The K-pop world just witnessed one of the most intense fan battles in recent memory — and Stray Kids came out on top.
On the final day of voting for the 2025 K-World Dream Awards’ “Boy Group Popularity Award,” social media erupted into pure mayhem. For weeks, it was a neck-and-neck race between Stray Kids, BTS, and AHOF, but the last 24 hours turned into a digital blood bath. STAYs, Stray Kids’ fiercely devoted fandom, came together like in the old days, united with unstoppable energy and determination, dominating the voting on the Duckad app and ultimately pulling ahead by more than 100 million votes in the final hours.
What unfolded online was nothing short of fascinating — global fans organizing, strategizing, and mobilizing with military-like precision. BTS’s ARMY and AHOF fans also fought valiantly until the very last minute, but Stray Kids’ fanbase pulled off the unbelievable, widening the gap dramatically before the voting closed.
The win is especially meaningful this year, as Stray Kids have already made history by breaking the record for the most attended K-pop tour ever. Now, they add another accolade to their name, with this award being a 100% fan-voted honor.
This year’s victory comes with perfect timing — the 2025 K-World Dream Awards will take place just one day before the release of Stray Kids’ highly anticipated 4th full album, KARMA. With the group known for delivering unforgettable stages and sneak peeks, fans are already speculating that they might drop surprises, teasers, or even a special performance ahead of the album’s launch.
Stray Kids(스트레이 키즈) "KARMA"
— Stray Kids (@Stray_Kids) August 9, 2025
TEASER IMAGES 𝗞𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗔🏅
2025.08.22 FRI 1PM (KST) | 0AM (ET)
🏆 PRE-SAVE & PRE-ORDER "KARMA" NOW!https://t.co/8bsECR1Iym#StrayKids #스트레이키즈#KARMA#CEREMONY#StrayKidsComeback#YouMakeStrayKidsStay pic.twitter.com/20KPynoTSW
The 2025 K-World Dream Awards will take place on August 21 at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul. Since its beginnings in 2017 as the 1st Soribada Best K-Music Awards, the ceremony has grown into one of the largest K-pop festivals of the Hallyu wave, bringing together the industry’s brightest stars for a night of celebration.
This year’s performance lineup is stacked, featuring FIFTY FIFTY, tripleS, Hearts2Hearts, KiiiKiii, NCT WISH, KickFlip, ILLIT, AHOF, Park Ji Hyun, Park Seo Jin, LUCY, Xdinary Heroes, QWER, Dragon Pony, BTOB, TXT, CRAVITY, NEWBEAT, Kang Daniel, Paul Kim, Stray Kids, LE SSERAFIM, IVE, and YOUNG POSSE
.
Adding to the excitement, actor Byeon Woo Seok will present an award at the ceremony. Fans are already buzzing about a possible on-stage reunion between Woo Seok and Stray Kids’ Hyunjin, after their adorable interaction at last year’s Cartier Christmas Party went viral.
What!! Hyunjin sama Byeon Woo Seok satu frame!! 😭
— Hai Ari 💛🌻愛☯ (@jehoon_my_shine) November 26, 2024
Aaaaaaaa 😍#Hyunjin #StrayKids#ByeonWooSeok pic.twitter.com/GFWmuwCbYl
For STAYs, August 21 will be more than just an award show — it will be the celebration of a victory they fought tooth and nail to secure.