San Antonio turned neon green last Sunday night, as the K-Pop phenomenon NCT 127 lit up the Frost Bank Center during their NEO CITY – THE MOMENTUM tour. From the moment the doors opened, the energy was palpable. Fans, dressed in custom NCT jerseys, t-shirts, and the iconic neobong, filled the arena with excitement. They were buzzing, exchanging fan goods, snapping group photos, and eagerly awaiting the show that was about to unfold.
Despite the absence of leader Taeyong and member Jaehyun, who are both serving mandatory military duty, the remaining members Johnny, Mark, Jungwoo, Yuta, Doyoung, and Haechan stepped up and delivered a performance that far surpassed expectations. “We didn’t have backup dancers, so we were worried, but you filled in all the gaps for us,” Yuta said, acknowledging the fierce energy NCTzens brought to the show.
The opening moments were pure theater. The lights dimmed, fog crept across the stage, and an intense intro VCR built anticipation. As the members appeared at the top of the staircase, their silhouettes were nothing short of powerful, setting the tone for the night. The crowd erupted as they launched into Gas, a track from their latest EP that blends electronic and hip-hop elements, and the choreography was as fierce as the music itself. From there, they sped through Faster and Bring The Noize, keeping the crowd’s adrenaline high. NCT 127’s signature sound filled the arena, and as soon as one of their tracks started, you knew it. The distinctive “loud” beats, combined with their kitchen-beat style, immediately sent the crowd into a frenzy. The arena came alive with NCTzens singing along to 2 Baddies and Chain, their voices harmonizing with the group’s as if they were part of the show themselves. The stage setup was simple, just LED screens, the six members, and a perfectly curated wardrobe, yet the energy was electric, sending chills down your spine.
After a few fast-paced tracks, the members took a well-deserved break, walking over to the extended stage to interact with the crowd. Johnny, ever the comedian, shared that this was NCT 127’s first time in San Antonio and joked with the crowd when he asked if anyone was actually from the city. The room burst into laughter when he remarked, “Wow! There were more ‘no’s’ than ‘yes’s!’”
Many fans had traveled from nearby cities, some even coming together on a charter bus organized by Rose Colored Prints. Their dedication was undeniable, and it made the experience even more special for everyone.
The setlist continued to surprise, with NCT 127 performing Designer and Orange Seoul, songs they hadn’t performed live in the U.S. before. These moments were a treat for the fans, showcasing a different side of the group as they slowed things down with softer performances while interacting with fans on the extended stage. When they returned to the main stage for Touch, a fan-favorite from 2018, the nostalgia was real. This was a moment for fans to catch their breath and reflect on the growth of NCT 127 over the years.
“I couldn’t hear the music through my in-ears. Y’all are so loud!” Johnny exclaimed, echoing the deafening enthusiasm of the crowd. It was clear: NCTzens are some of the most passionate fans in the K-Pop world. The arena was shaking during fan-favorite hits like Regular, Sticker, and the throwback track Whiplash, with fans singing and shouting along so loudly that it made the performance even more powerful.
Even with the absence of their main vocalist and rapper, the members delivered flawlessly. Haechan and Johnny stepped up to take on many of the vacant rap verses, while Jungwoo and Mark took on the vocal duties. The crowd cheered them on, especially during ballads like Gold Dust and No Longer, where the emotional intensity was felt by everyone in the room.
As the show neared its climax, NCT 127 brought the energy back to its highest peak with Kick It, Fact Check, and Walk. These are tracks that could only end a show on a high note, and the group didn’t disappoint, delivering flawless choreography and powerful vocals despite how long the show had already been. By this point, their stamina was unbelievable.
But NCT 127 is never one to end a concert without a heartfelt moment. During their encore, Doyoung thanked the fans for their incredible energy and expressed how beautiful and welcoming San Antonio had been. They promised to return with an even bigger, better show for their devoted NCTzens, and fans cheered wildly in anticipation of what’s to come.
The encore brought confetti and a mix of heartfelt tracks, Time Capsule, Dreams Come True, and Promise You. The members, wearing custom “127” Spurs jerseys, ran across every side of the stage, greeting fans in the pit, on the second floor, and even the top balcony. Johnny even wore a fan-made cowboy hat with his name and picture, a sweet gesture that further endeared him to the crowd. For the VIPs in the pit and lower bowl, the group threw autographed balls into the crowd as unique mementos of the night.
The final moment of the night was just as special. The members took a photo on stage with their fans, forever memorializing the magical night in San Antonio.
There’s something truly magical about K-Pop concerts. From the first moment you grab your ticket to the moment the lights go down, it’s an experience like no other. NCT 127 didn’t just put on a show, they connected with each and every fan in that arena, making it a night to remember. As the crowd filed out of the venue, smiles and excitement filled the air. After all, when the “neos” take the stage, there’s nothing quite like it.
About Author
