Stray Kids, the popular South Korean boy band, is facing significant backlash from fans regarding the upcoming release of their film, Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience. Scheduled for theatrical release on February 6, 2026, the film will be shown in select cinemas worldwide, including IMAX and 4DX locations. However, the announcement by Live Nation has ignited a wave of anger, particularly due to the exclusion of African countries from the screening list.
Fan outrage erupted shortly after Live Nation shared details about the film’s release. Critics quickly pointed out that the promotional material did not include any African nations. The only location in West Asia listed for the screening is Israel, which has further fueled discontent among fans. Many feel that this omission disregards the significant and diverse fanbase that exists across the African continent.
The reaction has been characterized by a mix of disappointment and anger, with fans expressing their sentiments on social media. One user remarked, “Israel in the list but not a single African country,” highlighting the perceived inequity in the selection of screening locations. Others took to Twitter to voice their frustration, accusing Live Nation of prioritizing certain regions while neglecting others.
Social Media Backlash Intensifies
The situation escalated when fans noticed that Live Nation began hiding replies that called for the removal of Israel from the list of screening locations. This action prompted further accusations of censorship, as one user criticized the company for “hiding the replies where people want that fake country removed from the list.” Many fans are interpreting the film’s release strategy as indicative of broader geopolitical issues, suggesting that the inclusion of Israel, amid ongoing conflicts, is particularly insensitive.
Social media posts have articulated a strong sentiment that the band’s motto of “Stray Kids everywhere all around the world” does not extend to Palestine or other Middle Eastern regions, further complicating their image among global fans. Several comments explicitly linked the film’s release to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with one user stating, “Doing concert on the land of Palestine while people there were dying… Shame on you.”
Response from Stray Kids and Live Nation Pending
Despite the fervent backlash, neither Stray Kids nor their management company, JYP Entertainment, has issued a statement addressing these concerns. As the situation continues to unfold, fans are calling for a boycott of the film, arguing that the current strategy reflects a disregard for the lives and experiences of those in Africa and the Middle East.
While the anticipation for Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience remains high, the calls for boycott underscore a growing awareness among fans regarding representation and the impact of global politics on cultural events. The outcome of this situation remains uncertain, but it highlights the critical intersection of entertainment and social justice in today’s global landscape.
