We were thankful it wasn’t raining. A chilling breeze rustled as SONEs waited patiently around the Best Buy store in Union Square. Armed with blankets, music, and any other form of entertainment, SONEs showed nothing short of sheer determination to camp out in the cold for the sake of seeing Girls’ Generation. Around midnight, a crowd was beginning to gather and before we knew it, we had formed an unofficial line up hours before expected. As the minutes slowly ticked away, SONEs passed time by bonding with each other. The more energetic ones began singing to their favorite Girls’ Generation song, while others simply huddled together for quick power naps. Through the exchange of short conversations, this fandom never ceases to astonish me with its diversity. It’s truly amazing how one event, no matter how small or how short, it can act as a magnet that draws SONEs together. One thousand people from countless cities were present that morning in an attempt to get a yellow wristband that guaranteed a spot for the fan sign event. Only three hundred were able to make the cut.
It wouldn’t have been hard to believe that the seven hundred who didn’t make the limit would just forget about the event and move on with their lives. No, when SONEs began lining up again two hours before the start of the fan sign, the number of people seemed to have increased. Despite the fact that many would never make it to see Girls’ Generation, that didn’t stop them from showing their support. This was Girls’ Generation’s debut on American soil, and SONEs wanted to do everything in their power to spread their love for these nine girls. As the fans waited in front of the store again, SONEs came back with posters and signs. Reporters and curious bystanders stopped to take pictures and ask about the event. They were intrigued. Who in the world was present inside Best Buy to have hundreds of people flock around the store, chanting and cheering? Each and every person standing in this crowd may have come from a different corner of the world; however, at this moment we were able to unite as one. We were able to unite with one predominant thought in mind: We were so proud of Girls’ Generation for coming so far and finally being recognized as a worldwide idol group. SONEs were so proud of them.
As security began to usher those with wristbands into the store, a long line was formed for those without wristbands—a glimmer of hope for a chance to see Girls’ Generation. It didn’t take a long time for this line up to wrap around the building. SONEs were determined, and they would not go down without a fight. Back inside Best Buy, excitement levels were reaching a climax. SONEs were busy chatting away excitedly with one another as they held on to the CD Girls’ Generation would soon sign. Many fans had bought gifts to give them too. From the peapods that Taeyeon adores, to pillows, unicorns, roses and even written messages, SONEs wanted to express their love and support in every way possible.
Before the line started moving, a few selected people were asked to wait by the escalators at the entrance of the store. Some moved away as if they were locked in a daze. Others couldn’t hold back their happiness as it overflowed through tears. They were the lucky few able to attend all three events, as well as the fan sign, entering them for a chance to take a picture with Girls’ Generation! After all the countless hours of waiting until their feet ached, sleeping in the cold and not eating even one proper meal a day, these lucky seven people totally deserved to win! Congratulations!!
As the clock ticked closer to 7pm, a loud cheer of sheer excitement erupted from the front of the lineup. Camera flashes and the blinking of shutters all but overwhelmed our elation to finally see Girls’ Generation—up close! SONEs were going crazy! The event, for everyone present, slowly engulfed us into a surreal reality that many believed could only be visualized in our dreams.
The interactions with Girls’ Generation could never be copied or duplicated as they were unique experiences varied between each and every SONE. Through the exchange of simple greetings, the smiles we wore couldn’t have been brighter. Girls’ Generation really has the power to put people under a spell—to make even the calmest of fans weak in the knees. One by one, SONEs moved across the long table where eight members of Girls’ Generation sat (Jessica left for Korea the day before to film her drama), radiating their goddess-like image and signing our merchandise. The girls laughed with us, spoke with us and showed just how thankful they were of our support. We thanked them for taking the time to participate in this event, and we reminded each and every member how proud we were of their achievements. Girls’ Generation has come such a long way since their debut in 2007. With supporters from practically every country, the world needs to get ready, because right now, it’s Girls’ Generation!
After the fan signing event drew to a close, the streets of Union Square were flooded with ecstatic fans. The feeling for every SONE at that moment was absolute bliss. For many people, this was their first time being only inches apart from Girls’ Generation, and it felt like we were living out a dream. Some were vividly re-telling one another about their experiences with each member while others simply stood, rooted to the ground, staring at their signed album. There was only one word to describe this night: surreal. After this, many SONEs will return to their usual routines. However, this time, the SONE flame inside each of us will burn a little brighter. It will burn brighter as the world slowly readies itself to be dominated by nine girls.
This event was nothing short of fantastic. Officials at Best Buy stated that this was the first time they had to call the police for crowd control since Lady Gaga’s appearance. Girls’ Generation’s US debut was a phenomenal success, and they can walk on confidently knowing that SONEs worldwide will be cheering and supporting them each and every little step of the way.
Written by: FrozenArctic@soshified
Edited by: MoonSoshi9@soshified, michaelroni@soshified, taengsoshi@soshified
Images: Soshified gallery, MoonSoshi9@soshified
Visit the soshified gallery for all the pictures from the fan signing event!
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That event was crazy! I stood there for about 15 or so hours outside and didn’t get a wristband, nor was I able to get in as one of the lucky extras, BUT I got to catch a glimpse of Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Hyoyeon as they got on their bus. That alone was worth the 15 hours, I had never been so excited!!! Two new goals on my very long list of goals are now to go to a concert, and to meet them at another fan signing. I think I’m crushing =^_^=
I am glad that so many people showed up to support the girls and I hope that in seeing the crowd, the girls were also able to feel the love of those who couldn’t make it. Those like myself, who armed with pink all week silently supported the girls, cheering when I watched them on TV and smiling happily at any and all pictures that came my way.
I hope that they can once again come close to us so that we SONES so far from their home town can continue to show them just how deeply they have touched our hearts.
DAMMIT, I MISSED IT >___<
I love how the last two paragraphs were written…. surreal… I really hope I get to meet them someday.. or even just get a candid picture from my camera or something :)
Omg they’re so pretty, wish jessica was there though :P
I wanted to be there, but mom wouldnt let me:(
so jealous of all the sones that get too see our angel closeup. wish i can meet snsd closeup the next time they in the US
That day was just unbelievable. There was a million people surrounding best buy. It was like a dream. Because of enormous amount of people waiting in line for the girls, we only get like 5 seconds or less to talk with each member and when I was up there, looking at them up close I was so speechless. I forgot everything that I wanted to say to them I tried to ask Sunny a question but I was nervous and I didn’t make sense. The security guards push me to the next member but Sunny keep looking at me with a smile trying to understand my question (which I don’t even understand my own question myself) They are so nice, sweet, and they look like angels!!
same here, i couldn’t find any words but thankyousomuchforcoming.
the security guy was indeed very pressing but the girls took their time to make eye-contact and to make us feel comfortable.
they are so precious, i’m so proud to be a sone.
I wasn’t there but I started tearing at how much support that they were given there. I’m so happy that a lot of fans went to support even if there was a chance that they may not have gotten to see them.
I was supposed to go to the album signing, but I knew if I had gone, I wouldn’t have been able to get a wrist band in time. I’m so happy for all of those fans who went and got the chance to meet the girls in person. If they have another album signing, I would love to be there! Girls Generation is going to take over…I really want to see them do well here in the USA. I’ll be one of the first fans to get tickets whenever they decide to do a show in NYC! ;)
i am not jealous in the least that i could
not attend, which is strange, because normally
i get a little jealous (human nature) when
someone gets to participate in a once in a
lifetime experience like this and i don’t, but
i can’t be with snsd. i love snsd and sone too
much to ever be jealous. the one thing i want
for snsd and all of their fans is complete and
utter happiness, whether that includes me or
not, and i can happily say that that was achieved,
with no doubt in my mind, this past week!!! :-)
Even though I wasn’t there, just reading this article and think that I was just a few inches from Girls’ Generation make me feel like I’m in Paradise. Yeah, this debut was phenomenon. Soshi Hwaiting! SONE Hwaiting!
A very well-written article on this ground-breaking US event, Michelle !
Kudos for having the opportunity to witness the Girls up-close and personal (and getting their signatures, to boot :D) !
Cheers !
Kenneth.
Omg Seohyun is gorgeous <3
Seeing this article make me very emotionally. He is right this is experience was nothing more then surreal. Making so many friends along the way the Journal I took as a sone last week was amazing and I never regret a moment of it. I <3 to be a sone!!!!
this article is not even close to reality, 1000 people, HELL NO, its was like 3000, People were killing each other for the wristbands, I was number 1500 something, but i still made it in becasue I cut everyone, It was a bad thing to do, but w/e. and OMG THE GIRLS WERE AMAZING , they were asking our names and laughing at our stupid jokes, LOLOLOL, BEST DAY OF MY LIFE
wow..rly pity those whocouldnt make it in! i totally know how its like to feel so close yet so far :( haha anyw sica wasnt there!!!!!!!!!! hahaha sad…but so happy for all those us fans who gt so awesome experiences sigh..(and so envious) :) always supporting the girls anyw..SNSD fighting!!!!!!!!!!!!!
words cant express how proud i am for them. the fans at new york are so lucky
Wish I could have been there, but so glad that the girls had a successful trip to the US. <3
I was just staring at Taeyeon…
Me too.
Taeyeon is so cute…
Wish they came to Toronto, Ontario :(
Please visit Canada!! World Tour!!
Yoongie, SARANGHAE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aww… Lucky S♡NES! I wished Girls’ Generation would also debut in Europe if they’re not tired :)
me too.. I wish I can meet them in real life
Oh my goodness this is a beautiful article piece, thank you SSF staffs for sharing. I wasn’t able to attend but reading fan accts and now this makes me feel better. I’m happy for those lucky S♥NEs who were able to meet Soshi on a personal level for like 3 secs at least. I hope this is the start of many more fan signings and appearances on American shows and hopefully a WORLD TOUR. I want to be a part of the beautiful PINK OCEAN. Love Soshi for eternity. S♥NE for eternity. :)
I hope I can see them … One day .. In real life … )’:
I Agree I wish I could meet them in real life one day and when that day comes It would be Awesome