PROJECT 1004

Tag: boys planet

  • AMPERS&ONE Becomes the First K-pop Band to Perform at the Mall of America

    AMPERS&ONE Becomes the First K-pop Band to Perform at the Mall of America

    Bloomington, MN

    The large crowd surrounding Huntington Bank Rotunda at the Mall of America got louder as it got closer to 6PM. Everyone was waiting for the first K-pop band to ever perform at the Mall of America. Debuting in 2023 under FNC Entertainment, AMPERS&ONE is a 7-member boyband that consists of Kamden, Brian, Jiho, Siyun, Mackiah, Kyrell, and Seungmo.

    Who is AMPERS&ONE?

    AMPERS&ONE combines “ampersand” (&) and “one” to represent the group’s mission: uniting together to achieve their dreams. Even before their debut, they were already making waves in the industry, thanks in part to popular Boys Planet contestants Brian and Kamden. Since then, the band has continued to grow steadily.

    What sets AMPERS&ONE apart is their remarkable international makeup. Kamden and Kyrell are from Seattle, Brian is Chinese-Canadian, Jiho spent a year living in Massachusetts, and Mackiah has Australian roots. This global background gives the group a unique advantage — they can connect and communicate comfortably with fans all around the world.

    They recently released their fourth mini album titled, Definition. This mini album features six songs led by their title track, “GOD”. The title track showcases a more mature side of the group, telling a story of rising from the ground, overcoming doubt, and being ignored to finally claiming their place at the top. It also incorporates traditional Korean instruments in the song and has an addictive and repetitive melody. The album has a diverse mix of sounds, from the upbeat pop song like “All Eyes on You” to the heartfelt ballad track like “Tears in Your Smile” and upbeat hip hop dance track like “What you Talking About”. The members also participated in writing the songs in the album.

    Performance at Mall of America.

    AMPERS&ONE held a free performance at 6PM. Although the show was free, fans had the opportunity to purchase upgrades to get closer floor seats to watch the show and interact with the idols. Some of the VIP events were held before the concert. However, the High Touch Event and the You+ and Selfie events were held after the show. The full schedule can be seen on the Instagram post below:

    Before the show started, many people could be seen crowding around the Huntington Bank Rotunda. The lucky few who were able to get upgrades or claimed floor wristbands were able to stand by the stage to watch the performance. Everyone else was encouraged to watch the performance from the balcony from the other floors.

    AMPERS&ONE opened their show with their newest title track, “GOD”. The performance started at 6PM and ended at 8PM. Throughout their entire performance, the boys could be seen giving 100% of their energy. From dancing vigorously on stage to interacting with the crowd, every second was filled with entertainment and energy. Fans could be seen singing along to the songs, shouting fan chants, and dancing throughout the entire performance. Some of the members even stepped off stage to interact with the fans.

    Outside of their songs, AMPERS&ONE prepared special unit stages for the fans. Kamden and Jiho performed a dance cover to “Fever” by Enhypen; Brian and Kyrell sung a cover of “Love Story” by Taylor Swift; and Mackiah, Seungmo, and Siyun prepared a cover of “Drag Me Down” by One Direction.

    During their short commentary breaks, the members mentioned how excited they were to be back in Minnesota again. They were here last year for their 1st US tour. Member Kamden mentioned that it was his dream to perform at a big mall. He thanked everyone for making his dream come true. They also talked about how they came a day early to rehearse and set up and were able to ride the log and SpongeBob rides at Nickelodeon Universe inside the Mall. Throughout the night, the members also thanked Mall of America for allowing them to have their concert there. In good FNC style, Mackiah ended the night by telling fans to attend their other stops if they wish to see AMPERS&ONE perform again.

    AMPERS&ONE is currently on their <BORN TO DEFINE> U.S. Tour with LEO Presents. They are about halfway done with their tour. They are visiting 17 U.S. cities for this tour. After their Minnesota show, they will be heading to Des Moines, Iowa then to Kansas City, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Albuquerque, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and ending their tour in San Jose on June 2nd. The tour features lots of merch that fans and concert attendees can purchase. The prices and items can be seen below.

    Check out more photos from the show below.

  • Rookie Korean Boy Band NEWBEAT (HinLOVE) Stops in Minnesota for Their First Busking Event

    Rookie Korean Boy Band NEWBEAT (HinLOVE) Stops in Minnesota for Their First Busking Event

    A new and talented boy band will be debuting soon! Beat Interactive, the company which currently houses popular Korean boy band A.C.E., collaborated with local K-POP store, Sweet Escape Store, to hold their first US busking and Meet & Greet event at Maplewood Mall. The trainees (word for pre-debut K-pop idols who are training under an agency), are currently on tour with A.C.E. The trainees consists of members Park Minseok, Hong Minsung, Jeon Yeoyeojeong, Choi Seohyun, Kim Taeyang, Jo Yunhu, and Kim Riwoo. The event started with a busking and meet & greet on the main atrium on the first floor before ending with a Hi Touch event at the Sweet Escape Store.

    The busking stage took place in front of the iconic carousel at Maplewood Mall. Spectators began to gather long before the boys came out. Many hoped to secure spots in the front for the best view. Those who arrived later lined the railings above, hoping to catch a glimpse of the performance from higher ground.

    Trainees Choi Seohyun and Park Minseok were the first to step onto the busking stage, entering with shy smiles and waving to fans as they waited for the rest of their team to join them. They grooved to the music to pass time as they waited. Member Park Minseok notably received an extra warm and enthusiastic welcome as he had recently participated in the globally popular survival show, Boys Planet. Many people in attendance named him as their favorite contestant on the show.

    Without any formal introductions, the boys launched straight into a high-energy cover dance performance. They performed a powerful mashup of the popular songs “Siren” by RIIZE, “Not Today” by BTS, “Fire” by BTS, and “Undercover” by A.C.E. Their powerful and synchronized movements highlighted their talent as an upcoming dance boy band. Below is a short snippet of their cover of “Kick” It by NCT 127.

    After their performance finished, they did a short commentary with their fans. They introduced themselves then did another dance performance.

    After their performance ended, the boys went back stage to get ready and the fans went upstairs to the Sweet Escape Store to line up for the Hi Touch event. The line was so long it wrapped around the top atrium of the second floor. Newbeat’s Management was strict and photography was not allowed in this area. A curtain was placed at the front so fans cannot see inside until they entered the K-pop store.

    During the Hi Touch event, fans were able to high five the members of Newbeat and received a random gift. After receiving their gift, many fans lingered outside and opened the gift. Inside were beads and a string to make a friendship bracelet. They also included a random photo card of one of the member of the band.

    Most fans were waiting to catch a glance of the boys again before they leave for the night. They squealed in delight when the boys came out for send off. Newbeat waved goodbye to their fans as security guards lined the walkway and led the band to their vehicle.

    Unfortunately, the event ended earlier than expected and a handful of people who arrived later missed opportunity to see the boys. They left in disappointment for not being able to participate in the events for the day. Some were lucky to see the boys for send off. However, others missed the opportunities to see the boys completely.

    ** A special thank you to Sweet Escape Store for letting me participate for the event and photograph the event for them. **

    July 8th, 2024