Seoul concerts showcase reworked performances, spectacular production and confidence in a temporary five-member lineup
NCT 127 spent much of its 10th anniversary concert demonstrating just how strong the group’s identity is.
At “The Redline,” held Friday through Sunday at KSPO Dome in southern Seoul, the group did not attempt to disguise the absence of Doyoung and Jungwoo, who are serving their mandatory military service. Instead, it reshaped familiar songs, redistributed parts and leaned on a decade of chemistry to prove that the group’s performance remains no less engaging despite its current five-member configuration.
The show opened on a striking note. Suspended high above the stage by wires, Taeyong, Johnny, Yuta, Jaehyun and Haechan appeared trapped inside a web of cables before breaking free as “Legacy” erupted through the arena. The high-intensity opening established the night's energy as the group launched into “Step Up,” “Walk,” “Simon Says,” “Cherry Bomb” and “Lemonade” with barely a pause.
Rather than exposing what was missing, the rearranged performances highlighted what remained. Jaehyun sang one of Doyoung’s vocal parts during “Cherry Bomb,” while Taeyong introduced newly written lyrics into one of the song’s rap sections. The changes felt less like substitutions than reinterpretations, giving the long-familiar songs a fresh perspective.
“I don’t think there are many groups whose members’ roles and parts change as often as ours do from concert to concert,” Yuta later told the audience. “It’s difficult sometimes, but every time we pull it off, I feel proud of us.”
His remarks reflected the group’s repeated lineup changes in recent years. Other than the temporary absence of Doyoung and Jungwoo, Mark left NCT 127 after his contract expired in April. Former member Winwin had long focused on WayV and activities in China before his contract expired in July, while Taeil exited the group after allegations of sexual assault emerged in 2024.
Throughout the night, NCT 127 turned KSPO Dome into a performance space that was constantly changing. During “Punch,” more than 100 lasers formed a giant boxing ring around the rotating stage. “Pinata” brought the group into the audience aboard an SUV truck before “Fire Truck” transformed the arena once again with flame effects, smoke guns and water cannons.
Fans at Sunday’s concert were met with another surprise, as both Doyoung and Jungwoo were spotted in the audience enjoying the concert. Videos filmed of the two members before their enlistment also appeared throughout the show, while their original vocals remained in songs “Paper Plane,” “Touch” and “Promise You” — categorized as fan songs among NCTzen (NCT’s fandom).
For Taeyong, it also made the group’s final Seoul show unique.
“Today was even more meaningful because every member was in this venue. Next year, all seven of us will stand onstage together again,” he said. Doyoung and Jungwoo are expected to finish military service in June 2027.
Other members echoed Taeyong’s sentiments, expressing gratitude to fans while looking ahead to the group’s future.
“When I was 20, I used to wonder what turning 30 or reaching our 10th anniversary would feel like,” said Jaehyun. “Now that I’ve reached that point, I realized it isn’t really about anything grand. It’s about giving everything you have each day without regrets.”
He added that what made the milestone meaningful was not simply that NCT 127 had grown older, but that its fans had grown alongside them.
The three-day Seoul concerts, which drew 31,500 fans across sold-out shows, marked the opening of the group’s fifth world tour and its first major concert following its seventh LP, “Blingy,” released in August. Sunday’s concert was also screened live in more than 1,000 movie theaters across over 40 regions, including Korea, Japan, the US and Canada.
"The Redline" continues in Jakarta on Oct. 3 before heading to Hong Kong, Singapore, Saitama, Bangkok, Manila, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur and Macao.
lee.jungjoo@heraldcorp.com
