Before discovering NCT Dream, Claramae gravitated to the polished, mature concepts of SM Entertainment groups like EXO, SHINee and Red Velvet. However, everything changed when she came across the younger unit’s playful, vibrant sound in 2017.
“The youthful vibes from their single, My First and Last, were slightly different from what was being produced at the time, and it caught my attention. The melody and the beats stood out to me, and the vocals and rap were really interesting,” she said. “Also, there was a teen pop kind of charm to the group.”
Music as Motivation
Following the seven-member boy group soon became more than just a hobby for the 25-year-old. As she pursued her degree in psychology, Claramae found herself drawing motivation from the group’s drive and determination.
“It was their passion for being K-pop idols that inspired me to pursue what I wanted to do, which was psychology,” the associate psychologist said. “When I felt demoralised, I would look at how they were chasing their interest and actively working to actualise their dreams. It gave me the motivation to do the same for myself.”
The superfan made sure to attend all three days of NCT Dream’s concerts in Singapore in both 2023 and 2024.
Behind the Screen
Yet her first experience with the group was a digital one.
The band had been scheduled to perform here in 2020, but the Covid-19 pandemic scuppered those plans, with the show instead staged on Beyond Live, a digital concert platform that streamed performances in real time.
“It was interesting because you could comment live while watching them perform. But of course, it’s not the same as being there in person.”
Passion in the Stands
For her, nothing compares to the spectacle of a physical concert, the roar of the fans, the shared passion, and the theatrics of fireworks and confetti that add to the experience.
“Even collecting confetti as a keepsake is part of the whole experience. When you’re online, you’re just sitting behind a computer screen, maybe with a few friends. It doesn’t feel as exhilarating as being there live.”
She still recalls her first time seeing them live during the group’s ‘THE DREAM SHOW2: In A DREAM’ world tour stop at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
“It was a really memorable moment, especially being my first time seeing them live. The energy they brought through the performance was something that I really adored,” she said, though she lamented the absence of main vocalist Chenle who was unwell.
With lead dancer and vocalist Renjun also absent from their 2024 show due to a hiatus, Claramae only got to see all seven members perform live this August, when she joined 95,000 fans at the SM Town Live 2025 concert in Tokyo.
Still, she’s keeping her fingers crossed to see the full lineup at the Singapore Indoor Stadium this October where the group will perform as part of their “THE DREAM SHOW 4: DREAM THE FUTURE” tour.
Friendship through Fandom
Claramae will be attending with two friends — one a fellow fan she met on social media after bonding over their shared bias, Jeno, and another a secondary school friend she reconnected with through their love for the group.
“With shared interest, it’s a lot easier to start conversation topics. Being able to talk about NCT Dream together also helped us to reconnect with each other,” she said.
The trio has streamed concerts together at home before, but this October they’re eager for a full live experience from the standing pen at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
“It’s not just about the joy of seeing your idols up close but also sharing that with the people that have been with you throughout the journey. I am really excited to do that together. We’ve been talking about going together for a long time coming,” Claramae added.
With plans to attend both nights, the trio have also mapped out an elaborate itinerary to keep the excitement going across both shows, including a weekend staycation to ward off any post-concert blues.
Collecting Memories
Her dedication to the group doesn’t stop at attending online or live concerts. At home, Claramae has built an impressive collection of NCT Dream memorabilia, from owning a copy of every album to curating an extensive set of photocards.
Kept neatly in a binder, the collection of more than 200 photocards amassed over three years is a testament to her devotion to the group, with some exclusive cards worth up to $40 apiece.
Though she has scaled back her collection in recent years, she admits that collecting memorabilia was once a big part of “being immersed in the fan culture”.
“Seeing other fans post videos and collages of their collections, and how much fun they were having, inspired me to do the same,” she said.
Living the Dream
Now, she finds joy simply in experiencing the group’s music and performances live, surrounded by “people with the same interest, gathering together to enjoy the same songs”.
She is especially excited about the intimate layout of the Singapore Indoor Stadium, where she can be closer to the artistes and see them right in front of her. “When I was in Tokyo, I had to rely on the screen as I was seated really high up, but here at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, you can get really close and you don’t have to rely on the screen to see your idols,” she explained.
The venue’s accessibility is another plus, with an MRT station located right outside. For Claramae, all these elements combine to create an unforgettable concert experience that she is eagerly anticipating.
Be part of the excitement and feel the energy live! Catch NCT Dream at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on October 18 to 19. Grab your tickets here!
