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Friday, March 14, 2025

NCT 127 LA Concert Review: A High-Energy Spectacle

NCT 127 brought their signature energy to ‘Neo City – The Momentum’ LA, delivering a performance that left fans in awe. This NCT 127 concert review covers every high-impact moment, from their cinematic opening to the final encore. Even with two members absent due to military service, the remaining six—Johnny, Yuta, Doyoung, Jungwoo, Mark, and Haechan—commanded the stage with unstoppable energy.

NCT 127 kicks off Neo City – The Momentum as six members take the stage, lightsticks glowing in the crowd.
NCT 127 kicks off ‘Neo City – The Momentum’, as six members take the stage with the crowd illuminated by lightsticks. [Yoonjae Jung, The Korea Daily]

A Cinematic Opening with a Criminal Edge

The concert opened with a dramatic VCR featuring the group as high-stakes heist masterminds. This action-packed intro set the stage for an adrenaline-filled night. The first song, ‘Gas’, hit with a pounding beat, followed by ‘Faster’ and ‘Bring the Noize’—a sonic explosion that kept the audience on edge.

A Setlist Designed for Maximum Impact

Known for their high-energy sound, NCT 127 leaned into their noise music identity. Pyrotechnics, flashing lights, and smooth transitions between tracks created a fully immersive experience. Their signature fanlight, the ‘Neobong’, pulsed between red and green, adding to the spectacle.

The first act reached its climax with ‘Chain’, then shifted gears into a more emotional mood.

From Chaos to R&B Euphoria

The concert’s second act brought a change in tone. ‘Designer’ introduced a more laid-back groove, while ‘TOUCH’ turned the arena into a full-on party. A short video sequence led into ‘No Clue’, deepening the narrative.

NCT 127 performing No Clue in sleek formalwear before launching into Sticker.
NCT 127 builds anticipation with ‘No Clue’ before igniting the stage with Sticker at ‘Neo City – The Momentum’. [Photo courtesy of SM Entertainment]

Dressed in sleek suits, the members built the tension with ‘No Clue’ before launching into the divisive yet addictive ‘Sticker’. The flute-driven track had the crowd roaring with excitement.

Performance Peaks in the Second Act

Momentum surged again with ‘Whiplash’, followed by a high-energy dance break leading into ‘Lemonade’. The group then switched to a softer pace with ‘Rain Drop’ and ‘Can’t Help Myself’, showcasing their versatility. Their vocal strength shone through in ‘No Longer’, proving their ability to balance power and emotion.

A dramatic VCR prepared fans for the grand finale. The group stormed the stage in leather jackets, flames bursting behind them, as they performed ‘Far’. They wrapped up the main set with ‘Kick It’ and ‘Fact Check’, leaving fans breathless.

Encore: A Perfect Ending to the NCT 127 Concert

NCT 127 performing Walk in white T-shirts and denim, delivering the final big impact.
NCT 127 delivers the final big moment with ‘Walk’, dressed in white T-shirts and denim at ‘Neo City – The Momentum’. [Photo courtesy of SM Entertainment]

Refusing to let the energy drop, the encore began with ‘Intro: Wall to Wall’ and ‘Walk’ before transitioning into an emotional singalong. As the night came to a close, ‘Dreams Come True’ and ‘Promise You’ created an unforgettable bond between the group and their fans.

Why This NCT 127 Concert Stood Out

NCT 127 is known for their bold music and unconventional stage productions. This show proved why they are among K-pop’s best. Their blend of intense choreography, powerful live vocals, and deep storytelling made this concert unforgettable.

While K-pop performances always feature synchronized dancing, NCT 127 took it further. Haechan and Doyoung delivered flawless vocals even in the most intense moments, while Mark’s razor-sharp rap electrified the audience. Their ability to balance live performance with intricate choreography solidified their status as top-tier performers.

Despite the absence of two members, NCT 127 proved they are unstoppable. This final stop in the U.S. marked the conclusion of their ‘Neo City – The Momentum’ North American tour before they take their high-energy performances worldwide in 2025.


BY YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]

Yoonjae Jung
Yoonjae Jung
Yoonjae Jung reports on society for The Korea Daily. Before joining The Korea Daily in June 2024, he graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in economics. He has a strong interest in entertainment and culture.