A dark stadium, hundreds of purple and red lights, two different tours, both filled with the same passions.
Although K-pop has been a music genre that’s existed since 1992, it continues to gain popularity throughout the world, with older generation groups such as Stray Kids and BTS rising to fame.
Stray kids, an eight member group that debuted in 2017 is usually represented by their fans called Stays with the colors red and black. Sophia Cariga reflects that “A lot of people assume [red represents] rage. I [associate it] with like passion and love.”
On the other hand, BTS, a seven member group that debuted in 2013, is usually represented by their fans called Army’s by the color purple. NHHS math bv teacher Ms. De La Cruz mentions that, “Everyone says that purple back then was super rare and it represented royalty…so I think that it’s really cool that they use that color.”
Although they debuted at two different time periods, both have held tours in one of the most famous stadiums in Los Angeles. What started off as small concerts in the theaters of LA has now evolved to large scaled concerts being held at Sofi Stadium.
Sofi stadium is one of the highest regarded venues for holding major national events such as the Superbowl LVI in 2022 and plans to host the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, proving that K-pop has gained much recognition throughout the United States.
This recognition has led Stray Kids to hold some of their DominATE concerts throughout the country from late May to late June of 2025. Cariga expresses that “My friends went to that [concert] and they had really bad PCD, post concert depression.” Although the concert was less than a year, it is dearly missed by Stays who want to relive that experience and can with the release of the documentary that came out on February 6, 2026.
The huge fanbase that continues to grow can make it difficult to get tickets to concerts, despite the fact that Sofi Stadium can hold over one hundred thousand people. Ms. De La Cruz explains, “For the BTS tour I had a professional [buy the tickets] for me. One of my best friends has seen BTS multiple times…So I told her like, hey if you get tickets, can you get me a ticket?”
The competition for the BTS tickets was fiercer than ever following their 3 year absence due to mandatory military service. The excitement of fans managed to sell out the stadium during the presales that opened on January 21 and January 22.
The war to win tickets, even before the general sale, as quickly as possible for any seat is clearly difficult. But fans do not seem to have an issue with the challenge due to the fact that their favorite artists provide them with relatability and a safe place through their music.
SAS senior Jocelyn Hernandez, explains, “Winter Falls [by Stray Kids] translates to me to let something go which is what I usually have trouble doing,” she adds on, “I feel more relaxed and like oh I could easily just let this [situation] go by doing this.” By giving them emotional comfort that might not be seen by others, they are earning the hearts of their fans and their dedication.
As K-pop celebrities continue to hold their concerts in the stadiums throughout the U.S. Passionate fans similar to Stays and Army’s will continue to provide their love and support by selling them out. By respecting their boundaries but showing their loyalty, their welcoming community will only continue to influence others.
