9 Tips for Going Solo to K-Pop Concerts in the UK
We are being blessed with so many K-pop concerts in the UK these days, and it is totally understandable to want to go to all of them. But what if you have no K-pop friends to go with? Please do not let that stop you from seeing an artist you REALLY want to see. Here are some tried and tested tips from a self-confessed introvert on how to attend UK K-pop concerts by yourself - including making friends OR just vibing on your own safely:
Photo: Hallyu Doing
1) Find a group chat
You will be amazed how many group chats there are. Have a search for the concert name on Twitter/X. For example, if there is an ATEEZ London concert coming up, if you search ‘ATEEZ London’ you might find people promoting their own group chats. People do this on Instagram too, and even on TikTok. Sometimes on my videos when I am talking about K-pop concerts, people will mention their group chats in the comments or say they are going and looking for others to meet up with. Obviously, stay safe and be careful, but check those comments sections for other fans. It is one of my goals in the future to have a space where chats like this are easier to organise... let me know if that is something you would be interested in.
2) Arrive earlier
No, I am not telling you to camp. But queueing early is a great way to meet people. Yes, you do have to be brave and speak to people, but once you get over that initial fear of saying hi, it will feel like chatting to an old friend. You will be gobsmacked how much you learn about someone by the end of the day. And this is not just for standing tickets either. If I have a seated ticket, I do not queue because there is no point. But if I want to meet other people, I still go early to the venue. Why? Because so many K-pop fans do. It is one of those rare days when ALL the fans are in one place. You cannot beat it. Even without queueing, at certain venues you will find random dance circles, queues for merch, or people exchanging freebies. If you want freebies, go early. You are way more likely to get them when freebie makers still have stock and have not gone into the venue yet.
3) Look for local events
There are often fan events happening on concert days. If you want to make friends or just be around other fans, check them out. Search online for what is happening — you will often find cupsleeve events, pop-up shops, or fan markets. We list fan events on the Hallyu Doing website too, so if you are an organiser, do submit your event there.
4) Make freebies
This is totally optional. It takes time and money, so only do it if you want to. But you can have some amazing conversations with people when you make freebies. Plus, if you make freebies, you feel less bad about taking other people’s because it becomes more of an exchange. And if you are like me — very introverted and assuming nobody would want to talk to you — having freebies gives you an easy way to start a conversation. You can just go up to someone and say "Hi, would you like a freebie?" and of course they will say yes. If you have member-specific freebies, you can say "Who is your bias?" and now you are chatting. Some people will take your freebie and move on — that is fine. One person not chatting does not mean everyone will do that. The more you hand out, the more chances you have to connect. And you might even find other solo fans or get adopted by a group. Just put the feelers out there.
Photo: Hallyu Doing
5) Keep your hands free
This is so underrated. I get way more anxious on my own if I feel like I cannot even manage all my stuff, and this is extra true at K-pop concerts. You might have a lightstick, a banner, your phone. If both hands are full and then you want to get a drink or buy something... nightmare! Get a crossbody bag that is venue compliant, with a zip, and keep as much in there as you can. Before the concert I usually clip my lightstick to my bag or belt if possible, and I always keep my phone in my pocket because I am terrified of it being stolen.
6) Know your exit plan
And book a hotel in advance if you need to. Things can get quite manic after a concert. I always have my journey back nailed down. If you have followed me for a while, you will know I do not live near London so I HAVE to stay overnight. I always pick somewhere as close to the venue as possible, and let me tell you, it is such a relief when you finally get to your hotel room.
7) Keep your phone charged
Bring a battery pack AND a phone charger. Be mindful throughout the concert about your phone battery. When you are with other people, you can be a little more chill because you have safety in numbers. But on your own, you are your sole responsibility to get home. You NEED charge on your phone.
8) Reflect on it afterwards
Not to sound cringe, but I do think we should all reflect a bit more in general. Especially for this - if you are reading this, you probably have not been to a concert solo before. You might go solo and think "Nope, that was not for me, even for my favourite artist I just do not like going solo." That is great. You have learnt something new about yourself, and you will save money in future. Or you might think "That was such a freeing experience, I loved it!" and from now on you will not let the lack of a plus one stop you again.
9) Just enjoy the moment and the music
At the end of the day, whether you make new friends or not, whether you chat to anyone or stay in your own bubble, you are still seeing an artist you love. Going solo can be so freeing. You can fully take in the music and focus on what you want to focus on. And if you feel self-conscious, just know — nobody cares. Truly, nobody is looking at you. They are watching the artist. And if someone is watching you? Maybe they are just obsessed with you, queen.
Those are my tips for surviving K-pop concerts solo in the UK, whether you want to make friends or just have an amazing time by yourself. Remember to always put your safety first. And be sure to check out our calendar for all upcoming concerts and fan events.
