The Colombian fan community of global K-pop sensation Stray Kids, known as STAYs, represents one of the most passionate and active groups within Latin America. With over 16,000 followers on their dedicated Instagram account @straykidscol_, this community embodies a deep devotion not only to the music but also to building meaningful connections with the group and among themselves.
1. A Heartfelt Collective Project: Delivering Letters of Love to Stray Kids
Among their most cherished initiatives was a project to gather heartfelt letters from Colombian fans, compiling them into a carefully crafted book. This book, filled with personal messages and expressions of gratitude, was personally delivered to the Stray Kids members in Korea by representatives of the fanbase. The undertaking was challenging, requiring coordination and dedication from many fans, but ultimately served as a powerful symbol of unity, commitment, and the emotional bond shared between the artists and their Colombian supporters.
2. The DOMINATE Tour Exclusion: A Source of Disappointment and Hardship
When Stray Kids announced their DOMINATE world tour, the Colombian STAYs were disheartened to learn that their country was not included in the itinerary. This omission was especially painful given the strength and enthusiasm of the local fanbase. As a result, many fans were forced to travel considerable distances to neighboring countries in Latin America or even to North America to attend concerts. These journeys entailed significant financial costs — including flights, accommodation, and tickets — as well as emotional strain from the distance and logistical difficulties. Moreover, the limited communication from tour organizers and promoters, particularly Live Nation, left the Colombian fans feeling overlooked and undervalued. This experience highlights the critical need for more inclusive planning and open dialogue between entertainment companies, event promoters, and active regional fan communities.
3. Constructive Suggestions for Enhanced Fan Engagement
Despite the challenges, Colombian STAYs remain hopeful and proactive, offering thoughtful proposals to strengthen connections in the future. They emphasize the importance of organizing exclusive fan meetings—either online or offline—specifically for Latin American fans. Such events could celebrate Stray Kids’ history through special performances of iconic songs like “District 9,” “MIROH,” and “God’s Menu,” alongside video screenings of behind-the-scenes moments and interactive fan segments. These experiences would provide Latin American fans with a sense of inclusion and recognition that has often been lacking in tour schedules.
Additionally, the community advocates for collaborative efforts between fan platforms like FanWork and artist agencies to create exclusive content or personalized messages for the most active fanbases. Establishing pop-up stores in key Latin American cities is another suggested approach to improve accessibility to official merchandise and create unique, localized fan experiences. These initiatives not only honor the dedication of the fans but also help cultivate stronger, more personal relationships between Stray Kids and their global supporters.
Conclusion: Building Bridges Through Communication and Cultural Sensitivity
The story of Colombian STAYs illustrates the challenges and triumphs of passionate fan communities that, despite geographic and logistical barriers, strive to maintain close bonds with their favorite artists. Their experience serves as a poignant reminder to K-pop agencies and global promoters that attentive communication, localized engagement strategies, and genuine respect for diverse fanbases are essential to sustaining and growing the worldwide K-pop phenomenon. By embracing these principles, entertainment companies can foster lasting, mutually rewarding relationships that celebrate the unique culture of each fan community while amplifying the global reach and impact of their artists.
Image Credits:
Images sourced from official Stray Kids media and the Colombian fan Instagram @straykidscol_.
Acknowledgment:
We thank the Colombian STAYs and all teams for their participation and support in this survey.
