Stray Kids stadium tour drew massive crowds across North America, confirming the group’s rising global popularity and performance power. Media outlets praised the concerts for their cultural depth, musical range, and professional execution under challenging conditions. Fans responded with passion and honest feedback, expressing both admiration and hopes for an encore tour.
Stray Kids conclude a defining moment with the North American stadium tour
Stray Kids successfully completed their large-scale North American stadium tour titled dominATE, which began on May 24 in Seattle and ended on June 29 in Toronto. Over the course of 13 shows held in 10 major cities—including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Toronto—they filled some of the largest stadiums in the U.S. and Canada.
This accomplishment established the group as one of the rare K-pop acts capable of headlining major stadiums across the continent. With each stop, they demonstrated not only their growing global fanbase but also their ability to deliver high-impact performances that matched the scale of the venues. Their presence in these arenas reflected both their rising influence and the increasing demand for K-pop on the world stage.
Critical acclaim highlights the artistic depth of the tour
American media outlets responded with overwhelming praise, noting both the musical and cultural significance of the performances. Billboard’s Benjamin Button reviewed the Citi Field show in New York on June 19, where heavy rain delayed the concert but did not dampen the crowd’s energy. He described the concert as an explosive performance that cut through the storm, much like their song “Thunderous.” He listed eleven unforgettable moments, including the traditional Korean percussion that opened the show, the professionalism shown by the members, the live band’s dynamic presence, and Bang Chan’s sincere closing remarks. Benjamin Button emphasized that the concert went beyond typical musical entertainment and served as a meaningful cultural presentation that introduced elements of Korean identity to a wider audience.
Stadium tour reviews position Stray Kids as leaders in the global K-pop scene
Following their historic performance on May 28 at Oracle Park in San Francisco—where they became the first K-pop boy group to both debut and sell out the venue—the San Francisco Chronicle described them as frontrunners of K-pop, standing alongside BTS and SEVENTEEN. The review praised their sharp choreography and the intense hip-hop energy that dominated the stage, noting that their performance combined military-level precision with raw stage power. The audience responded enthusiastically, cheering even during member introductions and maintaining that energy throughout the entire show.
Music publication Leaf Magazine echoed this sentiment, complimenting the group’s versatility. From hard rock-influenced rap to emotionally charged pop ballads, they shifted across genres seamlessly while maintaining an impressively polished stage presence. The review also noted the contrast between the group’s playful off-stage persona and their focused professionalism during live performances, emphasizing their solid teamwork and emotional delivery as key elements of their success.
Stray Kids tour receives strong support and candid feedback from fans
Reactions from global fans, especially through online communities like Reddit, were filled with enthusiasm and thoughtful observations. Many fans appreciated how the setlist was carefully curated for each city, making each show feel unique and tailored. In particular, the New York concert’s opening with traditional Korean drums was described as deeply moving and unexpected, earning praise for its cultural resonance. Fans also admired the group’s professionalism during challenging conditions, such as slippery stages caused by the rain.
However, there were some criticisms, primarily regarding the encore segments. Several fans mentioned their disappointment at the omission of signature songs like “MIROH” and “MANIAC,” and others felt the encores at certain shows—especially New York—were shorter and less satisfying compared to earlier performances like the one in LA. Additional concerns included the sound quality of open-air stadiums and the impact of weather or heat on the overall concert experience. Despite these issues, the dominant sentiment was that the tour left fans wanting more, with growing calls for an encore tour or follow-up concerts.
A Milestone Moment and What’s Next
Billboard described the tour as a historic achievement, calling it the most extensive stadium run ever completed by a K-pop group. Beyond the impressive logistics, Stray Kids used this tour to redefine what a K-pop concert could look like on a global scale. By filling stadiums and delivering consistently strong performances, they raised the bar not just for themselves but for the entire industry. The group is now preparing for their first-ever European tour, which will begin on July 11 at Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam and span six cities over eight shows.
In Korea, online communities such as theqoo responded with pride and admiration, with many fans expressing regret at not being able to attend the North American shows. Meanwhile, in MLBPARK, a forum known for its older and more general user base, discussions emerged about where Stray Kids stand in the K-pop hierarchy. The most balanced view suggested that while SEVENTEEN holds more influence across Asia, Stray Kids have gained stronger popularity in the U.S. and Europe, positioning them just below BTS in global recognition.
Here’s a link to theqoo. Here’s a link to MLBPARK.
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I went and I cried so much bro