One thing that fans have often enjoyed is seeing idol groups perform songs made by other groups. In particular, idols covering songs originally performed by groups of the opposite sex have often become a hot topic, for better and worse.
At times, male idols have been criticized for masculinizing girl group dances when performing covers.
Popular Female Idol’s TikTok “Shading” Male Idols’ Girl Group Covers Sparks Major Reactions
However, a popular third generation idol’s dance cover has gained attention for just the opposite.
NCT DREAM recently celebrated their 10th anniversary with fan meetings.
2026 NCT DREAM 10TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY with NCTzens DAY2
EVERYTHING, ALL AT ONCE, NEOhttps://t.co/xKSh08NjgH#NCTDREAM #THESWEETDREAMHOTEL#NCTDREAM_10TH_ANNIVERSARY_PARTY#NCT_10TH_ANNIVERSARY pic.twitter.com/tkUkIkuMA9
— NCT DREAM (@NCTsmtown_DREAM) August 23, 2026
During the show, the group did a segment where they performed songs that did not match the members’ images. For example, Jisung, known for being a bit shy, covered KATSEYE‘s “Gnarly,” while Renjun, who has more of a soft image, performed Jay Park‘s “Mommae.”
GNARLY#지성 #JISUNG #박지성 #NCTDREAM pic.twitter.com/DJHKjucTmj
— MasterHamster (@MasterhamsterJS) August 23, 2026
MOMMAE 2.0
OMG HUANG RENJUN 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/NuSvHFK3Ai
— 我是啵啵 🍿️ (@POPCORNBOBO323) August 23, 2026
Member Jeno also participated in this, performing Girls’ Generation’s “Genie.”
@official_nct
🪄소원을 말해봐⋆⭒˚.⋆ EVERYTHING, ALL AT ONCE, NEO 2026NCT.COM #JENO #NCTDREAM #THESWEETDREAMHOTEL #NCTDREAM_10TH_ANNIVERSARY_PARTY #NCT_10TH_ANNIVERSARY
♬ 소원을 말해봐 Genie – Girls’ Generation
A clip from the show has since gone viral, showing the idol wearing just a tank top while performing the dance cover. Many commented on Jeno’s very muscular and buff appearance being in contrast from the dance, which he kept to its original, feminine form.
ugh she deserved a trillion views pic.twitter.com/gF6Mb8sHoG
— jest (@jesterjeno) September 4, 2026
a buff man doing gg dance cover without making it masculine>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> https://t.co/1TSAFR0xnu
— 𝐇𝟗𝟔𝐖⚡️ (@apricuus) September 5, 2026
how do we explain to all the bg that this is wayyy more attractive than when they dance to gg in a masculine way https://t.co/qg6qzh2dFl
— manz (@holdmyyadom) September 5, 2026
NCT