K-pop supergroup Stray Kids brought an unforgettable wave of sound, light, and energy to Mexico City on Friday, September 25, recreating an ephemeral city built entirely on music and synchronized choreography known as STRAYCITY. Staged at the massive GNP Seguros Stadium, the landmark event marked the grand finale of the Latin American leg of their current tour. Drawing an estimated 60,000 fans, according to figures provided by promoter Ocesa, the high-octane concert served as a vibrant celebration of music while simultaneously symbolizing the enduring bonds of friendship and cultural exchange between South Korea and Mexico.
The triumphant return of the octet—comprising members Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N.—to the iconic stadium took place approximately 17 months after their debut performance in the Latin American country at the very same venue. True to festival style, the evening was much more than a standalone headlining set. STRAYCITY was designed as an immersive musical ecosystem that also featured dynamic performances by South Korean-Japanese band Nexz, alongside acclaimed Mexican musical acts Renee and Andrés Obregón, who warmed up the crowd as opening acts.
From the moment Stray Kids took the stage, the connection with the audience was immediate and electric. "We’re back in Mexico after a year. Did you miss us? ¡No manchen!" said leader Bang Chan, playfully mixing Korean with local Mexican slang to the delight of the audience, speaking with the assistance of an interpreter.
The sentiment of returning to familiar grounds resonated deeply with the group members. "This is the venue we visited on the last tour, and over there it says ‘living is incredible,’" added Hyunjin, gesturing toward a massive slogan displayed prominently on one of the stadium’s architectural structures. "I even took a picture of it."
An Ocean of Light and High-Energy Performances
Thousands of Nachimbongs—Stray Kids’ official, globe-shaped light sticks—illuminated the stadium stands, casting a warm, glowing hue across the massive crowd. Fans who had yet to acquire the official merchandise improvised creatively, raising their smartphone flashlights high to ensure they remained part of the unified visual display. The STAYs, as the group’s devoted global fandom is known, matched the performers’ legendary intensity by shouting fan chants and executing intricate choreographies alongside the idols.
The stadium roared continuously to the rhythm of a hit-heavy setlist that included powerhouse tracks such as "TOPLINE," "S-Class," "Bounce Back," "MANIAC," "DOMINO," "Thunderous," and "DIVINE." Each song was performed in tight synchronization with a troupe of backup dancers, creating a seamless visual and auditory spectacle. The dynamic setlist also featured crowd-favorites like "Walkin on Water," "God’s Menu," and "Chk Chk Boom," alongside a high-voltage, hard-hitting rock version of "LALALALA." To amplify the immersive atmosphere, three massive, strategically placed towers on the stage emitted towering jets of flames that lit up in perfect coordination with the rhythm of the music and the sea of glowing Nachimbongs in the stands.
A Presidential Presence and International Recognition
Among the tens of thousands of STAYs packed into the stadium was a remarkably high-profile and unexpected guest: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. Accompanied by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, the South Korean head of state was spotted holding a Nachimbong high in the air, cheering enthusiastically right alongside the rest of the fandom. The presidential attendance capped off a successful and busy official state visit to Mexico, blending high-level diplomacy with the soft power of K-pop, represented by one of the nation’s most globally influential musical exports.
"Live footage from Stray Kids’ Mexico City performance commemorating the Korea-Mexico summit," the South Korean president wrote on X on Friday, sharing an official video clip capturing the vibrant energy of the show. "You can truly feel the great power of K-pop, which showcases Korea, the nation of strong culture, to the world."
President Lee and the first lady were joined in the audience by Claudia Curiel de Icaza, Mexico’s Secretary of Culture. Curiel de Icaza attended the historic concert alongside a group of 10 children from vulnerable communities. These young guests were gifted complimentary tickets to the show, a thoughtful initiative announced just a day earlier by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to ensure that youth from diverse backgrounds could partake in the cultural milestone.
A Memorable Finale in Mexico City
As the 90-minute concert neared its climax, the mutual reluctance of the artists and the audience to part ways became palpable. "Looking at this atmosphere, it seems like no one wants to go home tonight," Bang Chan told the roaring crowd, pausing to gauge the energy in the stadium. "Do you guys not want to leave either? Let’s see how much longer we can go." Before continuing with the performance, he paused to deliver important safety reminders, urging fans to look out for one another and assist anyone in the dense crowd who might need help.
Delivering an electrifying showcase of their biggest hits and unmatched stage presence, STRAYCITY officially entered the books as the largest concert Stray Kids has ever headlined in Mexico to date, according to event organizers. Following Friday night’s triumph, Stray Kids are scheduled to return to the GNP Seguros Stadium for the second and final night of STRAYCITY, officially closing the curtain on their extensive Latin American tour following previous stops in Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil.
