On February 15, Felix, the talented vocalist from the K-pop group Stray Kids, was involved in a car accident after attending a fan meeting at the Inspire Arena in Seoul, South Korea. The unfortunate incident occurred when Felix's vehicle was slowly exiting the parking lot and was struck by a bus moving slowly behind it. According to JYP Entertainment, the agency managing Stray Kids, the collision was minor; nonetheless, it resulted in Felix suffering from a fractured arm.
Upon news of the accident, fans, affectionately known as STAYs, were left shocked and concerned. JYP Entertainment released statements detailing the events. "After the fan meeting, Felix was in a vehicle...when a bus, moving slowly behind, collided with the left rear side of the vehicle," the agency explained. Although the accident itself was described as small, the sudden shift caused Felix's weight to push against the armrest inside the vehicle, leading to the fracture.
The medical team recommended Felix focus on his recovery and advised him to rest, preventing him from participating in the scheduled fan meeting on February 16 at the same venue. JYP Entertainment issued their apologies to the surprised fans, emphasizing, "the health and recovery of the artist are our top priority, and we will provide all necessary support." The agency also promised to reinforce safety measures to secure Felix’s well-being during travels.
This incident occurred just as Stray Kids were gearing up for their first-ever performances in Brazil, which are pepped for April 1 at the Estádio Nilton Santos, followed by two shows at the Estádio Morumbi on April 5 and 6. The anticipation among their Brazilian fans is palpable, as they expect the group to deliver high-energy performances. Known for their electrifying stage presence, Stray Kids have developed a massive following across the globe.
Felix’s relationship with the band and their fans has always been commendable. The group expressed deep gratitude toward their STAYs, highlighting how welcomed they feel wherever they go. Felix has previously shared, "We feel at home thanks to the support from our fans; it motivates us to keep moving forward." This connection adds more significance to the disappointment felt from fans following the cancellation of the fan meeting and Felix’s delay to recovery.
With several milestones achieved throughout their career, Stray Kids has recently made history by landing multiple albums at the top of the Billboard 200 chart, becoming the first artist to do so consecutively six times. Their latest album, "HOP," is one of the many successes contributing to their popularity amid the crowded K-pop scene. It marks another chapter of their rapid ascent to fame.
JYP Entertainment is dedicated to Felix's health and recovery, ensuring he receives adequate rest and rehabilitation needed to get back on stage. They are taking this incident seriously and are planning to improve safety protocols to avoid similar situations in the future.
While fans eagerly await updates on Felix's health, his absence from the upcoming events is undoubtedly felt. Nonetheless, JYP has reassured STAYs of their commitment to ensuring their favorite artists are safe and prepared for future engagements. It’s clear Stray Kids and their supporters share strong ties, and messages of encouragement continue to pour in from fans around the world.
At present, Felix is recovering and focusing on his well-being, just as his agency encourages. Stray Kids’ upcoming Brazil tour just adds another layer of excitement for fans who support their music and involvement around the globe.
This accident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks public figures face, not just during performances but also during routine travels. Nevertheless, the tight-knit bond between Stray Kids and their fans reflects the strong foundation of trust and encouragement within the K-pop community.