NCT DREAM performed at the United Center in Chicago on Thursday night, and the arena became shrouded in pearl neo champagne.
Before neon green became the aura surrounding Charli XCX’s brat album, the fluorescent hue was the trademark of K-pop’s supergroup NCT. While each individual unit in NCT has their unique sound and style, they all have the same representative color, and their fans (called NCTzens) take that color seriously.
Neobongs (lightsticks) as far as the eye can see lighting up the crowd, fans dressed to the nines in their most elaborate outfits, and groups of friends taking photos of each other in front of the stage setup — everyone was brimming with excitement to be there and be part of the scene. It’s relatively common for fans to go all out for K-pop shows, but NCTzens feel especially proud of their favorite group and the aesthetics that surround them.
The group recently released their sixth EP, DREAM( )SCAPE, which peaked at #1 on South Korea’s Circle Chart and #4 on Billboard’s World Albums Chart. The members didn’t chart that high by accident; they’re one of South Korea’s most successful boy groups. Since their debut in 2016, the group has had a hold on audiences both domestically and internationally.
While their album sales can certainly speak to the popularity they have within the industry, their performances are what really validate their place in the conversation.
THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM()SCAPE kicked off with a video intro showcasing each of the seven members, including Renjun who had to sit this tour out for health reasons (fans made sure to vocalize their love and support for him whenever he showed up on screen). NCT DREAM recently hit their 8th anniversary as a group, and they showed no signs of slowing down or slacking off.
Members Mark, Jeno, Haechan, Chenle, Jaemin, and Jisung performed the hard-hitting tracks “BOX,” “119,” and “GO” back-to-back as if the intense choreography didn’t even phase them. It’s easy to tell that the members take their work seriously, and even at the end of a busy tour schedule they still put every ounce of heart and soul they had into their craft.
Song choices varied from their more recent title tracks like “Smoothie” and “ISTJ” to older b-sides and singles like “Drippin’” and “Fireflies.” While their hits from earlier in their career were retired from the setlist for this tour, the variety of music they’ve created in the past few years was more than enough to keep the show feeling fresh and interesting.
NCTzens got to hear their softer sound with tracks like “Never Goodbye” and “Like We Just Met” alongside bangers like “ISTJ” and “Hot Sauce.” Christmas came early for the audience as the group performed “Candy” and two other tracks off the winter album they released in 2022 by the same name. The members curated a setlist covering all their musical bases giving the audience a well-rounded show.
Throughout the night, the members took time to interact with fans, answering their questions or otherwise acknowledging the creative signs being held up. Each member seemed to be beaming from the energy they received both from each other and from their NCTzens.
NCT DREAM is a group of seasoned performers and professionals. Keeping both their vocals and choreography precise and unwavering, it’s difficult not to be amazed at the show they put on. The exhausting grind of tour life didn’t stop them from putting on a memorable production and having fun with each other while doing so.
If you missed your chance to see them this run, they’ll be back in the States later this year. The group will be making appearances at iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball tour alongside artists like Jason Derulo, Saweetie, Wonho, and more. Until then, it looks like Chicago fans will have to wait patiently for NCT DREAM to return (as a complete group, hopefully) and cheer them on from afar until they’re reunited once again in a bright green arena.
