The global music scene is about to experience an explosive collaboration between two powerhouse names—Stray Kids and DJ Snake.
The announcement that Stray Kids will feature on DJ Snake’s upcoming track “In The Dark” from his new album Nomad has already sent waves of excitement through both the K-pop and EDM communities.
With the album’s release scheduled for November 7, 2025, fans worldwide are gearing up for what promises to be one of the most dynamic and genre-blending musical releases of the year.
A Star-Studded Lineup: The World of “Nomad”
French DJ and producer DJ Snake, known for his groundbreaking collaborations with global superstars like Justin Bieber , Selena Gomez , Cardi B , and Ozuna, has once again curated an album that celebrates musical diversity.
His forthcoming album Nomad features a remarkable array of collaborators, including Stray Kids , Travis Scott, J Balvin, Don Toliver, and Future.
The album’s concept appears to embody DJ Snake’s signature global fusion style—uniting artists from different continents, genres, and cultural backgrounds.
Nomad seems aptly titled, reflecting the idea of musical wanderlust, innovation, and exploration without borders.
DJ Snake has always been a sonic traveler, moving seamlessly from Latin beats to trap, EDM, and K-pop-inspired elements. With Nomad, he continues his journey to blur boundaries and push creative limits.
Stray Kids’ Global Presence and the Significance of “In The Dark”
For Stray Kids, this collaboration signifies another major leap in their already stellar international career.
The group—known for their self-produced music, fierce energy, and raw lyrical honesty—has built a reputation as one of K-pop’s most daring and experimental acts.
Their inclusion in Nomad’s tracklist signals both DJ Snake’s recognition of their global influence and the growing presence of K-pop in the mainstream Western music scene.
The track “In The Dark” remains shrouded in mystery, but fans are already buzzing with theories about its style and concept.
Given DJ Snake’s history with bass-heavy, rhythm-driven production and Stray Kids’ penchant for bold, genre-bending sounds, the collaboration is expected to merge intense beats with intricate vocal and rap performances.
Many speculate that “In The Dark” might blend EDM, trap, and K-pop intensity—a fusion reminiscent of Stray Kids’ recent experimental tracks like “S-Class” and “LALALALA,” but elevated by DJ Snake’s electronic mastery.
If so, it could emerge as one of 2025’s most talked-about global singles.
A Friendship Sparked in Paris
This collaboration didn’t happen overnight. The seeds of this partnership were planted back in 2024, when DJ Snake and Stray Kids met at the Gala des Pièces Jaunes in Paris, a charity event hosted by French First Lady Brigitte Macron.
The encounter was widely shared across social media, with DJ Snake posting a photo alongside several Stray Kids members and captioning it, “New Friends.”
At the time, fans speculated that something might be brewing between the two artists.
Now, nearly a year later, that friendly encounter has evolved into a full-fledged collaboration that exemplifies the growing connection between global pop and K-pop artists.
It also highlights the cross-cultural appreciation and creative exchange that are becoming increasingly common in the modern music industry.
Stray Kids: Expanding Their Artistic Horizons
2025 has already been an extraordinary year for Stray Kids. The group has dominated international charts, earned multiple certifications, and performed at high-profile global festivals.
They continue to prove that K-pop acts can hold their own in international collaborations without losing their unique artistic identity.
Their participation in DJ Snake’s Nomad is not their first step into global collaboration—previously, Stray Kids’ music has resonated with artists and producers worldwide, with their hybrid sound incorporating hip-hop, EDM, rock, and industrial influences.
Stray Kids (Credit: X)
But working with DJ Snake, one of the world’s most respected producers in electronic and dance music, takes their artistry into a new sonic space that could attract a broader Western audience.
Moreover, this collaboration underscores Stray Kids’ reputation as musical “all-rounders.” Unlike many idol groups, they are deeply involved in the songwriting and production process, particularly through their in-house team, 3RACHA (Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han).
Fans are eager to see how much creative input 3RACHA contributed to “In The Dark,” especially since Stray Kids often co-write and co-produce their songs even when working with international artists.
DJ Snake: The Master of Global Fusion
DJ Snake has long been a pioneer in creating global hits that transcend language and genre barriers.
From his massive EDM anthem “Turn Down for What” to the Latin-pop crossover “Taki Taki” and the global dance sensation “Let Me Love You,” he has built a career around collaboration and innovation.
With Nomad, DJ Snake continues to reinforce his image as a producer who thrives on cultural fusion. Including Stray Kids in the lineup is not just a musical decision—it’s a statement about the power of K-pop as a global force and about DJ Snake’s vision for music that unites rather than divides.
His collaboration history suggests that “In The Dark” will likely feature an unforgettable hook, pulsating rhythms, and an atmosphere that balances both emotional intensity and festival-ready energy.
Fan Reactions and Industry Buzz
The news of Stray Kids’ participation in Nomad has ignited social media platforms. STAYs (Stray Kids’ fans) have flooded X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram with excitement, predicting that the song could mark another global hit for the group.
Many fans are thrilled at the idea of hearing Stray Kids’ bold rap lines and powerful vocals over DJ Snake’s electrifying beats.
Industry observers are also taking note, calling this collaboration a “landmark moment” for the integration of K-pop into mainstream Western electronic music.
As collaborations between Asian and Western artists continue to grow, “In The Dark” may symbolize a new era of mutual recognition and creative partnership.
With Nomad arriving on November 7, 2025, expectations are sky-high.
The collaboration between DJ Snake and Stray Kids could redefine how cross-genre projects are approached, merging the polished intensity of K-pop with the raw energy of international electronic music.
Whether “In The Dark” turns out to be a hard-hitting club anthem or an atmospheric track with emotional depth, one thing is certain—it will spotlight both artists’ shared strengths: innovation, global vision, and fearless creativity.
As DJ Snake continues to expand his musical universe and Stray Kids ascend even higher in their global journey, “In The Dark” stands poised to become one of 2025’s most defining collaborations—an electrifying celebration of unity, artistry, and sound without borders.
On October 28, 2025, KQ Entertainment, the agency representing the global sensation ATEEZ , announced its firm stance against such online misconduct.
Through an official English statement, the company declared its intent to pursue legal action against individuals and groups responsible for spreading misinformation, malicious rumors, and derogatory content about ATEEZ.
This announcement underscores the increasing need for agencies to protect artists from the severe mental, emotional, and reputational harm caused by online harassment.
With the rise of social media, the boundaries between constructive criticism and defamation have often blurred—prompting entertainment companies like KQ to take proactive legal and ethical measures.
A Clear Message: Zero Tolerance Toward Defamation
KQ Entertainment began its statement by expressing gratitude to fans who have stood by ATEEZ with love and loyalty.
The agency then addressed the growing issue directly, confirming that false information and malicious commentary about its artists had been spreading across social media platforms and online communities.
“These actions,” the statement read, “not only cause severe damage to our artists’ reputations and create unnecessary confusion among fans, but also constitute clear violations of the law.”
This declaration emphasizes that the matter is not just about hurt feelings—it’s a legal concern.
By labeling such actions as “clear violations of the law,” KQ Entertainment reinforces the message that online harassment and false claims can have real-world consequences.
Protecting Artists’ Rights and Mental Well-Being
The agency further stressed that the protection of their artists’ rights and interests is their top priority.
They also mentioned that internal monitoring systems have been reinforced to track harmful online behavior more efficiently.
The statement confirmed that the agency is filing formal complaints and reports to the appropriate authorities, making it clear that they are not merely issuing warnings but actively initiating legal processes.
Such a decisive response reflects the broader movement within the K-pop industry—where entertainment companies have become more assertive in protecting their artists from digital abuse.
The focus has shifted from passive warnings to concrete legal steps aimed at accountability and deterrence.
No Settlements, No Leniency: A Warning to Offenders
Perhaps the most striking portion of the statement is KQ Entertainment’s firm stance on refusing leniency or private settlements.
The agency declared that “all legal measures will be pursued to the fullest extent possible, with no leniency or settlements.”
This resolute tone serves as a warning to those who engage in the creation or distribution of false information.
It also sends a message to fans and the public that KQ will not tolerate the exploitation of ATEEZ’s fame for malicious intent or gossip.
The agency also highlighted the issue of “secondary harm”, which refers to the additional damage caused when people share or quote false information without verification.
By addressing this, KQ acknowledges that even unintentional sharing of unverified claims can perpetuate harm.
Call to Fans: Responsible Support and Cooperation
In addition to taking legal action, KQ Entertainment encouraged fans to play a role in protecting ATEEZ by acting responsibly online.
The statement advised fans to refrain from sharing unverified information, as doing so could unintentionally harm the artist or fuel ongoing rumors.
To streamline cooperation, the agency provided a dedicated reporting email — protectkq@gmail.com — where fans can send evidence of false or defamatory content.
They even offered a structured email subject format (e.g., “ATEEZ / X / Spreading of False Information”) to ensure reports are processed efficiently.
This collaborative approach between the agency and fans demonstrates KQ’s awareness of the vital role that fandoms play in both supporting artists and combating misinformation.
By involving fans in the process, KQ fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility, creating a safer digital environment for ATEEZ and their supporters.
ATEEZ (Credit: YouTube)
A Pattern of Protection: Industry Context
KQ Entertainment’s announcement aligns with a larger trend within the K-pop industry.
Over the past few years, many entertainment agencies—including HYBE , SM , JYP, and YG—have implemented similar legal policies to shield their artists from defamation and cyberbullying.
These actions come after several high-profile incidents where online hate led to devastating consequences, including mental health struggles among idols and, in some tragic cases, loss of life.
As awareness around these issues grows, agencies have realized the importance of swift and firm legal recourse.
For ATEEZ—who have built a reputation for their intense performances, global tours, and strong bond with fans—this protection is both timely and essential.
The group’s rising international fame has made them a frequent subject of online discussions, some of which unfortunately cross ethical boundaries.
KQ’s proactive stance thus reassures fans that ATEEZ’s well-being, dignity, and mental health are being prioritized.
A Message Beyond ATEEZ: The Fight Against Digital Abuse
While the statement focuses on ATEEZ, its implications go beyond a single group. KQ Entertainment’s actions represent a growing cultural acknowledgment that online harassment is not a form of “free speech” but a form of digital violence.
The spread of falsehoods, malicious rumors, or body-shaming remarks can lead to long-term reputational and psychological harm. By declaring zero tolerance for such behavior, KQ is contributing to a necessary cultural shift—one that demands accountability and respect in digital spaces.
This move also encourages other entertainment companies, influencers, and fans to adopt similar standards of responsibility.
It serves as a reminder that admiration for artists must coexist with ethical behavior and empathy.
ATEEZ: Rising Above Negativity
Despite the online challenges, ATEEZ continues to thrive as one of K-pop’s most dynamic groups.
Known for their powerful stage presence, conceptual storytelling, and unmatched teamwork, the eight-member group —Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San , Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho—has amassed a massive global following.
Their commitment to artistry and authenticity has made them a role model for younger fans.
As they prepare for upcoming projects and international appearances, KQ’s support ensures that the group can focus on their craft without the distraction of malicious attacks.
The company’s statement not only safeguards the group’s reputation but also reinforces the mutual respect between ATEEZ and their fandom, ATINYs.
