Stray Kids are currently one of the leading boy groups of the new K-pop generation and have also established a significant presence in the international market. The group’s achievements on the U.S. charts are particularly impressive: Stray Kids became the first group in history to have their first five albums all debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. By 2025, the group continued to make its mark by ranking No. 2 on IFPI’s Global Artist Chart, behind only Taylor Swift.

Meanwhile, BTS and Stray Kids appear to have a close and mutually respectful relationship. At the end of July, despite his busy schedule, Jungkook still attended Stray Kids’ concert in Seoul at Bang Chan’s invitation. The two idols are fellow 1997-liners, and Bang Chan has repeatedly expressed his admiration for BTS, particularly Jungkook. Earlier, Bang Chan also attended BTS’ ARIRANG World Tour opening concert in Goyang.

The relationship between the members has also been reflected in other interactions. For example, Jimin once mentioned Felix’s real name on an entertainment show and even sent a humorous video message to the younger idol.

Although the idols themselves appear to have a good relationship, their fandoms do not always get along. Most recently, a stage concept used by Stray Kids in Tokyo υиєχρє¢тє∂ly sparked a debate between STAY and ARMY.

Specifically, during their performance at Tokyo National Stadium (MUFG Stadium), the Stray Kids members were seen walking through the aisles among the au∂ιєnce during one of their performances, creating a unique and more direct interaction with fans. Stray Kids fans were extremely excited about the new staging concept.

However, some ARMYs quickly noticed similarities to what BTS have been doing during their ARIRANG World Tour. Throughout the current tour, BTS have also repeatedly left the main stage and moved through the au∂ιєnce during transitions between performances, most notably during the opening section with “2.0” and the “Body to Body x Idol” performance.

Some fans immediately accused Stray Kids of “copying” BTS’ idea. One sarcastic comment read: “Bro the ARIRANG world tour isnt even over yet and it already got sons????? LMAO.” Another fan criticized the staging even more harshly: “Arirang tour isn’t even 6 months old yet and they’re already copying it they did even let it marinate. What’s next surprise songs ? Their stage isn’t even 360° so this just look stupid as hell WKDKWNKDBW”.

The comparisons did not stop there. Some ARMYs also pointed out other similarities in Stray Kids’ recent performances. Their dancers were seen wearing masks that almost completely covered their faces, leading some fans to αѕѕociate the imagery with the dancers featured in BTS’ concerts.

In particular, during the performance of “Thunderous,” the Stray Kids members and dancers also incorporated several elements inspired by traditional кσяєαn culture, including janggu drums, samulnori percussion instruments, and sangmo hats with long ribbons. These are also among the props used in BTS’ “Body to Body x Idol” performance during the ARIRANG World Tour.

The line between similar creative ideas and outright copying can be very blurry, and the comments above are merely allegations made by a section of fans. Nevertheless, they were enough to fuel a heated debate online. Some of the reactions from BTS fans included:

- That group is laying up the groundwork to get exemptions lmao, don't make it too obvious jfc

- why do their shows always look so ∂єα∂? no one moving, no one singing, no signs, not even reaching out for high fives just gently waving a light stick and staring into the distance like they're watching a washer spin. I've seen more excitement at my brother's marching band shows.

- Bangchan you better copy how to write better songs not this. Even the masks copied XDDD

- They can copy "Idol Parade" but this temu version will never the same as GOAT BTS.. they don't have BTS aura..

- Bts been doing tat since "PERMISSION TO DANCE" concert time oly.... & once in early time in some japan concert dey did i similar to.. BTS will always gonna be Blueprint for Kpop...