[REVIEW] NCT 127 creates indelible memories for 10,000 fans in 'THE UNITY’ concert

K-pop act NCT 127 performs during its "NEO CITY: SEOUL – THE UNITY" concert at the KSPO DOME, Songpa District, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Boy band wows people with jaw-dropping performances

By Pyo Kyung-min

Sunday was an unforgettable day for 10,000 fans, who attended K-pop boy band NCT 127's "NEO CITY: SEOUL – THE UNITY" concert at the KSPO DOME, Songpa District, Seoul.

Proving itself as one of the best-performing groups in the K-pop universe, the SM Entertainment stars delivered skilled and visually stunning performances for their followers while embodying the unity suggested by the concert's title.

NCT 127, a sub-unit of boy group NCT, opened the show with seven songs, displaying seamless and energetic performances without a hint of fatigue. From its hit "Ay-Yo" to fan-favorite "Space," the singers wowed the audience with their vocal and dance prowess, adding an extra flair to the show by using lasers and indoor fireworks.

"Although our members would shed more sweat compared to you all, I want you to remember that our performance is truly complete only when everyone enjoys it," Canadian rapper Mark said. "We'll give it our all for the joy of our fans."

K-pop act NCT 127 performs during the "NEO CITY: SEOUL – THE UNITY" concert at KSPO DOME, Songpa District, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Member Jaehyun — who is known as one of the best-looking K-pop stars — also greeted the audience with a radiant smile after receiving a resounding cheer.

"As today marks the third day of the show, I can feel the energy tripling," he said. "I hope you relish every moment with this heightened energy until the very end."

The sold-out "THE UNITY" concert was held in Seoul from Nov. 17 to 19, and will take place for three more days from Nov. 24 to 26. It has taken more than a year for NCT 127 to hold a concert in its home base since its last show in October 2022.

After a brief interaction with fans, NCT 127 moved on to command the stage with other vibrant songs like "Fire Truck." It utilized various props to inundate the stage with visual splendor, bringing in actual vehicles for its rendition of "Fire Truck." The excitement reached an uncontrollable crescendo when the group delivered a dynamic mashup of "Chain" and "Cherry Bomb."

K-pop boy band NCT 127 performs onstage during the "NEO CITY: SEOUL – THE UNITY" concert as fans wave the group's official light sticks at KSPO DOME, Songpa District, Seoul, Sunday. Member Mark is shown on the concert hall's electronic display. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Doyoung, who consistently dazzled the stage with his high notes, shared his excitement, saying, "I've noticed the fans' cheers are exceptionally loud today. Typically, when I wear in-ears on stage, the external sounds are somewhat muffled. But I feel different today; even with the in-ears, your cheers resonate so strongly."

Before performing the orchestral rendition of "Favorite (Vampire)," the members boasted their vocal brilliance with a heartfelt take on the ballad, "Gold Dust," living up to its nickname, "men's choir." They then elevated the party mood with "Kick it," "2 Baddies" and "Fact Check."

Sunday's extravaganza was also attended by the members of NCT DREAM, NCT NEW TEAM — the two other sub-units of NCT — and Congolese-Korean YouTuber and TV personality Jonathan.

K-pop act NCT 127 performs during its "NEO CITY: SEOUL – THE UNITY" concert at the KSPO DOME, Songpa District, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

As the concert approached its end, NCT 127 members looked both relieved and saddened to leave the stage. Changing into more comfortable attires, they took a moment to express their sentiments to the fans.

Front man Taeyong showed appreciation to his bandmates and fans for helping NCT127 achieve musical maturity.

"We usually hold a feedback meeting after every performance, but this time, we just chatted as there wasn't much to address," he said. "Through this experience, I keenly felt how much our team has matured. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our hardworking members, and express my love to our NCTzens for helping us reach this point."

K-pop act NCT 127 performs during the "NEO CITY: SEOUL – THE UNITY" concert at KSPO DOME, Songpa District, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Member Johnny also shared his most candid feelings, creating indelible memories for his followers.

"I believe the most memorable moments in life often come during the toughest times," he said. "When I feel the need to remember something, I give my all until the end. I felt that this was one of those moments, so I poured my heart into my performance. I hope you remember today's show and the atmosphere you created. With that in mind, we want to express our happiness in seeing all of you on stage and witnessing your joy."

After wrapping up the Seoul concerts, NCT 127 is poised to perform in major cities around the world including Jakarta and Bangkok.