Stray Kids ignite PH Arena with explosive ‘dominATE’ concert

K-pop group Stray Kids during their 'dominATE' concert at the Philippine Arena, November 23, 2024. Photos courtesy of JYP Entertainment via Live Nation PhilippinesEarly into K-pop boy group Stray Kids’ recent “dominATE” concert at the Philippine Arena, member Seungmin recalled how he and his bandmates previously graced the venue for the Asia Artist Awards (AAA) in December.

“We were here at AAA last year,” Seungmin said before the throngs of fans that packed the Bulacan venue.

“Isn’t that the time when Han was going to the toilet?” Bang Chan, the eight-piece act’s leader, chimed in, sparking laughter from the crowd as Han and Seungmin tried to explain the incident.

As the story goes, Han and Seungmin were heading to the restroom when 3RACHA—Stray Kids’ producing trio, of which Han is a member—was announced as the recipient of an award. The unexpected timing led the duo to abandon their restroom break and sprint back to their table, a humorous moment caught on video by fans.

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Unlike their previous visit for the AAA, where they performed a limited set and shared the spotlight with other artists, Stray Kids took full command of the arena during their “dominATE” concert. This time, they had the stage entirely to themselves, creating new memories with their fans, collectively known as Stay.

The production was nothing short of exceptional, perfectly tailored to a powerhouse act like Stray Kids, who have been making waves internationally, including achieving five Billboard 200 chart-topping albums. 

A sign featuring the band’s name in a bold, melted-metal-style font hung prominently above the stage. The idols were also joined by a company of dancers and live band that helped fill the stage with life.

Pyrotechnics were in abundant supply, with flames shooting up from the stage’s front and bursts of fireworks accentuating climactic moments of their songs. Yet, the spectacle never overshadowed Stray Kids—Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin and I.N—who captivated the audience with a repertoire of over 30 songs performed over three hours.

The octet kicked off the show, produced by Live Nation Philippines, with the anthemic “Mountains” from “Ate,” their ninth extended play that serves as the tour’s centerpiece. From the first note, the audience immediately erupted into song, their voices harmonizing with the group’s and their light sticks filling the venue in vibrant hues.

Much of the songs that Stray Kids performed were hard-hitting, boisterous, rap-heavy tracks infused with EDM and rock elements—hallmarks of the group’s distinctive sound. And while each performance had its own charm, some of the standouts were “District 9,” which took fans back to the group’s debut era; “Back Door,” where the members played with camerawork and door props; and “Lonely St.” and “Social Path,” which elicited some of the night’s most enthusiastic sing-alongs.

There was also no shortage of fan interactions as the members descended from the stage and made their way to the floor, mostly during the encore. Meanwhile, in songs like “LALALALA,” “Domino,” and “Miroh,” they playfully splashed the crowd with water from their bottles.

Solos

The members also demonstrated their ability to command the stage individually, dishing out their solo tracks from the upcoming mixtape “Hop” (set to drop on December 13). Han transformed into a rock star, guitar in hand, for “Hold My Hand,” while Lee Know, looking effortlessly cool in a blue hoodie, grooved to the upbeat “Youth.” 

Seated on top of a giant staircase, Seungmin captivated the crowd with his vocals on “As We Are,” followed by Hyunjin’s delivery of sharp dance moves to “So Good.”

Bang Chan sent the crowd into a frenzy, revealing his abs during the sultry “Railway,” a sexiness matched by youngest member I.N in the captivating “Hallucination.” Felix made a dazzling entrance from the ceiling, impressing with his deep timbre in the angsty “Unfair,” while Changbin flexed his muscular arms as he delivered his signature forceful rapping in “Ultra.”

Stray Kids’ playful and easygoing dynamic shone through when they discussed their solo performances, with the members mostly teasing Bang Chan for showing off his abs. The banter continued as the members mimicked each other’s signature traits, from Felix’s deep voice to Changbin’s rapid-fire rapping.

Felix shared that his solo song was inspired by “Beauty and the Beast.” When asked who his Belle was, he pointed to the audience, prompting his bandmates to warn, “No rizzing (a slang for charming or flirting) in the stadium.”

The members then joked about wrapping up their discussion of solo songs, leaving Changbin out, much to his protest. “My stage is the main stage,” he told his bandmates before explaining that “Ultra” was his way of telling fans, “You guys are my energy, my passion, my power.”

In another lighthearted moment, Felix performed “Emergency Budots,” a viral dance challenge set to music from the local subgenre of budots. He even taught the choreography to his bandmates, drawing laughter from the crowd. “I had to do it because it was the Philippines that made it,” he explained.

Fan project

As the night drew to a close, Filipino fans surprised Stray Kids with a heartfelt video centered on the theme of shared “beautiful” memories. “To us Stays, Stray Kids is our beautiful memory,” said the voiceover in the tribute, which concluded with fans declaring themselves “Eternal Stay.”

Speaking on behalf of his bandmates, Bang Chan shared that the group was “touched” by the video. “I feel like the whole Stray Kids adventure that we share with Stay is a memory that we want to take forever. One of the best memories that we will ever, ever have,” he said.

“And if it wasn’t for you guys then everything would have been a nightmare. So thank you guys for existing. And like you guys said, if you guys are going to eternally stay, we are also going to eternally love you guys back,” he added.

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Bang Chan praised the Philippines as an amazing country. “We love being here. The energy you guys give to us is amazing,” he said, noting that the audience members “were all great singers.”

“Filipinos are genuinely, naturally talented singers,” Felix remarked.

“I have Filipino friends in Australia. They all dance good, they all sing good, they all do everything good. It’s probably the same for you guys too,” Bang Chan told the crowd.

Bang Chan also assured fans that if they want to see the group again, they can “just give us a call. I swear we'll be back.”