PROJECT 1004

Tag: kpop events in minnesota

  • Big Ocean Kicks Off Their First US Tour with a Cafe Fan Event at Niko Niko Boba Cafe

    Big Ocean Kicks Off Their First US Tour with a Cafe Fan Event at Niko Niko Boba Cafe

    Big Ocean (빅오션) is an up and coming boyband produced by Parastar Entertainment. The band debuted in 2024 with a remake of the famous SMTOWN ending song, “Hope (빛)”, by H.O.T. The band consists of members PJ, Jiseok, and Chanyeon. They are the first K-Pop boyband that was produced with all the members being hard of hearing. They have gone through vigorous training and utilize technology and AI in their performances / music production.

    Despite only debuting last year, the group has already amassed almost 100,000 followers on instagram. Many fans feel inspired by their hard work and dedication to pursue music despite their hearing loss.

    On their first full day in the U.S., the boys held a café-themed event at Niko Niko Boba Cafe in St. Paul. Despite the sweltering heat, many fans waited patiently for their chance to meet the idols. Big Ocean served drinks, chatted briefly with attendees, and expressed their gratitude for the support. Following the café event, Big Ocean stepped outdoors to take a group photo with all attendees then returned back into the cafe for a short break and to prepare for the fan events.

    After a few minutes, fans returned back into the cafe to begin the fan events. Big Ocean took selfies and Polaroids with fans and held a fan sign session for those who purchased additional add-ons. After the fan events ended, fans gathered at the front for send off to say goodbye to Big Ocean as they loaded into their van.

    ** A special thank you to Parastar Entertainment, KorUS Entertainment, and mnkpopconnect for inviting me and letting me cover the fun events of the day!**

    July 26th, 2025.

  • Black On Connects with Fans in Minnesota Through Music and Memories

    Black On Connects with Fans in Minnesota Through Music and Memories

    K-POP soloist Black On recently visited Minnesota for a special fan sign and busking event held at Maplewood Mall, ahead of his concert at Granada Theatre the following day. The event served as a fun and intimate pre-show gathering, and many fans were excited to see him again—especially those who had attended his previous busking performance a couple of months earlier.

    Held in the mall’s atrium, the event drew a large crowd of supporters eager to meet the rising artist. Fans had the opportunity to purchase posters, albums, and other merchandise to get signed, as well as buy tickets to take photos with Black On.

    Black On spent several hours at the mall, warmly engaging with fans, signing autographs, and posing for photos. After the fan sign ended, he gave a short live performance. Then, the fans and Black On took some more photos with the fans before riding the Merry Go Round together.

    The next day, Black On performed at Granada Theatre in Minneapolis. Fans arrived early to watch the rehearsals. After rehearsal completed, they started letting GA enter. Black On performed on stage then took a break to have a special commentary with his fans. Black On pulled an audience member onto stage with him. He hugged her as he sung a special song.

    Black On ended the concert with taking photos and spending time with his fans.

    ** Thank you so much for Sweet Escape Store and planetkpop.llc for giving me the opportunity to shoot the fansign and concert! **

    July 13th, 2025