6 Best Moments From Stray Kids’ dominATE: celebrATE Tour Finale

The dominATE tour followed Stray Kids’ mini album ATE, released in July 2024, led by the title track “Chk Chk Boom.” Could the lyric “Stray Kids run ’til we’re done” from “Stray Kids” on that album have been a prophecy? After renewing their contracts as a full group, completing their biggest world tour yet and setting Billboard records, the members returned to Korea and unveiled songs from their fourth full-length album, Karma, for the first time — including the track “CEREMONY.”

Stray Kids also performed the album’s opening track “BLEEP” and “Half Time,” which compares the group’s journey to the first and second halves of a sports match. A surprising addition to the setlist was “In My Head,” a track filled with early 2000s pop-punk energy. Previously highlighted in reviews of Karma as one of the songs most anticipated for its live stage, its upbeat chorus rang out even brighter with a new arrangement by the concert’s session band, TEAM SKZ.

Even after embarking on the dominATE tour, Stray Kids showed no signs of slowing down. The group released two Japanese albums and the EP 合(HOP), led by the track “Walking on Water.” The solo songs included in 合( HOP) were featured prominently throughout the first half of the dominATE tour, which spanned nearly a year.

But Stray Kids never truly stop. To celebrate the group’s seventh debut anniversary in March, they released the digital single Mixtape: dominATE, introducing a series of new duet combinations among the members. Starting from their Latin America leg in late March, these duet stages became a fixed part of the setlist — and Korean fans finally got to experience them live at the encore concert.

Opening the sequence was “Truman (Han & Felix),” a track built on clever rhymes and a catchy hook, where the rappers’ contrasting tones alternated powerfully throughout. Next came “Burnin’ Tires (Changbin and I.N),” carried by upbeat electric guitar riffs layered with a rock mood. The two sprinted across both sides of the stage, leading crowd chants before breaking into a high-energy dance segment.
Then came Bang Chan and Hyunjin, who had previously collaborated on “Red Lights.” Their performance of “ESCAPE (Bang Chan and Hyunjin)” delivered a mature and intense chemistry — a blend of alternative R&B and dramatic high notes reminiscent of Bishop Briggs’ “River.”

Closing the duet sequence was “CINEMA (Lee Know and Seungmin).” With its grand intro, delicate vocals and emotional band-pop sound, the song highlighted Seungmin’s contribution as both lyricist and composer. The stage, complete with animation visuals and ending credits listing countless names, felt just like the final scene of a movie.

Had we been too distracted by Derpy, the adorable tiger from KPop Demon Hunters? As the sound of the traditional Korean bamboo flute filled the stadium, performers wearing lion masks and the members of Stray Kids appeared on stage. The lion dance — or Bukcheong Sajanoreum, a traditional Korean performance meant to ward off evil spirits — is one of the country’s most iconic folk dances.

Amid the dancers, Hyunjin, Lee Know, Felix and Bang Chan delivered a striking performance inspired by traditional martial arts movements. Dressed in silk jeogori jackets and pants, Stray Kids surprised the crowd by performing “Walking on Water.” The track’s old-school hip-hop beat blended seamlessly with the traditional Korean elements on stage, creating a powerful fusion. The performance then transitioned into “God’s Menu” and “S-Class,” two of the group’s most energetic signature tracks. By that point, not a single person in the audience was sitting down.

Stray Kids’ first-ever outdoor stadium concert in Korea offered more than just fireworks lighting up the night sky — it featured a spectacular drone show. As hundreds of colorful drones gathered overhead, the first image to appear was a roaring lion mask, continuing the theme from the earlier performance segment.

The lion’s image soon transformed into the Taegeuk symbol and the group’s iconic SKZ logo before finally forming the heartfelt message to fans: “Stray Kids Everywhere All Around the World, You Make Stray Kids Stay.”

On Oct. 18, the first night of the encore concert, it might have been the audience — not the performers — who let their guard down. The setlist for dominATE : celebrATE easily surpassed 30 songs, including medleys, and stretched over an intense three and a half hours.

The encore section — starting with “SUPER BOARD” and continuing through “Blind Spot,” “Stray Kids” and “MIROH” — reached its peak when “Chk Chk Boom (Festival version)” kicked in. And when the long-awaited “CEREMONY (Festival version)” followed, the stadium exploded with energy.

Amid packed schedules and ever-growing expectations, when can an artist most genuinely share their “present” with fans? Few would argue that it happens anywhere other than on stage — during a concert where every moment is devoted to performance. DominATE : celebrATE was exactly that: a space to witness Stray Kids’ enduring passion and sincerity toward their craft and fans.

Throughout the show, the members ran tirelessly across the vast stage, covering every corner without pause. Even while riding the Torokko carts that moved through the audience, they kept dancing, waving and locking eyes with fans. Their powerful group choreography remained as sharp as ever. When the members gathered center stage after performing apart, still dancing at full power, we couldn’t help but think how unfortunate it was that they themselves couldn’t see just how stunning that moment looked from the crowd’s perspective.

At the same time, the group’s emotional focus during the slower, sentimental tracks was another element that drew the audience in completely. Bang Chan, once again moved to tears while singing “Cover Me,” embodied that sincerity in its purest form.

Above all, this encore concert offered a glimpse into the unwavering determination of all eight members — proof that Stray Kids are still running full speed ahead. Even in the middle of their sweat-drenched set, they took a moment to share news of their upcoming year-end award show appearances, saying, “You’ll be seeing us on many more stages. We’ll perform with the mindset that we’re representing all of you — that’s our decision.” On the second night, they even went on to announce their next comeback, revealing that their new album, Do It, will be released on Nov. 21.

In the end, Stray Kids simply keep going — and for a team entering its eighth year without losing momentum, there’s really nothing to worry about.

Billboard’s Live Music Summit will be held in Los Angeles on Nov. 3. For tickets and more information, visit the event’s website.