I am not a K-Pop fan but I have to admit that Akaraka Festival is the only event where I can enjoy K-Pop. Apparently, two of the top universities in South Korea, Yonsei University and Korea University, always rival to each other through some sport games which are held in fall semester. While in the spring both of the universities, as well as other universities, host music festival which is called Akaraka for Yonsei university and Ipsilenti for Korea university. I am also not sure why only two universities rival to each other, I guess there is a hidden history, but what I know is, they never really hate each other. But because both of the universities are on the top 2 rankings, they make it look like they rival to each other.
Basically, Akaraka is the cheerleading slogan of Yonsei University and Yonsei university named their festival Akaraka, which is usually held in the midst of May and it begins some time between 5pm. Akaraka is more than just a music festival, it is like a huge party in a big outdoor amphitheater where all students have to wear blue t-shirts, which is Yonsei's color. (while Korea university's color is red). The main event is actually the K-Pop concert where many famous singers and group bands are invited. Before the singers come up on the stage, Akaraka is opened with performance from some clubs following with the cheerleading performance from Yonsei cheerleaders where all of the audiences sing and dance together with them. Most of the students have already known the songs and the movement since they are all trained to learn it during the freshman orientation LOL. They train really hard and keep jumping around keeping the atmosphere really high. It’s really enjoyable dancing and doing actions and singing along to the cheers.
Below are the performances in 2018.
1. HyukOh 혁오: Tomboy; Wi Ing Wi Ing; Wonderful Barn; 와리가리/Comes & Goes
I would say Indie band is not really a thing in Korea but HyukOh is one of the most well-known indie band that was formed in 2014. I heard Hyukoh's musical style has been noted for its departure from the highly produced pop music that generally defines the Kpop genre.
2. iKON: Love Scenario; B-Day; Bling Bling; My Type; Rhythm Ta
iKON is a boy band formed in 2015 by YG Entertainment. The group was first introduced in the reality survival program WIN: Who is Next as "Team B". After that, Team B went on to appear in the 2014 reality survival program Mix & Match, which determined the final seven-member of iKON.
3. Zico 지코: FANXY CHILD + Artist; ANTI; Okey Dokey; I Am You, You Are Me; Boys and Girls; Eureka; Say Yes or No
Zico is a rapper, record producer, singer-songwriter, and leader of the boy group Block-B. Zico is notable for his successful crossover skills in the Korean hip hop scene, maintaining an underground reputation along with mainstream appeal as a Korean idol. He is also a producer of both K-pop and Korean hip hop music.
4. Suzy 수지: I Love Someone Else; SObeR; Pretend; 연세여 사랑한다 (One of Yonsei's cheerleading songs)
Suzy is a singer and actress and she was a member of the girl group Miss-A under JYP Entertainment. The first time I knew her is from the drama "Dream High" and that's the first Korean drama that successfully made me binge watch Korean dramas LOL.
5. Sunmi: Gashina; Heroine; Full Moon; 24 Hours
Sunmi debuted in 2007 as a member of South Korean girl group Wonder Girls and left the group in January 2010 to pursue an academic career.
6. Psy 싸이: Entertainer; Father; It's Art
Psy is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Psy is known domestically for his humorous videos and stage performances, and internationally for his hit single "Gangnam Style".
The festival was ended with the colorful fireworks and Akaraka was always mind-blowing! I have to admit that Akaraka festival was probably the highlight of my 4-year study in Yonsei university :P
> When? In the midst of May, usually the second week (it is changed every year)
2019 SCHEDULE: 2019 May 17
> Where? Yonsei University Amphitheater (노천극장)
> How to get the ticket?
For Yonsei full-time student: it is usually distributed by the student council of each department, first-come first-served basis! (2019 schedule: April 12~30, depends on each department)
For non-full time students (Exchange Students and Students enrolled at Yonsei KLI) : there are two ways to get the ticket; online (personal) ticketing (lottery basis) or offline ticketing (first-come first-served basis).
>> Personal Ticketing
Ticketing Application: May 3rd at 10 AM until May 5th 8PM
Result Announcement: May 7th
Ticket Distribution-SONGDO: May 13th 7-8PM at Y-Plaza
Ticket Distribution-SINCHON: May 13-14th 7-8PM at Room 207 Auditorium (under the cheerleader room) 대강당 207호 응원단실 밑 데스크
>> Offline Ticketing: May 15th at Room 207 Auditorim, Sinchon Campus only (대강당 207호 응원단실 밑 데스크)
Details on: oia.yonsei.ac.kr and akaraka.yonsei.ac.kr (Korean only)
> How much? In 2018, the ticket was KRW 11,000 //
2019 Ticket: KRW 13,000 (cash only and bring your student ID!)
P.S: The tickets are really really difficult to get, so attract good luck!
Check out some videos made by Yonsei YVAC
-. Hyukoh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfG-brSinII