Stray Kids’ New Lightstick Seems To Have A Never-Before-Seen Feature That Some Fans Are A Little “Sad” About

When it comes to K-Pop merchandise, besides albums, one of the most important items is the lightstick. Lightsticks are a great way for fans to recognize each other out “in the wild” and to support their favorite groups at events.

This significance is why fans are so excited when groups announce their first lightstick or newer versions.

While some groups’ lightsticks catch attention because of how “suspiciously familiar” they look, like Billlie‘s recently announced design, others do for not-so-positive reasons, like the safety concerns ATINY had with ATEEZ‘s newest lightstick design.

i have mixed feelings about the new ateez lightstick like i wish they could’ve done more for the handle it’s so plain pic.twitter.com/cGy5npSCc4

— nedi (@halfmooxn) September 28, 2022

Recently, it was announced that Stray Kids would be releasing a new version of the lightstick, initially released in 2019.

Version one features a white handle and clear dome, inside of which is a red and silver compass.

Although fans love the design, many felt it was time for a revamped version in advance of any potential Stray Kids performances this year.

On June 12, Stray Kids shared the new design’s teaser on their social media accounts, including a short video detailing how the new lightstick would look. The new design, at first, didn’t look too different from the original.

However, a new feature seems to be introduced in the short clip — an LED screen. The front of the lightstick shows the same compass design, while the back depicts a black LED screen that shows a pixel version of the members’ SKZOO animals.

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This sort of thing has never been done in a lightstick design, so many fans were excited about the new feature.

Straykids lightstick throughout the years ???? pic.twitter.com/f3WW2VLGSM

— SKZ MEMES 5★ (@StayTishaa) June 12, 2023

i showed my husband the new lightstick and he was like ??? it's the same as the one you have ???

no husband there's a little screen with a little wolf chan i fucking need it pic.twitter.com/YBr0GZoKXb

— Miroh GOs NL/EU Stray Kids GOs (@miroh_gos) June 12, 2023

if the star insert remains on one side and it's a digital screen on the other side, then wow… this better come with a powerbank or rechargeable battery dock. take my money!! pic.twitter.com/03IpnwbDcM

— STAY with STRAY KIDS (@staywishcake) June 12, 2023

While this is a neat new feature, some fans were a little sad about it because it is assumed due to the wiring involved for an LED screen, the lightstick will no longer be able to spin or be removed to place custom items.

The broken compass represents Stray Kids following their own path toward their dreams, as explained in the song “Mixtape #4” (also called “Broken Compass”).

oh you guys it won’t be spinning https://t.co/aNT6pT8RYO pic.twitter.com/qYaNASExU5

— ri. pcd. ★⁵ D-DAY (@quokkarii) June 12, 2023

the little led compass is cool and all but,,,, if it's wired to the handle would that mean stays can't switch it out with custom inserts or fill the plastic ball with weird stuff like baby heads and weed again,,,,, ???? removable compass is very fun,,,, https://t.co/s0Kpk0lSh9

— reeni love you sungie (@reeni_y) June 12, 2023

it don't spin ???? it's cute tho because of the screen but i wanna spinny one https://t.co/4aAwtvF4QE pic.twitter.com/Q01wHuixEE

— ghost.boo ⁵★ (@ghost_295) June 12, 2023

Even though the lightstick may no longer spin, its meaning remains the same and still connects Stray Kids and STAYs. You can watch the preview video below!