Nam Woo Hyun Fan Meeting in Bangkok 2023 – A fangirl story
I wanted to meet Nam Woo Hyun in a fan meeting. If this happened, it will make one of my dreams came true.
This is what comes to my mind now that I’ll be writing about this new and amazing experience.
A little heads up, please forgive me if this story can be a little cringy, but I hope you have fun reading it.
I went to see Nam Woo Hyun in Bangkok for a fan meeting
How cool is it to see someone you adore up close? What would you feel? How would you react when you see them?
There are many reason a fan became a fan. Often times, fans are misunderstood as they do quite a lot of peculiar stuff, and sometimes they are being considered weird for liking someone who speaks a different language, or for buying merch. It’s understandable since everyone is unique and has their own likes and dislikes.
There are things only a fan can understand. If someone never had the same relatable experience or never became a fan, it can be a little cringey or strange. In context, how would someone understand something they never tried to understand or experience? With this in mind, I would love to share my very own story.
This is not the standard of being fan, but I hope you’ll find this interesting and feel free to consider this as a different perspective of a fan girl.
Just a little background on how I started fangirling for Infinite
2011, I was in my first year in college when I first saw Infinite’s Nothing’s Over music video. The melody is so catchy and their concept was kind of cute. I love the colorful outfits they wore in that music video.
I didn’t know much about Infinite back then, but I would consider that as the year I became an Inspirit (Infinite’s Fandom name).
3 years later, “Hi! School Love On” was aired. I was intrigued to watch it due to its storyline. At that age, I just love watching a school love story, so this was interesting for me. I immediately fell in love with Shin Woo Hyun’s character in this story.
While watching it, I realized that the main and secondary leads were Infinite’s members. From then on I think I watched all the available Infinite related videos I can find – especially those with English Subs. There were many shows to name and there’s never a dull moment if Infinite is in it.
Honestly, it was difficult for me to choose a favorite among the members as they were all uniquely cool, talented, and fun. Their personalities really complete one another. But one guy really made a special impact… that is Nam Woo Hyun. (I think I got struck quite a lot of the heart gestures he has been throwing “me” hahaha)
Nam Woo Hyun is Infinite’s main vocal. Aside from his charming vocals, high notes, flexible singing skills and he is also known for his bubbly personality. He invented a lot of heart gestures and he made the finger heart really famous.
He definitely knows the way to a fan’s heart. He knows what makes a fan really happy and excited. He is like a magnet that will draw you closer and this is proven that when you became an Inspirit, there’s no way out. That’s exactly what made me so loyal to Infinite.
2015, I was lucky enough to watch the Infinite Effect concert in Manila. It was the time that they were still complete as 7 members. I still clearly remember the amazing experience of seeing them sing live and dance together on stage. From then on, I dreamt of attending a fan meeting. I know it will be different than a concert.
Me being an international fan
As an international fan, I can’t help but get a little jealous sometimes of Korean fans as they do not need to wait for English Subs, also they get more chances to see the group when they have concerts, events, and fan meetings.
A long time has passed, and I’m still loving Infinite as they are. It’s crazy that despite some hiatus and waiting, I still can’t get over them. I feel like I’m part of their journey and we know each other (it’s just how I feel, and I am clearly aware of my limitation as a fan)
I think that’s what a fan does, being there to cheer for the group or person they cherished. It feels like you’re exchanging energy. I get inspired by watching them even from afar, and they also get inspired knowing there are fans out there waiting and cheering for them.
Nam Woo Hyun will have a fan meeting in Bangkok, Thailand
Jumping to January 2023 when it was publicly announced that Nam Woo Hyun (my ultimate bias) will hold a fan meeting in Bangkok. I wasn’t prepared for this as I just had many expenses from my recent trip. I told myself that I can’t go (Maybe some other time?).
The ticket selling commenced on January 25, 2023, and I didn’t check Ticketmelon (the site where to buy the tickets online) at all. I kind of accepted that I will not be able to attend this fan meeting. I need to consider both the ticket price, as well as the flight expense if I go.
The next day, January 26, 2023, I dared to check the website just to see the cost of the ticket. When I logged in, there is a vacant seat just near the stage which feels like calling out to me.
That seat feels like waiting for me.
I started imagining myself being there and watching him so close. Knowing Nam Woo Hyun, I know he’d love to get closer to his fans and I felt like that was a great spot to watch him.
I was thinking that I might regret not going for it. I do not wish to be regretful especially now that I have this chance. I mean previously, fan meeting like this were always too far or only held in a country where Visa is required for me. That moment felt like I forgot about everything and just proceeded to buy the ticket.
I was very excited! I’m giggling and jumping knowing that I will finally see him up close.
It happened, I bought the ticket so I started looking for flights. I decided to get a late-night flight on March 11, 2023, so I can still work during the day (Need funds so I have to work hehe), then fly to Bangkok at night. I also started filing for a leave of absence.
It was later on when I found out about the fan benefits and I got even more excited to know that there is a 1:1 photo session with Nam Woo Hyun on stage. I want that! It would be so special if I can have this chance.
Waiting for the D-day!
Day by day made me more excited for this trip. It will be very special for me because I will be meeting my ultimate favorite. I can’t wait for any interaction I could have with him. Surely, it will be different from my experience watching him in the concert last time. I know for sure that I never want to miss this opportunity.
I’ve been praying to be one of the lucky winners to get the 1:1 photo with Nam Woo Hyun on stage. The winners was announced on March 01, 2023, at 6:00 PM (+GMT 7).
When that day comes, it made me so nervous. I’m scared to check the list of winners. I know I’ll be happy for all fans who will win, but I will also feel envious for sure.
I was there slowly scrolling down the Twitter thread and hoping to win that 1:1 photo. I checked the list of winners really carefully. I saw the seat beside me, in front, and at the back of my seat won, but not mine. I don’t know the exact feeling at that moment but I still tried to look over and over again. Imagine being surrounded of winners, I’m about to really sob…
Until I reached the bottom of the thread and saw my seat! OMG! I WON THE 1:1 PHOTO! Was it for real?
🎉🎉🎉5,500🎉🎉🎉
— Nam Woo Hyun Fan Meeting in Bangkok 2023 (@NamWooHyun_BKK) March 1, 2023
ขอโทษที่ลงช้าพอดี Admin แบตหมดอย่าว่ากันน้า 🙏 🥺 เค้าขอโทษน้า pic.twitter.com/g8mtpPpCxY
Believe me, I cried! It was a mixed emotion of being so happy and it was bizarre!
How can I not be excited about that moment? I can’t stop thinking about it at all.
Tell me I’m crazy, but I sure was!
Some days felt fast and some weren’t, I do not even know. I just really look forward to this day to come. I’ve been thinking of the things I wanted to tell him. I wish I had learned the Korean language better so I can communicate with him when an opportunity comes.
As an appreciation gesture, I decided to prepare a small gift for him and I decided to include a sweetums letter in it. Thanks to Papago (translator application), I was able to get my letter translated into Korean.
I just hope the translation didn’t mess it up hahaha
On the way to see Nam Woo Hyun in Bangkok, Thailand
Finally! It’s the night of the flight to Bangkok.
It was a crazy hectic day for me since I still have work and I had to make sure everything is all set before heading to the airport.
I’m so full of excitement and I can’t contain myself giggling at the idea that one of my dreams is coming to life – attending a fan meeting.
I arrived in Bangkok safely. Nothing much to share at this point (I just knew I was breathing the same air with him lol)
Since I slept late, I also woke up a little late. The day before was very exhausting. I immediately prepared to head to the venue in Chaengwattana Hall where Nam Woo Hyun will have his fan meeting. It was about 15 walk from the hostel I stayed at, so I know I have enough time to get there and still be on time for the actual show time.
It took me a while to find the actual location since the map is guiding me around the building and I can’t seem to find the actual entrance (I didn’t know I can enter from the mall – hahaha I just learned about it later on). I eventually get there and I saw the fans arriving.
The first thing I did is to take my entrance card with my seat number on it. I also got a digitally signed poster, the drawstring pouch, the lucky draw stub, 1:1 photo stub, hi-touch and photo group stub.
After that, I went upstairs to see what was happening. I saw the different merch such as the photos and rings, as well as the lucky draw box.
It was still considered early so I decided to take the poster and pouch back to the hostel, and grab brunch.
Before coming back, I was able to meet a lady who went to the fan meeting to support her friend (another Inspirit) and I think that was very sweet.
While at the hostel, I made sure my phone has enough battery charge because I know I’ll be recording as much as I can. I also brought a power bank to make sure I’m prepared in case my phone is about to die.
Around 2:00 PM, I decided to get back and find new Inspirit friends at the venue.
When I reached the venue, there were more people there. I went to give fan support area where I gave my simple gift. (It was really sweet because the staff offered to take a photo of me with my gift, and I found the photo on the link they shared with us.)
After giving the gift, I do not know what to do or whom to approach. I was walking around and speaking in Tagalog, saying “May Pinoy ba dito?” (Are there Filipinos here?)
The funny thing is no one responded. Oh my!
I sat in one corner, and basically, just watch the people walking around. Until there were two (2) ladies standing in front of me and seems to be looking for a place to sit, so I invited them to sit beside me. I thought they were friends at first but they were siblings. They’re Thai Inspirits but they traveled quite a long drive to be at that fan meeting event. They were very friendly and they also gave me a gift – that was adorable.
We chatted about meeting Infinite and some other fan stuff until a lady next to me asked “Pinoy ka?” (Are you a Filipino?). It felt very nice to meet a Filipina fan there, and we were able to chat a few things about how we became Inspirit.
As a fan girl, this is an incredible experience to get a sense of belongingness. I felt good to be around the people with the same interest as mine. Not long after, another Inspirit came and gave me a cute sprout pin to wear at the event.
I still walked around, went to drop my lucky draw entry, then I met another girl. She went to the fan meeting by herself. She showed me her Yeobong (Infinite Official Lightstick) which I’m so jealous about because I don’t have one.
Imagine, the event hasn’t even started but the experience was already awesome!
The fan meeting’s show time is about to begin!
At 3:00 PM, they already let us enter the hall and my heart became more excited. I know in a few I will see Nam Woo Hyun Oppa! hahaha (my fan girl heart feels like bouncing as I write this portion)
I kind of entered the hall along with the first batch of people, so the hall is still empty and I still have to find where my seat is.
I had the chance to walk around, take some pictures, and just had fun talking with some other Inspirits who were looking for their seats. It was also nice to exchange social media with these new friends I have met.
Everything is becoming more exciting!
I didn’t notice how much time I spent walking around the hall. I also don’t remember when was the time I settled myself in my seat. I think I socialize quite a lot at that event. Haha
Then the lights were dimmed…
It was the sign that showtime is about to begin…
The moment of excitement became more apparent, the fans were screaming and were very enthusiastic to see the celeb of the day – Nam Woo Hyun!
The Secret Hotel Namu opening VCR was played, and Nam Woo Hyun looks so cool in the video. My heart is pounding at this point. Right after the VCR, I saw Nam Woo Hyun’s silhouette! Waaaah!
This is it! It’s real!
Nam Woo Hyun is in front of me and the fan meeting event began.
Frankly, I do not know how to put the feelings in words, but I was just really happy. After the long wait (2015 when I saw him during the concert), I’m seeing the same energetic, bubbly, and best in fan service Nam Woo Hyun.
I was in awe watching him and I was fangirling a lot. I can’t contain my happiness, which can be heard in the videos I have recorded.
It was so great to see him up close because it was a dream come true. I was truly mesmerized by that moment. There was an unbelieving feeling that I was there.
What happened during Nam Woo Hyun’s fan meeting in Bangkok?
A lot!
There were two (2) lucky fans who received a flower directly from him while being serenaded by Flower and I Love You (사랑해) songs. (You can watch the fancams below)
He performed a total of 8 songs:
Then the fan benefits started. The MC of the day gave blankets. Some fans also had a chance to play staring contests where Woo Hyun always lost against his fans (hahaha), some fans received a shirt from him, and some fans received canvas photos of him on stage.
A very special moment when Woo Hyun was gifted by the Thai fans of a sweet video. It was a wonderful moment to be part of the Inspirit project where we show him the slogan A saying “Waiting for 6 years” then when he turned his back we replied with “Ko Ma Wo” and “Sa Rang Hae” then we showed him the slogan B. As always, Woo Hyun can be a crybaby at times and we T_T made him cry again.
He also expressed his message to his fans afterward.
After he performed his last song for this event, the 1:1 photo with him started! I was very excited. I was watching him following the kind of pose his fans wanted to make, and he’s very enthusiastic too.
I was thinking of the pose I wanted to do and the things I wanted to tell him. We weren’t allowed to take a photo on stage using our phones, and due to time constraints, the photo session will be done quickly.
Despite that, Woo Hyun still gives a small talk to fans and a hug after taking the photo. He’s true to his nickname to be best in fan service.
(I can still remember the feeling of this moment)
When it was my turn, I don’t know what happened to me. All the things I practiced to say have just gone in the wind.
I was happy seeing him and waving my hands to say “Hello” while approaching him. He also waved back, and he was smiling at me.
I was starstruck!
I do not remember looking at the camera, or even what pose I was making. I just know I was too happy to get that chance to see him. That photo session was a bonus!
Of all the words I wanted to say, I just thanked him twice. Omg!
The hug afterward is comforting. It felt like an acknowledgment and appreciation for being there, cheering for him, and simply being an Inspirit. A hug from a person you adore from afar feels different.
I can’t describe it in words at all.
I went down the stage and watch the other fans get their photos taken too. I also mingled with other fans I’ve met there. It was also really fun to see Woo Hyun play on the stage from time to time.
Every time he got a little free time, like when waiting for the fans to go on stage, he would be dancing, goofing, or singing. As always, he’s being Nam Woo Hyun whom we know.
After the 1:1 photo session, the poster signing on stage began. I can’t believe Woo Hyun’s energy that day, he signed the posters on stage for each fan who won the signed poster. Then there was another photo session for a group of fans. I had another chance to go on stage and take a group photo with him at 1:10.
After taking the photo, he waved to each fan. I even took this chance to really call his attention saying “Oppa!” and he looked at me. I can’t say any more words but I waved at him.
The fan meeting is about to end…
Everything was going so fast at this point. More and more fans were going up the stage for the group photo session. We know that the fan meeting event is about to end.
There were many fans that day and everyone was privileged for the final benefit – hi-touch. Woo Hyun didn’t fail to smile at anyone.
Despite all the activities that day, he really gave his fans the best fan service possible.
Even after the hi-touch session, I stayed and waited until I see him go inside the hall. Nam Woo Hyun thanked the fan meeting organizers and staff as he entered the hall.
It simply meant that the event already ended.
Will I see him again? Of course!
At this time, I was contemplating what to do. I wanted to look for the people I met during the event, but there were just many people and for some reason, my roaming data wasn’t working. Bad timing!
While trying to figure out what to do, I saw the fans waiting nearby the lift and I assumed that’s probably where Nam Woo Hyun will exit. I thought might as well stay and wait there. Seeing him once more will be great!
@marezvirtucio This was after the #NamWooHyunFanMeetinginBKK ♬ original sound – Marez Virtucio
The wait was worth it.
I saw him again and I was able to wish him to take care. He waved to all of us and I think he took his mask off to show his face to his fans once more, but the door already went closed.
I will never forget this encounter. I’m very grateful I had the chance to meet him and I felt the certainty I stan the right guy.
(For Filipinos only: Hindi nalang taga-sanaol hahaha)
He’s too precious to me and I wish him to stay healthy. The Comeback Solo with Nam Woo Hyun Fan Meeting was definitely successful.
If another chance came, I would want to see him again. Let me recover from the expenses first, please… hehe
@marezvirtucio Took me some time but here's my mini vlog about the #NamWooHyunFanMeetinginBKK Definitely a wonderful memory for me 😍 Read more here: https://marezvirtucio.com/nam-woo-hyun-fan-meeting-in-bangkok-2023-a-fangirl-story/ #NamWooHyun #InfiniteKpop #인피니트 #Inspirit #SecretHotelNamu #남우현 #남우현namwoohyun #남우현사랑해 ♬ 사랑해 – Nam Woo Hyun