Two worlds collided at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday, as K-Pop super group ENHYPEN and members of the cast and crew of Twilight offered thousands of adoring human fans a glimpse into the vampire life.
While there may have been a time when vampires were seen as frightening, unattractive creatures, the Twilight empire aided a change of perception, as vampires in the series were portrayed as romantic, ethereal beings. Over a decade later, vampires are seen as loving and adventurous beings through K-Pop stars ENHYPEN’s group lore and ‘DARK MOON’ IP. At the “Bite Me: Calling All Vampires” panel at Comic-Con, a bridge between the two cultural fixtures was built.
The atmosphere inside Ballroom 20 was absolutely electric, as thousands of ENHYPEN’s fans (known as ENGENE) cheered loudly for the band members as they took their seats on stage. Many ENGENE waved their lightsticks in the air, while others directed finger heart signals towards the members.
Just a few days prior, the band brought their ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR ‘BLOOD SAGA’ to San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium, giving the region its very first K-Pop stadium show and the largest K-Pop show in the city to date. The tour will resume in Tacoma, WA this Sunday, July 26. Despite having such an intense schedule, all of the members appeared well rested and in high spirits at the panel.
ENGENE were shown an exclusive video clip that offered a rundown of the ‘DARK MOON’ story line. Members JAY and JAKE offered brief explanations for those who weren’t already familiar with the series.
“Before they (the characters) became vampires, they met each other as knights protecting Princess Selen,” JAY said. “Then they turned into vampires.”
JAKE added, “DARK MOON is a story where memories are wiped. They are sent to the future, they come together, form this brotherhood, and go on this huge adventure. They don’t know what they’ll face, but they have each other.”
Panel moderator Damian Holbrook mentioned a story he read while on Reddit, where an ENGENE said they felt so connected to the group at a recent show, it felt as if they had been hanging out with friends and having a conversation with them. Visibly touched by the story, Damian commended ENHYPEN for the strong relationship they have with not just one another, but with ENGENE, especially while on stage.
“In the vampire world, things can be very separating, very eerie,” Damian said. “The fact these fans are connecting with you guys on that level speaks to the greater good you’re doing with these characters.”
JAKE appreciated the feedback, noting that building and maintaining a strong, genuine connection with the fans has been a part of the band’s ethos since day one.
“Connect, or connection, is one keyword that we started this whole team with,” JAKE said. “Connecting people through music all over the world was one of our biggest goals when we started this team. People feeling connected during concerts was the goal.”
Whether it be through music, Weverse lives, or the DARK MOON story, there’s many ways for ENGENE all over the world to feel connected to ENHYPEN. The panel was a celebration of that connection, since all of the love and support ENGENE has offered ENHYPEN day in and day out is what brought the group to Comic-Con in the first place!
Panel Photo Gallery
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