The 2025 Asia Artist Awards on December 6 were a historic night for the K-pop group Stray Kids, who collected eight major trophies. Yet, what fans are talking about most isn’t just their record-breaking winsโit’s the hilarious, chaotic series of events that unfolded on stage. The group’s unpredictable antics, including a member’s frantic dash from a bathroom break to accept an award, became the night’s most memorable viral moments .
The award ceremony, held at the Kaohsiung National Stadium in Taiwan, celebrated its 10th anniversary. Stray Kids cemented their legacy by winning big categories like Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. Their victories also covered solo and unit work, with 3RACHA taking home Best Producer . Beyond the awards, their genuine and funny reactions to unexpected situations connected deeply with fans and viewers around the world .
Also Read: HYBE Checks on Jungkook and Winter Dating Rumors, Fans Suspect a Cover-Up
The Viral “Toilet Saga” of 3RACHA’s Award Win
A defining moment of the night’s chaos was the Best Producer award announcement for the producing sub-unit 3RACHA. When the category was called, only two of the unit’s three membersโBang Chan and Changbinโwere on stage. The third member, HAN, was missing because he had stepped away for a quick restroom break with member I.N .
The situation turned into a comedic scramble. After getting permission from staff for a short break, HAN and I.N were returning when they suddenly heard “3RACHA” announced. I.N later explained in a live broadcast that they were stunned into silence before rushing into a small buggy to get backstage. HAN ultimately jumped out and sprinted the final distance to the stage to join his unit members mid-acceptance . Fans on social media immediately drew comparisons to a similar incident at the 2023 ceremony, where HAN and Seungmin also had to run back to accept a 3RACHA award .
“They rushed into the buggy, moved quickly toward the stage, and HAN finished the distance on foot. I.N returned to their spot afterward and gave a thumbs down.” – I.N explaining the event in a live broadcast .
Social media exploded with reactions. Fans attached playful “toilet break” notes to lists of the group’s wins and shared countless memes about the recurring “Stray Kids and toilet at awards ceremonies” theme . One fan joked, “stray kids and their toilet saga ๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ,” while another declared the group “the most UNSERIOUS CHAOTIC FUNNY MFERS EVER” .
Stray Kids’ Unscripted Stage Antics and Historic Wins
The bathroom dash was just one part of an evening filled with unscripted fun. Videos show members being visibly startled by sudden confetti blasts, leading to viral reaction photos . At another point, members gave each other playful piggyback rides backstage . Even accepting awards became part of the entertainment, with the two present members of 3RACHA awkwardly accepting their trophy before HAN’s dramatic arrival .
These moments of authentic, chaotic energy were a highlight for many. A fan commented, “Stray Kids being effortlessly chaotic, funny, wholesome AND winning??? Peak entertainment ๐ญ๐” . Another noted, “Stray Kids literally carried a 7 hour show. Their unpredictable chaotic energy made a mundane show actually fun and memorable” .
Beyond the laughter, the night was a historic career milestone. With eight new awards, Stray Kids have now won a total of 19 Asia Artist Awards, making them the most awarded artist in the history of the ceremony . Their major wins on December 6 included:
- Artist of the Year
- Album of the Year
- Best Artist
- Best K-pop Record
- Best Producer (3RACHA)
- Popularity Award
- Best Choice (Hyunjin)
- Grand Presence of K-pop (Felix)
Group Reflections and a Powerful Closing Performance
After the whirlwind of awards and comedy, Stray Kids took a sincere moment to thank their fans, STAY. They reflected on the special meaning of their wins, especially Album of the Year and Best Producer, as a self-producing group .
“The first Grand Prize we received at a music awards ceremony was at the AAA, and after several years, we are deeply thankful to receive such a significant award once again. Especially receiving both the Best Producer Award and Album of the Year holds special meaning for us as self-producing artists,” the group said .
They closed the lengthy ceremony with a high-energy performance that drew from their recent releases, including tracks from their fourth album KARMA and the SKZHOP HIPTAPE ‘ๅ (HOP)’. The setlist featured songs like Bbi Cheori and Walkin’ On Water, ending with CEREMONY to loud cheers from the audience .
The 2025 Asia Artist Awards perfectly captured the essence of Stray Kids: record-breaking talent matched with a refreshingly genuine and entertaining personality. Their success follows a massive year that included their largest world tour, ‘dominATE’, which featured 56 shows across 35 regions .
Also Read: Pro Bono Release Schedule: Your Complete Guide to Episode Dates and Times
Sources: (1)
