April 5, 2025 — a date forever engraved in the hearts of those who lived it. After seven long years of anticipation, a long-awaited dream finally came true. “Stray Kids everywhere all around the world” had never felt more real than on that unforgettable night when Stray Kids (스트레이 키즈) took over São Paulo’s MorumBIS Stadium, gathering over 60,000 Stays in one electric, unified crowd.
Not even the rain or chilly weather could keep away the energy. Loud voices, jumps, and hearts overflowed with warmth as Brazil welcomed the boys — Bang Chan (방찬), Lee Know (리노), Changbin (창빈), Hyunjin (현진), Han (한), Felix (필릭스), Seungmin (승민), and I.N (아이엔) — with open arms and full lungs. Being there, seeing them live, up close, and feeling every beat of the dominATE tour with that massive sea of fans? It was everything — and more.
So today, I want to take you with me and share what it was like to witness one of the biggest K-pop concerts in Brazilian history. Ready to relive the magic? Let’s go!
This is the English version of a post written in Portuguese.
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The long-awaited arrival of Stray Kids in Brazil
It took time, but when Stray Kids finally landed in Brazil, they did it in record-breaking style: 175,000 fans across three unforgettable nights — officially making this the biggest K-pop tour in Brazilian history.
The group arrived in Rio de Janeiro on March 29th, and wasted no time enjoying the local vibes. From playing soccer on the beach to a night strolling down the iconic Copacabana boardwalk, their downtime became a warm-up act of its own before their first explosive show at Engenhão Stadium on April 1st.
Next stop: São Paulo. Here, the boys would light up MorumBIS Stadium for two back-to-back nights, on April 5th and 6th, delivering the kind of high-octane performances only Stray Kids can pull off.
The dominATE World Tour, their third to date, kicked off back in August 2024 in Seoul, South Korea, and has since traveled the world. Their stop in Latin America — a first for the group — began in Chile (March 27th–28th), followed by Brazil, Peru, and a grand finale in Mexico (April 12th–13th).
After that, they will travel to Japan, North America, and Europe, with the tour set to run until the end of July. It’s ambitious, it’s massive, and above all — it’s a celebration of how far Stray Kids and their global fandom have come.
Pre-show atmosphere: Stray Kids everywhere
That’s why I arrived in São Paulo on the 22nd and stayed until the group’s show. The hardest part was controlling my anxiety. Even before Stray Kids landed here with their dominATE tour, the boys were already dominating Bom Retiro and Liberdade — in conversations, in the background music of one store here and another there, and on the t-shirts of the Stays who were already getting ready for the big day.
I actually went to São Paulo earlier — back in late March — to see Hwang In Youp. That meant I had some extra time in the city before the Stray Kids concert, and let me tell you: the hardest part was controlling the anxiety.
Even before the boys officially landed in Brazil with their dominATE tour, they were already taking over neighborhoods like Bom Retiro and Liberdade. You could hear their songs playing around, spot fans wearing t-shirts on every corner, and feel the buzz building in every conversation. It truly felt like Stray Kids everywhere all around the city.
While Rio de Janeiro brought the heat (literally), São Paulo decided to be a little dramatic. The weather pulled a few tricks for SKZ’s first show on Saturday. It wasn’t quite the downpour we had during Taemin’s visit in February, but it also wasn’t as perfect as that magical night with Lee Junho’s Midnight Sun. It rained hard the day before, and on D-DAY, there was a little bit of everything.
I joined the line around 8:30 a.m. on April 5th, using the same trusty shuttle service that had already taken me to Taemin, Lee Junho, and Hwang In Youp. Unsurprisingly, a sea of fans was already making the atmosphere around the stadium quite lively — energy high, excitement higher.
The weather kept playing games, so I was constantly putting on and taking off my raincoat. But honestly? The best part was meeting some amazing fellow Stays right away. They helped calm my anxious heart, and from that moment on, I knew it was going to be an unforgettable day. ˆˆ
VIP experience at the Stray Kids concert
My ticket? Come on, we’re talking about Stray Kids — one of my TOP 3 groups of all time. So of course I went for VIP. This is the kind of concert where spending an entire day on your feet, skipping proper meals, holding off on bathroom breaks, and facing the weather is basically part of the deal. Why? Because I wanted to be as close as humanly possible to the boys.
The gates were scheduled to open at 10 a.m., and that’s when the first challenge began. Did they actually open on time? Nope. And the wait was long. Around 11:30 a.m., I joined a pre-line set up in a corridor between the stadium and the exit — with no staff around, no clear directions, and no bathrooms in sight (unless you count the ones with ridiculously long lines).
Next came challenge number two: VIP merch. Was there exclusive early access? Technically, yes — but barely. It was all pretty chaotic and improvised (not everything was available for purchase yet). When the line finally started moving (around 2 p.m.), fans who wanted to check out the official merch had to leave the queue, make a mad dash to the booth, and then run back inside to secure a good spot.
I grabbed what I could, reunited with the awesome friends I’d made in line, did a lightning-fast bathroom stop, and claimed my spot near the stage just in time for soundcheck at 3 p.m.. Thankfully, water was well-distributed — cups were being handed out non-stop, both outside and inside the venue.
We decided to stand on the right side of the stage, toward the far end. Why? Because that’s usually the area where the members walk over, splash water, and interact more during certain songs. The girls were calling that area “ antennas”, just to make it easier to identify. 🙂
Soundcheck à la ‘Singing in the Rain’
Out of respect for the no-filming policy, I didn’t record any videos during the soundcheck, but trust me, I recorded every second of it in my heart. I’m going to share a glimpse of that unforgettable moment with you here.
Stray Kids performed three songs just for us VIPs. They opened with a powerful “MIROH,” and shortly after, the rain joined in right when they launched into “Back Door” and “TOPLINE.” I’ve been to shows where rain meant soundcheck was canceled, but not with these guys. Nope — nothing was going to stop Stray Kids.
Hyunjin and Bang Chan didn’t even seem to mind the weather, casually owning the stage like the rain was part of the show. Meanwhile, Felix, I.N, Lee Know, Changbin, Han, and Seungmin strolled across the stage under transparent umbrellas, waving and smiling at fans like it was a scene straight out of a K-Drama.
And honestly? The rain added this unexpected, magical vibe that made the whole thing feel even more intimate and surreal — like a moment only we got to witness live. If anything truly felt VIP that day, it was this.
Hyunjin came so close to our side of the stage — just a small towel under his cap, like he couldn’t care less about the rain. There were maybe five people between me and him, but it felt like he was right in front of me. I.N was absolutely adorable with his glasses and that soft smile — seriously, how can someone smile like that? And then came the moment I’d been waiting for. He walked toward us, but he “ran away” halfway… putting his umbrella aside by the wind pulling it back. Oh, Felix! I’m never forgetting that. xD
Stray Kids show in São Paulo: a giant spectacle
At exactly 7:30 p.m., the beat of “Chk Chk Boom” playing in the background starts pulsing through the stadium, syncing perfectly with the excited chants of the crowd and the twinkling sea of lightsticks waving in unison. As the lights go out, the energy explodes. The moment we had all been dreaming about was finally becoming reality.
With an epic intro, audiovisual effects, synchronized dancers, and a pyrotechnic show that set the stage ablaze and heated up the dance floor, Stray Kids made their grand entrance at MorumBIS for their second performance of the dominATE tour in Brazil.
Dressed in white, Bang Chan, Changbin, Felix, Han, Hyunjin, I.N, Lee Know, and Seungmin looked like princes. With a song as majestic as their appearance, they opened with “Mountains” — a choice that felt just right. I had been waiting to witness this powerful and mouth-opening (literally) intro live ever since the album ATE dropped in July last year, and it delivered everything I’d imagined and more. The energy stayed sky-high as they launched into “Thunderous” and “JJAM,” electrifying the entire stadium.
After the impact of the opening, they officially greeted us, Brazilian Stays, pausing to speak in Portuguese and share heartfelt thoughts about being here. Each member took a moment to connect with us, sharing their experience in Brazil.
To keep the momentum going, Bang Chan led us straight into a high-voltage set with “District 9” and “Back Door.” And if you listened closely, you could hear something special — the crowd singing every single word from beginning to end, our voices echoing throughout the stadium and far beyond it.
After setting MorumBIS on fire, the boys left the stage for a costume change, and the spotlight shifted to #TeamSKZ, the insanely talented Stray Kids dancers. They delivered a high-energy medley of hits including “Hellevator,” “Easy,” “S-Class,” “Walkin’ On Water,” “Charmer,” and “Hall of Fame” — keeping the flame alive while we caught our breath.
Boom, Boom, Chk Chk Boom
After a whirlwind of hits and more dazzling visuals, Bang Chan, Changbin, Felix, Han, Hyunjin, I.N, Lee Know, and Seungmin returned to the stage with their energy levels beyond the sky. This time, they came dressed in red and black with lots of glitter — the perfect match for the explosive performance of “Chk Chk Boom.”
The boys’ bright smiles lit up the stage, and the crowd’s voices during the chorus were so loud they often overpowered the actual track. That only made the whole experience better. Brazilian Stays showed up and showed out — and we couldn’t be prouder. I hope they felt welcomed! ˆ-ˆv
Keeping the momentum alive and the crowd fully engaged, the setlist continued with “Domino” and “God’s Menu,” turning up the heat even more. Then came another interlude moment, this time not with the dancers, but with the band. #TeamSKZ took over the stage with their instruments, letting the music speak louder in a powerful instrumental break that kept us vibing and breathless.
The duets from the dominATE mixtape
Remember the dominATE mixtape that was recently released? It made its way into the Latin American tour setlist — and instead of solo stages, this time the boys teamed up in duets. Trading their solo spotlight for shared brilliance, they managed to shine even brighter together. Opening the sequence, “Truman” brought Felix and Han together in a powerful display of rap and stage charisma. And what a presence! The energy was intense, and their synergy on stage was undeniable.
Next came the fast and furious “Burnin’ Tires” with I.N and Changbin — running full speed down the runway, building a motorcycle formation with the help of the dancers, and capping it off with a small burst of fireworks. It was wild, fun, and absolutely thrilling.
Then came the duet that completely won my heart — the mysterious and sensual “Escape”, performed by Hyunjin and Bang Chan. Theatrical and magnetic, their performance matched the mood of the track perfectly. Hearing the second verse live — “Feel the rhythm of your / Heartbeat pounding loud…” — still gives me goosebumps. If I already admired Bang Chan as a leader, this show took my respect for him to another level.
To close the duos, Lee Know and Seungmin brought the emotional “Cinema” to life. With soaring high notes and heartfelt delivery, they turned the stadium into a movie theater, with Stays as the main characters. Everyone sang along, and you could just see how proud Seungmin was.
Giant spectacle beyond the show
As the boys get ready for what’s coming next, new audiovisual effects light up the two massive screens on the main stage. Right in the center, a giant figure rises, marking the start of “Giant” with the warning: “Run, run, run before we come, come, come.” It’s a visual spectacle that turns the Stray Kids concert in Brazil into a full immersive experience. With no time to waste and, now dressed in blue, the boys immediately follow up with “Walkin’ on Water” next.
And for those who thought “S-Class” from the 樂-STAR album would only appear in a medley — surprise! The group performs the track in full, with all the intensity and power it deserves. As one of Stray Kids’ biggest hits, it lights up the stage with its signature chorus choreography and dynamic visuals. The performance is shown from multiple angles, capturing every detail and every move, making it unforgettable.
A capella moment with playful duets
Let’s talk a bit more about the dominATE mixtape — not only the biggest new addition to the setlist but also a fresh release from March that stole the spotlight.
Each duo takes a moment to introduce their song, giving the audience a taste of their voices a cappella and sharing little behind-the-scenes tidbits. In “Escape,” for example, Hyunjin hits a high note that visibly makes Bang Chan proud.
Between one duet and another, the members joke around with each other, looking completely relaxed and genuinely happy on stage. Han puts his own twist on the word “run” from “Escape,” turning it into a funny moment, while Felix delivers the same part with a cute touch that melts hearts (again).
After this playful break, the mood takes a softer turn. “Lonely St.” brings all the members back together. I.N is the first to walk down the right ‘antenna,’ followed by Seungmin — who comes even closer — and then Felix appears in the middle. “Just come already, 제발.” xD
Then, when “I am YOU” begins, everything feels even more emotional… until the least wanted guest of the night decides to make another appearance. The rain returns — softly at first, almost like it’s sneaking in — but then begins to fall harder, pushing the boys back to the main stage.
When “Cover Me” hit different because of the rain
Does rain ruin a concert? Anyone who’s been through it knows how inconvenient it can be. But sometimes, it creates a moment so unique that it becomes unforgettable. That’s exactly what happened when “Cover Me” began just as the rain got heavier — turning a touching song into an even more emotional experience. “The sun will always be there, waiting after the rain.” 🌧️
Already beautiful on its own, the track became one of the most iconic of the night, especially when Seungmin appeared on the screen delivering the bridge with a stunning high note. His voice full of emotion is accompanied by the tears mixing with the raindrops falling on the face of many Stays singing along. Pure cinema.
If “Cover Me” was the heartstring moment of the night, what followed was the adrenaline shot. The next sequence came to chase away the cold and reheat the stadium with the explosive energy from Stray Kids. “TOPLINE” kicks off the setlist for the entrance of “Social Path” — one of my favorite collabs ever, featuring LiSA — a confetti rain, and “LALALALA”. And just as “Social Path” starts… guess who appears right in front of me by surprise? Like he knows the right timing to show up. Felix! The boy who ran away during soundcheck. xD
He’s right there — with Bang Chan, Lee Know (with a raincoat), I.N, Changbin, Hyunjin and Seungmin coming in sequence. Felix was so close that not even my phone could handle it — the camera stopped recording, and the autofocus gave up too. Out of the entire concert, it had to happen at that exact moment? Come on! 다시 브라질에 오세요! 약속해요?
“Welcome to Stray Kids Hot Megaverse” flashes across the screens next, as the night goes full throttle into “MEGAVERSE,” followed by the always iconic “Maniac.” Then, it’s time for one more outfit change…
When the lights come on, everything shines
Now dressed in t-shirts and hoodies from the tour merch, the boys return to the stage with a more relaxed energy. To match the lighter mood, “I Like It” brings a playful choreography, followed by “Blind Spot” which is accompanied by green, yellow, and blue lights, making the whole stadium glow. Even Stray Kids’ dancers join in to amplify the vibe.
Voices ready, hearts full, and yes — arms kind of numb from so much filming (we’ve all been there), the energy is still sky-high. The boys pretend they’re leaving… but nope! They’re back in seconds, just to cheer us up again.
Tired? Maybe. Giving up? Never! With my energy somehow recharged just by being with them, I knew I had to make the most of every second. And how could I not, when the next song is that special? “Stray Kids.” They live up to the lyrics: “We’re gonna go our way / To places still unknown.” I’m pretty sure Hyunjin looked straight into my camera. Maybe? Only he knows. But what I do know for sure is that the entire stadium singing “Woah, woah, oh, oh, woah” is a memory I’ll carry forever.
Putting my (maybe real?) illusion aside, we move on to “MIROH”. This one hits deep for me — it was one of the very first Stray Kids choreographies I learned, back in 2019. And, as if by destiny, here comes Felix again. My favorite songs and that man always showing up at the right moment? I just wish I was at the very tip of that ‘antenna’ stage… and that’s when it starts: the water show officially begins! 💦
The show ends at MorumBIS, but lives on in our memories
Stray Kids thank everyone and say goodbye — but anyone familiar with K-Pop shows knows: there’s always an encore. Without much delay, they’re back on the MorumBIS stage for the festival version of “Chk Chk Boom”, the faster one. The water party kicks off again, with smoke guns aiming at the crowd. And who’s walking straight toward me with a water bottle in his hand? Felix! My friends and I got sprayed directly by him. ˆˆ
With Seungmin announcing “one more song”, we all know the final moment is near. He returns all excited onto the ‘antenna’ stage, singing “Haven”, the very last song of the night. Meanwhile, Felix is hyped up by the smoke machines (so cute!). Bang Chan arrives bringing a shower of red confetti. Lee Know and Han share a goofy moment that makes Changbin just… stare (lol), and Felix reappears to blow kisses to everyone as a final goodbye.
With approximately 3 hours of show, Stray Kids delivered an unforgettable performance — with pyrotechnics, visual effects, confetti, fireworks, water showers and lots of friendliness — in their first visit to Brazil with the dominATE tour. Those who weren’t fans became Stays. Those who already were, fell in love with the group even more. The boys said goodbye to the stage with the promise to return. 약속이다!
With nearly three hours of music, Stray Kids delivered an unforgettable experience in their very first visit to Brazil with the dominATE tour — a show full of pyrotechnics, VFX, confetti, fireworks, water showers, lots of friendliness, and genuine warmth. Those who weren’t fans? They left as Stays. And the ones who already were? They fell even deeper in love. The boys left the stage with a promise: they’ll be back. 약속이다!
The night at MorumBIS has come to an end, but Stray Kids can still be with you, wherever you are. Hit play and enjoy the show through the full playlist on Spotify. 🎧
Hasta La Tour 