Fans of the K-pop group Stray Kids have reacted strongly to the announcement of their upcoming film, Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience, with calls for a boycott emerging due to perceived exclusions in the promotional details. The film is set to be released in cinemas and select IMAX, SCREENX, 4DX, and ULTRA 4DX locations worldwide starting on February 6, 2026.
Live Nation, which is managing the film’s theatrical release, shared a booking link on their official social media account, outlining the countries where the film will be screened. However, the list notably excluded any African nations and only included Israel as the sole location in West Asia. This omission sparked immediate backlash from fans, who expressed their disappointment and frustration over the exclusion of Africa while allowing screenings in Israel.
Social media platforms became a hub for dissent, with users criticizing Live Nation for not addressing their concerns. The situation escalated as fans accused the organization of hiding comments requesting the removal of Israel from the screening list. One user expressed their outrage, stating, “You are nasty, disgusting, and sick @LiveNation… hiding the replies where people want that fake country removed from the list.”
The backlash intensified, with many fans pointing out the political implications of including Israel amid ongoing tensions regarding its actions towards Palestinians. A user remarked, “Apparently, ‘Stray Kids everywhere all around the world’ does not include Palestine and the Middle East, yet it includes a genocidal state.” Others highlighted the perceived double standards in how geopolitical issues are handled, questioning why certain regions seem to be prioritized over others.
The controversy has garnered significant attention, but as of now, none of the involved parties—including Stray Kids or their management company, JYP Entertainment—have publicly addressed the growing discontent. Fans are now calling for a reevaluation of the screening arrangements, urging Stray Kids to consider their broader fan base.
Despite the ongoing discussions and calls for a boycott, the film’s release is still on schedule, with ticket sales already available. The situation reflects a complex interplay of entertainment and global politics, illustrating how cultural products can evoke passionate responses from audiences around the world.
As the release date approaches, it remains to be seen how the stakeholders will navigate this heated debate and whether any changes will be made in response to the fan backlash.