NTX set Los Angeles ablaze on August 25 with back-to-back dynamic concerts at the Lodge Room, marking their highly-anticipated U.S. debut performance. The NEW GROUND tour treated NTX’s fans, NTFUL, to two unique setlists that both showcased the group’s versatility and undeniable passion for the stage.
NTX, composed of active members Hyeongjin, Yunhyeok, Jaemin, Changhun, Hojun, Eunho, Seungwon, and Rawhyun, made their debut in 2021 with “Kiss The World” from their first EP, Full of Lovescapes. In 2023, they garnered more recognition through their participation in the JTBC survival show Peak Time, and have been winning global fans’ hearts ever since. Fresh off their successful performances and fan events in Brazil, NTX held fansigns in Las Vegas and L.A. before delivering two exceptional performances that left their American audience craving for more.
NTX launched their first U.S. show in style with “Kick it the door,” the opening track off of their recently released 2nd mini album, HOLD X. A song about kicking a locked door down and making everyone aware of their presence, the bold, high-energy track was the perfect way to set the tone for the night. After brief introductions, they switched gears and showed off their charms with “Free Day” and “Just Friend” from their 2023 1st full-length album, ODD HOUR. While the former sang of embracing freedom and living life to the fullest, the latter sang of unrequited love. The opening set’s contrasting performances perfectly reflected the group’s musical versatility, a recurring theme throughout the night.
Although this was their first U.S. performance, NTX exuded confidence from the start. The group effortlessly engaged with NTFUL, conversing with them almost entirely in English and sprinkling their talk segments with playful banter and lively discussions that ranged from their L.A. food adventures to their favorite Western artists. “This is everyone’s first time in America, and we love it!” Rawhyun proudly exclaimed, showing off the bold “Simulatin’ From My Ego’ inked on his face—a statement he woke up early that morning to write himself.
With the powerful “Problematic,” NTX reignited the crowd’s energy as NTFUL passionately sang along to the thunderous chorus, “They say can’t nobody stop me, stop me / Watch out, we danger ’cause I’m so problematic, boy!”
After a heart-pumping performance, NTX segued into the special unit and solo stages, allowing the spotlight to shine on the members. Changhun and Seungwon took to the stage first with their melodic, R&B track, “Why.” Despite being an unreleased song, the crowd loved it, pulling out their NTX lightsticks and phone lights and waving them on the beat. The sight left the two wondering if they should officially release it once they returned to Korea, earning cheers of agreement from NTFUL. Next, Rawhyun dominated the stage with his self-produced, rock-rap track, “Believe Me.” The song, which he entirely composed, wrote, and arranged himself, radiated his pride and confidence. Lastly, Eunho and Jaemin executed an impressive, slick hip-hop dance routine to “Mosquito,” showcasing their swagger and sending the crowd into a frenzy as they shed their oversized jackets to reveal their toned physiques.
All the members regrouped on stage for the flashy, “Holy Grail.” The assertive anthem carried the same immense energy as “Problematic” and “Kick it the door,” yet earned the loudest screams from the audience that night. “Did you like ‘Holy Grail’ more than ‘Problematic’?!’ Hyeongjin asked. NTFUL raised two fingers in the air, signaling that they liked both tracks equally.
In a surprise turn of events, NTX performed another special stage for NTFUL. As soon as the opening melody of One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful” played through the speakers, roars of screams erupted from the audience. One excited NTFUL even ran out of the room, only to return moments later, unable to contain their excitement. The audience’s lively reactions brought smiles to the members’ faces, Together, NTX and NTFUL sang and danced their hearts out to the beloved song.
As the first show was drawing to an end, NTX calmed the mood down with their emotional ballad, “Just Once.” Now stationed behind microphone stands, the members serenaded the crowd and, in return, were met with a sea of beautiful stars as fans turned on their phone lights and lightsticks and swayed along to the song. NTX then closed out their first show on a high note with the fun, exhilarating finale, “Scream,” a song that invites listeners to shake off negativity by screaming their hearts out. The show came to an end and the members walked off stage.
However, as one final surprise, NTFUL was gifted with an unexpected hi-wave opportunity as they exited the venue. Typically an added, paid benefit, it was a pleasant surprise and a perfect parting gift to end the night.
Although NTX bid their final farewells, the night was far from over. As the energy from the 5PM show wound down, the members went backstage to prepare for their 8PM show. The second performance of the night saw the members recharged with new stage outfits and a fresh setlist that guaranteed a concert experience unique to the evening crowd. Foam light sticks were also provided to all attendees, amplifying the party atmosphere and prepping this new audience for the anticipated show.
The evening set kicked off with another powerful banger, “Circuit,” the heart-pounding track first released during the “Originals” match on Peak Time. The high-energy opener set the tone, followed by “Drop That” and “Vintage Girl.” While “Drop That” saw the boys showcasing their swagger as they danced to the 90s’ hip-hop beat, “Vintage Girl” showed off their suave dance moves as they body rolled to the
As the night continued, the members checked in on NTFUL, asking if they had eaten dinner. If not, they hoped that their performances satiated their hunger. They once again shared their excitement to be in L.A. for the first time, sharing their fun escapades around the city. They explored the Hollywood Walk of Fame, ate their first Hollywood pizza, visited a wax museum, and even went shopping at The Grove.
The second show also welcomed new solo and unit performances exclusively for the concert attendees who came to this second show. Jaemin graced the stage with his Soundcloud song “Alright” while Yunhyeok tapped in for his R&B solo, “Baby,” where he commanded the stage and oozed pure confidence with every lyric. Lastly, Rawhyun returned on stage and vibed with the audience with his R&B track, “작업실(Workshop)” before switching gears and turning up with his trap song, “Trace up,” which had everyone bopping to the drop.
The 8PM show also included NTX’s surprise cover of One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful,” sparking yet another wave of squeals and screams from the crowd. NTX then proudly introduced, “Ivy Booth,” performing it live on stage for the first time against a lush, green projected backdrop as the members serenaded NTFUL with their sweet vocals. The sentimental mood continued with “Myful,” a heartfelt fan song written by NTX members Rawhyun, Changhun, and Seungwon for their beloved NTFUL. The group expressed their joy in sharing their favorite songs and hoped NTFUL felt their sincerity through their performances.
As the show drew to a close, NTX were presented with a custom-made trophy, honoring their hard work and efforts in delivering such an unforgettable debut U.S. performance. Touched, the members expressed their gratitude. Hojun reassured the audience, saying that this wasn’t the end, but “the start of a new beginning.” Yunhyeok echoed this sentiment, promising that they would never forget NTFUL and asking NTFUl to do the same in return. Eunho comforted fans, stating that this wouldn’t be the last time they would meet, and Jaemin added, “We’re probably gonna be performing in a lot of other cities in the States but we’re so glad we started in L.A.” Changhun, moved by this whole experience, shared how his dream to come to America finally came true thanks to NTFUL. As they moved on to the last song, the group asked fans to do what they do best, scream their hearts out. They did not disappoint as NTX concluded the night in full party fashion with the powerful final track, “Scream,” before officially saying their final farewells onstage and in the subsequent surprise hi-wave event as fans filed out of the venue.
Across two high-energy performances, NTX captivated NTFUL, leaving them both satisfied and already eagerly awaiting their next U.S. return. With their upcoming appearance at the All-India K-pop Contest 2024 in India on October 18-19, NTX is slowly expanding their global reach. These international schedules are just the beginning of their promising rise, and NTFUL can look forward to even more new music and events on the horizon.
