It was the biggest concert event of the year. Psy's 'Happening' at the World Cup Stadium in Seoul sold out 50,000 seats and was broadcasted live around the world via YouTube. The show was action-packed and featured special appearances by some of Psy's best known and most beloved YG Family members; G-Dragon, 2NE1, and Lee Hi.

Psy performed old favorites like "Bird," "It's Art" and "Celebrity," in addition to his massive hit "Gangnam Style" and the debut performance of the new single "Gentleman." Immediately following, the show was heralded as a huge success.

But what was it like to see 'Happening' live in Seoul?

Ga Yeon Kim, a 24-year-old MA student at the Academy of Korean Studies in Seongnam, took American English teacher, Kara D, with her to last Saturday's concert.

"I needed something fun to de-stress," explained Kim about why she wanted to go to the 'Happening' show. "I found out there was going to be a Psy concert soon and his concerts are well known as being great fun."

Kara agreed, saying that part of the appeal was Psy's international fame. "Judging from his 'Gangnam Style' song, I knew his concert would be so much fun," she said. "So when Ga Yeon asked me to go, there was no way I'd say no."

The two were blown away by the scene surrounding the venue as tens of thousands of fans took advantage of the many activities and promotional events set up for the concert.

"I have been to Sangam World Cup Stadium several times before for football matches," explained Kim. "But this time it gave a different feeling - it looked like totally the middle of a carnival!"

There were many product giveaways from CJ companies (which Psy promotes), a lot of food and drinks, and a variety of activities for the guests to enjoy. People could play games and there were spinning wheels and ball drawings. "A boxing ring, too," added Kara.

"Also there were many press from abroad, even French press!" noted Ga Yeon with surprise. 

Inside, the stadium was equally lively and the feeling of excitement was overwhelming.

"During the concert everyone was singing and dancing," Kara noted. "The person behind me knew every word and sang loudly the whole time. Fortunately, she was an okay singer."

The audience was a great mix of people and the two ladies were quick to point out that everywhere they looked they could see children and even grandmas enjoying the show.

'Happening' had an all-white dress code, but it was not strictly enforced, which was disappointing to Kara. "I rarely saw anyone else wearing all white like me. Most of the people were just wearing a white shirt or not wearing white at all. I think only a third even participated in wearing any white."

Kim added, "Usually young, but not too young - I mean teens, 20s and 30s, followed the dress code."  However, she also mentioned that two guys were wearing polar bear costumes.

Because of Psy's immense international fame, and Seoul's thriving expat community, it was not, however, surprising to see a lot of foreigners in the audience. "There was a foreign presence, but it wasn't as obvious to me as it was to Ga Yeon," explained Kara. "I felt like the camera focused on the foreigners often to portray a higher foreign presence than there was."

During the 'Happening' concert, Psy lent the stage to his fellow label-mates 2NE1 and G-Dragon, and the crowd went wild. Kara admitted she "almost died with excitement."

Even with all the guest appearances, it is hard to compare a Psy concert to those by other artists. He has a unique on-stage persona and the shows are always full of surprises. Whether he is impersonating Beyonce or flying through the air, Psy never ceases to amaze his audience.

Ga Yeon made a connection between Psy and Lady Gaga, noting both artists have similarly crazy live shows and wear strange costumes, "I think Lady Gaga is the female, western version of Psy."

Her friend, however, drew a comparison with another popular K-Pop act, JYP Entertainment's 2PM. "I haven't been to many other concerts, but this one seemed similar to the 2PM [Hands Up Tour]," she said. "The crowds were all singing the songs, everyone had glowsticks, there was a lot of dancing.  They had a glow-in-the-dark dance performance, and the boys at the 2PM concert also flew into the crowd."

Both of the Psy fans did agree on one thing about Saturday's show - the encores were the best part. YouTube viewers were disappointingly cut off from the live stream before Psy came back on stage for six additional performances. He did a medley of throwback 90's pop songs and reprised "Gangnam Style" and "Gentleman." "It was like he did the whole concert again just for us," reflected Kara.

The final performance of "Gentleman," it was agreed, was the best of the night. It was not because Psy sang well or because of any grand theatrics.  In fact, just the opposite, as Psy reportedly looked exhausted. But the sheer surprise of it happening in the first place, is what made the song so memorable for the audience. Most people had thought the show was over, so when Psy came back on stage "hundreds of fans came running back into the stadium when they heard him start to sing again," Kara reported.

In the end, all the fans finally made their way out of the World Cup Stadium having spent a very memorable night with Psy and 50,000 others.

"Overall, I think this concert was great. I'm really happy that I went," Kara concluded. "Watching the concert on YouTube can never compare to actually being there."

Ga Yeon Kim is currently writing a Master's thesis on contemporary Korean culture. Kara D is an English teacher at Yeongdeungpo SLP in Seoul.

[All photos credit Ga Yeon Kim and Kara D]