Stray Kids W Korea 2024 Video Resurfaces to Harsh Visual Criticism

A blast from the past is causing an unexpected storm. A video from Stray Kids' major 2024 collaboration with W Korea has resurfaced, but this time, the reception is far from the praise it initially received. While the project was once celebrated for its avant-garde styling, it's now facing brutal visual critiques on social media.

Stray Kids W Korea Video Controversy Explained

The controversy ignited on January 11, 2026, when clips showing the members in their photoshoot attire began circulating on X (formerly Twitter). Netizens have been leaving scathing remarks, using harsh terms like "chopped" to describe the members' appearances in the video. The footage captures the group in the bold hair and makeup styles specific to the W Korea editorial concept.

The backlash has been particularly intense, with some posts gaining thousands of interactions within hours. While critics question the group's visual appeal in the clip, the fandom, STAY, has rushed to their defense. Fans argue that the video is being taken out of context and that the experimental high-fashion look was never meant to cater to traditional beauty standards.

The Clash Between High Fashion and Public Perception

This incident highlights a recurring theme in K-pop culture: the shelf life of experimental styling. What was considered a "unique personality highlight" in a magazine setting often struggles to translate when stripped of its artistic context and presented as a standalone clip years later.