To say Stray Kids had an eventful night would be an understatement. Just before ushering in their new era with 合 (HOP), the K-pop octet graced the stage at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards as performers and winners.
Following a slew of teasers posted on social media, Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. finally took to the BBMAs stage the night of December 12 to perform a medley of their songs "Chk Chk Boom" and “JJAM,” both of their ninth Korean-language EP, ATE, which came out earlier this summer and forms the bulk of the setlist for their ongoing <dominATE> world tour.
Of course, the octet did a lot more than just perform at the BBMAs — they also took home the coveted Top Global K-Pop Artist award, a category they were nominated for alongside ENHYPEN, TXT, and BTS members Jimin and Jungkook.
“We just really want to say a big, huge thank you to STAYs everywhere all around the world,” leader Bang Chan said in the group's acceptance speech, which you can watch below. “Without you guys, we would not be standing here on this stage tonight, receiving such a meaningful award.”
“We spent another amazing and unforgettable year with STAY and, you know, we always think about how much you give to us, and we want to give all this back through working hard and making music that you truly love,” Felix added in English before Seungmin shared a message in Korean. “Because we have STAY by our side, we were able to receive such a special award and stand here on such a major stage again this year.”
After the ceremony ended, the group took to their official X account to write another message looking back on the momentous night. “It's so surreal that we were able to perform AND win Top Global K-Pop Artist at the BBMAs this year! Thanks a billion for another incredible memory, STAY."
But, of course, the feats did not stop there. Just a couple of hours after the BBMAs wrapped, STAYs had another thing to turn their attention to: the release of Stray Kids' second special album, 合 (HOP), lead by the title track “Walkin On Water," which arrives with the group's trademark high-octane rap verses, honeyed vocals, and commanding choreography.
You can watch the music video for “Walkin On Water" above. The Billboard Music Awards aired on December 12 on FOX and Amazon Fire TV. You can stream the ceremony, including Stray Kids' performance, again on Paramount+ and Hulu. You can also watch the group's performance only by clicking here.
You can also listen to 合 (HOP) in full below:
