Over the years, fans have gotten creative in showing their adulation for the celebrities they idolize — from trending hashtags and streaming parties to attending film premieres and concerts and holding fan events. One favorite among fans of Korean celebrities is the celebration of their idols’ birthdays through cupsleeve events. Now, it seems that practice has found its way into the fandoms of Hollywood actors. Case in point: Benedict Cumberbatch, or as they say, Benedict-sunbaenim, who is celebrating his birthday on July 19.
Spotted in Seoul
One of Benedict Cumberbatch’s Korean fans organized a three-day cupsleeve event in celebration of the actor’s birthday. Attendees can enjoy cafe drinks and pastries while they look through the mini exhibition of photos and collectibles and watch clips of Benedict-sunbaenim on screen.
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//베네딕트 컴버배치의 생일카페 상세 공지 올립니다//
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..~#모든_세계에_있는_당신을_사랑해#HAPPYBENSDAY pic.twitter.com/imcZP1VPbQ
— 벤베니의 생일을 축하하는 컴버집단의 광란의 파티 (@d_dayforbc) July 2, 2022
According to the organizer, they can receive a loot bag containing a cupsleeve, postcards, and photocards. Aside from the gifts, they can also get a chance to win a special prize if they share their Twitter username and use the hashtags #HAPPYBENSDAY and #모든_세계에_있는_당신을_사랑해 (which translates to “I love you in every universe” — a line from his Marvel character, Doctor Strange).
What’s a cupsleeve event, anyway?
For those who don’t know, a cupsleeve event is essentially a birthday party held in a cafe. The practice began in South Korea as a way for fans to come together and mingle with fellow fans and just celebrate the birthday of their idol. It can run for a few days or may only be restricted to a day, depending on the organizer.
A to the G to the U to the STD! Dropping our birthday cupsleeve event kit for the king, the boss, and the Minstradamus, our Min PD, SUGA!
Pre-order the kit by sending us a message on Facebook. Deliveries will start on March 5 and the kit will be available until supplies last. pic.twitter.com/I0kVGeY4Vd
— Purple 7 ☕️ (@Purple7Cafe) February 25, 2022
The event’s highlight is, of course, the cupsleeve that you can put around the drink you ordered — hence, its name. Usually, the organizer also includes other freebies, such as photocards, banners, pins, and keyrings. Other attendees can also bring their own gifts to give away to fellow fans.
Fans in the Philippines, especially those of Korean celebrities, have been holding similar events in the country.
Netizens are loving it
Netizens from all over the world quickly took note of the event, and one tweet even went viral with over 11,000 retweets and 80,000 likes. Filipinos took things to the next level and dubbed the actor as “Benedict-sunbaenim.”
there’s a benedict cumberbatch bday cafe event in the middle of seoul pic.twitter.com/qoOihUEwNH
— hien (@viethoshi) July 17, 2022
K-fans just love the actor too much!
Benedict sunbaenim pic.twitter.com/druWvhnsAK
— arisa (@Arisacchie) July 18, 2022
Happy birthday to Benedict Cumberbatch . . . sunbaenim!
https://t.co/sWs0xerK6i pic.twitter.com/u5lRiCheKe
— pam⁷ in the box (@HobiH0p3) July 17, 2022
Benedict-sunbaenim photocard trading, g?
my oppa material: benedict sunbaenim pic.twitter.com/6Q6X41xEp3
— Ady (@adyssera) July 18, 2022
Get a heart from the oppa himself.
#HappyBennyDay
Here’s a closer look at the event through photos from the organizer and attendees:
생일카페 OPEN 했습니다
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..~#모든_세계에_있는_당신을_사랑해#HAPPYBENSDAY pic.twitter.com/tIZYggF8sn
— 벤베니의 생일을 축하하는 컴버집단의 광란의 파티 (@d_dayforbc) July 17, 2022
The little Doctor Stranges!
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//베네딕트 컴버배치의 생일카페 음악 플레이 리스트를 공개합니다//
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..~#모든_세계에_있는_당신을_사랑해#HAPPYBENSDAY pic.twitter.com/Naazck9HkF
— 벤베니의 생일을 축하하는 컴버집단의 광란의 파티 (@d_dayforbc) July 10, 2022
They have a playlist just for Benedict-sunbaenim.
베뉴판 입니다 pic.twitter.com/KRiRIqV4QM
— 벤베니의 생일을 축하하는 컴버집단의 광란의 파티 (@d_dayforbc) July 17, 2022
They also have an elaborate menu for the event.
무더운 날씨에 줄서서 들어간것도 다 잊혀질만큼 행복했습니다.. 멋진 카페 보여주시기 위해 준비해주신 스텝분들 너무 감사합니다 ㅠㅠㅠ 첫 생카였는데 기대 이상이였어요 !! 내일이랑 모레에도 가고싶네요 !! #모든_세계에_있는_당신을_사랑해 #HAPPYBENSDAY pic.twitter.com/pgDB3uuUKu
— 링지 (@Ling_Jii) July 17, 2022
This K-fan even wants to attend all three days of the event.
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//못오시는 분들을 위한 카페 디피 영상 공개합니다! 내일뵈어요 ><!!//
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..~#모든_세계에_있는_당신을_사랑해#HAPPYBENSDAY pic.twitter.com/Ljc7sEBpOi
— 벤베니의 생일을 축하하는 컴버집단의 광란의 파티 (@d_dayforbc) July 16, 2022
A quick tour of Benedict-sunbaenim land for those who can’t attend.
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