On various idol groups' fan cafes or fan pages, these questions are asked frequently. "I'm going to go to a public broadcast. What should I do?" "What is it like?" "How should I prepare?" There are a myriad of short answers, but it's hard to see a long and detailed answer. Public broadcasting points to a pre-recording for a program or a live music scene. For fans, it's essential that they see their favorite singer(s) in action, and that's their dream and goal. Going to one of these public broadcasts is an easy way to fulfill that dream. That's why we prepared the idol fan's guide to enjoying music broadcasts, right up to the point of entering the set. (This 'manual' was written in accord to what a fan shared after they attended the March 27th public broadcast for Super Junior-M.)

Step 1: How do I participate?

There's two ways to participate in public broadcasts. First you can attend a live broadcast. Getting involved is different for each broadcasting company. In some cases they distribute pre-lottery tickets, and some are conducted on a first come first serve basis. In the case of a live broadcast, since you only get to see your favorite singer perform for 5 or so minutes, you may not be as satisfied.

On the other hand, attending a pre-recording will allow you to spend the most time with your favorite singer. Pre-recordings entail recording in advance to get that perfect clip for TV broadcast. Live broadcasts also show signers onstage in front of fans, but this way they pre-record many versions, edit the footage, and show them on TV. Since pre-recordings are conducted until they capture enough satisfactory footage, it goes on and on for hours. That's why fans are able to enjoy a long period of time with their favorite singers. There's also a chance for singers to say hello to their fans, which is different from live broadcasts.

Step 2: How should I prepare for a pre-recording?

First you need to check the official website for their notices. The notice may change from time to time, so you should always check the recording time. In addition, you should also check your rank to see when you can enter the set. Ranks can differ depending on whether you have a fan club card or album, or if you're on an official cheer team. Within the ranks, you can go in on a first come first serve basis.

You also need to make sure to pack your cell phone and charger. If you want to attend one of these public broadcasts, you have to wait in line a long time, so you can easily get bored. You should pack a lot of extra batteries, and even at the broadcasting station you should charge your phone every chance you get. It can also get hot inside the set, so try to wear your lightest and most comfortable outfit.

Step 3: What time should we show up for the public broadcast?

For Super Junior-M's "Inkigayo" pre-recording, the time was set for 2PM. The official website announced an arrival time of 11AM. But wait! You're in trouble if you think it's okay to show up at 11AM!

On the day of the recording, there were already 200 fans gathered before 9AM, despite the fact that it was a Thursday. The fans already gathered at the scene were not students (since they would have to attend school), but rather adults with jobs who took days off, college students with more flexible schedules, and foreigners. Many overseas fans came to see this Hallyu group, and included those from China, Japan, and many Westerners as well. One fan stated, "I've seen so many westerners and fans wearing hijabs, I'm not even surprised anymore. Many fans from the UK, Italy, India, Brazil, and more come to Korea." In order to see Super Junior-M up close, they had to come very early. Fortunately for the late(r) comers, the distance between the stage and audience seats were fairly close, so they would still be able to enjoy a great performance.

Step 4: Waiting and waiting... When do we enter?

At 10AM, the fans were split into two groups according to their ranks. Around 11AM SM supporters came and wrote numbers on their wrists for the order they would be able to enter. They were then instructed to meet again by 12PM, and fans were able to go and have lunch.

Since the start time for recordings are often delayed, it's hard to say exactly when you will be entering. As such, fans gathered for public broadcasts will wait in line for a long time. However, it's possible to get a feel for when you'll be able to enter. The recording takes place after a skin tone test and dry rehearsal. Usually for the skin tone test one fan is taken into the station. When the fan comes out, they usually start dry rehearsals right away. This is when fans should get ready to enter the station. Since it's impossible to go to the bathroom once you're inside, you should take this time to do your business. And you should definitely not wander somewhere far off. When the time comes, you will go in according to the number written on your wrist.