A unique aspect of K-Pop fan culture is the many different lightsticks that represent the groups and their fans.
K-Pop concerts are known for the colorful “oceans” of light created by the artists’ respective glowsticks. For example, Behind the scenes They are known for their purple ocean, BLACKPINK for their pink, and GOT7 AND NCT for their green. Glow sticks are a fun part of the K-Pop concert experience. So, fans often bring their own or purchase them on-site if they are available.
That purple ocean. photo.twitter.com/QOrPSZVUap
— Spring Day (@I_Am_Spring_Day) May 12, 2023
Bammm we are by your side, for better or for worse. You are the brightest light in the green ocean of lights @BamBam1Aphoto.twitter.com/LJ7BNXEs8p
— Gloria 💚🔗💎🚩 (@BamJWahgase) September 10, 2024
Lovesick girls in the pink ocean 🥹🥹🥹🥹 photo.twitter.com/6R8MiC3UJD
— Tobias🧟♂️Mia’s Zombie🩼 (@allmyglows_) October 27, 2022
Because glow sticks are custom-made for each group and are meant to represent their fandom, some fans feel that it is inappropriate and even disrespectful to bring another artist’s glow stick to someone’s concert. It is a common discussion within the K-Pop community as to whether or not it is good manners to bring another artist’s glow stick to a concert.
Candy Bong Z so cute 😍
©️ photo.twitter.com/OQ7AhvHpan
— Kate (@yoursnewjitwice) October 2, 2022
Isn’t it a matter of decency not to bring another band’s light with you when you go to a concert…
— laughs (@vocalsoob) October 30, 2022
“we don’t have enough money to buy another lightstick” ok then use your phone flashlight BUT if you really can’t then don’t use anything I promise it’s impossible for them to have a black ocean because they have more than enough fans who own their official ls
— laughs (@vocalsoob) October 30, 2022
lightiny remains one of the most beautiful lightsticks ever photo.twitter.com/UShp0U1UTi
— ★ (@HONGSMINGKI) October 25, 2022
This conversation was recently sparked after NCT’s light stick, the NEOBONG, was brought to a concert for THE BOYS.
The BOYZ are currently in BOYZ WORLD TOUR 2024: ZENERATION Ⅱ.
[📸] THE BOYZ WORLD TOUR: ZENERATION Ⅱ in KUALA LUMPUR🇲🇾
KUALA LUMPUR THE B❗️ We can’t wait for our first meeting😆#BOYS #theboyz#ZENERAZIONE2 #Generation2#ZENERATION2_in_KUALALUMPUR photo.twitter.com/bI2bbFDtvi
— THE BOYZ (@IST_THEBOYZ) September 7, 2024
A concertgoer and his friend angered THE BOYZ fans by reportedly wearing a TREASURE T-shirt and bringing an NCT glowstick to THE BOYZ concert, while enjoying VIP perks like hi-touch.
I mean the glow stick itself is not a problem, but it’s not surprising that some people find it weird to bring the glow stick and other artists’ shirt in front of the members at a hi touch event… but that’s just my opinion!! https://t.co/VOhxaWYDrR photo.twitter.com/TbUOtYYYRw
— mau 🍉 (@jellyiren) September 9, 2024
If you had a better conscience, you wouldn’t have shown up with an NCT glow stick and a TREASURE t-shirt to a THE BOYZ concert. Not only were you and your friend screaming and running around in the pit, but you also had a hitouch session where TBZ could see your t-shirt. https://t.co/0UFHSxZWtI
— 💐 (@cobmilove) September 9, 2024
The “guilty” concert-goers received threats as a result. Then, @MythicalCT_YT on X (formerly Twitter) shared an apology letter, revealing that they had brought an NCT glow stick to THE BOYZ (also known as TBZ) in Malaysia. They apologized after realizing that it had offended someone.
#TBZinKL #TBZinMIO #TBZ #ZENERAZIONE2inKL
Hi, we are the people who brought NCT’s glow stick to TBZ’s concert in Malaysia and we are here to apologize. photo.twitter.com/9OVsE1t4cR— Mythical (@MythicalCT_YT) September 8, 2024
The post went viral, with 1.7 million views as of this writing. Many defended it, believing that their actions were not serious enough to warrant such a reaction.
Many netizens have pointed out that glow sticks can be expensive, and since fans may belong to multiple K-Pop fandoms, they may not be able to afford each group’s glow stick. Some believe that it is better for concertgoers to bring any glow stick they want to be part of the experience. It is also a great way to prevent a “black ocean,” which is usually an organized protest by a performing artist when the audience turns off their glow sticks.
when you realize that it literally doesn’t matter what glow stick you bring to a concert, what matters is that you have fun and what matters to the artist is that the seat is filled💀 not everyone can afford a glow stick for every concert after spending hundreds of dollars on a ticket https://t.co/hX9QdKP6go
— darling 🍯 (@starsforkevin) September 9, 2024
Some fans also believe that during a concert there should be at least one NCT lightstick in the audience.
if i go to a concert and i DON’T see a neobong then i know something is wrong with the universe, the balance is off https://t.co/yp70UZQYf1
— ★⁵ azu⁷ ✢ I saw ateez! (@satoruslander) September 9, 2024
It’s really a kpop concert if you don’t see a neobong in the crowd https://t.co/apcEFHO86p
— Giulia 🌟 (@PabbitHeart) September 9, 2024
Also PAPER‘S BM He jumped into the debate… to promote his lightstick, suggesting it’s a good option for multis.
BTG glowsticks are suitable for any group with a member of the Big Tiddie gang 😉 I hope https://t.co/DxyDjsogd3
— BM (@_bigmatthewww) September 10, 2024
Many K-Pop idols appreciate people who simply come out and support their concerts. Some have even drawn attention to other fandoms, expressing their gratitude. Read more below.
5 K-Pop Idols Who Approved of Spectators Bringing Other Groups’ Glow Sticks to Their Concerts
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