K-pop boy band NCT 127 holds first ever concert in Manila with sold-out crowd 


K-pop idol group NCT 127’s first ever solo concert in the Philippines emerged as a huge success, drawing thousands of fans to a memorable sold-out night.

Jaehyun, Taeyong, Mark, Doyoung, Johnny, Taeil, Yuta, Jungwoo and Haechan held their “NCT 127 2nd Tour Neo City-Manila: The Link” on Sept. 4 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and the members were only too happy to have their own concert in Manila.

“Finally, finally, NCT 127 in Manila!” Taeyong said amid seemingly endless cheers and screams from the lightstick-waving crowd.

NCT 127 performing at their "The Link” concert in Manila on Sept. 4 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (Jonathan Hicap)

NCT 127 performing at their "The Link” concert in Manila on Sept. 4 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (Jonathan Hicap)

Members of NCT 127 pose for a photo at their "The Link” concert in Manila on Sept. 4 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (NCT 127/Twitter)

NCT 127 greeting the crowd at their "The Link” concert in Manila on Sept. 4 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (Jonathan Hicap)

NCT 127 performing at their "The Link” concert in Manila on Sept. 4 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (Jonathan Hicap)

“It’s the first time here to have our concert. It’s so exciting! Is this crazy or what?” said Johnny while Yuta said, “I am happy to be here.”

Mark said, “It is so good to be back here in the Philippines. It is our first concert ever and I know how longly awaited this concert was for you guys.” The last time NCT 127 performed in Manila was in June 2019 during a show with other K-pop artists.

“I’m so glad to be here,” said Jaehyun.

NCT 127 opened the show with “Kick It” followed by “Lemonade,” “Simon Says” “Elevator,” “Dreamer” and “Love Song.”

The members had their unit and solo spots as well. Taeil performed “Another World” and he and Haechan sang “Love Sign.”

Taeyong heated up the stage with his performance of “Moonlight” while Mark had “Vibration.” The two performed “The Himalayas” together.

Jungwoo sang “Lipstick” and Jaehyun’s solo spot was “Lost.” Doyoung performed “The Reason Why It’s Favorite” while Yuta sang “Butterfly.”

Other songs NCT 127 performed were “Run Back 2 U,” “Highway to Heaven,” “The Rainy Night,” “White Night,” “Bring the Noize,” “Love on the Floor,” “Paradise,” “Touch,” “Love Me Now,” “Cherry Bomb” and “Sticker.”

For the encore, they performed “Dreams Come True” and “Promise You.”

Fans and NCT 127 had a great time at the concert. When it was time to say goodbye, NCT 127 members thanked everyone who came to the concert.

“We, NCT 127, enjoyed this night so I really feel good. It’s been a long time since we’ve been here. But in the future, we hope we can come more often so we can have a great time and more fun time together,” said Jungwoo.

NCT 127 performing at their "The Link” concert in Manila on Sept. 4 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (Jonathan Hicap)

NCT 127 performing at their "The Link” concert in Manila on Sept. 4 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (Jonathan Hicap)

NCT 127 performing at their "The Link” concert in Manila on Sept. 4 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (Jonathan Hicap)

NCT 127 performing at their "The Link” concert in Manila on Sept. 4 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (Jonathan Hicap)

NCT 127 performing at their "The Link” concert in Manila on Sept. 4 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (Jonathan Hicap)

NCT 127 performing at their "The Link” concert in Manila on Sept. 4 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena (Jonathan Hicap)

Taeil said, “Thank you so much for your support and we’ll make sure to come back very soon. Always thankful and we love you” while Yuta said, “You are the reason we are able to be on stage. A big, big thank you, everyone.”

“It’s been a while since we performed here. I am quite sad that our concert is only one day. I know. Thank you for today,” said Taeyong.

Jaehyun said, “It’s been a very long time since we’ve been here. Thank you so much for welcoming us this hot. Thank you so much for always supporting us.”

“Manila. Thank you so much. I know you guys waited. We waited a lot. This is our first concert in Manila. Despite being our first time here, I feel like we are receiving a lot of love. It’s an absolute pleasure to be here. We’ll be back whenever you guys want us to be back. Next time let’s make it two days, three days,” said Mark.

According to Haechan, “Thank you for your time and for coming to our concert. We’ll be back very, very soon.”

“Why haven’t we had a concert here before? You guys are amazing. You guys get home safely and NCT 127 loves you,” said Johnny.

Among the fans who watched the show, there were those who attended their first ever K-pop concert like sisters Francine Aldy and Karla Denise Cartago.

“Me and my sister Francine were so ‘kilig’ watching them performing and we really had fun singing along with them and screaming out their names, it was an unforgettable moment for us czennies,’ said Karla.

Their cousins Julianne and Annika Tubice also watched the concert.

“Being able to attend this concert is one of the moments I will truly cherish! I was able to see NCT perform for the first time and fans alike made it memorable for the members too because of the hype they were receiving throughout the concert,” said Julianne.

Annika said, “It was memorable. To finally be able to hear and see my favorite K-pop group perform live is a great experience, plus meeting my internet friends made it even better.”

The “NCT 127 2nd Tour Neo City-Manila: The Link” was presented by Pulp Live World.