NCT 127, fans 'connect' in K-pop group's first Manila solo concert

Jaehwa Bernardo, ABS-CBN News

<div class='embed-wrap'><figure data-feedback='fb:likes,fb:comments'><img alt='NCT 127 at the Manila of its 'Neo City: The Link' tour at the Mall of Asia Arena on September 4, 2022. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News' src='https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2022/life/09/06/20220904-nct-127-manila-concert-md-16.jpg' ><figcaption>NCT 127 at the Manila of its 'Neo City: The Link' tour at the Mall of Asia Arena on September 4, 2022. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA — With their ardent cheers and relentless energy, Filipino fans of NCT 127 made an impression on the popular K-pop band during its first solo concert in the country, so much so that the boys want to hold more shows when they come back.</p><p>The nine-piece act, a sub-group of the much larger NCT from top K-pop company SM Entertainment, staged the Manila leg of its "Neo City: The Link" tour last Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.</p><p>The tour's name refers to NCT's "world," where the artists and fans are linked by music and dreams, members Johnny and Mark explained.</p><p>"Today, I mark this the day that we connect with our Manila Czennies (NCT fans)," Johnny said in English.</p><div class='embed-wrap'><figure data-feedback='fb:likes,fb:comments'><img alt='NCT 127 at the Manila of its 'Neo City: The Link' tour at the Mall of Asia Arena on September 4, 2022. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News' src='https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2022/life/09/06/20220904-nct-127-manila-concert-md-14.jpg' ><figcaption>NCT 127 at the Manila of its 'Neo City: The Link' tour at the Mall of Asia Arena on September 4, 2022. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>The event marked the first time NCT 127 held its own concert in the Philippines, following appearances at <a href='https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/10/29/17/in-k-pop-republic-2-a-new-generation-of-idols-bind-pinoy-fans'>K-pop Republic 2</a> and the <a href='https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/06/10/19/recap-red-velvet-other-k-pop-groups-spark-frenzy-in-ph-concert'>K-pop World Music Festival</a> in 2017 and 2019, respectively.</p><p>Concertgoers were treated to an audio-visual spectacle that accompanied the band's performances with laser lights and stage pyrotechnics. </p><p>Similarly, the Manila crowd's fervor impressed members Taeyong, Taeil, Johnny, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Mark and Haechan.</p><p>Near the end of the show, Johnny checked up on the audience, which had been letting out passionate screams since the start of the three-hour concert.</p><p>"I don't know about you guys but my throat is hurting. Are you guys okay?" Johnny asked, drawing another loud response from the crowd that filled the Pasay arena.</p><p>"Everybody's talking about how it really is our first time having a [solo] concert here. But why? Why haven't we had a concert here before? You guys are amazing," Johnny said.</p><p>"I'm gonna be honest. On our way home, we're probably gonna be still hearing you guys. That's how amazing you guys were," he added.</p><div class='embed-wrap'><figure data-feedback='fb:likes,fb:comments'><img alt='NCT 127 at the Manila of its 'Neo City: The Link' tour at the Mall of Asia Arena on September 4, 2022. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News' src='https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2022/life/09/06/20220904-nct-127-manila-concert-md-10.jpg' ><figcaption>NCT 127 at the Manila of its 'Neo City: The Link' tour at the Mall of Asia Arena on September 4, 2022. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>The group prepared a strong setlist of around 30 songs, comprised of singles and other album tracks, and solo and unit stages.</p><p>The boisterous 2020 single "Kick It" opened the sold-out concert, raising the energy with its iconic heavy metal guitar riff intro and chant-like chorus.</p><blockquote class='twitter-tweet'><p dir='ltr' lang='en'>NCT 127 introduces Filipino Czennies to some new things as they open <a href='https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLinkTourManila?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw'>#TheLinkTourManila</a> with “Kick It.” 🔥 <a href='https://twitter.com/hashtag/NCT127inManila?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw'>#NCT127inManila</a> <a href='https://t.co/Ox3yv4ThCu'>pic.twitter.com/Ox3yv4ThCu</a> | via <a href='https://twitter.com/jaehwabernardo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw'>@jaehwabernardo</a></p>— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) <a href='https://twitter.com/ABSCBNNews/status/1566357269054230529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw'>September 4, 2022</a></blockquote><p><script async src='https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' type='text/javascript'></script></p><p>During their solo stages, Taeyong and Johnny turned up the heat by going topless, with the latter even dancing inside a transparent cage.</p><ul class='op-related-articles'>	<li><a href='https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/03/01/21/watch-taeyong-of-nct-127-jams-to-benbens-pagtingin'>WATCH: Taeyong of NCT 127 jams to Ben&Ben's 'Pagtingin'</a></li></ul><p>The band also performed hit singles "Cherry Bomb" and "Sticker," before capping the night with the more laidback offerings "Dreams Come True" and "Promise You."</p><div class='embed-wrap'><figure data-feedback='fb:likes,fb:comments'><img alt='Fans raise their lightsticks during the Manila leg of 'Neo City: The Link' at the Mall of Asia Arena on September 4, 2022. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News' src='https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2022/life/09/06/20220904-nct-127-manila-concert-md-4.jpg' ><figcaption>Fans raise their lightsticks during the Manila leg of 'Neo City: The Link' at the Mall of Asia Arena on September 4, 2022. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>Doyoung admitted to feeling "a bit sad" that the group could only hold a single-day concert.</p><p>"Hopefully next time, we can have a two-day or three-day concert," he said via an interpreter.</p><p>"We'll be back whenever you guys want us to be back. Next time let's make it two days [or] three days," Mark said. </p><p>Veteran singer-actress Sharon Cuneta and former Kabataan Party Rep. Sarah Elago were among the notable personalities present at the concert.</p><p>Aside from touring, the group is preparing to release its fourth full-length album, "2 Baddies," on Sept. 16.</p><ul class='op-related-articles'>	<li><a href='https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/08/10/22/nct-127-picked-as-pumas-asia-pacific-ambassadors'>K-pop group NCT 127 picked as Puma's Asia-Pacific ambassadors</a></li></ul><p><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></p><figure class='op-interactive'><iframe allow='autoplay; fullscreen' frameborder='0' height='100%' id='ivsplayer01' scrolling='no' src='https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/html/iframe-src.html?iframeid=ivsplayer01&key=e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603&spid=3001339&vid=2200071' width='100%'></iframe></figure><div class='iwantbar'>Watch more News on <a href='https://www.iwanttfc.com/#!/browse/Genres/News/tag_id_genres/id_news' target='_blank'>iWantTFC</a></div>

<p>"Today, I mark this the day that we connect with our Manila Czennies (NCT fans)," Johnny said in English.</p><div class='embed-wrap'><figure data-feedback='fb:likes,fb:comments'><img alt='NCT 127 at the Manila of its 'Neo City: The Link' tour at the Mall of Asia Arena on September 4, 2022. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News' src='https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2022/life/09/06/20220904-nct-127-manila-concert-md-14.jpg' ><figcaption>NCT 127 at the Manila of its 'Neo City: The Link' tour at the Mall of Asia Arena on September 4, 2022. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>The event marked the first time NCT 127 held its own concert in the Philippines, following appearances at <a href='https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/10/29/17/in-k-pop-republic-2-a-new-generation-of-idols-bind-pinoy-fans'>K-pop Republic 2</a> and the <a href='https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/06/10/19/recap-red-velvet-other-k-pop-groups-spark-frenzy-in-ph-concert'>K-pop World Music Festival</a> in 2017 and 2019, respectively.</p><p>Concertgoers were treated to an audio-visual spectacle that accompanied the band's performances with laser lights and stage pyrotechnics. </p><p>Similarly, the Manila crowd's fervor impressed members Taeyong, Taeil, Johnny, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, Mark and Haechan.</p><p>Near the end of the show, Johnny checked up on the audience, which had been letting out passionate screams since the start of the three-hour concert.</p><p>"I don't know about you guys but my throat is hurting. Are you guys okay?" Johnny asked, drawing another loud response from the crowd that filled the Pasay arena.</p><p>"Everybody's talking about how it really is our first time having a [solo] concert here. But why? Why haven't we had a concert here before? You guys are amazing," Johnny said.</p><p>"I'm gonna be honest. On our way home, we're probably gonna be still hearing you guys. That's how amazing you guys were," he added.</p><div class='embed-wrap'><figure data-feedback='fb:likes,fb:comments'><img alt='NCT 127 at the Manila of its 'Neo City: The Link' tour at the Mall of Asia Arena on September 4, 2022. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News' src='https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2022/life/09/06/20220904-nct-127-manila-concert-md-10.jpg' ><figcaption>NCT 127 at the Manila of its 'Neo City: The Link' tour at the Mall of Asia Arena on September 4, 2022. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>The group prepared a strong setlist of around 30 songs, comprised of singles and other album tracks, and solo and unit stages.</p><p>The boisterous 2020 single "Kick It" opened the sold-out concert, raising the energy with its iconic heavy metal guitar riff intro and chant-like chorus.</p><blockquote class='twitter-tweet'><p dir='ltr' lang='en'>NCT 127 introduces Filipino Czennies to some new things as they open <a href='https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLinkTourManila?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw'>#TheLinkTourManila</a> with “Kick It.” 🔥 <a href='https://twitter.com/hashtag/NCT127inManila?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw'>#NCT127inManila</a> <a href='https://t.co/Ox3yv4ThCu'>pic.twitter.com/Ox3yv4ThCu</a> | via <a href='https://twitter.com/jaehwabernardo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw'>@jaehwabernardo</a></p>— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) <a href='https://twitter.com/ABSCBNNews/status/1566357269054230529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw'>September 4, 2022</a></blockquote><p><script async src='https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' type='text/javascript'></script></p><p>During their solo stages, Taeyong and Johnny turned up the heat by going topless, with the latter even dancing inside a transparent cage.</p><ul class='op-related-articles'>	<li><a href='https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/03/01/21/watch-taeyong-of-nct-127-jams-to-benbens-pagtingin'>WATCH: Taeyong of NCT 127 jams to Ben&Ben's 'Pagtingin'</a></li></ul><p>The band also performed hit singles "Cherry Bomb" and "Sticker," before capping the night with the more laidback offerings "Dreams Come True" and "Promise You."</p><div class='embed-wrap'><figure data-feedback='fb:likes,fb:comments'><img alt='Fans raise their lightsticks during the Manila leg of 'Neo City: The Link' at the Mall of Asia Arena on September 4, 2022. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News' src='https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2022/life/09/06/20220904-nct-127-manila-concert-md-4.jpg' ><figcaption>Fans raise their lightsticks during the Manila leg of 'Neo City: The Link' at the Mall of Asia Arena on September 4, 2022. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>Doyoung admitted to feeling "a bit sad" that the group could only hold a single-day concert.</p><p>"Hopefully next time, we can have a two-day or three-day concert," he said via an interpreter.</p><p>"We'll be back whenever you guys want us to be back. Next time let's make it two days [or] three days," Mark said. </p><p>Veteran singer-actress Sharon Cuneta and former Kabataan Party Rep. Sarah Elago were among the notable personalities present at the concert.</p><p>Aside from touring, the group is preparing to release its fourth full-length album, "2 Baddies," on Sept. 16.</p><ul class='op-related-articles'>	<li><a href='https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/08/10/22/nct-127-picked-as-pumas-asia-pacific-ambassadors'>K-pop group NCT 127 picked as Puma's Asia-Pacific ambassadors</a></li></ul><p><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></p><figure class='op-interactive'><iframe allow='autoplay; fullscreen' frameborder='0' height='100%' id='ivsplayer01' scrolling='no' src='https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/html/iframe-src.html?iframeid=ivsplayer01&key=e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603&spid=3001339&vid=2200071' width='100%'></iframe></figure><div class='iwantbar'>Watch more News on <a href='https://www.iwanttfc.com/#!/browse/Genres/News/tag_id_genres/id_news' target='_blank'>iWantTFC</a></div>

<p>The nine-piece act, a sub-group of the much larger NCT from top K-pop company SM Entertainment, staged the Manila leg of its "Neo City: The Link" tour last Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.</p><p>The tour's name refers to NCT's "world," where the artists and fans are linked by music and dreams, members Johnny and Mark explained.</p>

<div class='embed-wrap'><figure data-feedback='fb:likes,fb:comments'><img alt='NCT 127 at the Manila of its 'Neo City: The Link' tour at the Mall of Asia Arena on September 4, 2022. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News' src='https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2022/life/09/06/20220904-nct-127-manila-concert-md-16.jpg' ><figcaption>NCT 127 at the Manila of its 'Neo City: The Link' tour at the Mall of Asia Arena on September 4, 2022. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA — With their ardent cheers and relentless energy, Filipino fans of NCT 127 made an impression on the popular K-pop band during its first solo concert in the country, so much so that the boys want to hold more shows when they come back.</p>

NCT 127, fans 'connect' in K-pop group's first Manila solo concert | ABS-CBN News

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NCT 127, fans 'connect' in K-pop group's first Manila solo concert

NCT 127, fans 'connect' in K-pop group's first Manila solo concert