I will say…82 World was a ride. Of course there are a lot of good moments. Life is like that. But there was a ton I think will be helpful to look for and correct for next time. Because I am sure, no matter what, there will be a next time.

Disclaimer: don’t mistake this with our series ‘F10$$’ this one is just commentary. We will not get into details like we do with that series. There we will break down prices, review the park, as well as the event in much more detail. Look out for it soon! Secondly this is a talk piece and purely our opinion. If you are offended by opinions, I suggest checking out our other articles with a more lighthearted vibe. This is not sponsored and the tone would not change regardless. I am going to talk a lot, so grab a snack or two and get ready for an unfiltered talk!

I really had high hopes though this was their first festival. I covered it a while ago when the announcement came out! We can talk about my predictions and looking back later. The thing is, since it is your first, you had time to do the research. You have done fan events in the past, I am sure more are upcoming, so what made this one different? I truly think, not listening to the sole thing that makes you, you. The fans. Your fans! Many of us have supported you as you were supposedly there for us. A lot of your content helped us learn some groups better. For example, you showed it over and over on your screens (which at least play full episodes (gives you views and gives us variety). Especially Ateez, some of my favorite content was from you. And even before the lineup, I thought the connection ran so deep they would be there, and I was right.

I had a strong opinion of you and now I am not so sure. The thing is, you shouldn’t have high expectations as you most likely will be let down. But Hello 82…I need you to do better. Not for me, but for you. I know that you can do it, but now you have a lot to clean up. Seriously.

Today, I just want to rant to you. And let’s use this as a therapy session. And feel free to correct me as well. And also give you experience good or bad, or a little in between!

PEOPLE (again) *sigh*

I cannot speak for a mass majority of people. But I didn’t have the best experience there. One of the reasons was simple. People. People make or break an experience.

Minus all of the sweet people I met. You really made me and my group’s day! And I hope we find each other again soon in another event! As well as everyone we got to give freebies to! I hope you enjoyed them. Also a perk: 82 World let us bring them in and let people give them out! I overheard Day 1 I guess there were some problems, but I don’t know too much about that. That is fandom culture stuff and should be allowed at any concert, festival, or show! This is how we show love for our artist, and show love to the fans. It gives them keepsakes and it’s just a beautiful time.

The funny thing is, it feels like you need people to make this fun. Like a group will help you go far! Seriously. You could get a lot more done as well. Looking out especially on day 1, it was so cinematic. It was a beautiful place to have a festival like this! It looked like a picnic and I was just so happy! Even when I was drained, I looked back and said “this was so fun and beautiful. I am going to do this again tomorrow, but better”. I should’ve done what I said I would do and check out everything, but the lines were so long. It was a novelty for everyone so no one had a game plan. By the end of the night, it looks gross because people don’t know how to clean up. Have some decorum people please!

I had no problems with most of the staff at all. But there were some who made it annoying. Same with MCs. I didn’t like when they didn’t want the rest of the crowd to participate when the ones selected didn’t know the answer. Have more questions prepared then for the MCs to ask. The MC’s did well even when the acts didn’t really want to participate. Speaking of which, I love seeing the idols speak on what they were feeling. And calling out certain things. It was hot, windy sometimes, dusty, and overall was draining. So let’s be real, everyone was tired.

PEOPLE (again) *sigh*

People in the crowd suck. Like unless you act with manners, some of your ways make you a crappy person. Knowing you or not. Like the lines were already bad. Holding a place for a whole group of people or chain linking yourselves together was so disrespectful. Even Disneyland doesn’t even allow that. Why would you think it’s okay to do? Also some people were rude about the way they were dancing, standing and laying on the floor. And when someone needs to go past, they act like it’s the worst thing in the world. The crowd was unhygienic. Most of it was a choice. Like it smelled of strong odor, urination, and defecation at some point. And me being queasy, that was a bad combo.

People were literally laying down spread across the grass. Security should have been in the pit to check them, I’m sorry. Because they had no remorse for people who had to cross through. There should be more exits also by the end of the night so people can enter. Sure the beginning when the barricade is “sacred” it shouldn’t be open, but later in the day? We need to leave out in multiple places. Walking over everyone and their blankets + bags really sucked.

STAGED EVEN OFF-STAGE?

I felt like everything felt staged even though the stage was what we were trying to see. Like we had to redo reactions so many times and also had the artist redo their lines multiple times. And the spoken idols (because being “outspoken” would be a reach when idols barely get a chance to express themselves), kept shading when they got a chance to. Or even apologizing on the behalf of the ones who kept making us film these things (in a lighthearted way). Most of the idols were also concerned about our lack of water intake and the peak heat. And the staff was great with this too, especially day 2. They kept us hydrated at least in our experience. And one of the highlights of the day was that Pocari Sweat water! It was expensive, but so worth it. Food in general was expensive. But back to the staging part.

Everything felt like it was for profit and reuse rights. I know we acknowledged that everything would be filmed. But seriously, it felt like everything was filmed. You got people running to the barricade and almost knocking them over, which is completely contradictory to what you had a group tell us for the rules. A lot of contradictions happened. People somehow had tripods, foldable chairs, umbrellas, different types of bags (size and color) and so much more that was different from what was told to us. Most of the staff getting content was so nice. Some of them were so adorable while trying to get us to be hyped. They were respectful (from what I saw when people were getting recorded). They were only doing their jobs and I appreciate them.

Lines…lines…and more lines

Security lines were short and thorough. Once they started moving. Like they seem like they didn’t look much, but I did see even for myself, them asking questions about different items to see if they are okay. So I respect that. Especially, the second day. The first day one of them were hangry and just wanted to go home so they even combined all of our lines which really set me off. I paid for club 82 for a reason, your lunch unfortunately is not going to equate to my ticket. Mind you, they delayed the lines by like 30 minutes because they weren’t ready (announced on their story). So that was even less you had to do right then. And I am hungry too, but you don’t see me upset (even when I am at work).

Everyone deserves to eat and they should’ve had water and snacks for them in the front to get a quick bite just so this doesn’t happen. Food lines weren’t that long and had many tasty options. Tbh I didn’t try much, just because it was hard trying to grabs something especially by the second day. Because you have to try to go back to your spot and people hog every square footage and is so rude about it. I got a drink spilled on me and I was almost spilling drinks on others multiple times that day.

Oh the bathroom was down in the club 82 line at some point, allegedly from what I heard…so people went to use the other bathroom which probably made more lines. Also I heard those are nice bathrooms, so that was a good perk!

People definitely camped which we saw immediately after day 1 was done. Not shocking as we saw this for KCON as well. I will not sound off here. We will talk on a Uncomfy Cushion. Just know, you are not looked at in a good light. IDC. I am not sure if it was not honored like it was supposed to, but these people had a mission and I am sure they got it. Also… people were still up to their antics of not letting idols have an off switch. Following their cars, seeing them go away from the stages (behind the gates), and “accidentally” bumping into them. They have to be stopped seriously. If it was an accident, fine. But they deserve an off switch. They looked tired af.

Also I couldn’t even go to most of the things. I did not go to the Mercari trading booth, the zones, or most of the other fun things because I was too stressed about losing my spot. Which is my fault, but these massive groups of line cutters were wild. I wonder if there was a group chat or something. Because they were on schedule and had a game plan. It’s not even funny. The most likely were behind you and by the end of the night in front of you no hesitation. Though it was annoying in the moment, high key, y’all system really worked out. Next time, just implement some manners in there and I won’t be too offended.

One cool thing is that by the end of the night, all of the zones were still standing so if you really wanted to still see them, you could. I just wish they were more massive than what I saw. Most things felt like a “here you go.” “happy?” kind of vibe.

Elephantidae

We have to address the elephant in the room. The ADA situation. Like we could’ve done better. And we didn’t. Especially after people tell you. I am not saying everyone felt the way that people had to unfortunately encounter, but the people they did and they were aggressive about their responses and actions is absolutely unacceptable. You definitely could have done something about that. And you should have done research from the other festivals you would love to grow into or grow more than. And looking at video proof of this, it’s not looking good for y’all. I am terribly disappointed and I am sure the acts you brought if they learn of this, they will be too.

Okay update!

41 minutes ago, they did address this with an apology. So it looks like they are trying to make it right. From a past experience with a separate event (and company), I just know that it’s difficult to make something “right” because there isn’t really much you can do. All of the artist probably left already, the event is over, and most people are left feeling humiliated or empty all together. And this impression was given to many others as well. So, this is going to take a lot for them to correct, but an apology is a start.

The rest of the safari!

Let’s talk second day. Because I think that might be much worse to be honest. Everyone camped the pit due to how it was set up. To end the second day, you used the first day’s intro. “See you tomorrow”. What for? Clean up? Please be so fr. Actually I found it funny. However, it really represented how last minute this felt. No one was truly prepared. I think everyone felt like they were winging it. And to be fair we had no updates about the festival until it was closer in. Many people thought it wasn’t even going to happen. Like there were doubts to the very end. Even your maps and timelines came out late. I would love to hear the explanation of why it took so long to start updating.

Then you start giving out discounts and other incentives for purchasing tickets, instead of rewarding the ones who believed in your vision and backed it. I think it was purely ridiculous. You’re truly rewarded the undeserving.

Even with certain challenges such as the ‘Bad’ challenge. You rewarded people where others should’ve had the chance. Non-Atiny’s and people who gloated about winning and not knowing the choreo is wild. And we can argue the Non-Atiny thing. Because you didn’t really ask for that as a qualification. But people that did have to dance. And you asked initially. Then you extend the time—which, by the way was disrespectful for those punctual, and then say “nah you don’t have to do the video submission, just apply. I want to know if you got accepted into any challenges, where and when you applied. And on what platform did you submit a video. I am curious. Let me know if you are comfortable sharing, because a lot of people were complaining in that comment section. And some were able to do both challenges. The This or That game and the Bad Mega Dance Challenge.

To say, apply even if you didn’t do the dance was giving desperate. As if you didn’t have enough applicants. I say this because there was a majority of Atiny complaining in your comment section about how they didn’t get in. When there was someone online saying they applied and didn’t even know it. That is so irritating to hear. And when we were watching it on livestream, you didn’t even highlight many people. Same for the random play dance. Just a few handfuls of people. And to be fair camera operators do this a lot. Many of them like the take or think it’s a good shot. But for this, the story should’ve been all Atiny. Atiny is a diverse group. The story should be for “all” of your fans.

But let me go back to my point about watching it. The livestream was an addition I don’t agree with. Yes it was cool, but maybe as a replay. It was hard to get people to go there if they could camp the pit the whole time. Also not spreading out the acts enough really ruined this more. The blanket situation was cute until people made it their living room. The livestream took away the one part that was interesting, going to different sides of the part. Unless it was for ADA, it shouldn’t have been added. I think many elements ruined the fun in it.

I think the units should have been spread out as well. Because most people camped it because most people were trying to see most of the units and sacrificed seeing the others which sucked. The best they could’ve done was make it harder for people to pick. Or if you were going to film it, put most acts (if not all) on all of the other stage. The people would care to go to that one. I think that would be better tbh. Then they can play the replay somewhere else. Again, next time read my email…I have pretty good ideas.

At least you can do is research what makes a good festival. The least you can do. And listen to the concerns in the comments. Listening to your audience is important. They were telling you. And many emailed you. I emailed for different reasons and still didn’t get a response. It takes time to make things great. That’s life, but if you have a fanbase, time, and money to do so, you do it.

I want to let you know, I was not offended because I was not allowed to cover it. I was upset because I paid my hard-earned money (like I always do and will continue to do (and that we all do)), and got one of the worst experiences I had in a while.

Lineups were good, but not equal. Many felt rushed. Especially the girl groups and Be:First. Side note: I noticed some of y’all energy too, you are whack for mistreating groups. Either leave the pit (which some of y’all did…yuck), or don’t sit down and start scrolling. I noticed there was some fansites too, each act is valuable, but I guess not to you. That was not cool at all. Anyways back to the actual stars of the night! Everything was on a tight schedule and even the staff ran for their lives each time that fire 82 World intro played. It was fascinating how fast they could go! I respect them a ton.

FInal thoughts

One thing this taught me is, I do not want to attend festivals, unless my expectations are truly low. So I do appreciate knowing that. Because most festivals aren’t that good. We only like the lineups and that’s where they get us. The price was right, we got to see a lot of artist. And if you are really in the scene of their music, you will succeed in this kind of festival. it is very appealing. I was able to discover so many awesome artists this time around.

The only thing I really got out of it was dehydration, debt, and a ton of doubts about the next one. Because I know this will not be the last one. And there are many people saying they had a blast. Which, you know, I am happy for them. But the amount of people I saw who didn’t saddens my heart. If this was truly an event for “all” fans, it should’ve acted like one.

There wasn’t enough to tell me this was about fans. It felt more like a cash grab wrapped as a festival. I really had a strong opinion of Hello82 initially (especially their content), but seeing how this plays out, I am not so sure anymore. I hope that there will be a festival that truly caters to all fans and celebrates ALL fans. But it’s easier said than done, but all I know is that they better do some research.

Written by: A.P.