On June 23, 2025, Stray Kids made the decision to end their concert early at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. due to extreme heat, concluding their third world tour, Dominate, with a move that was met with admiration from fans. The group’s prioritization of health and safety was widely applauded, especially as numerous attendees reportedly required medical attention during the event.
Stray kids concert was shut down immediately due to extreme heat. People were dropping like flies (including myself)
The Nationals Stadium did not handle this well. Bang Chan temporarily stopped the show earlier to several people needed medical evacuation. But their response… pic.twitter.com/XmtsxLteF5
— Cookie the Menace (@Cookie_Ex626) June 24, 2025
Many fans took to social media to express their gratitude toward the group, praising their awareness and concern for the well-being of both fans and the performers themselves. Online reactions emphasized that the group made the right choice in a situation where several people were visibly affected by the heat.
Meanwhile, the concert’s organizers, specifically those responsible for operations at Nationals Park, came under fire from fans for not taking adequate precautions. Attendees reported limited access to water and insufficient measures to combat the heat, especially considering well-publicized weather warnings leading up to the event.
Stray Kids are so right to end the concert early. Here in Brazil, 2 years ago if I’m not mistaken, a girl d*ed on a concert because of the heat. After that, water is FREE on concerts in Brazil.
Gods bless Skz for this decision.— Minôu Biboito – HYUNLIX NO FIXADO – (@userleeminho98) June 24, 2025
In response to the early ending, one fan wrote:
“Stray Kids are so right to end the concert early. Here in Brazil, a girl died during a concert because of the heat. Now water is free at shows. God bless Skz for this decision.”
Another fan commented:
“It’s okay, Hyunjin. We STAYs aren’t upset — we’re grateful. Your health and our health matter more. We know you gave it your all.”
Many echoed the sentiment that the group’s decision was thoughtful and protective:
“Stray Kids ended the concert early to keep everyone safe due to heat and people fainting. Please stay hydrated. This is not the group’s fault — the organizers should have prepared better for the weather.”
Messages of support and concern continued to pour in, as fans encouraged one another to rest and recover after the event:
“Please, if you were at the concert, take care of yourself. This isn’t how we wanted the night to end, but your safety — and Stray Kids’ — is what matters most.”
Some fans also highlighted how local media reported on the heat and the emergency response required at the concert, reinforcing the gravity of the situation. The consensus online was clear: Stray Kids acted responsibly, and any criticism should be directed at those responsible for the venue and logistics, not the performers.
“This is not on Stray Kids. No one could have predicted this heat when the tour was planned. The fact that they still tried to perform despite it is admirable. I hope they and the fans are okay.”
Another fan added:
“They made the right call. Safety first. I’m so proud of them for putting people first. It was still an amazing show.”
Hyunjin expresses apology and gratitude to fans
The day after the concert, on June 24, Stray Kids member Hyunjin addressed fans via the South Korean platform Bubble. In his heartfelt message, he shared his feelings about the night’s abrupt ending:
“I’m so thankful and so sorry to STAY for coming to see us even in this weather. We really tried to give a passionate performance, but this is the first time we’ve had to end a show like this, and we’re very flustered. Please drink lots of water and cool down well. Thank you again, and I’m so sorry.”
Fans responded with overwhelming support, assuring the group that their decision was appreciated and respected.
