[Non-f(x) related parts omitted]

“SXSW is a must for K-pop idols. They are used to big stadiums. It’s the intimacy with fans that makes it special.”

Five member girl group f(x)—also known as Victoria, Luna, Krystal, Sulli and Amber—marked a major milestone in their career becoming the first K-pop act to appear at South by Southwest in Austin, TX. The girls, under SM Entertainment (home to Girls’ Generation, TVXQ!, SHINee and more), were invited to headline an event sponsored by Korean Creative Content Agency (KOCCA).

K-POP NIGHT OUT at SXSW: A Gallery of Korean Stars Both On and Off the Stage in Austin

Titled, “K-POP NIGHT OUT at SXSW,” the girls earned the slot not only for their electro-pop goodies plus snagging various awards and recognition from all around the world. Accolades from just last year include a No. 2 single on the K-Pop Hot 100 with “Electric Shock” (below), their first Japanese single and the Best Dance Performance-Female award at the Mnet Asian Music Awards.

The K-pop darlings finally graced a smoke-filled stage around 1:30 a.m., in front of hundreds in anticipation as fans wildly waved their hands and screaming in unity.

During their short set, f(x) brought out fan favorites like, “Nu Abo,” “Pinocchio (Danger),” “Hot Summer” (below) and “Electric Shock.” Between songs, band member Amber (who received the loudest cheers throughout the night) had fans in frenzy when she expressed her excitement and interacted with fans in English, “You guys are crazy and I love it!” but also added in Korean phrase, “Saranghaeyo,” which means “I love you.”

Following the show, Billboard Korea caught up with f(x), who talked about their performance, who they were sad to miss performing at SXSW and what else 2013 has in store for them.

“We had a lot of fun and it was definitely a new experience,” the group said. “We wish we could have stayed longer.” Like many other K-pop megastars, f(x) was under a heavy schedule and only had a day in Texas with wall-to-wall commitments throughout the day.

“I wish I saw Justin Timberlake, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Kendrick Lamar and Icona Pop, because I love their music,” added member Amber, a California native. “But it’s okay. We still had a lot of fun!”

After their successful SXSW showcase, one wonders if the quintet will attempt to crossover. “We don’t have plans to officially debut in the U.S., but we will continue to promote our music globally,” the group said. “We are working on our new album for now and we plan to release it sometime this year.”

f(x)’s first SXSW performance was a refreshing and daring move for any K-pop idol to take as the girls were torn from their usual large-scale stage production and extravagant light and sound system.

“I think SXSW is a must for K-pop idols,” Amber reflects. “It’s a must because it is such a different venue. K-pop idols are used to big stadiums. It’s the intimacy with fans that makes it special. It was a crowd of people that were curious about K-pop along with K-pop fans. SXSW definitely broadens horizons.”

 

Source: Billboard