How to Survive Your First Pre-Recording

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend my first pre-recording for Music Core. It happened to be the first performance of Stray Kids’ recent digital release, “Double Knot.”  It was a long day of learning experiences that I wanted to share to make sure you don’t make the same mistakes I did, and hope that your first recording goes smoothly. 

First Steps 

For pre-recordings, you need to always check your fandom’s social media accounts. Stray Kids always tweet out pre-recording opportunities from their main account @Stray_Kids. They are also posted in the various fan cafes or Fanship pages. The first step is to read these announcements multiple times. Look for the call time for checks, the location, the day, and the different ranks for your spot in line, and most importantly the amount of people they are allowing for recordings that day. Those numbers can range from 5 all the way to 500. 

Ranks and Application 

Certain ranks have qualifications you need to check to see if you can apply. For the highest ranks, you will always have to do the pre-application that will be listed on the recording announcement page. Other things you will need are all versions of the latest album, official fanclub membership, light stick, digital song purchase statements, streaming proofs and passport. What you have will determine what rank you will be, and thus where your spot is in line. Streaming proofs and purchase statements need to be in a certain format that your fan club will determine and post on their portals. 

Early Mornings and Attendance Check

For Music Core, our call time started at 8 a.m. We had to meet in front of the Starbucks near the MBC broadcasting center. Other shows have even earlier call times, sometimes before the first train of the day. Out of all of the music shows, M!COUNTDOWN is known for their extremely early call times. Upon arrival you need to look for the line that corresponds with the rank you qualify for. Once in line, you will have to wait for your turn to have all of the items checked. This is also when you will receive your attendance card and number card. The attendance card is how you keep track of the recordings you attend for a promotional period and the number card is what your spot in line is. Do not lose these cards, they will not give you another. In the case of Stray Kids, they also stamp your hand as proof your attendance check is finished. 

The Waiting Game

Once the attendance check is complete, you will enter the waiting game. The amount of time you wait for the recording will very from show to show, group to group. It is important during this time that you are patient and listen for instructions as they will ensure you can see the recording smoothly. For Music Core, we waited for around four hours total, so if you plan on going to recordings, do not make any concrete plans for the rest of the day. To survive this period, dress for the weather and make sure to pack water, a few snacks, and a fully charged portable battery. You never know how long you will wait, so it’s important to be prepared for any scenario. 

Show!Show!Show!

The pre-recording itself lasts around 45 minutes to an hour and you’ll see the same song more than once. Where you sit or stand in the recording hall will depend on your spot in line. For Stray Kids, we watched them perform “Double Knot” four times: once with the name tags on to get the camera angles down and then three more times to get the best shots for the final cut. In between each performance you will monitor the recording on large screens while the members will monitor backstage. As the audience, you will get requests from the staff and members on how to behave during the recordings. For Stray Kids, we were asked to cheer quieter at one point as the director couldn't hear the music over us. For a good recording, it’s important to listen to any instructions you are given. The most important rule is to keep your phone inside your bag at all times during the recording. If you are seen with it out, it will cause the entire fandom to be penalized. 

Occasionally, you will attend a recording where you will be able to see other artists other than yours perform. It is okay to cheer for these groups as well. Overall, just enjoy yourself during this unique experience. 

After The Show

Once the recording is finished you will be ushered out of the hall and outside. This is where you re-group with your fan club manager to receive final instructions, announcements, and your broadcast photo card. Broadcast photo cards are hard to find as you can only receive them if you attend pre-recordings, so buying them resale wouldn't be cheap for collectors. At this time you will also find out if your artist is doing a mini-fanmeeting and if there are any special events happening in the future. 

If you have the opportunity to attend a pre-recording while visiting South Korea, make sure you are prepared and you will have an unforgettable time.