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REVIEWNCT Dream's 60,000 fans experience dream-come-true concert

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NCT DREAM performs during its 2024 NCT DREAM WORLD TOUR 'THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE' concert at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome, Guro District, Saturday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

NCT DREAM performs during its 2024 NCT DREAM WORLD TOUR "THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE" concert at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome, Guro District, Saturday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Boy group presents stunning performance despite 1 member's absence
By Pyo Kyung-min

Among the numerous sub-units of K-pop powerhouse NCT, the boy group under SM Entertainment, NCT DREAM stands out as the master of "triggering the fever" onstage.

While NCT 127 exudes a mature allure and NCT WISH croons about youthful aspirations, it was NCT DREAM that truly ignited the stage last week, delivering a dream come true performance for its fervent 60,000 fans during its three-day concerts from Thursday.

The 2024 NCT DREAM WORLD TOUR "THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE" was held at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome, Guro District, with all three shows selling out as soon as tickets became available.

For Saturday's spectacle, enthusiastic fans flocked to the concert venue long before the 7 p.m. start.

As the dome plunged into darkness, signaling the show's commencement, fans erupted into thunderous cheers, fervently waving the group's official light sticks in the group's signature Pearl Neo Champagne color.

In response to the crowd's energy, NCT DREAM's six members — Mark, Jeno, Haechan, Chenle, Jaemin and Jisung — made a spectacular entrance, emerging from a gigantic cube-shaped stage.

Renjun, originally part of the seven-piece act, was unable to join his bandmates, as he has ceased all activities since April due to health concerns.

Members of NCT DREAM perform during the band's 2024 NCT DREAM WORLD TOUR 'THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE' concert  at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome, Guro District, Saturday.  From left are NCT DREAM members Jeno, Jaemin, Haechan, Chenle, Mark and Jisung.  Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Members of NCT DREAM perform during the band's 2024 NCT DREAM WORLD TOUR "THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE" concert at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome, Guro District, Saturday. From left are NCT DREAM members Jeno, Jaemin, Haechan, Chenle, Mark and Jisung. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Amid the ear-splitting cheers, NCT DREAM launched into a dynamic performance of "BOX," followed by a series of intense tracks, including "SOS," "GO," and "119."

After the captivating opening set, the members took a moment to greet the ecstatic crowd.

"Tonight's performance will be hotter and more passionate than ever. I hope fans from every corner of the venue are ready to join in. This finale is going to be unforgettable!" the group's leader, Mark, told the fans at the venue.

Jaemin added, "You all look stunning tonight. We're grateful for the overwhelming support from NCTzens (the official name of their fans), who filled this dome for three consecutive days. Let's create unforgettable memories together."

Fans wave NCT's official group light sticks  while they watch NCT DREAM perform at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome, Guro District, Saturday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Fans wave NCT's official group light sticks while they watch NCT DREAM perform at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome, Guro District, Saturday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Despite the challenge of filling a stage designed for seven members with only six, NCT DREAM skillfully compensated for Renjun's absence, delivering a flawless performance.

The show's repertoire featured 29 songs, ranging from emotional tracks like "Never Goodbye," "Breathing" and "UNKNOWN," to vibrant tunes that uplifted the audience, including "Candy," "Yogurt Shake" and "Tangerine Love (Favorite)."

The band's 90s-style remix for hits such as "We Go Up," "Arcade" and "Bungee" also captivated the audience, while performances of "Broken Melodies," "Hello Future" and "ISTJ" showcased NCT DREAM's perfectly synchronized choreography.

The pinnacle of the evening was undoubtedly the performance of "Smoothie," the lead single from the group's March release, "DREAM( )SCAPE."

Despite a stage adorned with flashy fireworks and lasers, it was Jeno's glamorous shirt-stripping act that made fans' jaws drop.

NCT DREAM performs during its 2024 NCT DREAM WORLD TOUR 'THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE' concert at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome, Guro District, Saturday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

NCT DREAM performs during its 2024 NCT DREAM WORLD TOUR "THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE" concert at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome, Guro District, Saturday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

As the final curtain fell, members of NCT gathered to reflect on the evening's performance.

Chenle, another compelling vocalist of the group, shared a heartwarming anecdote concerning Renjun.

"As I was changing costumes earlier in the performance, I checked my phone for reactions, and Renjun had messaged, 'The members look amazing. The show is so great.' It made me wish we could perform together as a whole group again soon," he said.

Haechan also said, "This performance will be etched in my memory for a long time. I didn't focus on perfection or mistakes; I just enjoyed being on stage with you all."

NCT DREAM performs during its 2024 NCT DREAM WORLD TOUR 'THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE' concert at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome, Guro District, Saturday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

NCT DREAM performs during its 2024 NCT DREAM WORLD TOUR "THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE" concert at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome, Guro District, Saturday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

The group's youngest member, Jisung, shared his gratitude and love for his long-time fans.

"I've realized that our team's identity might center around receiving support from everyone around us to achieve our dreams while also inspiring them to dream alongside us. And it seems that those individuals are none other than you all, NCTzens," he told the fans.

"I believe it's a unique and wonderful bond. It's different from lovers or family — it's about supporting each other throughout life's journey. I hope this connection lasts for a long time," Jisung added. "Because you've helped us dream, we'll continue to support you in pursuing your dreams."

With the successful conclusion of the Seoul concert, NCT DREAM is gearing up for a world tour, spanning America, Europe, Asia and beyond.

The tour is slated to culminate with an encore concert at the Gocheok Sky Dome from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1.

Pyo Kyung-min pzzang@ktimes.com


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