Mexico City, Mexico – September 25, 2026 – In a remarkable display of cultural diplomacy and popular appeal, the President of South Korea, Lee Jae-myung, and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, attended the highly anticipated STRAYCITY concert in Mexico City. The event, held at the expansive GNP Seguros Stadium, drew an estimated 60,000 fervent fans, transforming the venue into a vibrant testament to the global reach of K-pop and the deepening ties between South Korea and Mexico. The presence of the nation’s highest officials underscored the significance of the concert, which served as a symbolic culmination of President Lee’s official visit to Mexico and highlighted the cultural influence of South Korean music on the international stage.
STRAYCITY, conceptualized as an ephemeral city built on the foundations of music and electrifying choreography, was brought to life by the globally acclaimed K-pop supergroup Stray Kids. The concert marked the final stop of the group’s Latin American tour, concluding a successful run that has captivated audiences across the continent. The festival-style event, organized by local promoters, featured not only the eight-member powerhouse group – Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. – but also showcased a diverse lineup of artists, further cementing its status as a major cultural gathering.
A Festival of Music and Friendship
The STRAYCITY experience began with electrifying opening performances from the South Korean-Japanese band Nexz and acclaimed Mexican artists Renee and Andrés Obregón. Their sets warmed up the massive crowd, creating an atmosphere of anticipation for the main event. This blend of international and local talent underscored the concert’s role as a bridge between cultures, reflecting the burgeoning cultural exchange between South Korea and Mexico.
Upon taking the stage, Stray Kids immediately ignited the stadium with their signature high-energy performances. The group’s return to the GNP Seguros Stadium, a venue where they previously made their Latin American debut 17 months prior, was met with thunderous applause. Stray Kids, known for their dynamic stage presence and sophisticated musicality, delivered a meticulously crafted setlist that spanned their most popular hits. Tracks such as "TOPLINE," "S-Class," "Bounce Back," "MANIAC," "DOMINO," "Thunderous," and "DIVINE" resonated with the audience, many of whom were equipped with "Nachimbongs" – Stray Kids’ official light sticks. These illuminated the stadium, creating a sea of synchronized light that pulsed with the music. For fans who did not possess a Nachimbong, phone lights were creatively employed, demonstrating the collective spirit and dedication of the fanbase, known as STAYs.
The concert’s production was a spectacle in itself, featuring three massive towers that emitted flames in perfect synchronization with the music and the audience’s light sticks. This elaborate stage design contributed to an immersive experience, amplifying the impact of each song and dance routine. The choreography, executed with precision by the group and their accompanying dancers, was a visual feast, perfectly complementing the powerful vocal and rap performances.
Presidential Endorsement and Cultural Diplomacy
The presence of President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung added a unique layer of significance to the event. Their attendance was not merely that of concertgoers but a deliberate act of cultural diplomacy, signifying the South Korean government’s recognition of K-pop’s soft power and its role in fostering international relations. The First Lady was observed holding her Nachimbong high, actively participating in the cheering and engagement with the fandom, a gesture that resonated deeply with concertgoers and amplified the celebratory mood.
Following the concert, President Lee took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share his impressions. He posted a video clip from Stray Kids’ Mexico City performance, captioning it, "Live footage from Stray Kids’ Mexico City performance commemorating the Korea-Mexico summit. You can truly feel the great power of K-pop, which showcases Korea, the nation of strong culture, to the world." This statement from the South Korean head of state not only praised the cultural impact of K-pop but also explicitly linked the concert to the diplomatic objectives of his visit.
The presidential delegation was further joined by Claudia Curiel de Icaza, Mexico’s Secretary of Culture. Her presence, alongside ten children from vulnerable communities who were gifted tickets to the event – a gesture announced by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum the previous day – highlighted the inclusive and unifying nature of the concert. This initiative underscored the power of music to transcend socio-economic barriers and provide enriching experiences for underprivileged youth.
A Memorable Night for Fans and Artists
The interaction between Stray Kids and their Mexican fans was a focal point of the evening. Bang Chan, the group’s leader, engaged with the crowd in a mix of Korean and colloquial Mexican Spanish, aided by an interpreter. His playful remark, "We’re back in Mexico after a year. Did you miss us? ¡No manchen!" elicited cheers and laughter, showcasing a genuine connection with the audience. Hyunjin also commented on the stadium’s atmosphere, pointing to a slogan that read "living is incredible," and mentioning that he had taken a photograph of it, further emphasizing the group’s appreciation for their Mexican reception.
The setlist included a diverse range of Stray Kids’ discography, featuring fan favorites like "Walkin on Water," "God’s Menu," "Chk Chk Boom," and a powerful rock rendition of "LALALALA." The seamless integration of these hits with the group’s energetic choreography and the stunning visual effects created a captivating and unforgettable experience for the approximately 60,000 attendees. Organizers reported that STRAYCITY in Mexico City was the largest concert Stray Kids had ever held in the country, a testament to their growing popularity and the success of their extensive Latin American tour.
Concluding a Latin American Tour
STRAYCITY’s engagement in Mexico City was scheduled for two nights, with the second performance on Saturday, September 26th. This dual-night run served as the official conclusion to Stray Kids’ highly successful Latin American tour, which had previously included stops in Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil. The tour’s extensive reach and enthusiastic reception across these nations underscore Stray Kids’ status as a global phenomenon and their significant impact on the international music landscape.
The STRAYCITY event in Mexico City was more than just a concert; it was a cultural milestone. It demonstrated the immense power of K-pop to unite diverse audiences, foster international goodwill, and serve as a potent vehicle for cultural diplomacy. The presence of the South Korean President and First Lady, alongside Mexican cultural dignitaries, elevated the event beyond a typical music festival, solidifying its place as a significant moment in the ongoing narrative of global cultural exchange. The echoes of the music and the shared experience at GNP Seguros Stadium are likely to resonate, further strengthening the bonds between South Korea and Mexico through the universal language of music. The success of STRAYCITY promises to pave the way for even greater cultural collaborations and a continued appreciation for South Korean artistic contributions worldwide.
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