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| Photo Courtesy of Jennifer McCord |
In just a few short years, the eight members of Stray Kids - Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N.- who debuted in 2018 have gone on to create a loyal fan base known as STAYS, which in the land of K-pop is no easy feat. However, their strength lies in their dynamic range of hits, thanks in part to members Han, Bangchan, and Changbin, who self-produced all their material, even leading to their own sub unit, the beloved 3RACHA.
Given their big following, we had high expectations for their show. Having only performed at a handful of European festivals over the years, including the recent I-Days in Milan just two days prior. With such a reputation for big stages and impressive choreography, the stakes could have been overwhelmingly nerve-wrecking, but that did not show on these boys' faces on Sunday. Instead, they relished in the joy, love, and wild screams of supporters who had patiently waited five years to sing their favourite lyrics back to their idols.Anticipation began with just a simple Stray Kids curtain hanging prettily. Shortly after, an incredibly well-put-together VCR that was an impressive watch shot into action. Then, with a dramatic drop of the curtain, the members appeared, jumping straight into 2023’s “S-Class.” When it seemed like things couldn't get any better, a live band joined them on stage, and it was exactly how every live experience listening to “S-Class” should be - it was simply fantastic.
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| Photo Courtesy of Jennifer McCord |
The U.K. isn’t known for having particularly ideal weather conditions for outdoor summer events. However, in what felt like a rare treat, the sun shone brightly across Hyde Park just as the performance began. Saying hello to the crowd leader Bangchan introduced himself and the members, asking, “Did you guys miss us?” although, judging by the screams, that was clearly a resounding yes.
Having a live band alongside a back catalogue of their hits was a clever move. Combining the powerful energy from both the crowd, the band and the members the field quickly became a Stray Kids playground. As the audience were equally as adamant to make it a night to remember as well. Because, let's be honest, life doesn’t get much better than dancing with friends to “Lonely. St'' as the sun sets on a summer's day. The song was perfectly timed at just the right moment as Seungmin and Bangchan harmoniously sang beautifully on the chorus.
We weren't left to linger in our emotions for too long before jumping straight into “Social Path". At this point, the hip-hop unit demonstrated just how unbelievably mighty they are. It was as if a spark had been ignited between them, creating wild flames that could not be extinguished. Felix, in particular, does more than just rap his lyrics; he fervently roars, as does Hyunjin, whose vocals were just as hot as the pyrotechnics behind them. Add to this the subunit of 3RACHA, who then went on to deliver their rap at a pace so fast they didn’t let us breathe. It was like watching a rap battle between friends who are eager to show off their talent to the fullest by having as much fun up on stage.
[스키지기]
— Stray Kids (@Stray_Kids) July 14, 2024
Stray Kids "ATE" BST Hyde Park 🇬🇧
Thank You STAY
🥠PRE-SAVE & PRE-ORDER "ATE" NOW!https://t.co/OGIBDtigG0#StrayKids #스트레이키즈#BSTHydePark @BSTHydePark@LiveNationKpop#ATE#ChkChkBoom#StrayKidsComeback#YouMakeStrayKidsStay pic.twitter.com/NAbmCSTTJe
This was apparent during “Domino,'' in which they made sure to make plenty of use of the extended stage to interact with the audience. This resulted in rocking out with the group head banging with giant smiles on their faces that buzzed across the field with STAYs in unison.
The second half had them in casual outfits that reflected their own individual styles perfectly; Felix looked delectable with a messy bun that us girls can only dream of when concocting such a style. With a well-curated setlist, it highlighted their journey from rookies to the megaverse they’ve created, including undeniable hits such as “Maniac,” “Topline,” and “ITEM”. Songs such as these were made for stages and events like tonight. While there weren’t too many endments which are popular in K-pop shows, interactions were short and playful instead allowing their performances to do the talking.
Before the encore, they wrapped up the set with “God's Menu,” which fell upon us all like gold. The strong choreography associated with that song would be difficult to see executed successfully, especially with the furious raps delivered between Han and Changbin. Not an ounce of air was needed; rapping so swiftly but crisply like it was the most natural thing on earth. Without a doubt a fan favourite, and for those who know the lyrics word for word Korean included, it felt like this was the song everyone was confident in their singing abilities and it was a true delight to hear.
Beginning the encore with “LALALALA,” it felt like a surreal experience, with Lee Know and I.N. displaying their perfectly executed vocals before the group unleashed that iconic chorus, with STAYs getting their chance to shine and putting in their best dance moves.
Rounding out their encore with six- songs, they joked about staying all night, and did we all have a curfew. When an hour and 40-minute set feels like the night has only just begun, you know you’ve had a good time. Stray Kids cooked up a delightful sweet treat menu for us to enjoy, although the sugar high has satisfied our appetite for now the wait begins for the World Tour dates. Finishing with “MEGAVERSE” and "Haven" was the perfect way to round off a landmark show for them; after all it’s Stray Kids Megaverse, and we’re just living in it.
On 19th July, 1pm KST, the long-awaited new album ATE will be released, accompanying the lead single,"Chk Chk Boom."
Were you at BST Hyde Park, if so what did you think? Let us know in the comments. Be sure to follow KpopWise for all the latest on your favourite idols!