Stray Kids ‘DominATE’ Seattle and Prove the Power of Live Performance
Photos and Video by Ellie T
As the first K-pop act to perform at T-Mobile Park, Stray Kids definitely had high expectations to meet for their sold-out night in Seattle. Following icons like Green Day, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Foo Fighters, they delivered a performance that not only matched the scale of the venue but also showed just how far Korean music has spread. As the opening stop on their North American tour, the show set a high bar, with over 40,000 fans witnessing a night that felt both historic and electric.
To put it frankly, this was my first K-pop show ever. I felt a bit out of place, especially since I only knew about half of the songs, but from the very first set, I was stunned by how immersive and high-energy the experience was. The DominATE tour is a prime example of what a live show should be.
While it’s easy (and expected) to perform the songs your fans have already been streaming nonstop, the real challenge is putting on a show that not only amplifies your music but also highlights your ability as an artist to turn each performance into a lasting memory for the people who support you most.
The setlist was clearly crafted to excite longtime fans while welcoming newcomers. Packed with costume changes, fireworks, streamers, pyrotechnics, backup dancers, and even an inflatable giant—all on top of an already energetic song selection—DominATE fully captured the power and demand for live music.
While this level of performance is common in K-pop, singing, rapping, dancing, and keeping a crowd of 40,000 engaged for nearly three hours is no easy feat. You could attend almost any show and have a good time, but with Stray Kids, the dedication and hard work each member puts in is unmistakable.
Their recorded songs are strong on their own, though the intensity of their more popular tracks can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for new listeners. Seeing them live, however, adds a new layer of appreciation. It brings out the intention behind that energy in a way that feels more grounded and compelling. It’s easy to see why they’ve made such a mark in the music world.
Even with a tightly packed setlist, they still took the time to speak directly to the crowd, making the night feel personal and intimate. One of the most heartwarming parts of their trip to North America was seeing all the members try to speak only English, despite having a translator on hand.
One of the highlights of the night for me was the unit stages, where members broke off into pairs to perform tracks from their recent release, Mixtape: DominATE. These segments not only gave the other members time to prepare for the next full-group number but also allowed each performer to shine individually. Whether it was vocals, choreography, or stage presence, the unit songs gave fans a chance to appreciate the talents of each individual in a more focused and intimate way.
The unit section ended with Cinema, performed by Lee Know and Seungmin, which featured the names of concertgoers displayed proudly on the big screens behind them. The song was dedicated to the fans who came out to support them, adding a sentimental touch to an already dynamic set and leaving a lasting emotional impression before the group returned to the main stage.
Although they’re a K-pop group, it’s clear they’ve become a global sensation thanks to the unwavering support of fans worldwide, and their live shows reflect just how deeply they appreciate that support.
Even if you didn’t walk into the show as a huge fan, you’ll definitely leave with an unforgettable night and a newfound respect for the kind of performers Stray Kids are.
Catch Stray Kids on their North America DominATE Tour:
2025/06/06-07 - Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
2025/06/10 - Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
2025/06/14 - Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FL
2025/06/18-19 - Citi Field, New York, NY
2025/06/23 - Nationals Park, Washington, DC
2025/06/26 - Wrigley Field Chicago, IL
2025/06/29 - Rogers Stadium, Toronto, ON