NCT DoJaeJung say coming back to the Philippines has been an ‘honor’: ‘I felt the warmth’

The screams for Doyoung, Jaehyun, and Jungwoo, collectively known as NCT DoJaeJung, were nothing short of overwhelming even if their mere faces were shown on the screen. But nothing prepared fans and the media for their breathtaking aura as soon as they stepped onstage.

“Hi, we are NCT DoJaeJung,” they said, as they waved to squealing fans with all smiles. The K-pop idols, who were fresh from their fan concert the day before, were cheerful and professional as they could be, although it was clear from their expressions that they were shocked at how much they’re loved in the country.

While they previously visited the Philippines in September 2022, where Jaehyun even pointed out on Instagram that “Manila [is] as sweet as vanilla,” it’s clear that the love had grown tenfolds compared to before.

NCT DoJaeJung members (from left) Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net

“I felt the warmth of the people here. I think this is the reason why it allows me to come back to the Philippines, and I really appreciate this opportunity to come back and see you once again,” Jungwoo said through an interpreter. As the interpreter spoke, his eyes followed the number of people at the venue, as if he’s basking in the moment.

Meanwhile, a smiling Jaehyun said in English that it’s an “honor” to be back in the country. “I’d say this energy, with all the energy we’re receiving right now, it’s an honor. It’s huge. Definitely, this moment would be one of the memories we would come back to again.”

When asked about what makes their Filipino fans “endearing,” a smile can be seen on Doyoung’s face as he spoke about their desire to “wait” for them.

“When I saw all of you here, I was able to feel how much you have waited for us. I was able to feel how much you guys love us, so I really appreciate this,” he said. He also drew screams when he admitted that he wants to dedicate the song “Kiss” for their Filipino fans.

“I would like to express my gratitude for showing much love to us. And I think that if you continue to love and cheer for us, we would be able to come to the Philippines more often,” Doyoung further added.

It appears that the Philippines has a special place in NCT DoJaeJung’s heart since they revealed they always wanted to try halo-halo and lechon. But a behind-the-scenes moment that struck Jaehyun the most, was Doyoung who was seemingly eager to go swimming in the country.

“[Doyoung] really likes swimming. So, when we came to the Philippines, like even before the flight, he was asking if we had our swimsuits and if we’re ready to go to the swimming pool,” Jaehyun said, while Doyoung was laughing at his story. “He was so ready to go to the swimming pool.”

Working together as NCT DoJaeJung

NCT DoJaeJung is the fifth sub-unit of the K-pop boy group NCT, following NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, and WayV. It’s common knowledge among fans that a sub-unit is a step towards a different music direction, which can be seen in the trio as well.

Their first EP “Perfume” is a showcase of Doyoung, Jaehyun, and Jungwoo dipping their toes into sexy and luxurious R&B, and while the three of them have always been close, working together as a sub-unit gave them the opportunity to know each other “more.”

“Performing together as a trio made me feel excited for all of us. As DoJaeJung, we got to know each other more. We got to stick to each other more, so it allowed me to feel that the three of us are more like a family,” Jungwoo said.

Doyoung, on the other hand, said he’s “happy” upon finding out that they would be put together in a sub-unit. “When we heard the news that we would be formed as NCT DoJaeJung, we were really happy about the news. But we also thought that the fans would be happier [about us being together],” he said.

Jaehyun, meanwhile, recalled that he was initially “curious” about the concept of their album. “Perfume” consists of six tracks: “Perfume,” “Kiss,” “Dive,” “Strawberry Sunday,” “Can We Go Back,” and “Ordinary.”

“I was curious about the concept and the music that we would do. And while preparing the album, I really wished that the NCTzens would like the concept of the album,” he said, referring to supporters using their fandom name.

NCT DoJaeJung members (from left) Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net

As the sub-unit’s youngest member, Jungwoo said being doted on by Doyoung and Jaehyun was a heartwarming experience, while revealing that both love to buy him “delicious food.”

“Doyoung [is] very detailed. He really helps me and gives me a lot of opportunities too. And the best thing about Doyoung is he buys me a lot of delicious food,” Jungwoo said. “Jaehyun is very detailed too and as a person, he’s very sweet. He really takes care of me like a younger brother. Every day, he would call and ask me how I’m doing. And he buys me delicious food.”

Born as Kim Dong-young, Jeong Jae-hyun, and Kim Jung-woo, they debuted as members of NCT in April 2016 (Doyoung and Jaehyun) and February 2018 (Jungwoo). Aside from NCT DoJaeJung, they’re part of the sub-unit NCT 127. EDV

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