Eighty-seven-year-old South Korean actress Kim Young-Ok experienced her first-ever K-pop concert on August 13, as she cheered on MONSTA X at Seoul's KSPO Dome and was moved to tears by the group's performance.
Invited by MONSTA X member Joohoney, her friend since 2016, Kim walked into the packed venue and took in the roaring crowd, visibly surprised by the sea of enthusiastic fans.
From her seat high in the arena, the actress waved her light sticks and shouted encouragement as the group launched into hits, proudly treating them as if they were her own grandchildren.
During the high-energy opening number, Joohoney spotted her in the audience and returned her wave, prompting a heartfelt reaction from the veteran actress. Overcome by the affectionate gesture and electrifying atmosphere, she wiped away tears as the group reached its chorus, capturing the moment on video to share later with friends and family.
After the show, Kim joined the members backstage for a brief reunion. She presented them with a special gift, a handcrafted keepsake symbolizing their nine-year friendship, and posed for photos flashing the group's signature hand sign. The warmth between the actress and the performers was evident in their embraces and laughter. MONSTA X members expressed gratitude for Kim's support, calling her an inspiration for their own long-standing careers.
Fans on social media praised the heartfelt connection. "I cried when she started tearing up," one wrote, reflecting the emotional impact of seeing a legend moved by today's pop idols. Another commented, "It's wonderful to see art transcending generations," while others noted the beauty of a bond nurtured over nearly a decade.
Kim Young-Ok, whose career spans more than six decades, is best known for her leading roles in television dramas and films since the 1960s. She first met Joohoney in 2016 at an industry event, where they discovered a shared love of acting and storytelling. Their friendship has endured through personal visits, holiday phone calls, and occasional on-stage appearances at award ceremonies.
In recent years, the actress has expressed admiration for K-pop's global reach and its power to bring people together across age and cultural divides. Her decision to attend MONSTA X's concert marked a personal milestone and highlighted the intergenerational appeal of Korean popular music. As Kim waved goodbye to the dome lights and youthful chants echoed behind her, she reportedly said, "Tonight was unforgettable—I never imagined I would feel so young again."
