How I Invaded MBC뮤직코어!

August 8, 2009 · View Comments

MBC Music Core

So, I went to MBC Music Core today. I saw Girl’s Generation sing Genie. I saw SHINee’s Goodbye Stage. I saw Brown Eyed Girls shake their hips to Abracadabra, and I saw MC MONG rock the Indian Boy twice. Oh, and I danced to Genie and Abracadabra on camera – possibly to be shown on MBC next week.

See what I saw in words and pictures under the cut.


More pictures will be added when I steal them from Crystal and Jess

BEFORE Music Core

I met with Crystal, and her friend Jess at around midnight on Friday. There was a lot of walking around and waiting, but there were some things of interest.

We Found the YG Building!

Vandalising the YG BuildingYou should remember our previous attempt to find the YG Building and remember also that I said that next time I was in the area, I’d definitely find it. Well, we did. It was dark and the building was a complete let-down in terms of it being a total anticlimax, but it was definitely worth it.

Below are some pictures of various messages left by fans on the walls. If you can guess which message I may, or may not have left, then you get a cookie.

Vandalising the YG BuildingVandalising the YG Building

Vandalising the YG BuildingVandalising the YG BuildingVandalising the YG Building

Sorry for the picture quality, but it was about 2PM and I was using my Haptic.

We Watched ‘Yes Man’ in a DVD Room

We had to do a great deal of waiting, so we thought it best to do it in a Take 5 DVD Room. We chose Yes Man featuring Jim Carrey. It was a film I had wanted to see, but had missed it at the cinema and had never seen on TV, so I enjoyed it. I should probably have used the opportunity to sleep on the big sofa, but Jim Carrey is far too captivating.

How to Find the MBC Music Core Studio

The Internet needs more accurate information and so here are accurate directions to the MBC Music Core studios.

  1. Find your way to Jeongbalsan Station (정발산역) on Line 3 on the Seoul Metro.
  2. Leave the statin via Exit 3.
  3. You will exit next to a Lotte Department Store and a bridge across the road. Climb the bridge.
  4. As you’re walking across the bridge, look forwards and a little to your left. You should see a white aerial with a flashing light on top.
  5. Finding the building is a matter of walking diagonally across the park and through the shopping streets.
  6. When you find it, you will see the side entrance with access to the car park. Follow the building round to the right.
  7. You have found the entrance to MBC Music Core. Congratulations!

5 Things You Should Do If You Want to Visit Music Core

Here are 5 Things you should do if you want to get into MBC Music Core.

  1. Join a fanclub
    If you are a member of a fanclub, you are almost guaranteed entry.
  2. Know your idols
    Some fanclubs will ask you some questions about your idols, such as height, birthdays and best songs.
  3. Bring some proof
    If you bring the latest album or single of the artist you’re there to support, this is additional proof that you’re a fan.
  4. Get their early and get in line
    Get to the venue early and get in line. Contact the people at the head of the line (most likely the fanclub leaders) and let them know you’re there.
  5. Take someone who can speak Korean
    Having someone who’s able to speak the language and not afraid to ask questions will make your experience a whole lot less stressful. Actually being able to get answers to your questions just makes things easier.

WAITING for MBC Music Core

There was an awful lot of waiting today. We waited at the side. We waited in a queue for tickets. We waited in 4minute’s Fanclub queue. We waited a lot today.

I can offer you a short video of what it was like in the MBC studio building. You can see a lot of floor.

Here are some more pictures of the hall and everyone waiting. Not particularly interesting, but taking pictures during the performances is almost impossible with the security and to be honest, I was too busy enjoying the show.

MBC Music CoreMBC Music CoreMBC Music CoreMBC Music Core

Yes, that marble floor is as uncomfortable as it looks. Only 3-4 hours of sitting then.

MBC Music Core

As I mentioned above, I’ll add more pictures to the post once I’ve stolen them from Crystal and Jess.

I feel that I should give a small shoutout to the 4minute girls who got us into the show. We joined their line and failed their fanclub test, but they said they’d get us in anyways. It turned out that not only did we get in, but we got excellent seats right in front of the walkway from one side of the stage to the other. Both Tiffany and Yuri walked past within several feet on two or three occasions.

포미닛 팬크러브 짱! ^ㅅ^”

Alex Dancing to ‘Genie’ and Abracadabra on MBC TV

While we were waiting, there was an MC and a camera guy walking around and interviewing random fans. They were being made to stand up, do the leg flick from Girls’ Generation’s Genie and the hip shaking from Abracadabra by Brown Eyed Girls. I was trying to mind my own business when Crystal told me he was coming over this way.

MCHey you, handsome gentleman!
AlexOh God…
MCCome and stand up. Do you speak Korean?
AlexA little.
MCOK. You know Korea number one dance?
AlexBy 소녀시대?
MCOh! You know! Like this.” *MC does the ‘leg flick’*
CrystalHe knows them very well!
MCGood!
AlexShow me again.
MCHere we go.” *MC does the ‘leg flick’*
AlexOK, here goes.” *Does the dance*
MCOK, now one more time!
AlexReally? OK.” Dances two more times*
MCOK! Good! You know this? *Gyrates to ‘Abracadabra’*
AlexBrown Eyed Girls – ‘Abracadabra’.
MCWow! You know! OK. Now you!
AlexHaha. OK.” *Gyrates three times*
MCYou are very good! Now you have to say 소녀시대 is the best!
Alex *Provides ’sound bite’ three times*
MCThank you! Very handsome!
AlexYea, thanks.” *Sits down and hides*
MC *Goes to find another victim*

I certainly don’t expect much from this video that may or may not appear on TV. I’d been up all night, I hadn’t shaved, I had a cold/runny nose and a spot on my nose. Hopefully TV will work it’s magic and have me looking half decent.

EDIT – 090810

Now you can see the video for yourself! Thanks to dancercjai on Twitter for the link.

WATCHING MBC Music Core

We entered as some of the last fans in and 카라 were just finishing up a rehearsal on stage. The studio isn’t particularly big but there is ample room for everyone. We were lead down to the steps behind the VIP Section and had a good view of the stage.

The stage itself seems so much smaller than I expected, and the filming was very busy. People were coming on and off the stage and fixing or moving the set around. Everything seemed as if it could fall apart but they kept everything on time and it flowed nicely. It’s difficult for me to explain what it felt like being in the studio, but I can’t wait to go again.

My memory is pretty sketchy, so I’ll list the performances in order of awesome.

MC몽 – Indian Boy

We actually got to see this performance twice. First was the rehearsal and the second was for live filming. MC몽 really brought it and B.I did a great job as always. The performances were so vibrant and full of fun. Much better than on the album – which incidentally, I now own.

SHINee – Juliet [Remix Ver.]

This was their Good-bye Stage and although the set was hideous, their performance was ‘A’ material. Their lives are so good.

KARA – Wanna

Despite the fact that I have developed a mild crush on Nicole recently, I can honestly say I was pleased to see all the girls. They’re performance of Wanna was hot, despite the first performance being a nasty cover song.

Girl’s Generation – Genie

Only the 소녀시대 Fanclub got to see them perform SORRY SORRY, so I was terribly disappointed. They didn’t even sing live at the end, but nonetheless, I still got to see all eighteen legs.

Brown Eyed Girls – Abracadabra

I had never listened or watched this performance all the way through before but I actually enjoyed it a lot. We saw them perform it twice and both times, I was transfixed. They are incredibly sexy on stage.

FT Island – 바래

I love the song but I didn’t enjoy the performance as much as I thought I would. they were cramped on the left of the stage and there just didn’t seem to be that much energy present.

4minute – Hot Issue [Jungle Mix]

Seeing as we were allowed in as a favor from the 4minute fanclub, we had to give them extra support. The Jungle Remix was nothing more than a short dance break near the end. The performance was just what I’d expected from them. Damn catchy.

SS501 형준 – Hey G

We thought it was the other one. After we realised which one he was, his performance was quite strong and the choreography worked. He definitely knows how to tease the crowd with the female backup dancers.

Drunken Tiger – Monster

Had been pre-recorded and so he was just out with two of his other singers and lip syncing.

Mighty Mouth – 연애특강

The girls behind us kept screaming for 현아 so we couldn’t really hear anything she said. Fine by me.

박혜경 – 하이힐

Sung while the stage was being fiddled with. Her voice was a little high pitched for my liking.

길미 (feat.은지원) – Love Cuts

Not really interested in this song, although she does have a good voice.

tiara – 거짓말

They were lipsynching in the performance they did for the fans and got kicked off before they even finished.

홍진영 – 사랑의 배터리(remix ver.)

Cute song, and cute girl, but I can’t see it winning any awards.

노이즈 – 사랑만사

Had no idea who they were and discovered that the girl was there just for looks.

바다 – MAD

Eugene came along at the end for some spice, but the former S.E.S members couldn’t really bring it.

An Explanation About Pre-Recording

I have received some questions about pre-recording at Music Core. I’m going to try my best to explain how it works so that the rest of the post will make sense.

The fans don’t all enter the studio together until the end. So, during the wait, various fanclubs are taken into the studio to watch their groups rehearse and pre-record some performances. One example from yesterday, would be Girls’ Generation’s performance of SORRY SORRY. It was recorded earlier in the afternoon and I was only able to see it on TV.

The idea is that they can pre-record some sections for the in-between bits during performances and then the singers will perform one more time when ALL the fans are in the studio. Sometimes this is a lip sync, and sometimes this is a real live performance. MC몽 performed live yesterday, while Girls’ Generation were just dancing to the music. Actually, Tiffany and Yuri were still wearing their MC outfits!

AFTER MBC Music Core

I can safely say now that it was definitely worth it, but at the time, I would rather have been sitting at home and doing my usual resting. It was nice to meet Jess for the first time and especially after my blog reputation preceded me. Hopefully I can’t talk to her online later outside of the tired, stressful day that we had.

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  • camilla
    I was wondering how to get into these palces for so long D: Thanks for this! I hope I can... go there and.. get in now XD I will go there again this summer so... yeah, skldjkfdjfkldsjf really wanna get in!!
  • Hi, interesting article you have there.. i'm a foreigner too and is it possible to go in to watch SNSD without joining the fanclub (i have their latest album)? i can't speak Korean, any advice??

    Many thanks,
    Jim
  • You can just line up with their fans and hold your breath :)
  • Hi, very interesting way to how you got into Music Core.. I was wondering if you knew how to join their fanclub? i'm a foreigner on a short stay.. could you give some advice??

    thanks,
    Jim
  • regina
    hi alex,been following your blogs here,and let me say i'm having a blast reading it! my friends and i are coming there again and this time we want to experience how it is to watch a show like music core,problem is,we'll be there probably thu-sun,so i guess we're limited to watching music bank instead..any idea how we should go about it? god i have so many questions i might put you to sleep! to make things short,we'll go there to try our luck to see some kpop stars (or actors),go and see their offices (esp yg bldg..i'm a BIG BANG FANATIC),any ideas on what we should do will be deeply appreciated :D hope to receive an answer from you soon!! hey,another thing,i am in awe that you were able to get a job there, i wish i could do the same,i'm in love with the country you're in,hehehe..god speed..
  • I have never attempted to get to Music Bank, so I wouldn't know how to go about it. I'm sure if you Googled, you'd find articles from people who have been. I'm sure there are some on Soompi :)
  • regina
    thanks..i received an email from them,they told me i should have called right after the live broadcst was through,which was around 6pm here..i don't think we'll ever get in there,so we'll just try music core instead..keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed that we'll be able to get in :D
  • I'm surprised you even got a reply. Good work~!
  • regina
    really?! hahaha!
  • corie
    Wow...first off thank you so much for the informative info! I was looking all over for this. Out of curiosity, what time did you start lining up? And what time did the performances start? Music Core airs at 4PM in Korea, but I am assuming that all of this took place in the early morning to mid afternoon? I'd love to try this out in Sept when I plan to visit. Too bad me and my friends don't know anyone that speaks/reads/understands Korean :(
  • I started lining up in the very early afternoon and the performances started around 3pm. It's cool to go and see if you can, but a concert would be a better bet.
  • This was extremely helpful! Im going Korea in May so hopefully I can use this! Thank you so much! hahah though I'm abit freaked out at the fanclub test thing. Clarification - we can join any line? They won't like....chase us away? And hmmm you think Music Core will be at the same place it was 6 months ago?
  • Joining any line is fine, but you're not guaranteed to get in with any of them.

    I don't imagine it's going to change locations :)
  • Thanks for sharing your acct!! It seemed like a lot of various steps to get in. ^^;;; But I would want to try if I ever visit Korea. :]

    Heard you're going to the upcoming BIG SHOW 2010! Hope you have fun. I look fwd to hearing your acct of the show. ^^
  • I'll definitely be a lot quicker to post my account of the concert because I think there will be less pictures >_<
  • f3rrollez
    Hey Alex...

    I came across your site while looking for ways to get into the weekly Korean music shows and I thought you had a very thorough entry on that MBC Music Core invasion.

    Anyways, my friends and I are going on a week-long trip to Korea early Spring (end of March/early April) covering Jeju, Busan and Seoul in 8 days. We are thinking of going to one of the shows but it seems like it's near impossible to get in. I mean, all the fanclubs, fanclub test, queing and waiting... and that we literally don't speak a word of Korean. Not to mention...we'll be wasting some precious time on queing/waiting.

    I just thought may be I should ask if you would still recommend us, almost-hardcore KPop fans, going despite all the hardships (haha) we've got to go through. I still wanna go though!!!

    Cheers,
    f3rrollez
  • Not entirely sure it would be worth it if you only have a limited time. It takes all day >_<
  • Bee
    That is sick dude ;D wow haha, am still finking about th part where you said em th fanclub fingy : question and proof haha, o-mydayz man thats is cool innit :)
  • Thanks for commenting :)
  • gsarinas
    wow, great info! I'm in Seoul for a few weeks, just finished my contract from working down south near masan.
    What days is music core on. I'm wanting to see if I can catch as many live performances as possible.
    So basically my best bet is to come to the mbc building in ilsan on the day and get in line?

    Thanks so much
  • gsarinas
    You're the best. You've been a big help! Sorry for all the questions.
    Can't wait to go this upcoming saturday? I think I'll stay at a jjimjilbang in Ilsan or stay with a friend who lives nearby this friday night so I can get there early saturday morning. What time does the taping actually start and when is it over by?
  • I honestly can't remember the times. If I do, I'll contact you :)
  • gsarinas
    Thanks for your reply and info on getting in to music core.
    What info do you have for getting into inkigayo and music bank. I know music bank is on fridays, some of my older students would tell me how they would always make sure to watch, but do you know locations and how to get in?

    Thanks again!
  • Don't know anything about Inki or Music Bank I'm afraid :(
  • Saturday :) Get there early and wait with your fingers and toes crossed~
  • mot
    hi! so do you have to pay anything to go and watch the show? =)
  • No, it's free to go there but you're not guaranteed to get in.
  • ej
    im planning to go there too.. since ill be visiting Korea next week.. what time did you go there? How long did you wait? I'm a foreigner.. I dont know anyone from Korea :( and I will be alone.. but I really want to... will it be possible for me? I wont stand out either because I'm asian, some people told me I look Korean actually...
  • Well, it'll be easier for you I think, ej :P
  • ej
    haha.. then i will go and try... is the building noticeable, I mean would it be easy to find? how long did you actually wait?
  • If you follow the directions, it's fairly easy to see with all the people crowding around it :P I waited about 6 hours in total, but you could get there later if you wanted.
  • ej
    wow thank you so much :) I would really pray I could get the same experience as you had.. :) God Bless!
  • Apple
    Hello again :3

    Wow that line was huge! I honestly didn't know concerts actually worked like that in Korea. I never got to go to one..but that seems such a pain to wait in. xD (Thanks for posting the directions to the MBC Music Core Building, must check that out soon :D)
  • Hey Apple :)

    You're welcome!
  • fsj
    hey
    i went to the mbc one love concert in december last year.. which the exact same as music core but celebrating christmas
    i got in cos my mothers uni friend is the PD for section tv.. and got me seats
    so i dont know how to go again... unless i ask him :s

    which fanclubs do you have to be apart of?
    like which fanclubs?
    xx
  • Hey fsj :)

    You just have to be a member of a fanclub of one of the acts that's performing that day. The bigger fanclubs get priority :)
  • wahhhh~
    i always wanted to go to korea and go to a concert ; i loveee dbsk ^^
    but too bad they're having problems with sm . i haven't heard the latest news on it but from where i left off, it was pretty bad.
    but when i go to a concert i hope they don't interview me. Hahah
    that interview you wrote was so funny! rofl
    and the video of the floor was pretty interesting also. it looks so shinee ;D
    .-= iv3kr´s last blog - G-Dragon/지드래곤 [Music Video] Heartbreaker =-.
  • Hi iv3kr.

    I hope that one day you get the chance to go there and enjoy a concert :)
  • kiaaki
    hey ;D
    I found your post really interesting and thank you so much for posting this <3 It's REALLY helpful ;DDD

    I have one question for you. You wrote that it's easier to get to the music shows if you're in faclub. Okay, it's logical. But I know that you can be in fanclub only if you're Korean or live in Korea. So here comes my question, do you know any ways to join to faclubs? I'm going to Korea soon and I thought that maybe there it can be easier to join. I don't know. If you know anything I'll grateful for any help ;D Sorry for bother you ;x
    Cheers!
  • Hi kiaaki. Thanks for dropping in :)

    Some fan clubs will allow you to join if you don't have a Korean ID number but some require it. You'll have to Google around for information on joining individual fan clubs because I really don't know.
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