"A little boy who used to watch Premier League every weekend is now standing here. It's unbelievable. This is truly a dream come true." — I.N
The boy who used to tune in to EPL matches is now the artist filling that very stadium. Stray Kids have once again walked a path no one else has.
Stray Kids became the first K-pop act to perform at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, setting a new milestone with both shows sold out.
"I have mixed emotions. Part of me still wonders, 'Do we really deserve this?'" said Bang Chan in a pre-show interview with Dispatch.
Changbin, known as a huge Tottenham fan, was the first to arrive at the venue. "I don't usually take many photos, but I came early to snap a few and brag to my friends," he shared. "It still doesn't feel real. I might even cry on stage today."
"Just being here is overwhelming. To perform here... this is one of the greatest moments of my life. I want to enjoy every second of it with STAY." — Changbin
Stray Kids' world tour 'dominATE' hit its climax with the London stop. On July 18 and 19, they performed for over 90,000 European STAYs across two nights — 180 magical minutes that felt like a dream for both the group and their fans.
◆ "A Dream-Like Day"
On show days, the streets around Tottenham Hotspur Stadium were blocked off. Even the Tube signs bore Stray Kids lyrics and song titles.
Korean-British officer Seok Lim (41) said, "There were so many people that we had to deploy security just like a Premier League match. Think of the entire stadium and surrounding stations being under control."
The road to Tottenham was packed with fans — including many parents accompanying their kids. A procession of "K-pop dads" was a sight to see.
STAYs even handed out merchandise and bracelets to police and volunteers, signing each other's shirts with messages of support.
Jim Lane (38, UK), who came with his four daughters, said, "This is amazing. Truly remarkable. It shows how far they've come. I'm just happy to share this joy with my daughters."
Jerry (59, UK), a longtime fan sporting red hair in homage to the group, attended with his daughter Ellie (22), who said, "Stray Kids are everything to me. Being able to see them today—it's like a dream."
Liv (23, Poland) said, "They started on small stages and now they've grown so much. Knowing what they've endured to reach this point, it's overwhelming."
Carlota (27, Spain), a dancer, added, "I watch their performances daily, and it inspires me to become a better dancer."
◆ ultimATE
Under the grand stadium lights, Stray Kids entered in uniform. Drones flew overhead. Fans rose to greet them as Felix shouted, "Let's go!"
They kicked off with "MOUNTAINS," asserting their confidence with the line "We are our own dream."
With Bang Chan's call of their iconic slogan, "District 9" began. Han's rapid-fire rap stood out as he smiled into the breeze.
Next came "GIANT," with towering visuals and a mix of boom bap and dubstep creating an intense atmosphere.
"Walkin On Water" cooled the stage. The members huddled center stage, splashing fans with water while showcasing intricate footwork.
"God's Menu" (신메뉴) brought the heat. The powerful hip-hop track unleashed their wild side, while STAYs sang along in Korean, waving their lightsticks.
Hyunjin and Lee Know stunned with their performance. Felix's deep voice resonated, while Changbin and Han hyped the crowd with explosive rap verses. Red fireworks lit up the sky in sync with the group's movements.
◆ "Welcome to our CINEMA"
Stray Kids presented a medley of unit stages to mark their 7th debut anniversary, experimenting with genres from pop and R&B to punk and rock.
Han and Felix started with "Truman," a laid-back hip-hop track. Felix's deep voice paired with Han's fast-paced rap created a striking contrast, set against a backdrop of pink smoke and fireworks.
Changbin and I.N followed with "Burnin' Tires," a pop-punk rock fusion. With fierce rap and gritty vocals, they conveyed a message of racing down their own road. The motorcycle-themed performance amplified the sense of speed.
Bang Chan and Hyunjin slowed things down with "ESCAPE," a seductive R&B number. Hyunjin emerged from the crowd shrouded in a robe, which Bang Chan then tossed aside as they moved through the audience with sensual choreography.
Lee Know and Seungmin delivered a cinematic performance with "CINEMA." They began lying down and built up to a powerful band-backed climax. Their three-layered high note harmonies echoed through the stadium as rainbow confetti filled the sky.
◆ "Tonight, This Stadium Is Ours"
As "Lonely St." played, fans held up special banners:
"Royalty on stage, loyalty in STAY! Kings without crowns. Legends without limits."
Stray Kids responded by charging into the concert's final act. "Topline," "Social Path," and "ROCK" kept the momentum going.
Bang Chan declared, "Sorry, but this stadium is ours now." They performed chart-topping hits like "MANIAC," "ROCK," and "CHEESE" live, running and jumping across the stage.
Giant SKZOO balloons floated around. The members toured the arena in mobile carts, meeting STAYs face-to-face — many of whom were moved to tears.
"Even though we've done many tours, today felt brand new," said Changbin. "I'm grateful to STAY for helping us reach this point. My parents are here too. Thank you for showing them this amazing sight."
Han sat on the edge of the stage, gazing at the crowd. With Bang Chan leading, fans sang in unison, their voices filling the stadium. Lightsticks lit up the London night.
◆ "Whatever Comes Tomorrow, Let's Go All Out"
For the encore of the encore, they chose "Get Lit." The members jumped into the crowd, taking selfies, high-fiving fans, and dancing together under splashes of water.
Just like the lyrics — "Whatever comes tomorrow, let's go all out" — they poured their souls into it, as if it were their last stage. Even after more than 30 songs, they were reluctant to leave.
"They say the first time is always the most memorable. To be the first K-pop act to perform at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — it's a huge honor." — Bang Chan
"This was an unforgettable experience. I even started gaining an interest in soccer because of this. I might want to play a match with the members one day." — Lee Know
"It was surreal and emotional. I wonder if we lived up to the title of being 'the first.' But I have no regrets. I gave it my all. It was a truly glorious day." — Han
"It felt like a miracle to be able to perform here. Thank you so much, STAY. Let's keep sharing love, hope, and happy memories together." — Felix
"Even now, I'm still in disbelief. This stadium had a special energy. I've made another unforgettable memory." — Seungmin
"Seeing so many STAYs' beautiful eyes and hearing their voices made me incredibly happy. I had so much fun." — Hyunjin
Stray Kids continue to carve their own path. Their next stop: Madrid, Spain. They'll perform at the Metropolitano Stadium on July 22 — once again, the first K-pop act to do so.