Playing Problematic: How NTX’s U.S. Debut Took Over Los Angeles

Photos by Bella Lee and Sean Sara ; Written by Sean Sara

Last weekend, NTX came alive to Los Angeles with their U.S. debut, creating a spark in the hearts of L.A. fans. The New Ground Tour had two exclusive shows in the U.S. after their recent adventure in Brazil. NTX has established a solid foundation in the K-Pop industry through their impressive music releases and dynamic performances, positioning themselves as a promising group with a bright future ahead.

NTX was formed in 2020, and was set to debut in January of 2021. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, their debut was delayed to March 2021 with their EP Full of Lovescapes. Throughout 2020, the group released pre-debut singles to gather their fanbase. By way of those singles, they have set themselves up to be a powerful group capable of strong performances. They also proved themselves on the survival show stage on Peak Time. NTX competed in the survival show against already-debuted groups and delivered fantastic performances under the pressure of the show’s premise.

Back in the heart of L.A., fans waited outside the Lodge Room for the doors to open. Both shows had a large group waiting, proving that NTX is a rising star amongst the international K-Pop community. A few fans possessed the lightstick, while many others had brought light-up cheering sticks to show their support for the group. The audience did not have to wait long, as NTX exploded onto the stage.

Since NTX only had two shows in L.A., they were able to create two separate setlists for the different shows. It was a fantastic show of their diversity and performance ability. NTX showcased “Problematic,” “Kick It The Door,” and “MYFUL” from their latest EP Hold X, which brought the energy and heart of their music out. Because they are still early in their career, they performed many songs from their SoundCloud library like “Feel Me,” BABY,” and “작업실” (Workshop). Every performance was dynamic and completely different from the last. NTX fans, called “NTFUL,” were exhilarated when the members performed a surprise cover of “What Makes You Beautiful” (originally by One Direction). A group of NTFUL jumped with the members with boundless energy.

In both shows, NTX were extremely grateful to their international fans. Many NTFUL in the audience had traveled from different states to see the members debut in America. NTX’s admiration for the NTFUL was overwhelming. The fans presented a trophy to the group, giving them a physical reminder of their incredible accomplishment. The international K-Pop community knows how to show their love for the groups who make their way out in the world, and NTX was no different.

NTX’s New Ground Tour showcased not only the impressive talent of the artists but also the deep connection and vibrant energy shared between performers and their NTFUL. NTX showed L.A. what they are made of, by creating an intoxicating energy that reverberated through the whole building. The entire room shook with excitement from both the artists and NTFUL. NTX can always rely on NTFUL to support them in their bright and spirited future.

In case you missed the tour, here are the setlists from both L.A. shows:

5PM Show:

Why (Unreleased)

Feel Me (SoundCloud)

-Dance Stage-

Holy Grail

What Makes You Beautiful (Cover)

Just Once