Last Friday, K-Pop superstars NCT 127 returned to Chicago for the third time in their career. Their NEO CITY – THE MOMENTUM Tour made its way to the Allstate Arena, and the room was packed with an audience that showed up ready to party. Military enlistment prevented Taeyong and Jaehyun from joining, but the six others that are currently active made up for their absence flawlessly. Johnny, Yuta, Doyoung, Jungwoo, Mark, and Haechan put on a show that was powerful, creative, and polished. The Windy City is always a special stop for the group and their fans (known as NCTzens). Eldest member Johnny has the rare opportunity to perform in his hometown, and the Midwestern crowd always makes sure to give him a warm welcome back with plenty of flags and signs designed just for him.
NCT 127 came out swinging this tour, starting off with hard-hitting songs like “Gas” and “Bring The Noize” to remind people that they still had that “neo” power regardless of how many of them were present. A lot of choices for the setlist were fan favorite bangers such as “Regular”, “Skyscraper”, and their most recent title track “Walk”. Not every performance was nonstop action, though. Use of props added an interesting element to the live versions of some of their b-sides. “Designer” came complete with clothing racks, measuring tape, various jackets and coats, and the opportunity for funnier interactions on stage. Later on, the umbrellas they sported during the ending of “Rain Drop” were incorporated into the final seconds of the choreography to create more drama in the atmosphere.
Vocal power is a key element to NCT 127’s music, as well. Hearing the ballads “Can’t Help Myself”, “Gold Dust”, and “No Longer” back-to-back was an experience that can only be described as transcendent. Their powerful dancing is obviously a huge selling point for the group, but their singing abilities are just as strong. Each one of them has a trademark tone and approach to singing, and it sounds beautiful when they all come together. One of the most unique things about them as a collective is how well each of their personalities shine through in the music they make, both in the studio and on stage. The current absence of both a rapper and a vocalist gave others the chance to cover their lines and show their unique take on Taeyong and Jaehyun’s verses. Not only did it add a fresh twist to the songs, but it proved that the members are too versatile to be put into a box.
Tracks that allow listeners to witness their phenomenal vocals are always breathtaking, but songs like “Fact Check”, “Kick It” are where you really get to understand the core of the group’s appeal. Boisterous sounds don’t always result in a mighty stage presence, but the members exude the same energy as their music. Their energy is infectious, and the audience always seems to return it tenfold. NCTzens could be seen in every section of the arena dancing and singing along with the lyrics like they were the ones who wrote it.
It’s hard to understand the love this fanbase has for this particular group, and their community, until you see it with your own eyes. You’d have a hard time finding someone in the building that isn’t wearing green, holding adorable freebies they made or received from others, or carrying a lightstick (known as a Neobong). When someone in the audience holds up a sign about how proud they are to be an NCTzen, and the crowd roars in response when they see it projected on the screens, you can feel how much they truly mean it. Their love doesn’t go unappreciated, though. While the members didn’t take many breaks to speak during the evening, the few times they did they emphasized their love for their supporters and the city. The night was full of NCTzen-centric choices made when planning the tour, from the setlist picks to the signed balls they tossed to fans during the encore.
NCT 127 has been on the receiving end of relentless criticism and doubt since their debut. Even this tour caused heated debates; online discourse surrounding the six active members’ ability to carry the show went on for weeks after the initial announcement. In spite of all the chatter, they proved themselves to be one of the most well-rounded groups in the genre. The heavy scrutiny seems to fuel them, and both the idols and the fanbase seem to wear it as a badge of honor. More often than not, the crowd is often the loudest for their tracks that are the most controversial sound-wise like “Sticker” and “2 Baddies”.
No matter the circumstances, and regardless of how long it’s been, when this group goes on tour there are two things that are true: they will put on a show that’s impossible to forget, and NCTzens will show up by the tens of thousands to support them loudly and proudly. NCT 127’s impact on K-pop is a conversation of its own, but their live performance is something every fan of the genre needs to witness at least once. Whenever they return, they find new ways to impress their audience and give them exactly what they want. Much like the two previous tours, I’m left with even more respect for them as artists and excitement for their eventual return.
