Stray Kids Triumph at 2025 The Fact Music Awards With Multiple Major Wins

A Landmark Night for Stray Kids

Stray Kids solidified their status as one of the leading figures in global K-pop at the 2025 The Fact Music Awards, taking home four of the night’s most prestigious honors. The group secured Artist of the Year (Bonsang), Record of the Year (Daesang), Popularity Award, and Honor of the Year (Daesang). This sweeping victory marked a defining high point in their career, capping off years of steady growth from promising rookies to international powerhouses.

The award ceremony unfolded against a dazzling stage backdrop, with radiant lighting effects, large LED screens, and a sold-out audience that filled the atmosphere with electrifying energy. Fans erupted in loud cheers as Stray Kids’ name was repeatedly announced, transforming the venue into what felt like both an awards show and a global celebration of their artistry.

The Weight of a Daesang

In the South Korean music industry, the Daesang, or "grand prize," is the highest achievement awarded to an artist each year. Securing not just one but two Daesangs in the same night was a monumental moment for Stray Kids. Record of the Year signifies recognition for their musical excellence and consistency in producing influential work, while the Honor of the Year Daesang highlighted their impact beyond music, acknowledging their contribution to culture and fan engagement worldwide.

The group’s acceptance speeches reflected both humility and determination, thanking fans—known as STAY—for propelling them to such heights. Their leader emphasized that the recognition was not the end goal but a motivation to continue striving for higher levels of creativity and connection.

From Underdogs to Global Icons

Stray Kids’ rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. Formed in 2017 under JYP Entertainment, the group faced fierce competition in the crowded K-pop arena. Their early releases, known for blending hard-hitting beats with introspective lyrics, resonated with a new generation of listeners seeking authenticity in an industry often marked by polished perfection.

By the early 2020s, they had cemented their identity as a group unafraid to experiment with genres such as EDM, rock, and trap while addressing themes of self-identity, youth struggles, and perseverance. Unlike many of their peers, they took a significant role in songwriting and production, ensuring their voice remained embedded in their music.

This hands-on creative approach endeared them to fans internationally and set them apart as true artists rather than performers. Their evolution from underdogs to award-winning superstars reflects both their relentless work ethic and the shifting nature of global pop culture, where authenticity increasingly resonates with audiences.

Impact on the Korean Music Industry

The 2025 The Fact Music Awards underscored not only Stray Kids’ achievements but also the continuing worldwide influence of K-pop. For South Korea, the group’s success symbolizes the ongoing appeal of its cultural exports, which have grown into a crucial part of the country’s soft power. The government and industry stakeholders often highlight the international triumph of groups like Stray Kids as a reflection of economic and cultural influence on the world stage.

K-pop’s contribution to South Korea’s economy has expanded dramatically in the last decade. Merchandise sales, digital streaming, global tours, and brand partnerships have turned groups such as Stray Kids into major economic drivers. In 2024 alone, Korean pop culture exports—including music, television, and fashion—generated billions of dollars in revenue, reinforcing the industry’s role as a vital sector beyond mere entertainment.

Stray Kids’ impressive win this year adds weight to the perception that K-pop continues to grow, innovate, and extend its global reach. Their recognition by The Fact Music Awards strengthens their status not just as entertainers but as cultural ambassadors.

A Fierce Competition Among K-pop Leaders

While Stray Kids celebrated a clean sweep of honors, the night also reflected the broader competitive landscape among K-pop’s top acts. Other globally renowned groups such as BTS, SEVENTEEN, and ATEEZ have previously set high benchmarks in both award recognition and international expansion. Each group brings different strengths to the table, from large-scale concerts that fill stadiums worldwide to trend-setting fashion and social media influence.

In that context, Stray Kids’ multiple Daesangs signal a clear statement: they are no longer simply part of the next wave of K-pop. Instead, they are helping to define it. Beyond Korea, their recognition aligns them with global award standards, positioning them alongside major international music icons who dominate award scenes across continents.

Regional Comparisons: The Global Pop Race

Stray Kids’ latest triumph can also be viewed against regional comparisons in Asia’s competitive music industries. Japan’s J-pop scene, while historically dominant domestically, has faced challenges in maintaining global momentum compared to K-pop’s rapid rise. Similarly, China’s pop acts, while influential locally, remain restrained by limited international exposure.

By contrast, South Korean acts like Stray Kids, BLACKPINK, and BTS have consistently maintained global tours, powerful fan engagement through digital platforms, and crossover collaborations with Western musicians. Stray Kids’ award-winning dominance this year further consolidates South Korea’s cultural advantage in the Asian music landscape, reinforcing its position as the primary exporter of popular music culture in the region.

Fan Reactions and Social Impact

The STAY fandom’s visible presence at the ceremony underscored the deep connection between Stray Kids and their supporters. Fans held banners, chanted group members’ names, and filled social media platforms with real-time reactions, turning the awards show into a trending global event within minutes.

The artists themselves have long acknowledged the central role of their fans, often highlighting them as co-creators of their journey. This dynamic reflects a larger shift in entertainment where fan participation—via digital voting, live streams, and interactive content—directly influences outcomes at events like The Fact Music Awards.

The Popularity Award, determined by fan support, further highlighted this dynamic. Stray Kids’ overwhelming win in this category proved their fan base’s relentless energy and global reach. For the fans, the sweep of awards was not just a triumph for the group but also a proud testament to their collective efforts.

Economic and Cultural Ripple Effects

Stray Kids’ achievement is expected to drive tangible ripple effects both locally and internationally. Their victory at one of South Korea’s most prominent award ceremonies immediately boosts streaming numbers, album sales, and media coverage. Major brands and advertisers will likely leverage their increased visibility to secure endorsements and partnerships, further strengthening the group’s commercial influence.

On a cultural level, Stray Kids’ continued dominance strengthens South Korea’s rising profile as a global entertainment hub. International collaborations are expected to expand, tourism driven by K-pop fandoms will see renewed momentum, and the group itself may set new records in global concert ticket sales.

For fans in different regions—whether in Southeast Asia, the Americas, or Europe—the group’s award-winning night further validates their dedication. It also enhances Korea’s reputation as a consistent engine for globally impactful cultural products.

Looking Ahead

As Stray Kids move forward from this career-defining night at the 2025 The Fact Music Awards, the industry and fans alike speculate on what comes next. The group is widely expected to embark on another world tour, spark new collaborations with Western artists, and release a highly anticipated album that further cements their legacy.

The members themselves hinted at upcoming projects during backstage interviews, expressing a determination to return the overwhelming support with music that breaks boundaries. While details remain under wraps, expectations are high that they will continue their streak of innovation and influence.

In a music industry where longevity can be elusive, Stray Kids’ historic wins prove they are not only at the top of the current cycle but are firmly positioning themselves for an enduring legacy. Their dominance in 2025 shows that their journey—from trainees filled with uncertainty to global icons standing on award-winning podiums—represents not just a rise in fame but a cultural movement with international resonance.

Conclusion

Stray Kids’ four major wins at the 2025 The Fact Music Awards mark a turning point in their career and in the broader K-pop narrative. With two Daesangs and widespread recognition from both critics and fans, the group’s impact now stretches far beyond music charts. They embody the fusion of artistry, dedication, and global connectivity that defines this era of music.

As lights dimmed on the awards ceremony, the memory of their triumph lingered, not just for the thousands inside the arena but for millions worldwide watching in real time. Stray Kids’ victory was more than an evening of celebration—it was a testament to the evolving force of K-pop and its ever-growing influence on the global stage.