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DOYOUNG held his first solo concert, ‘Dear Youth,’ at Kyung Hee University’s Peace Hall in Seoul, Korea on May 25 to 27, marking a milestone after his debut album and setting forth for the upcoming Asia tour.

DOYOUNG illuminated the stage in his solo debut concert “Dear Youth” held at the Kyung Hee University’s Peace Hall in Seoul, Korea last May 25 to 27, 2024. Following the release of his debut album titled “Dear Youth,”, the three-day Seoul event marks the beginning of his Asia tour — with Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Philippines, and Indonesia in the lineup. The show was also streamed for global audiences to tune in via Beyond LIVE and Weverse.

In his first journey out as a soloist, DOYOUNG captivates with his bright-eyed charm, earnest storytelling and uplifting live band. Our hearts are still on high so let’s recount the night, shall we?

The stage draws you in with his song Beginning, then fades in gently to Like a Star which sets the dimmed room alight with his bright vocals. Stepping into upbeat territory with Lost in California reclaiming his youth, and Maniac which is an NCT U track.

The first ment of the night starts — and in classic main vocal fashion, he hydrates himself, joking “Thank you for cheering for me while drinking water”. He takes the moment to introduce himself as DOYOUNG from NCT and now as a soloist too.
 

Now in his ninth year as a singer, he shares that he wanted to create an album about the youth he knows and has lived. Explaining that the album has a narrative that comforts us from his youth to our youth, inviting us all to stay in the moment and feel the stories he sings.

Have you ever seen some snacking action during a concert? Well, DOYOUNG also takes the time to snack on a banana. Why? He gets hungry on stage too! He’d typically snack on Shine Muscat grapes while with his Urichils, but he’s got to have something more filling this time!

After the energy boost, he ushers in the next set which is light and fun! Here we go with Radio Romance; a stage in full bloom welcoming the vibe of a budding romance. Love is in the air with Flying, Deep in the Night — DOYOUNG surely knows how to cheer the room with his quick wit and beautiful high notes here. A soft, romantic haze enters with Serenade. The stage fades into a sunset with Doll.

Ment time again! He breaks the ice sharing it’s a challenge to fill the ment talk alone. He went on also sharing that this was his first time performing Radio Romance again as it was an OST he sang with TAEIL a long time ago. He then gives the spotlight to his band, introducing them one by one! Livening the room, he snacks again joking that it’s banana time. The fans cheer on his every move, of course! He continues saying that ballads are difficult to do. The characteristics of a ballad require perfect conditions to sing, he said, needing to immerse into the story. Nonetheless, he is proud that he’s become the balladeer that he is.

The piano intro sets the mood of A Little More — while he may be in front of thousands, he sings this so intimately. It’s time to reminisce with Rewind, and sparks fly with Warmth.

The “DY TRACK” VCR flashes, showing us an alternate universe with DOYOUNG as the main rapper (we need the Neos to make a reaction video to this)!

He ascends with a new vibe for the NCT Medley — Back 2 U, Baby Don’t Like It, Sticker, Baggy Jeans, Kiss, and Dreams Come True — reimagined renditions with a soulful, snappy attitude thanks to the live band.

The anxiety of showing DY TRACK and the medley made him sweat so he thanked everyone for the high spirits! He also shared that the NCT members loved DY TRACK and could not stop hyping it up in their group chat.

Beautiful Day, another OST takes the stage, followed by the twinkling feeling of Star Blossom, and then he challenges the crowd to sing TAEYEON noona’s parts in Time Machine, cheering “We have 3000 TAEYEONs here”!

He applauded the CZENNIE crowd for singing along well and that it was beyond his expectations. The camera pans to TAEYEON in the crowd who gave a thumbs up to everyone who sang!

In comes a surge of hope, From Little Wave, surrounds the room with comfort. Then shining brighter than ever with Little Light, this time with DOYOUNG playing the piano. Once again singing Beginning, a loving dedication to those who fill his life with love.

Nearing the end of the evening with the theme: “The moment that we have together will become our youth.”

In strums the lovely melody of Dallas Love Field, tugging heartstrings as the crowd sings along. In the middle of his last ment, he extends his thanks by singing Dear, a new song he released for this concert. And his final out-pour, he sings Rest — a reassuring way to end an emotion-filled night.
 

That was it for DOYOUNG’s first-ever solo concert! The music wrapped us in a feeling of bright nostalgia and hope for the future. His emotions run pure as we witness his coming of age unfolding in this chapter ahead. 

This Seoul event is only the beginning for DOYOUNG — join him as he sets forth and makes new memories of youth in cities around the world!

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Written by: Marian Gaston
Edited: @ja9gelica
Photos: SMTOWN | NCT
Videos: @edalorraine