Kang Gary and Jung In’s ‘shiok’ performance at NTU Fest

Lauded as the largest extravaganza in the school’s history, NTU Fest boasted well-known international acts. Lifestyle Writer Fabian Loo soaks up the festivities at the NTU Fest concert.

By Fabian Loo

PHOTO: CORINE TIAH

Kang Gary, Korean rapper and variety show Running Man co-host, was the star of the festival at the inaugural NTU Fest last night (16 Aug).

The NTU Fest is a one-day student initiative organised by the NTU Student Union. The largest of its kind in NTU’s history, festivities included a 4.8km fun run, carnival booths and a star-studded closing concert.

The concert ground was jam-packed with eager fans an hour before the start of the concert. The anticipation for Gary and fellow Korean singer Jung In was palpable as fans had signs and light sticks ready. And when 987FM deejays — Gerald Koh and Kimberly Wang — took to the stage as emcees, the crowd’s excitement reached a fever pitch.

Opening the concert were The Huckleberry Friends — a 3-piece band from NTU who enchanted the crowd with acoustic tunes. Other local talents that performed include District 12, a jam band from Hall of Residence 12, The Final 1 (local singing competition) winner Farisha Ishak, and Rebecca Lim from the cast of Mata Mata season 2.

PHOTO: FIONA TAN

Kang Gary and Korean pop star Jung In were the closing act of the night, and the crowd’s energy soared visibly when a promotional video of the pair was flashed on a large screen.

Audience members whipped out their camera phones, anxious to catch a glimpse of their idols.

Right on cue, Jung In pranced on stage. Dressed in an all-black sexy get up, she performed a rendition of John Legend’s All of Me.

She then teased the crowd and hummed the starting melody of Drunken Night Tune, hinting that it was time for Gary to hit the stage. Fans of the duo, anticipating Gary’s part of the song, started screaming before he came out. And when he finally did, they greeted him with deafening cheers.

PHOTO: CORINE TIAH

Gary’s high energy level was contagious. While performing Hard To Be Humble, he playfully splashed the audience with water from a bottle, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

The Running Man star also showed his endearing side during the concert’s interview segment, where he revealed that he learnt a Singlish phrase — ‘Singapore NTU shiok’.

PHOTO: CORINE TIAH

With Gary’s energy rubbing off on the crowd, many sang along during his well-loved song, The Girl Who Can’t Break Up and The Guy Who Can’t Leave.

It was a heartbreaking moment when Gary blew a kiss at the audience and announced that his next song, Your Scent, would be his last item.

When the concert ended and Gary turned to leave the stage, fans were clearly disappointed and hungry for more.

Little did they know that he had one more trick up his sleeve.

Moments later, Gary returned to the stage for a second time with a solo rendition of For Me The Answer Is You.

PHOTO: CORINE TIAH

Jung In then joined him again in their closing performance, where they performed a song from their earlier collaboration — Rush, ending the concert with dramatic confetti guns and sparklers.

And of course, fans were delighted with the night’s performance.

Edmund Yeo, 21, a first-year student from the School of Material Science and Engineering, said: “It was an electrifying atmosphere with everyone feeling hyped up, and my favourite part was during the encore where we were brought to a new high.”

A fourth-year student from the School of Computer Engineering, who gave his name as Pin Han, had only praise for Gary’s performance.

“It was very very awesome. Gary always interacts with the audience and he has great stage aura,” said the 24-year-old.

Mr Hadi Sng, 21, a student from Singapore Management University, was there to support a friend who was working backstage during the event.

When asked about his favourite part of the concert, he quipped: “I thought people only came here for Gary.”

Charismatic, charming and funny, it’s no wonder why Gary was the man of the night. His addictive rap tunes and great stage presence ended NTU Fest with great style and energy.