On Thursday night, Stray Kids made a historic debut at Wrigley Field, becoming the first K-pop group to headline the iconic venue. This milestone performance marked a new era for concerts at the Friendly Confines, showcasing the unique essence of their fan culture.
As the clock struck 7 p.m., Wrigley’s Gallagher Way and the concourse remained eerily quiet, devoid of traditional preshow festivities. However, the excitement was palpable, with enthusiastic screams echoing from within the ballpark that resonated through the surrounding blocks.
Fans, known as Stays, exhibited their passion by either remaining seated in eager anticipation or practicing curated dance moves in the aisles. Many waved branded light sticks, while others enjoyed the boba tea offered by the ballpark for the night’s event. Friendship gift packs filled with stickers and buttons were exchanged, creating a vibrant atmosphere that, while different from the typical crowd at events featuring artists like Billy Joel or Pearl Jam, celebrated the thriving youth fandom.
Since their formation in 2018 on a Korean reality show, Stray Kids have rapidly ascended the ranks of the K-pop industry, garnering a global following. Their recent “HOP” mixtape topped the Billboard 200 chart, marking their sixth No. 1 album, while their “ATE” album achieved landmark success with more than 12 million streams on its first day.
Stray Kids are distinguished by their eclectic sound, combining elements of pop, rock, electro, industrial, and hip-hop — a style they largely create themselves. This was evident during their three-hour performance featuring 30 songs, seamlessly transitioning from the pop-punk vibe of “Lonely St.” to the musical theater ballad “Cover Me,” and then into the rap-infused energy of “TOPLINE.”
Band member Felix expressed his amazement at their growth since their last appearance in the city, which was at Lollapalooza the previous year. The members engaged the crowd in heartfelt conversations, sharing their journeys and motivations, with Seungmin revealing his past aspirations to be a professional baseball player, emphasizing how meaningful it was for him to perform at Wrigley Field as a Stray Kid.
Bang Chan, the group’s leader, took a moment to address the sweltering heat, urging fans to stay hydrated and to be mindful of their safety throughout the concert. This reminder was prompted by their recent experience in Washington, D.C., where extreme temperatures forced them to cut their show short, resulting in several fans needing medical assistance.
Despite the challenges, the Wrigley Field concert served as a remarkable rebound for Stray Kids as part of their sold-out dominATE World Tour. The night was filled with an array of fireworks, vibrant streamers, dynamic graphics, an extensive dance crew, and a live band, culminating in an electrifying atmosphere. This marks the group’s third global tour during a time when K-pop continues to capture international audiences. Upcoming concerts by other notable K-pop groups like ATEEZ, Blackpink, and TWICE further highlight K-pop’s escalating dominance in the music industry.
Stray Kids’ electrifying setlist reflected the essence of their appeal, featuring crowd favorites like “Chk Chk Boom” and “God’s Menu.” While their lyrics may not delve into profound themes, the community and connection they foster through their music stands out as their defining strength. Even when performing in their native language, American fans embraced the lyrics, demonstrating music’s universal power and its capacity to transcend cultural barriers.
A poignant moment in the concert was a fan-submitted video montage showcasing the impact Stray Kids have on their supporters. Fans expressed heartfelt sentiments about the importance of their “chosen family,” themes of self-love, and the sense of belonging cultivated through their music. In response, an emotional Bang Chan reflected on the significance of their shared experiences and the collective joy felt in that moment.
As the concert drew to a close, the eight members clad in Cubs jerseys rode around the field in raised carts, waving triumphantly at their fans, embodying the victorious spirit of the night.
The complete setlist featured an array of songs that highlighted their diverse musical range:
1. MOUNTAINS
2. Thunderous
3. JJAM
4. District 9
5. Back Door
6. Chk Chk Boom
7. DOMINO
8. God’s Menu
9. Truman (HAN & Felix)
10. Burnin’ Tires (Changbin & I.N)
11. ESCAPE (Bang Chan & Hyunjin)
12. CINEMA (Lee Know & Seungmin)
13. GIANT (Korean ver.)
14. Walkin on Water
15. S-Class (VMA ver.)
16. Lonely St.
17. Cover Me
18. TOPLINE
19. Social Path (Korean ver.)
20. LALALALA
21. MEGAVERSE
22. MANIAC (MAMA ver.)
Encore:
23. SUPER BOARD
24. I Like It
25. My Pace
26. Blind Spot
27. Stray Kids
28. MIROH
Encore 2:
29. Chk Chk Boom (festival ver.)
Stray Kids’ memorable performance at Wrigley Field not only showcased their musical prowess but also illustrated the profound connection they share with their fans, reinforcing their status as one of the leading groups in the K-pop landscape.
image source from：chicago
