Popular K-Pop group, NCT DREAM, began their first US tour in Newark at Prudential Center on April 5. As a sub-group of SM Entertainment's NCT, the seven-member group is touring the western part of the world for the first time since its debut in 2016.

The group includes members MARK, HAECHAN, RENJUN, JENO, CHENLE, JAEMIN and JISUNG. They are a third generation close to being a fourth-generation group, so NCT DREAM aims to sing for the youth.

"We all debuted at a very early age. We started our careers when we were all under the age of 18," said MARK, the leader of NCT DREAM, at a virtual roundtable on April 10. "Even then, we had this motto. We wanted to be a symbol of healing for our listeners, and we wanted to be a beacon of hope to everyone that sees and supports us, and especially for young dreamers."

"I have to say that for NCT DREAM, what sets us apart is our history and the story that we've created since our debut," said RENJUN. "Every K-Pop group has a different color, but for NCT DREAM, it's really the hope that we are trying to share and give to the youth, the story that we have and the fun that we are able to show through our music as well."

International fans now have the opportunity to see the group and experience their music live as they tour many big cities across the United States.

"Honestly, it was unforgettable," said Rebekah Marlin, a fan who attended the Newark concert. "NCT Dream are probably the best performers I've ever seen live… Even at the end of the show, they displayed so much energy and strength. One of the things they did that I'd never seen before was like an actual encore stage. They had said their goodbyes and left the stage and everything, but then a few minutes later, when the whole crowd was shouting "CANDY, CANDY, CANDY," they came back and performed ‘Candy,’ so that was a very welcome surprise that I didn't realize was part of the show."

The members also reminisced on their tour so far.

"I think each city that we perform at has its own different charm and atmosphere," said RENJUN. "For example, when we performed in Newark… I felt like we were really able to really enjoy those moments without fans, and that gave us so much strength."

NCT DREAM's shows are lively, colorful and action-packed. Their music video concepts are generally lighthearted and bright, which are reflected in their various performances. The fans also came dressed and prepared to match the vibrant nature of the group.

"Around the middle of the show, while the members were doing outfit changes and taking a break, they did a segment where they panned around the stadium showing fans with different signs," said Marlin. "It was so cool to see their creativity, and they come up with the funniest stuff. I think we saw about four signs that said, "Hot girls love Haechan." But it was really interesting to see how much this group means to all these people and just how excited and energetic everyone was."

While fun and lighthearted, this group's music can very much be what the younger generation needs in times of hardship.

"Not quite sure if I can say that it changed the lives of the fans, but there was this one event, we had a video call event. We had a chance to speak with a fan, and this fan had to undergo surgery, and the individual was very nervous about that," recalled RENJUN. "But before going in, they listened to ‘Hello Future, and through that track, they were able to find peace and strength. When I heard this story, I was very touched, and it made everything that we worked on feel more meaningful."

The group hopes to meet more of their international fans, allowing them the opportunity to be moved by a live performance. According to NCT DREAM, this tour is one of many to come.

"We have never done this before, even though it has been eight years since we debuted, so we have a lot of history and reasons for why we are doing it now," said MARK. "But long story short, we are now beginning to see the world and to travel all over the world to meet our fans."

Myrian Garcia is the Editor in Chief at the Empire State Tribune. She is a senior studying Journalism, Culture and Society.

NCT DREAM Begins its First US Tour in Newark