Fans of the South Korean boy band Stray Kids have initiated a boycott against the group’s upcoming film, Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience, following a controversial announcement from Live Nation. The film is set to be released in cinemas globally on February 6, 2026, with ticket sales already underway. However, the announcement has ignited significant outrage due to perceived geographical exclusions.
The backlash stems from Live Nation’s promotional post, which listed venues for the film’s release but notably excluded any locations in Africa. Furthermore, the only country in West Asia listed was Israel, prompting fans to express their dissatisfaction. Many took to social media, criticizing the exclusion of African nations and expressing anger over the inclusion of Israel amidst ongoing conflicts in the region.
Fans reacted strongly, with some calling the decision “insulting.” One comment highlighted the stark contrast between the inclusion of Israel and the absence of African countries, stating, “Israel in the list but not a single African country.” This sentiment was echoed by many, who viewed the situation as a reflection of broader geopolitical neglect.
Social media posts from fans featured sharp critiques of both Live Nation and Stray Kids, accusing them of endorsing what they described as a “genocidal state” and overlooking the plight of Palestinians. One user tweeted, “Stray Kids everywhere all around the world for violent settler colonies committing genocide but [not for] African or Arab representation.”
The protests intensified when fans noticed that Live Nation was hiding replies that called for the removal of Israel from the screening list, adding another layer of frustration to the situation. Many fans expressed their feelings of betrayal, arguing that the band’s message of inclusivity did not extend to all regions, particularly in the Middle East and Africa.
Despite the fervent reactions from fans, neither Stray Kids nor their management company, JYP Entertainment, has publicly addressed the controversy or responded to the calls for a boycott. This silence has led to further discontent among supporters, who are demanding recognition of their concerns.
As the release date approaches, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and whether the band will take any action in response to the growing calls for a boycott. For now, the conversation continues to gain momentum, with fans insisting on a more inclusive approach to the film’s distribution.
