STAYC has added another milestone to their global journey, being honored as a representative force in the Korean Wave.

On January 28, STAYC (Sumin, Sieun, ISA, Seeun, Yoon, J) received the Seoul Metropolitan Council Chairman’s Award at the 7th Newsis Hallyu Expo (2025 K-Expo) held at the Lotte Hotel Crystal Ballroom in Sogong-dong, Seoul.

Accepting the award, STAYC shared:
“Seoul is a truly special and proud city for us. We are honored to stand here today at such a meaningful event, and we will continue working hard to promote K-POP around the world together with Seoul. We ask for your continued love and support for Seoul, K-POP, and STAYC.”
Their heartfelt words were met with applause from the audience.

This award is especially significant as it acknowledges STAYC’s role as one of the leading groups driving Hallyu forward. Known for their powerful live performances, empowering messages, and close bond with fans, STAYC has firmly established themselves as global icons. Their music, performance, visuals, and communication all represent the diversity and expanding influence of K-POP.

Following the successful completion of their STAY TUNED Asia tour across eight cities, STAYC has also been active at summer festivals and major award shows in Greater China, strengthening their presence as true “Summer Queens.” Their confident stage manners and ability to engage with audiences directly have become one of their greatest strengths.

Beginning in October, STAYC will embark on their North American tour, starting in Seattle and continuing through 10 cities including Los Angeles, New York, and Toronto. Expanding from their debut world tour’s 7-city U.S. schedule, this year’s tour reflects the growing demand of their global fandom, heightening anticipation for the new colors STAYC will showcase on the world stage.

Meanwhile, the K-Expo is an annual event aimed at strengthening the sustainability of Hallyu and the competitiveness of Korea’s cultural industries. It is supported by key government bodies including the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Seoul Metropolitan Council, and is hosted by the news agency Newsis.