Do you need a lightstick to enjoy a K-pop concert?

Short answer is no...but bringing another group's lightstick is a highly debated topic

My friends and I recently had a conversation about whether we would feel like we’re missing out if we didn’t have a lightstick at a K-pop concert.

For bands like BTS and Seventeen (whom I love!!), I said “Yes, it depends!”

Lightsticks are a way of showing solidarity with the rest of the fandom. While the band cannot see our individual faces, seeing them light up is a way of showing we care. Not to mention, having them all change colours in tandem in a stadium is one of the prettiest sights to see.

Having said this though, I DON’T always buy lightsticks for the K-pop groups or artists I see because that would quite *literally* make me poor. If anything, a phone flashlight is often good enough.

But this conversation around lightsticks reminded me of something I saw recently on my TikTok feed. A girl said she was bringing her Twice Candy Bong to the Blackpink concert. That then launched a fierce debate about whether that was disrespectful to the artists involved.

Mind you, this was not the very first time I’ve seen people get into fights about lightsticks.

(Lightsticks at the BTS concert in Las Vegas)

When Seventeen was touring North America, some people ended up buying fake Carat Bongs on Amazon because venues were selling out of lightsticks very quickly. When one fan took that concern to Facebook, one commenter responded by saying “how embarrassing” it would be to have the sole lightstick to not light up in the venue.

That same commenter proceeded to post a video of someone holding an ARMY Bomb (BTS lightstick) at another Seventeen concert, describing how “rude” it was to the group.

A similar debate was also brought up during the most recent ATEEZ North American tour, with some fans expressing distaste for NCT and Stray Kids lightsticks being seen in the crowd.

Hmm…

I decided to take a look on Reddit to see if other fans felt the same way about bringing another group’s lightstick to a K-pop concert. One compared it to wearing Dallas Cowboys merchandise to cheer on the Patriots. “It’s super confusing and people interpret it as disrespect.” Another person described it as “going to a Twenty One Pilots concert but cheering for One Direction.”

“Lightsticks are synonymous with the group,” they added.

However, another person on Facebook presented another side to the conversation.

“There is this idea that originated in K-pop that you have to be loyal to one group and one group only. So bringing merchandise of another group is seen as disloyal. Do I agree with this, never, I think it's ridiculous the way K-pop groups are treated like sports teams.”

I agree.

I realize I might seem like a villain by saying this: I personally don’t think bringing another group’s lightstick is that bad.

This could possibly be my age speaking, but I think people should be allowed to do what they want to do, and we should judge them less. Lightsticks are expensive!

If you’re a big enough fan, being at the concert alone should be good enough. Tickets are also pricey, and some people can’t afford to buy anything more.

(Somehow I was lucky enough to find a Carat bong…)

Some may ask, “But why can’t you just leave it at home and use your cellphone instead?”

And here I will argue, “Because why not? Maybe they really just want to participate in a wave with everyone else!”

IT IS NOT THAT DEEP.

I would also like to add that the Seventeen concert had very few Carat Bongs on sale. Many who wanted lightsticks couldn’t get them in time. Others were not able to line up hours for one either. Supply chain issues and shipping can sometimes get in the way. Sad, but that’s life.

There is no need to publicly shame fans for not having what you have. Concerts should be about enjoying yourself and having fun. If you have time to judge someone else’s lightstick, you probably aren’t paying attention to the show.

I guarantee you that Jennie or Lisa, Hoshi or Mingyu, or Jungkook or RM won’t be out there looking out at the stadium to see whose lightstick isn’t syncing up with the others. They have other priorities, such as performing and putting on a good concert!

Sometimes I wish it was not so pricey to be K-pop fan because I find it easy to compare what you don’t have with other people.

At this point in my life and career, I know I am privileged to afford merch and concerts. But, I do remember a time when I was not even allowed to buy what I wanted or go out when I wanted to.

Everyone’s situation is different. Shaming them on the internet only makes it worse.

So let people bring the lightstick they wanna bring to the show. Or, make them feel included even if they don’t.

Be kind and remember everyone has different circumstances. Lightstick or not, we’re all there to support the artist we’ve all paid money to see.

In other K-pop news…

BigHit releases official statement on BTS Jin’s Military enlistment

Last month, details that Jin would be enlisting December 13 was revealed against his wishes. Now his management company has released an official statement regarding his plans.

“Jin will fulfill his required time with the military by enlisting in the army. Please note that we will not be holding any kind of official event on the day of his recruitment.

The entrance ceremony is a time to be observed by military personnel and their families only. In order to prevent any issues that might occur from crowding, we ask fans to please refrain from visiting the site. Instead, we ask you to keep your heartwarming words of support and farewell in your hearts.”

Stay healthy and safe, Jin! And fans, let’s respect his privacy.

And what I’m up to…

I’m currently on vacation, but lots of new content will be coming soon! I recently attended the ATEEZ concert in Hamilton. And this weekend, I’ll be in LA for LA3C to catch Seventeen for the second time this year. If Billboard is correct, fans will be seeing a sub-unit performance that hasn’t been seen yet during the Be the Sun tour. I think it’s gonna be SVT Leaders with ‘Cheers’, but deep down I want to witness the return of BSS. We shall see!

Until then, follow Bunni Pop on Instagram for more updates!

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Fact checkers and editors are important, but few and far in between. They also deserve to be paid fairly. At this moment, I am doing this on my own for free. Accountability is important to me, so please address corrections and concerns by sending me an email at bunnipopnewsletter@gmail.com