NCT Dream in Lima: a heavenly trip to the rhythm of K-pop | CHRONICLE

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It may have been deliberately planned, but cloaked in pristine white from their shirts to their shoes, the seven members of NCT Dream They radiate an almost heavenly aura. The white lights that illuminate them on the stage make them shine even more, while their smiles could charm even the most skeptical of the world of K-pop.

Jaemin, Mark, Jeno, Renjun, Jisung, Haechan, and Chenle average 23 years old, and their youthful vitality makes them powerhouses on stage. Although they would be wrong to be fooled by their adolescent appearance, since several of them are veterans with more years of artistic experience than some of their fans have on this Earth.

Because yes, the fans present at the first concert of the subunit [NCT] in Peru, they are mostly teenagers. And it’s not surprising, considering that their company, SM Entertainment, debuted them six years ago, when the youngest was barely 14 years old. His goal was to create music with a fresh and charming concept; and he did, though not for long.

The stage of rebellion arrives sooner or later, and the ‘idols’ present at Arena 1 on the Costa Verde are already aware of how to captivate the public, delighting them with flirtations, displaying seductive dances and sharing affectionate gestures with each other; the already inescapable ‘bromance’ that provokes thunderous screams.

A dream come true

The songs with which they start the long-awaited concert, “Glitch mode”, “Countdown” and “Stronger”, are part of this second stage. With deep vocals, trap rhythms, grooves and synths, they offer a glimpse of their current style, packed with powerful choreography and intense expressions.

Although the place has not reached its maximum capacity, a tide of people is formed that crowd to be as close as possible to the artists. Mark senses this and, in his welcome greeting, comments in Korean: “It is our first time in Peru. We greatly appreciate the warm welcome you have given us. Today, let’s do a concert where no one gets hurt, please.”.

And so it happens, the calm extends while “Love again”, “Puzzle piece” and “Chewing gum” sound, more melodious and fun songs. Here if we previously highlighted the energy of the boys, it is necessary to dedicate a special section to the public. From the very first song, they vowed to cheer on their stars, yelling tirelessly every time one of them appeared on screen, making no distinction. The fervor and passion is truly impressive.

“I have been moved because while I sang I could hear how you didJisung said. On the part of the other members, between song and song they are allowed to hear an “I love you” and “thank you” in Spanish that is fuel for the collective ovation.

The most acclaimed hits of the sub-unit burst into force an hour and a half into the concert: “Hot Sauce”, “Beat box” and “BOOM” are the favourites. The pirouettes and popping style stand out, executed with a grace that seems to defy effort. Artificial flames and glittering confetti burst into the air, sealing this adrenaline-pumping snippet.

“We arrive at the encore. I’ve had so much fun that I already have expectations of the next time I come. When the time comes, they’re going to come back, right?says Haechan between his parting words. He is not the only one who makes this call, the other members swear that they will return, and even hope to do so in a much larger room.

“It is my first time in Lima and I am glad that it is not for travel but to see youJeno says happily, finally adding in Spanish: “You are the best in the world, thank you Peru”.

With “Walk you home” and “Candy” like the last songs, they take the opportunity to walk the long catwalk that divides the stage and receive the gifts that the fans have brought. The Peruvian flag, chullos, a stuffed animal in the shape of an alpaca and even a balloon from a Peruvian beer brand are some of the gifts they receive and use while greeting each of their followers, before leaving the stage.

After two hours the lights come on, the show is over. Between the output you can hear both sobs and desperate cries. “It’s because of the excitement, I can’t believe I’ve seen them so close”, clarifies one of them trying to explain the intensity of the moment lived. Beyond the closing of a concert, an indelible memory has been forged in those who shared this dream journey with NCT Dream. For now, “Life is still going on”.