Honestly did not last long enough. I won't go into all the specific songs because this is already absolutely monstrously long, so I'll just hit the important parts.

I had a pretty good idea they'd do begin and because based on the previous stops, but I wasn't sure; I was praying for it tho, esp after those first two interactions with Rie. because was the song that ultimately made me give the O's a serious shot. So when they did it, I was so jazzed. because makes me cry, it's such a beautiful song and the choreography they made for it is stunning. (I love all 6 choreos - they are so smart in the way they used the members in couples to add to the effect, and the way they used the choreography to sort of tell the story that they told in the ui videos - it's so impressive.)

So, as pretty much everyone knows, after that was the proposal - I was a sobbing mess and it was beautiful. Honestly - I feel so proud of OOO for creating a space safe enough for this, and I am so happy for the folks that got engaged, what a powerful and amazing moment. Obviously I was just one face in the crowd, but I'm so honored that I got to watch history be made in a way, it's beautiful and humbling. No matter how much progress is made, this particular concert will always be the first that a queer couple not only got engaged at, but had the full support and cheer of the group - I mean - Kyubin excitedly and willingly stopping the concert to do this? What a powerful statement of support. I doubt they'll ever see this, but I wish the couple all the happiness in the world, and I woud love to thank them for letting all of us there share in such a beautiful moment.

Oh, by the way, the progress flag that ultimately made it on stage was actually my friend's flag. The group I ended up getting in with before the concert decided we wanted to sign one. We had him bring it and we all signed it before going into the venue (more than just us - he was having a bunch of people sign - anyone who wanted to in the line - it was so full of signatures of support); and one of our gc members handed it to them, the way I cheered when I saw them grabbing it. I could talk for pages about what OOO's support means for the community and how important it is, but I am sure this is already becoming tedious lol - so I will save that for another day.

Snapshots (Premium)

Junji

So after the concert was over too soon - I got Junji and Rie for premium snapshots. I decided to go to Junji first. When I got up there, the staff was changing the film, but I was scared to approach bc I didn't wanna get yelled at by her. Junji was leaning against the barricade, so we just kind of awkwardly stared into each other's eyes for an uncomfortable amount of time before he did that all caps HELLO bellow he'd been doing all night. Which startled the fuck out of me 😑 -- I asked for a back to back photo, he stood straight up and laughed (I think pointing out our height difference, even with the height boost from my boots I am tiny comparatively). He is massive. Jfc - I've met a lot of tall people, taller than him even, but he seems to just dwarf them all. I didn't really notice his size at the fansign/hi touch as much - probably bc it went so fast.

So we turn and he nearly crushed me bc he dropped his weight on my back. I figured he'd stay standing tall but, just kinda touching, but no, he decided to see just how much my tiny ass could support 🙃 - I had a moment of real fear - I was already weak in the legs from the concert (and standing for the 5 hours prior to said concert), if I went down he was gonna come with me and we'd both end up hurt 🤣 but we stayed standing. I thanked him and rushed off to Rie's line.

Rie

Thus comes embarrassing Rie moment #3 of my night. Once again the lady had to change the film, so the awkward staring ensued. Rie is a lot more forward then Junji tho, so once he realized I wasn't moving voluntarily, he stepped up and motioned for me to join him at the barricade. He asked how I liked the concert and I said he did amazing. I told him I wanted to poke his cheek. We couldn't quite get the hand position right so I hit his hand once or twice lol. After the photo was taken I (looked into his eyes again - that was my mistake) told him he performed because beautifully. He grinned all wide and said "oh thank you!" and touched my hand. I got so shy that I nodded and hurried off - I was nearly running. He grabbed at me and was like “no no no no!” - it was because I ran off without my photo. 🫣 So I had to come back and take it from the staff member and tried to walk away but he called for me again and raised his hand, I figured for a high five, but he squeezed it a second and grinned before letting me slink away in shame.

Snapshots (Standard)

Then I had standard photos - I got one with Kyubin, Nine, Mill, Rie, and Junji. I wanted one with Yoojung but unfortunately his sold out before I could buy it 😩

Nine

I went to Nine first figuring he'd be not so bad, and I was right. He's very easy to be around. I told him he was amazing and he laughed and thanked me, and said I was more amazing. Honestly his interaction was by far the least star-struck that I had and I'm glad for it, it really solidified him as a great, easygoing person for me, and it was really nice to have that. Before I got to him, the person ahead of me spoke Korean, it was really cute bc he wasn't expecting it. He thanked her in English and she spoke back in Korean, his eyes bulged out of his head and he laughed so bright and chatted with her for a few seconds, it was really cute. Prior to the concert I was pretty sure he was my bias wrecker, and I definitely stand by that belief now, there's something just so nice about him. Not in a "comfort person" way but more of like... I don't know how to describe it tbh, he is just so naturally friendly.

Mill & Kyubin

Mill was so sweet and gentle. He pulled me so much closer than I thought he would - I was scared to touch him 😂 but when he tugged me close I was like oh, okay, this is fine. And he held on for a bit after and thanked me for coming, I thanked him and said he did so well. The woman doing his photos (she's known as a problematic person and really not very nice) was rushing a bit - I wish I could've talked with him for a minute more - he was very similar to Nine in the whole just, easy to talk to, normal person, not intimidating way. After I finished with him and was waiting for another member, I saw him interacting with a child fan that came. She was no more than 8 or 9, maybe younger. He was so sweet, it warmed my heart. He was like, fixing her hair and talking gently to her, honestly - kids and animals, THE prime indicator of a person. (Apparently Rie was very sweet to the kids too but I missed seeing that. Good thing, probably, I was already lost for that man).

Kyubin's was hard to read. He wasn't cold or mean, but he's very professional and kind. He is so frickin' tall. I told him he did so well tonight and thanked him for all his hard work, I wanted to say more to him, but my brain was blanking and I was so tired >.< - I know he's a chatty person if you start it, I've heard as much from other lyOns; my friend had a fun story with him. If I have any regrets at all from this concert, it's not finding a way to get a picture with Yoojung, and not chatting for longer with Kyubin and Mill. Next time I see OOO I'm definitely gonna try - they're all so great and I want to get that chance.

Junji (Again)

So then... Junji and Rie. I was nervous about going up to them again, but I don't know why. It wasn't like I was the only person that had multiple photos. I was still so embarrassed about running away from Rie before though, so I went to Junji first. He did that big crooked grin and stood upright when he saw me - it's such a cute expression and ngl it immediately made me less nervous. Despite his size, he exudes gentleness (even when he's nearly crushing you lol) and it's really comforting. The lady was changing the film (again! What luck) but this time I went up to him and said "I'm back again!" Unfortunately that was the same time he chose to say "Long time no see!" -- Which made us both laugh. I repeated what he said, but he repeated what I had said - I'm proud to say I shared a braincell with one of my biases for a second there, and it made him do that fucking adorable nose crinkle and smile again.

So we did our pose and I knew I wasn't going to walk away without saying something, this was my last chance, so I tried to speak - but he leaned really close to me (I'm not that short man, you don't have to bend down to hear me 😭). When he did, my brain short circuited - he is so fucking cute and I forgot how to speak English. For a good five seconds I was just stuttering "I--- will--" - but he just waited so patiently for me to stop being an idiot. Finally I managed to get my tongue to work and told him I'd see him again soon. Which isn't exactly what I wanted to say, but it was close enough. He leaned up and nodded and grinned and said "Yes we will!" and then he raised his fist for an exploding fist bump.

Rie (Again)

And thus left Rie. So I get up there and he grins and says "hi again" I mumbled what I hope sounded like hi. I forgot what the pose number was, so I just made the motion and he nodded and wrapped his arm around me really tight going "ah! yes". He had such a grip around my shoulders, I almost forgot to reach up and cup his chin lol. Other lyOns have mentioned that he really pulls you in, and they weren't kidding. I ended up wrapping my arm around his waist; he's so warm and soft, and he smells so amazing. Obviously, he's just, you know, a guy, but it was so relaxing for that moment - I would have gladly paid (more) money to just let him hug me for longer, he's got such a comforting touch.

He didn't immediately let go after the photo was taken (probably so I wouldn't run away from him again lol), instead he kept his arm around me and let me kind of step out of it. He raised one hand and I pressed palm to his; he wrapped his fingers around my hand and held me there, so I set my other hand on his bicep and finally met his gaze without panicking (go me!) - His gaze is so intense. I know I said that before, but it really is shocking. He gives his full attention to you and really focuses on what you're saying - it's really overwhelming, like you're the only person in the room with him, a friend, and not just a random person he met 10 seconds before. I told him that 'because' was the reason I ended up getting into OnlyOneOf and thanked him for it again. He grinned and bowed his head and thanked me, said I was too nice. He told me to have a nice night when I went to grab my photo, and I said "you do too"; he reached out one more time and squeezed my hand like he had been before and grinned before I walked off. That was the perfect end to the snapshots tbh.

Final Thoughts

And that was that - that was the whole experience, pretty much. Easily the best experience I've ever had relating to idols, concerts, or meeting celebrities in general. There's something special about these guys, the way they interact with fans, their overall vibe, idk. I didn't expect to get as overwhelmed by Rie as I did; up until that night my bias line was Junji and then Rie. That's really flipped - Rie is 100% the main bias, and to be entirely honest he's really fighting for Ult Bias spot and I think he's gonna take it. (Frankly the group is fighting for Ult Group and.. They are winning). Obviously it's an unfair advantage; I've never met my other idols aside from hi-touch, and it was really their interactions with me one on one that pushed them higher. They are amazing performers and do have a great stage charisma, but their ability to interact so easily and intimately with fans of all kinds was really what has shoved them a full head and shoulders above others.

Personally, I was anxious about meeting them. I know I'm not a stereotypical kpop fan. Obviously fans are diverse, but we have to admit, the majority is not made up of scruffy male presenting people. But this concert was so much more diverse than others I've been to, which was so great to see. And there was no difference in how they treated me versus how they treated their female presenting fans, their androgynous or enby fans, their clean shaven, younger male presenting fans, etc. That was so important to me. Being able to be comfortable as myself, not only with the friends I'd made but also with the group; not worrying about being perceived negatively; not sensing discomfort from any of them (real or imagined) - it meant the world to me, and I've genuinely never felt that welcome in a space like this before.

So that's that - this was a super long post, I'm sorry about that. While I was writing it, it let me go back and relive parts of it, realize things that I had overlooked before, etc. I hope it didn't bore anyone reading it to absolute tears. And I hope it encourages some of y'all to go see OOO if you have the chance. They are really amazing performers and guys, and I cannot wait to see them again.

#answered #ask #Anonymous #lyonblr #onlyoneof #ooo minneapolis #ooo rie #ooo mill #ooo kb #ooo yoojung #ooo nine #ooo junji #onlyoneof kb #onlyoneof rie #onlyoneof junji #onlyoneof nine #onlyoneof mill #onlyoneof yoojung

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