The final night of BST Hyde Park’s 2024 series witnessed K-pop phenomenon Stray Kids taking the stage by storm, leaving an indelible mark on their fans, the Stays. As the golden sunset painted the sky, an electric atmosphere enveloped the park, with an enthusiastic crowd of 65,000 music loving souls matching the effervescent energy on stage.
From the first note, it was clear this night would be unforgettable. Stray Kids opened with “S-Class,” a track that epitomises their unique blend of rap and vocals, accompanies by intense choreography. The crowd erupted, a wave of sound that seemed to shake the very foundations of Hyde Park. This was more than a concert; it was an experience, a shared moment of euphoria between the group and their fans.
The anticipation for Stray Kids’ headlining performance had been building for months. BST Hyde Park, renowned for its eclectic line-ups and iconic performances, buzzed with energy. As the sun set, the park transformed into a sea of ‘Skzoo’ mini-plushies, ‘Wolf Chan’ and ‘Leebit’ ear headbands, light sticks, and banners. Fans of all ages, genders, and walks of life, unified by their love for this powerhouse group, had travelled from as far as the USA and Australia to witness their beloved idols live. The atmosphere was palpable, a blend of nervous excitement and sheer joy.
Stray Kids are celebrated for their high-energy performances and impeccable stagecraft, and last night was no exception. Each member brought their A-game, from Bang Chan’s brightest smiles to Felix’s deep, resonant voice that sent shivers down the spine. The choreography was sharp and precise, yet fluid—a testament to their rigorous training and natural talent – a masterclass in movement, blending contemporary dance with traditional K-pop choreography to stunning effect. The synergy between the members was palpable, their interactions creating a sense of intimacy despite the venue’s vastness.
The setlist was a carefully curated journey through Stray Kids’ discography, each song highlighting different facets of their artistry. From the aggressive beats of “Superbowl” to the introspective lyrics of “Social Path,” the group showcased their versatility and growth. The inclusion of fan favourites like “Charmer” and “My Pace” was a nod to their roots, a reminder of how far they’ve come since their debut. Other highlights included the heart-thumping “Thunderous,” which had the entire audience jumping in unison, and the emotive, melodic and much loved “Lonely St.”.
The production value was spectacular. The stage design was a visual feast, with towering LED screens, intricate light shows, pyrotechnics, and even fireworks adding to the drama and intensity of the performance. The visuals complemented the music, creating an immersive experience that captivated the audience from start to finish. Lee Know, the curious cat that he is, had to check out the stage’s enormous oak tree to see if it was as real as it looked.
The sound quality was super – each beat and note resonating clearly through the night air. The live band added an extra layer of richness to the performance, elevating the music to new heights.
A significant part of the night’s magic came from the fans, whose energy and dedication were palpable. Stray Kids’ global fanbase, known as STAY, was evident in the crowd’s diversity. These fans had travelled from all corners of the world, united by their love for the group.
The interaction between Stray Kids and their fans was one of the night’s highlights. The group took time to chat with the crowd – even mentioning the football final, and Bang Chan, Hyunjin and Felix jumped off the stage to get even closer to their beloved Stay. These moments of connection, where the barriers between artist and audience dissolved, were truly special. It was clear that Stray Kids genuinely value their fans and the support they provide.
Throughout the night, moments showcased the members’ individual charms and the group’s natural affection for each other and camaraderie. I.N, the youngest member, playfully gave Lee Know a piggyback ride, drawing cheers and laughter. Felix, known for his deep voice, burst into laughter as his voice broke to a squeak while encouraging the crowd to shout for another song – endearing him to the fans even more. Lee Know whilst perched vibing at the edge of the long stage narrowly avoided being hit by an overenthusiastic fan’s thrown Leebit – but took it all in his tried and appeared amused, handling the situation with grace and a smile. To the delight of many Stay the Lee Know and Han (AKA ‘Minsung’) duo revealed their affection for each other with cute smiles and playful pats. ‘Vocal Racha’ singer extraordinaire Seungmin was in his element, getting a cheeky soaking from a water bottle by I.N – primed by the ever-mischievous Lee Know. Changbin stunned with this powerful world-class rapping and ‘Dwaekki’ cuteness and epic all-rounders Bang Chan and Han reminded everyone watching the Aces they are.
The performance was also a showcase of fashion, with each member stylishly dressed, highlighting their influence in music and style. Hyunjin, often dubbed the “Prince of Versace,” looked regal in his bespoke sandy-coloured outfit, while Felix stunned in an ensemble from Louis Vuitton. There were two changes and the noonas who styled the members really did them proud this time, with figure-flattering fits for all. The combination of their fashion-forward looks and dynamic performances made for a visually captivating show.
It’s worth mentioning that the concert coincided heart-warmingly with the seventh anniversary of ‘Dancing Gem’ Lee Know joining JYP Entertainment. This milestone added an emotional layer, as fans remembered how Lee Know nearly missed the chance to be in the group, after he was heartbreakingly eliminated during the band-forming survival TV show. It’s impossible to think of the loss it would have been for Lee Know to not be such a vital and valued part of Stray Kids’ success now. This timely coincidence made the night even more special.
Stray Kids’ headlining performance at BST Hyde Park was a testament to their talent, style, and the deep bond they share with their fans. They commanded the stage with a presence that belied their years, creating a night filled with energy and emotion. Stray Kids have left an indelible mark on both the stage and their fans.
As the final notes faded and the lights dimmed, there was a sense that something monumental had just occurred. Stray Kids had not only met but exceeded expectations, delivering a performance that celebrated their achievements and offered a tantalising glimpse into their future.
Their headline show at BST Hyde Park wasn’t just a milestone in their career; it was a landmark event in the music world. Stray Kids demonstrated they are not just K-pop idols but global superstars with the talent, charisma, and drive to dominate the industry.
Stray Kids had delivered a performance that was not just a highlight of BST Hyde Park but a defining moment in their career. Their ability to connect with their fans, combined with their musical and visual prowess, made for an unforgettable night. Stray Kids at BST Hyde Park was more than a concert; it was a celebration of music, connection, and the bright future ahead for this extraordinary group.
A particularly touching moment was seeing the utter delight and joy on the face of a young girl next to me, who despite hearing difficulties was still able to enjoy the performance thanks to the thoughtful provision of sign language interpreters who did an incredible job throughout the entire set, and were personally thanked by the wonderful Stray Kids leader, Bang Chan.
This was just so Stray Kids – a group with real empathy, relatability and kind and thoughtful natures. They’ve given comfort, happiness, a safe space and a true sense of belonging to so many across the world – and I’m sure that’s worth as much if not more to them than all the other rewards their meteoric fame has brought them.
By Lisa Curtiss
