2025.08.29
In KPOP, there is a culture known as “Birthday Cafe” (センイルカフェ), where fans rent an existing cafe at their own expense to operate it for a limited time in celebration of their favorite artist’s birthday.
During this period, when customers order drinks, they receive various perks such as original cup holders and trading cards, which is certainly enjoyable for fans, and also serves as a promotional activity to raise awareness among non-fans.
From the cafe’s perspective, many customers come during the Birthday Cafe period seeking these perks, creating a win-win relationship for both the party renting the cafe and the party providing it.
Moreover, the greatest advantage of the Birthday Cafe is that the artist actually visits the cafe and interacts with fans.
One might think, “Only members of minor groups will show up,” but that is not the case.
Even super popular artists will make an appearance if their schedule allows.
For instance, BTS’s RM, despite being in military service, took time off to visit a cafe, and BIGBANG’s Taeyang also appeared at a Birthday Cafe in 2022 to interact with fans.
Due to such circumstances, it is not uncommon for Japanese fans to travel to Korea to celebrate their favorite’s birthday.
Now, the main topic starts here.
The author also recently traveled to Korea to celebrate their favorite’s birthday.
By the way, I went last year as well.
As mentioned multiple times in this column, the author is a fan of Kep1er, or rather a Kep1ian.
Among them, the number one favorite is the group’s leader, Yujin.
Since Yujin’s birthday is on August 12, I traveled to Korea for four days from August 11 to August 14 to celebrate her birthday.
However, a major miscalculation occurred here.
A few days before her birthday, Yujin herself sent a surprising message on Bubble (a paid app where artists and fans can chat) saying, “I have a packed schedule from morning to night on the 12th, so I probably won’t be able to go, but I will go to a café after work on the 11th.”
This unexpected message came.
On the 11th, I am scheduled to arrive at Incheon Airport at 14:30, and from there, no matter how hard I try, I can only reach the café in Hongdae at the earliest by 16:00.
If Yujin arrives at the café before 16:00, it would result in a frustrating situation where we would miss each other.
However, believing that Yujin’s words about going to the café after work meant she would definitely go in the evening, I departed from Japan.
And as planned, I arrived in Korea around 14:30, completed the immigration procedures, and headed to Hongdae by train from Incheon Airport.
Arrived in Hongdae at 16:00.
Looking at X, Yujin has not yet arrived at the cafe. I made it in time. I successfully won the chicken race with Yujin and headed to the birthday cafe.
This year’s Yujin birthday cafe has a total of 6 locations, including 5 in Hongdae and a special samgyeopsal restaurant.
The author hurried to the birthday cafe run by an acquaintance from Kep1ian, dragging a suitcase.
When I arrived at the cafe, everyone in the shop seemed nervous, knowing that Yujin would be arriving soon.
I ordered a drink and received a special benefit, and while waiting for Yujin’s arrival, Yujin’s mother unexpectedly came to the cafe.
We enjoyed a conversation using Papago.
When she asked, “Are you going to the samgyeopsal restaurant after this?” I replied, “Yes, we are,” and then she asked, “What time are you going?” It was a strange situation where I was having a friendly conversation with my bias’s mother.
I have met her several times during concerts, and she is always smiling and very lovely.
Watching Yujin’s mother, it becomes clear why Yujin is always so cheerful.
While I was doing this, the office car carrying Yujin arrived in front of the cafe.
Having been anxious about whether I would get to see her, the joy of finally meeting her was doubled.
It would be quicker to see the situation through the Vlog posted by Kep1er official and the photos taken by the author rather than explaining it.
As you can see, it is a happy space from any angle.
Continuing from last year, we were very satisfied to celebrate Yujin’s birthday with the Korean version of Happy Birthday.
Then, we moved to a birthday cafe run by an acquaintance, Kep1ian, ordered drinks, and received some perks.
Yujin’s mother also moved here, and when she asked, “What time are we going to the samgyeopsal place?” I replied, “I’ll go when I’m hungry,” and she suddenly said something like a real mother, “I’m going ahead, so come later,” which was amusing (laughs).
We chatted with Kep1ian who came from Japan at the cafe for a while, and soon we joined the samgyeopsal place.
Yujin’s mother was already happily drinking surrounded by Kep1ian.
Then, an unexpected surprise happened.
Yujin actually showed up at the samgyeopsal place!
I was flustered because I didn’t expect her to come.
As you can see, my favorite, the leader of Kep1er, Yujin, is loved by many fans.
Just seeing her interact with fans with a smile like this makes me feel grateful for supporting her every time.
I’m sure everyone has their own favorites, and I hope you all engage in your support activities without regrets.
Especially, Kep1er was originally a limited-time group that was supposed to end its activities in two and a half years. They were scheduled to conclude their activities last July.
However, they surprised fans with a contract extension, and I now feel like this is a bonus stage.
That is why I want to continue supporting them without regrets and without overdoing it.
“Support your favorites when you can.”
This is indeed a wise saying.
The end
Nekomachi Peko
Team Leader of SKOOTA KPOP Division
〈Originally a Western rock music enthusiast, I once considered working for Rockin’ On. I started listening to KPOP due to BTS, then became hooked on BLACKPINK, stepping one foot into the KPOP world. I became deeply invested in the survival audition program ‘Girls Planet 999,’ commonly known as Galpra, and as a result, I became a hardcore fan of Kep1er, fully immersing myself in the KPOP world〉