NOTE: All photos are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography 2025
NCT 127, a sub-unit of Korean k-pop boy band NCT, is currently on their fourth world tour, NEO CITY – THE MOMENTUM, in support of their seventh studio album “Walk”, which was released last July. The tour is called “The Momentum” to symbolize continuing the growth of the band and that momentum has followed them through the North American leg of their tour, with the finale this evening at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The area around the arena was hectic (to say the least) well before doors opened, with many fans dressed up, carrying their light sticks (Neobong), and sharing photos/gifts with fellow fans.
There was no opener since NCT 127 was going to be performing a long set. The band’s line-up has fluctuated over time and, with founding members Taeyong and Jaehyun currently completing their military service, this year’s tour consists of just six members. Prior to the tour, there was a question of whether the six could make up for two missing primary members. I believe that questions has been answered with an adamant YES!!
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When the lights came down, the roar of the fans was deafening! It started with a VCR (video background) of the band members in what looked like a movie short! Then, as the lights started to come up, you could see the silhouettes of the band members standing above a series of steps over the back stage. The stage layout for this tour consisted on a back stage with a runway towards a smaller front stage. The setup isn’t as complex as the Seoul shows and they also didn’t bring the additional dancers on tour but it was still going to be an exciting show! They kicked off their set with “Gas” from their most recent album. Johnny took over the initial intro (from Jaehyun) and Mark’s rap took it next level (from Taeyong), followed by Doyoung’s high alto. The crowd was getting into it, screaming “Gas, Gas” during the chorus. At this point, the band made their way down the steps to the front of the main stage. They stayed on the main stage on the next song “Faster” from their 2022 album “2 Baddies” but on the third song “Bring the Noize”, they started to slowly make their way down the runway towards the front stage. The first six songs of the set were pumping non-stop energy and we didn’t get a break until after “Chain” (end of the first “act”), when the band paused to introduce themselves and say a few words. It felt like the boys are still a bit shy because they didn’t have a ton to say and weren’t as playful as I had expected.
We won’t talk too much about the rest of the set but it was a long and satisfying twenty seven song set. While every band member of NCT 127 were amazing with both their vocals and their dancing, each member also brought their personalities to the forefront during the performance: Johnny with his commanding leadership presence. Yuta very laid back, interacting with fans, and probably getting the most screams. Doyoung and Jungwoo bringing their newly acquired English language skills (although at times they needed translation). Haechan so smooth with his moves and his sweet voice. And Mark (my personal favorite) belying his age with his hip hop swagger. The production value of the show was also top notch with flames, lasers, confetti, and high quality VCR between “acts”. One thing I found amazing was how much research each fan must have done before the show because, at the end of each act, everyone immediately sat down knowing that the band was changing while staff cleaned up the stage and a VCR played on the backdrop. It was almost funny how coordinated it was!
I do have to mention that, as with all k-pop concerts, the show was a combination of live vocals, singing to a backing track, and lip-syncing. It’s sometimes hard to tell which is in play but, since they sometimes speak/sing into handheld mics even though they have headsets on, I have to assume that the headsets are not connected and any time only headsets are used, the song is lip-synced. That being said, it didn’t take away from the show for the fans in attendance.
They wrapped up the regular set with “Fact Check”, the title track from their 2023 studio album. I hate to even say the last five songs were an encore since NCT 127 didn’t pretend that the show ended with “Fact Check”. Rather, those songs were the final act. Starting with “Wall to Wall” and ending with “Promise You”, the band wrapped up a fantastic show! If you had never seen a k-pop show before, I don’t know how you can not be a fan after watching this band perform. And for those who were already big fans, the band made sure you felt close and appreciated. Looking forward to global tour five!!
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