Stray Kids

Stray Kids were formed through a survival reality show of the same name that aired on Mnet from October to December 2017. The show featured nine JYP trainees competing to debut as a group, with the unique twist that all members would debut together if they proved themselves as a team. The final lineup included Bang Chan, Woojin, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. The group officially debuted on March 25, 2018, with the EP I Am Not and its lead single District 9.

From the start, Stray Kids stood out for their self-produced music, led by the sub-unit 3RACHA (Bang Chan, Changbin, Han). Their early EPs, including I Am Who and I Am You, explored themes of teenage angst and identity. In 2019, they released the Clé series, with Clé 1: Miroh marking their first win on a music show. Later that year, member Woojin left the group for personal reasons, and Stray Kids continued as eight.

The group's popularity skyrocketed in 2020 with the album Go Live and its repackage In Life, which featured the hit God's Menu. The song became a signature track, known for its bold production and catchy chorus. In 2021, they won the Mnet competition Kingdom: Legendary War, further cementing their reputation as performance powerhouses. Their first studio album NOEASY, released in 2021, became their first million-seller and topped charts in South Korea.

Stray Kids broke into the global mainstream in 2022 with the EP Oddinary, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making them the third K-pop act to achieve this. They repeated this feat with 5-STAR in 2023, which sold over five million copies pre-order. Their music evolved to incorporate more rock and electronic elements, while maintaining their signature hard-hitting hip-hop base. The group continues to tour worldwide, with the Maniac World Tour and 5-STAR Dome Tour drawing massive audiences. As of 2024, Stray Kids are one of the best-selling K-pop groups globally, known for their intense choreography, self-produced discography, and dedicated fandom STAY. [edit]

Stray Kids were formed through a survival reality show that aired on Mnet from October 17 to December 19, 2017. The show, also titled Stray Kids, featured nine JYP Entertainment trainees who were given the challenge of proving themselves as a cohesive team. Unlike typical survival shows where contestants are eliminated, the premise was that all nine members would debut together if they passed the evaluations. The trainees were divided into two teams and faced missions testing their teamwork, performance, and creativity. The show's final episode confirmed that all nine members had earned their debut, and the group name Stray Kids was chosen to represent the idea of breaking away from the norm and pursuing their own path.

Leader Bang Chan had trained at JYP for seven years after passing a Sydney audition in 2010. He was instrumental in forming the group and producing their early material alongside Changbin and Han, who together formed the producing trio 3RACHA before the show. Other members joined JYP through various auditions: Lee Know was scouted for his dance skills, Felix was discovered through an audition in Australia, and Hyunjin, Seungmin, and I.N were recruited through open calls. The group's pre-debut single Hellevator was released in November 2017 as part of the show, building anticipation for their official debut. [edit]

Stray Kids are known for their self-produced, genre-blending sound that combines hip-hop, EDM, rock, and pop. Their music is characterized by aggressive beats, heavy bass, and experimental production, often described as noise music by critics and fans. The group's core producing unit 3RACHA (Bang Chan, Changbin, Han) writes and produces the majority of their songs, resulting in a distinct identity that sets them apart in K-pop. Lyrically, they tackle themes of adolescence, self-discovery, mental health, and perseverance, with a raw and honest tone that resonates with their young audience.

Their early work, such as the I Am series, featured a darker, hip-hop-oriented sound. As they evolved, they incorporated more melodic elements and anthemic choruses, as seen in God's Menu and Thunderous. Later albums like Oddinary and 5-STAR introduced rock and electronic influences, while maintaining their signature intensity. The group's versatility is showcased through b-sides ranging from emotional ballads to high-energy dance tracks. Their music often features complex structures, dynamic shifts, and layered vocals, reflecting their commitment to pushing boundaries within the K-pop genre. [edit]

Stray Kids have had a significant impact on the K-pop industry and global pop culture. As a self-producing group, they have inspired a new generation of idol groups to take greater creative control over their music. Their success on international charts, including multiple Billboard 200 number ones, has helped pave the way for K-pop's expansion into Western markets. The group's win on Kingdom: Legendary War in 2021 highlighted the importance of performance and artistry in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Beyond music, Stray Kids have influenced fashion and youth culture. Their bold, streetwear-inspired style and signature accessories have been emulated by fans worldwide. Members have served as brand ambassadors for luxury labels like Versace (Hyunjin) and Cartier, bridging K-pop and high fashion. The group's message of self-empowerment and resilience has also resonated deeply with their fandom, STAY, fostering a strong sense of community. Their philanthropic efforts, including donations to UNICEF and disaster relief, have further solidified their positive cultural footprint. [edit]

Stray Kids' fandom is called STAY, a name derived from the group's name meaning that Stray Kids and their fans stay together forever. STAY is known for its passionate support, organizing streaming parties, fan projects, and charity drives in the group's name. The official lightstick, released in two versions, features a compass design symbolizing the group's journey and direction. Fan chants at concerts are loud and synchronized, often including the members' names and signature phrases. STAY also has a strong online presence, with active communities on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, where they share fan art, edits, and theories. The fandom's dedication was evident during the group's Maniac World Tour, where fans across the globe filled stadiums and created memorable moments like ocean waves and banner events. [edit]

Bang Chan passed a JYP audition in Sydney, Australia, in 2010 and trained for seven years before debuting as leader of Stray Kids. The group's pre-debut song Hellevator was released in November 2017. Stray Kids won the Mnet competition show Kingdom: Legendary War in June 2021. The group's first music show win was with Miroh in April 2019. All eight members are fluent in Korean, and several are multilingual: Bang Chan, Felix, and Han speak English, while Lee Know knows some Japanese. [edit]