Stray Kids’ Hyunjin made an emotional revelation during the group’s DominATE: CelebrATE encore concert on October 19, 2025, admitting he considered leaving the group due to vocal struggles. The heartfelt confession at Incheon Asiad Main Stadium left fans in tears and sparked widespread concern across social media, with many STAYs expressing their unwavering support for the beloved idol.
Table of Contents
Stray Kids Emotional Moment
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | DominATE: CelebrATE Encore Concert |
| Date | October 19, 2025 |
| Venue | Incheon Asiad Main Stadium |
| Issue | Vocal problems and self-doubt |
| Outcome | Hyunjin decided to stay with Stray Kids |
| Support System | Fellow member Seungmin & vocal coach |
| Fan Response | #HyunjinStayStrong trending globally |
What Hyunjin Revealed
During his ending speech, Hyunjin expressed that the past year had been exceptionally difficult due to declining vocal abilities that made him question his future with the group. The idol, known for his powerful dance performances and artistic talents, opened up about struggles many fans never knew existed.
“My voice wasn’t doing well. I thought, ‘I still really want to be part of Stray Kids,’ but I didn’t think I could do it any longer,” Hyunjin confessed through tears. His vulnerability on stage demonstrated the immense pressure K-pop idols face to maintain perfection across multiple performance areas.
The Support That Changed Everything
Hyunjin credited fellow member Seungmin as a crucial pillar during his challenging time, revealing they had many deep conversations that helped him process his struggles. He also acknowledged his vocal coach’s instrumental role in helping him recover his voice and confidence.
The turning point came during a fan meet when a STAY told Hyunjin they would love him even if he “turned into Little Mermaid”—a reference to losing his voice. This unconditional support from fans made him realize he was valued beyond just his vocal abilities, encouraging him to continue his journey with Stray Kids.
“To all STAYs who love even my imperfections… I could hold up and be able to perform in such a big venue thanks to all of you,” he said gratefully, acknowledging the fanbase’s role in his recovery.
Why This Matters for K-Pop Industry
Hyunjin’s honest confession highlights the often-overlooked mental and physical health challenges faced by K-pop idols. The industry’s demanding schedules, constant performances, and expectations of perfection create enormous pressure that can lead to burnout and self-doubt.
The Hidden Struggles:
- Vocal strain from extensive touring and performances
- Pressure to excel in multiple areas (singing, dancing, visuals)
- Limited time for rest and recovery
- Fear of disappointing fans and members
- Mental health challenges from constant scrutiny
His willingness to be vulnerable on stage represents a positive shift toward more open discussions about idol wellness in the K-pop community.
Global Fan Reaction
Following the speech, social media exploded with emotional responses. The hashtag #HyunjinStayStrong began trending worldwide, with fans sharing messages of love and support.
Common Fan Sentiments: “My heart. We love you so much Hyunjin. I’m so sorry you struggled so much. You will always be Stray Kids no matter what,” one fan wrote, capturing the overwhelming empathy from STAYs.
“Hearing Hyunjin speak so honestly broke my heart a little… you never had to go through that alone. You’ve always given us so much light, so I hope you know it’s okay to lean on us too,” another added.
Many fans expressed shock that Hyunjin had been suffering silently while continuing to deliver outstanding performances throughout the DominATE World Tour, which spanned 54 shows across 34 locations.
Stray Kids’ Historic Concert Success
The DominATE: CelebrATE encore concerts marked a historic milestone—Stray Kids’ first solo outdoor stadium shows in Korea since their 2018 debut. Both nights at Incheon Asiad Main Stadium sold out completely, with international fans traveling from across Asia, America, and Europe.
The massive world tour established numerous records, including becoming the first K-pop act to perform at venues like Toronto’s Rogers Stadium, Amsterdam’s Johan Cruijff Arena, and Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. The tour attracted an estimated 2.2 million attendees, making it the largest concert tour by a South Korean artist.
Hyunjin’s Journey with Stray Kids
Born Hwang Hyun-jin on March 20, 2000, Hyunjin joined JYP Entertainment and debuted with Stray Kids in March 2018. Known primarily as a dancer and visual member, he has continuously worked to improve his vocal abilities—a journey that clearly took a significant toll.
His artistic contributions extend beyond performance, as he regularly shares paintings and drawings with fans, showcasing his multifaceted talents. This creative outlet has become another way for fans to connect with his authentic self.
The Power of Group Support
The incident underscores the importance of Stray Kids’ strong brotherhood. Unlike many groups where competition creates distance, Stray Kids members consistently support each other, with leader Bang Chan fostering an environment where vulnerability is accepted.
Seungmin’s role in helping Hyunjin through his crisis demonstrates the group’s genuine care for each other’s wellbeing, not just their collective success.
Moving Forward
Following the emotional revelation, Hyunjin appears to be in a healthier place both vocally and mentally. The overwhelming fan support has reinforced that STAYs value him for who he is as a person, not just his performance capabilities.
The group recently announced their new mini-album “Skz It Tape ‘Do It'” set to release in November 2025, signaling their continued momentum as one of K-pop’s leading acts.
What STAYs Should Know
Hyunjin is NOT leaving Stray Kids. His speech was about overcoming past struggles, not announcing his departure. He explicitly stated his desire to stay with the group and gratitude for the support that made his recovery possible.
The official Stray Kids channels have not made any announcements regarding member changes, and all eight members continue working together on upcoming projects.
For the latest updates on Stray Kids and K-pop news, TechnoSports provides comprehensive coverage of your favorite artists and groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hyunjin actually leaving Stray Kids after his emotional speech?
A: No, Hyunjin is NOT leaving Stray Kids. His October 19, 2025 speech at the DominATE: CelebrATE encore concert was about sharing his past struggles with vocal problems that made him consider leaving the group during his most difficult moments. However, he explicitly stated that thanks to support from fellow member Seungmin, his vocal coach, and devoted fans (STAYs), he was able to overcome these challenges and recover his voice. The speech was actually a message of gratitude and perseverance, not an announcement of departure. All eight members continue working together, with new music releases planned for November 2025. Hyunjin’s vulnerability simply highlighted the often-hidden struggles K-pop idols face and his appreciation for those who supported him through recovery.
Q: What specific vocal problems was Hyunjin experiencing, and has he fully recovered?
A: While Hyunjin didn’t specify the exact medical nature of his vocal problems, he revealed his voice “wasn’t doing well” over the past year, likely due to the intense demands of Stray Kids’ extensive DominATE World Tour, which included 54 shows across 34 locations. Vocal strain is common among K-pop idols who must perform demanding choreography while singing, often with limited rest between performances. Based on his speech, Hyunjin worked closely with a vocal coach to address these issues and has successfully recovered his vocal abilities, allowing him to perform at the stadium-level encore concerts in October 2025. His emotional revelation suggests the recovery was as much mental as physical—overcoming self-doubt about his capabilities as a Stray Kids member. The support from Seungmin and fans played a crucial role in his holistic recovery, proving that vocal health involves both technical rehabilitation and psychological wellbeing.
