I’m trying to arrange my thoughts with only a couple of hours of sleep. I want to put into words everything I felt after attending yesterday’s concert at MOA Arena. 

I’ve been a K-pop fan for over a decade. EXO was the group that truly pulled me into the genre. I followed every comeback, watched their content, and admired their chemistry as a group. Even then, I never felt the need to see them live as I was content supporting them from afar. As the group changed over the years, I naturally drifted into being a more casual fan.

Years later, Produce 101 Season 2 rekindled my interest in K-pop. I enjoyed the survival show and was happy with the final lineup, but I never became deeply attached to the group. Something about the competition format made it harder for me to see them as a team rather than individuals chasing the same dream.

Then came 2024. I was following BINI when Gwen reposted a clip of JL dancing to We Ready. Out of curiosity, I watched a few more clips, and before I knew it, I was looking forward to every episode. I loved the team-based format of Universe League and found myself genuinely rooting for the contestants. By the finale, I was completely satisfied with the lineup that became AHOF.

What surprised me the most was how familiar this all felt. 

Stanning AHOF brought me back to the excitement I felt when I first discovered K-pop all those years ago. All the anticipation of new content, getting to know each member, watching them grow, their chemistry as a group and simply being excited to be a fan again. All of it reminded me why I fell in love with K-pop in the first place.

And then yesterday happened.

Yesterday’s concert made me realize just how much I enjoyed them. I was having so much fun that I barely recorded anything. I only noticed afterward that I had spent most of the concert jumping, singing along, and just watching them. For once, I wasn’t thinking about getting the perfect video. I was just there, enjoying the moment. Seeing AHOF perform up close, I could really see their passion and grit. It didn’t feel forced or rehearsed in a way that made them seem distant—it felt genuine.

They performed 20 songs with barely any time to catch their breath, yet when it was time for the hi-touch and photo op, they still greeted every fan with genuine smiles and energy. It would’ve been easy to look exhausted and I’m sure they were ( I was! And I am only standing) but they never made us feel like we were just the last item on their schedule.

I hope they never lose that sincerity and spark as they grow. In an industry where so many things can feel manufactured or carefully curated, I think it’s the things that come from the heart that stay with people the longest. That’s what I felt yesterday, and I hope they hold on to it.

Keep shining, our 9!

🫶🏻

[Thoughts] 2026 AHOF 1st Tour: The First Spark in Manila Day 1