[CONCERT RECAP] Through The DOORS: Doyoung Welcomed Singapore Into His Musical Universe of Sound And Soul

When the light fades, SG NCTzens will be the ones to stay with Doyoung. 

It was a night of firsts and feelings as NCT’s Doyoung made his long-awaited solo debut in Singapore with his DOORS concert. Held at The Star Theatre on 16 July 2025 (Wednesday), the two-and-a-half-hour set was a showcase of Doyoung’s vocal mastery, emotional vulnerability and warm, witty fan interactions as he took Singapore NCTzens through the many doors of his musical journey. 

Doyoung kickstarted the show with “Wake From The Dark”, preceded by a cinematic VCR that hinted at the emotional depth that was to come. He appeared dressed in a pristine white suit, Doyoung immediately captivated the audience with the gentle melodies of “Dallas Love Field”, “From Little Wave” and “Little Light”, backed by a live band that followed his lead seamlessly, adding richness to every note and pulse to every silence. 

Greeting the audience for the first time that night, Doyoung took a moment to soak it all in. He introduced himself and warmly praised SG NCTzens for their energy and flawless fanchants, encouraging them to continue singing along with him as the show continued. “It’s my first time performing alone in Singapore’, he said, smiling. “I really missed you, NCTzens.” The crowd erupted in cheers when Doyoung sprinkled in some Singlish he had picked up from the fans during soundcheck, drawing laughter with his playful charm. 

He explained that the tour name DOORS represented more than just a name – it’s a metaphor for opening new chapters in life, and also a clever play on “Do” for Doyoung and “us” for the fans. “Tonight, I’ll open many different doors,” he promised, “and I hope you’ll walk through them with me.” 

The show continued with a mellow, atmospheric shift as Doyoung performed “Lost In California” and “Sand Box”, taking the audience deeper into his world, painting dreamy soundscapes that felt both faraway and intimate. After a short VCR, he returned in a soft white knit ensemble, matching the soft cozy tones of “Warmth”, “Rewind” and “Just Friends”. 

A new VCR marked the beginning of the jazz segment, and Doyoung returned to the stage in a bold red silk shirt paired with sleek black slacks. With a playful glint in his eye, he effortlessly shifted the concert’s tone, diving into a smooth jazz medley. He delivered reimagined renditions of “Yestoday,” originally by NCT U (2018), “Serenade” from his solo debut album YOUTH, “Like A Star,” his OST contribution for Yumi’s Cells, “Love Song” from NCT 127’s discography, and “Perfume,” the debut single of NCT DJJ. The jazz arrangements were elegant and fresh – proving just how versatile Doyoung truly is. 

During the next ment segment, he then introduced his band members, who had been bringing the entire show to life. Sharing that this was the most fun he had on tour so far, he joked, “Some of you don’t look like my fans… maybe you just followed your friends here? Because you were too surprised by the VCR as if you hadn’t watched it online before and it was your first time!” When laughter turned into deafening protests from fans, Doyoung conceded, declaring SG NCTzens as having some of the best reactions yet. 

In a touching tribute to the lion city, Doyoung prepared a touching acoustic rendition of “Cutest Pair” by Regina Song, a local favorite. Not satisfied with his first take, he cheekily asked to sing it again – asking fans to promise to upload the best version online. A second take followed, sweeter than the first. 

Following the heartfelt acoustic moment, Doyoung introduced the next song and shared that it was composed by the keyboardist from his band performing with him that night. With genuine gratitude and affection, he performed “Sonnet” and “The Story”, filling the theatre with warmth and emotional sincerity.

Changing into a fresh outfit, Doyoung returned with youthful energy for “First Step” and “Time Machine”. Fans cheered as he tossed adorable bunny figurines into the crowd, playing up his playful side. 

Though Singapore didn’t feature his floating bicycle segment seen in other cities, he poked fun at himself. “If you looked closely, I was still moving – even if the bike didn’t!” He admitted trying to distract fans with a cute doll on stage and a beautifully decorated set, earning another round of laughter. 

Then, as the night approached its final act, the tone turned more reflective. “Luminous” and “Still” carried emotional weight, and Doyoung confessed he worried fans might not fully grasp the meaning since the lyrics are in Korean. “But because you love me beyond the language, I’ll do my best to let you feel it through my voice.” He delivered them with raw intensity, his voice thick with meaning beyond words.

As the final VCR played, fans held their breath. Doyoung emerged once more to sing “Memory,” and the audience sang along, softly at first, then stronger. When he stepped away, the fans didn’t stop — they kept chanting “Kim Doyoung” as they awaited his return, as well as sang along to “Memory” in unison, filling the theatre with love.

Coming back for the encore, Doyoung was visibly touched. “I almost forgot that Korean isn’t your native language,” he said. “You sang it so beautifully.” He followed up with “Beginning,” a song dear to his heart, and then “Eternity.”

Before the final goodbye, Doyoung took time to connect one more time. “Is there an outdoor stadium here in Singapore?” he asked. “If it’s too big, it might be difficult. But if it’s just big… I’ll try my best to meet you guys there next.”

The last song of the night was “Rest,” and with it, Doyoung brought his audience back to where they started — still, quiet, and full of emotion. “I hope this song can be a resting place for you when life gets hard,” he said softly. “Just like this night.”

Doyoung’s DOORS wasn’t just a concert — it was a love letter. With every song, joke, and tearful note, Doyoung proved why he continues to capture hearts worldwide. He opened many doors that night, but for SG NCTzens, the most important one was to his heart — and they walked through it, hand in hand.

And when he returns to Singapore — as he promised he would — you can be sure the door will be wide open.

Doyoung’s DOORS concert in Singapore is brought to the fans by FriedRice Entertainment. Team HelloKpop would like to extend gratitude to FriedRice Entertainment for the media invite.

Words by Yolande Goh. 

Image Credits: FriedRice Entertainment