NCT 127 distilled a decade’s essence into their electrifying performance, The Red Line. Throughout the show, they pushed their limits, proving their relentless drive and growth.
On the afternoon of September 20, NCT 127 held their fifth solo concert, Neo City – The Red Line, at the KSPO Dome in Seoul. The three-day event, starting from September 18, drew a total of 31,500 fans.
The Red Line showcased the group’s momentum, first displayed in their previous work The Momentum, finally breaking through barriers to reach peak performance. Since their 2016 debut, NCT 127 has captivated audiences with their unique neo-futuristic sound and powerful performances. Celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, they poured a decade of musical evolution into this spectacular show.
Mirroring their hit track “2 Baddies,” the setlist was packed with high-energy songs that kept the audience on their toes. The concert beautifully wove together their past hits and tracks from their latest album Bling, creating a musical tapestry of their 10-year journey.
The show kicked off with a bang, featuring a string of hits including “Kick It,” “Superhuman,” “Sticker,” “Simon Says,” “Cherry Bomb,” “Lemonade,” “Punch,” “Bring The Noise,” and “2 Baddies.” The mood then shifted with “Nonstop,” “IKR,” “Ay-Yo,” “Not Alone,” “Day After Day,” “0 Mile + Summer 127,” and “Crash Landing.” The group then circled back to their signature neo sound with “Piñata,” “Firetruck,” “Fact Check,” “Hero,” and “Bling.” The encore wrapped up the 24-song setlist with “Paper Plane,” “Touch,” and “Promise You.”
This concert spotlighted five members – Taeyong, Jaehyun, Johnny, Yuta, and Haechan – as Doyoung and Jungwoo are currently serving in the military. Despite the reduced lineup, the group seamlessly adapted their parts, choreography, and stage presence, showcasing their versatility and decade-long synergy. Yuta expressed pride in the group’s adaptability, stating that he doesn’t think there’s another group that can handle such significant changes in parts and roles. It’s challenging, but it’s a point of pride that they can pull it off.
The concert’s production values were nothing short of spectacular. Over 100 laser lights pulsed in sync with their neo-futuristic sound, while massive screens displayed eye-popping computer-generated imagery (CGI). The members’ dramatic entrance in a Hummer and their forays into the audience to interact with fans ramped up the excitement to fever pitch.
This year holds special significance for NCT 127. As they mark their 10th anniversary, all seven members recently renewed their contracts following some lineup changes. Although only five performed on stage, Doyoung and Jungwoo’s presence in the audience reinforced the group’s tight-knit bond. In a touching moment, Doyoung surprised his bandmates with a cake to celebrate their milestone anniversary.
Taeyong shared his emotions, saying that having all the members here today fills me with joy. It has been waiting for this moment. Looking ahead, he added that next year, it aims to deliver an unforgettable performance with all 127 members on one stage. It’s incredibly proud of how solid and dedicated they’ve shown themselves to be, even as five.
Jaehyun reflected on their journey, saying that as they hit the 10th year, he’s reminded of how, at 20, he often wondered what 30 would feel like. Now that he’s here, he realizes it’s not so different. What matters is living each day to the fullest, without regrets – and that’s exactly what it did today. He concluded with a heartfelt message to fans: Growing older alongside you is a blessing. Let’s continue this journey of happiness together, well into its 40s and 50s.
