New York City – Stray Kids, the popular K-pop group, made history as the first entire group to attend the 2024 Met Gala, alongside fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger. The eight-member group arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in custom-designed suits, showcasing the brand’s signature red, white, and blue colors beneath their navy jackets. Despite the glamour of the event, Stray Kids and their fans were left disappointed by the disrespectful treatment they received from red-carpet photographers, shedding light on the systemic barriers faced by non-Western artists in Hollywood.
The incident at the Met Gala highlighted the challenges international celebrities like Stray Kids face in navigating unfamiliar territories in pursuit of global success. While the group has successfully adapted to the American media landscape in the past, they still encounter dismissive attitudes and barriers that reflect a lack of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in the entertainment industry.
Unlike the structured red carpets at Korean and Japanese events, where artists pose for photographers collectively during dedicated photo times, the dynamics are different in the United States. Stray Kids attempted to show appreciation for all sides of the photographers at the Met Gala by staggering themselves to accommodate different camera angles, demonstrating cultural diversity and inclusivity in their approach.
While photographers at the event may have found the presence of an eight-member boy band challenging, Stray Kids’ diversity should be celebrated rather than marginalized. The group’s graceful presence on the carpet serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing different cultures and perspectives, especially in a global event like the Met Gala.
Celebrity guests from the Korean music scene have been attending the Met Gala for over a decade, with artists like PSY and Jennie of BLACKPINK making appearances in recent years. As fashion continues to embrace K-pop partnerships, more groups are likely to attend such prestigious events in the future, further highlighting the influence and relevance of Korean artists in the global entertainment industry.
Despite facing obstacles and prejudice, Stray Kids’ unwavering determination to challenge norms and redefine expectations has earned them recognition at one of the world’s most prestigious events. As the group continues to make waves in the music industry and inspire change, their presence at the Met Gala underscores the impact of inviting and embracing diverse cultures and perspectives, setting a positive example for the industry and fans alike.