Try our affiliated browser extension - redirect to BreezeWiki automatically!

Stray Kids

Step Out! Hello, we are Stray Kids!
(Step Out! 안녕하세요, 스트레이 키즈입니다!)

—Stray Kids

Stray Kids (Korean: 스트레이 키즈; Japanese: ストレイキッズ) is an eight-member boy group under JYP Entertainment. They were formed through the competition reality show of the same name. Originally as nine, they debuted on March 25, 2018 with the mini album I Am Not.

Prior to their debut, they released a mini album, Mixtape, on January 8, 2018.

History

Pre-debut: Stray Kids and Mixtape

The sub-unit 3RACHA, composed of Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han, existed prior to Stray Kids. While the nine were still trainees, Bang Chan picked each member of the group himself. They then participated in Mnet's reality show Stray Kids (named after the group), in which they had various challenges to accomplish together in order to prove to JYP that they deserved to debut as nine, which was their wish. "Part of what sets Stray Kids apart is their heightened emphasis on self-composition[2]", and the challenges in the show reflected this, like when they had to create their own songs and choreographies. They released a digital single titled "Hellevator" during the show on November 7, 2017. Though two members - Lee Know and Felix - were eliminated on the show, they were eventually given a second chance. It was announced in the last episode that the group would debut as nine.

Stray Kids released the pre-debut album Mixtape on January 8, 2018. All the songs featured on it were initially created during the reality show.

2018: Debut with I Am Not, followed by mini-albums I Am Who and I Am You

Stray Kids debuted on March 25, 2018 with I Am Not and its title track "District 9". The group announced its fandom name, STAY, on August 1.[3] This was a few days before their first comeback on August 6 with the title track "My Pace" and the mini album I Am Who. Finally, they released I Am You on October 22. The three mini albums, the I Am series, were all released in less than a year and are all part of the same narrative cycle revolving around the theme of identity and self-discovery.[2]

2019: 'Clé' trilogy, Woojin's departure, world tour, and "Mixtape : Gone Days"

Clé 1 : Miroh was released on the first anniversary of the group's debut, March 25, 2019. "MIROH" is a word Stray Kids created; 'miro' means 'maze' in Korean, and the H at the end of MIROH symbolizes either heaven or hell, meaning there are two possible places it can lead to. The album tackles the subject of surviving in a new world that might be harsh - in Stray Kids' case, this new world is both celebrity and adulthood.[4] It's with the title track of that album, "Miroh", that the group received their first ever music show win, on April 4.[5]

They came back on June 19 with Clé 2 : Yellow Wood. The "Clé" and "I Am" series were then connected. For example, the city Stray Kids is looking at at the end of the music video for "I Am You" is MIROH, and the roof of Clé 2: Yellow Wood was where the music video "MIROH" has finished.

On October 27, it was announced by JYP that Woojin had left the group and agency due to personal circumstances. As a result of that, the mini album Clé : Levanter, which was scheduled to be released on November 25, was delayed to be released on December 9.[6] The album included the two pre-released tracks "Double Knot" and "Astronaut", and also the title track "Levanter".

The group kicked off their world tour 'District 9 : Unlock' on November 23, with a first show in Seoul.[7]

Stray Kids released "Mixtape : Gone Days" on December 26. The song is about the conflict between the new generation, who wants to do things their way and be able to gain maturity on their own, and the older generations, who nags and pushes to do things like it was done in the past. The title is also a play on words, as it sounds like the Korean word "ggondae", a term for old, nosy and bossy people.[8]

2020: "Step Out of Clé", Japanese debut, "Mixtape : On Track", Go Live, In Life, All In

On January 14, Stray Kids announced their first English release titled "Step Out of Clé" would be released on the 24th. It contained English versions of the tracks "Double Knot" and "Levanter".[9] Two days later, it was announced the group would be making their Japanese debut on March 18 with the release of the best album SKZ2020.[10]

On March 6 and 10, the remaining shows of their world tour, including its entire European leg, were postponed or cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.[11][12] Three days later, a poster for the group's upcoming release was posted on their Twitter account. On March 19, the members' teaser photos were also posted, announcing their new digital single, "Mixtape : On Track", to be released on the 25th.[13]

The digital single "Top", consisting of the Korean versions of the opening and ending songs of the anime Tower of God, was released on May 13. The English version of the single was released on May 20, and the Japanese version on June 3. On May 26, the first trailer for Go Live, the group's first full album, was released. The album was released on June 17 with title track "God's Menu". On August 27, the music video of "God's Menu" became Stray Kids' first music video to reach 100 million views.[14]

Go Live's repackage, In Life, was released on September 14.

Stray Kids released their first Japanese mini album, All In, on November 4. A Korean version of the album's title track was released on November 26.

The group held an online concert, Unlock : Go Live In Life, on November 22. During the show, which was two hours long, Stray Kids showcased a variety of powerful performances, accompanied with technological visual effects, for a total of 22 songs.[15]

2021: Hyunjin's hiatus, Kingdom, "Mixtape : Oh", Noeasy, "Christmas EveL", SKZ2021

JYP announced on February 27 that group member Hyunjin would go on hiatus from all activities and promotions for an undefined amount of time due to school bullying scandals. The group would promote with seven members for the time being.[16]

From April 1 to June 3, the group participated in the Mnet reality survival show Kingdom: Legendary War, in which they opposed five other groups in a competition of performances. Due to his hiatus, Hyunjin only appeared at the beginning of the show.[17] During the rounds, taking on various challenges, Stray Kids showcased intense performances with impressive vocals, dances and concepts.[18][19] For the last round, each group released and then performed a new original song. Stray Kids' song "Wolfgang", with the theme of "[w]olves chasing music",[19] was named after the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. On the last episode, Stray Kids were announced as the winners of the show. Thanking their fans for the win, they expressed their will to work even harder in the future and to remain humble.[19][20][21]

Hyunjin's hiatus ended at the same time that "Mixtape : Oh" was released, on June 26, and not long after, it was announced that he would be returning to activities in July.[22]

On June 29, JYP Entertainment revealed that Stray Kids were working on their next comeback, which would be with all eight members.[23] On July 22, the group released a trailer video for their second studio album, Noeasy, where they confirmed their comeback date to be August 23.[24] On August 17, Noeasy had reached 830,000 pre-orders, more than twice the number of pre-orders their previous album, In Life, had accumulated.[25] The album was released on August 23 as planned. Eight days later, the group recorded more than 1,120,000 albums sales, making them the first JYPE artist to reach the million sales milestone.[26][27]

On October 13, Stray Kids released their second Japanese single, "Scars / ソリクン -Japanese ver.-".

On November 29, Stray Kids released the special single "Christmas EveL".[28]

On December 23, Stray Kids released the best album SKZ2021.[29]

2022: Oddinary, world tour, Circus, "Mixtape : Time Out", Maxident, SKZ-Replay

On January 7, Stray Kids announced that they would hold a fanmeeting titled 'SKZ's Chocolate Factory' on February 12 and 13.[30] On the second day, they released a trailer for their sixth mini album Oddinary, set to be released on March 18.[31] The album topped the Billboard 200 album chart, sold more than 850,000 copies in its first week and exceeded 1.3 million stock pre-orders.[32][33][34] It also earned the group two music show wins.[35] Oddinary contains tracks exploring a variety of music styles from '90s hip-hop to dubstep to ballads, with themes as different as charm or vulnerability. The title track invites its listener to embrace what makes them different and suggests that being odd is actually ordinary, something that is also implied in the album's name, a portmanteau of the words "odd" and "ordinary".[36]

Stray Kids embarked on their world tour 'Maniac' the next month, kicking it off with a show in Seoul on April 29.[37]

They released their second Japanese mini album Circus on June 22.

On August 1, they released their eighth digital single, "Mixtape : Time Out".

On September 6, they released a trailer for their seventh mini album Maxident, set to be released on October 7.[38]

On December 21, they released the best album SKZ-Replay.[39]

2023: The Sound, ★★★★★ (5-Star), Social Path (feat. LiSA) / Super Bowl -Japanese ver.-, Rock-Star

On December 22, 2022, Stray Kids announced that their first Japanese full-length album, The Sound, will be released on February 22, 2023.[40]

In a video teaser released on January 1, 2023, Stray Kids revealed that they would be making, throughout the year, two albums, a fan meeting, a collaboration, a special concert, the music drama SKZFLIX, a 2023 season song, and more.[41]

On March 6, several news outlets reported that the group is preparing for an April comeback. JYP Entertainment responded that the group completed filming their new music video, although the comeback date has not been confirmed as of yet.[42] On April 24, JYP Entertainment confirmed that Stray Kids will be making a comeback in early June.[43]

On April 27, they released a trailer for their third full-length album ★★★★★ (5-Star), which was released on June 2.[44]

On June 26, they announced that their first Japanese EP, Social Path (feat. LiSA) / Super Bowl -Japanese ver.-, will be released on September 6.[45][46]

On August 2, all of the members, except Lee Know and Han, opened personal Instagram accounts.[47]

On September 19, it was reported that Stray Kids will be having a comeback in November. A source from JYP Entertainment confirmed that the group is preparing for a comeback although no date has been decided as of yet.[48] On October 5, the group released a prologue trailer for their eighth mini album Rock-Star, set for release on November 10.[49]

2024: "Lose My Breath", Ate, "Slash", contract renewal, Giant, Hop

On January 1, 2024, Stray Kids announced that they will be releasing one album and one special album, as well as their third world tour, fourth fanmeeting, and additional video content.[50]

On April 17, the group announced that they will be releasing a digital single "Lose My Breath" featuring Charlie Puth on May 10.[51]

On May 9, it was reported that Stray Kids will be having their comeback on July 19.[52] The report was confirmed on June 19 when the group unveiled a trailer for their ninth mini album Ate.[53]

On July 17, Marvel Studios revealed that Stray Kids will be releasing "Slash" as part of the soundtrack for Deadpool & Wolverine.[54]

On July 18, JYP Entertainment announced that all eight members had renewed their contracts with the company before it was expected to conclude in early 2025.[55]

On September 13, it was announced that Stray Kids will be featuring on the soundtrack for the League of Legends-based animated series Arcane Season 2. The song will be titled "Come Play" and made in collaboration with Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko and American guitarist Tom Morello.[56] It eventually came out on October 17.

On September 30, Stray Kids announced that their second Japanese full-length album, Giant, will be released on November 13.[57]

On November 15, Stray Kids unveiled a logo splash for Hop, scheduled to be released on December 13.[58]

2025: "Mixtape : Dominate", Hollow, upcoming releases

On January 6, 2025, Stray Kids revealed that they will be releasing two albums, as well as holding an encore concert in Korea, their fifth fan meeting, new signature content and a SKZOO collaboration.[59]

On March 10, Stray Kids announced the digital single "Mixtape : Dominate", scheduled for March 21.[60]

On April 14, Stray Kids announced that they will be releasing their third Japanese mini album Hollow on June 18.[61]

Members

Name Position(s)[62] Animal[63] Years active
English Korean Japanese
Bang Chan 방찬 バンチャン Leader, Producer, Vocalist, Rapper Wolf 2018–present
Lee Know 리노 リノ Dancer, Vocalist, Rapper, Visual Rabbit 2018–present
Changbin 창빈 チャンビン Rapper, Producer Bunny-Pig 2018–present
Hyunjin 현진 ヒョンジン Dancer, Rapper, Visual Ferret 2018–present
Han ハン Rapper, Vocalist, Producer Quokka 2018–present
Felix 필릭스 フィリックス Dancer, Rapper, Vocalist Chick 2018–present
Seungmin 승민 スンミン Vocalist Puppy 2018–present
I.N 아이엔 アイエン Vocalist, Maknae Fennec fox 2018–present
Former
Woojin 우진 ウジン Main Vocalist N/A 2018–2019

Sub-units

Units

All the listed units haven't officially debuted, they are used for songs in their albums.

  • Dance Racha (2018–present)
  • Vocal Racha (2018–present)

Table

Name 3RACHA Dance Racha Vocal Racha
Woojin Former
Bang Chan Yes
Lee Know Yes
Changbin Yes
Hyunjin Yes
Han Yes
Felix Yes
Seungmin Yes
I.N Yes

Discography

Korean

Studio albums

Compilation albums

Mini albums

Special albums

Digital singles

Special singles

Remix singles

Promotional singles

Collaborations

OSTs

Other releases

Japanese

Studio albums

Best albums

Mini albums

EPs

Singles

Digital singles

OSTs

English

Single albums

Digital singles

Remix singles

Collaborations

OSTs

Videography

Blu-rays/DVDs

  • Stray Kids 2nd World Tour "Maniac" in Seoul (2023)[64]

Concerts

World tours

Japan tours

Online concerts

Concert participation

Fanmeetings

Japan fanmeetings

Filmography

Reality shows

  • Stray Kids: The 9th (VLive, 2018–present)
  • Finding SKZ (Mnet, 2019)
  • Stray Kids: Two Kids Room (VLive, 2019–present)
  • CHOISKZ (VLive, 2019–present)
  • Stray Kids: One Kids Room (VLive, 2019–2020)
  • Finding Stray Kids (God Edition) (M2, 2020-2020)
  • Kingdom: Legendary War[77] (Mnet, 2021)
  • Finding Stray Kids (Get Edition) (M2, 2022-2022)
  • SKZFLIX (TBA, 2023)

Talk show appearances

  • After School Club (Arirang TV, 2013–present) (eps. 310, 318, 329 and 340)
  • Idol Room (JTBC, 2018–present) (eps. 16 and 43)
  • Weekly Idol (MBC Every 1, 2011–present) (eps. 381, 401 and 428)

Awards and nominations

Main article: Awards and nominations received by Stray Kids

Endorsements

  • Jambangee (2018)
  • Coke Caster (2018)
  • IvyClub (2018–2019)
  • Lotte Duty Free (2018–2019)
  • Pro-Specs (2018–2019)
  • Dazed Korea (2019)
  • Shopee (2020)
  • Lotte Duty Free (2022)[78]

Trivia

  • Stray Kids' logo is written in Bang Chan's handwriting.[79]
  • Stray Kids are highly involved in the creation of their songs. The lyrics and melodies are theirs and, according to Bang Chan, they are given a lot of freedom.[2] They are able to genuinely express themselves and to send the message they want, which is important to them. The struggles and thoughts explored in their songs often mirror those of their fans.[79]

Gallery

Main article: Stray Kids/Gallery

References

  1. Soompi: JYP Expands Partnership With Republic Records To Include Stray Kids And ITZY
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Forbes: Stray Kids Talk Songwriting, Career Goals And Their First U.S. Tour
  3. Soompi: Stray Kids Unveils Fan Club Name Ahead Of Comeback
  4. YouTube: Stray Kids (INTRO "Clé 1 : MIROH")
  5. Soompi: Watch: Stray Kids Takes Emotional 1st-Ever Music Show Win On “M Countdown” With “Miroh”; Performances By IZ*ONE And More
  6. Soompi: Stray Kids Announces Woojin's Departure + Delays Upcoming Album Release
  7. @Stray_Kids on Twitter (September 30, 2019)
  8. Officially KMusic: Stray Kids Make a Bold Statement in 'Gone Days' MV
  9. Soompi: UStray Kids Teases Release Of "Step Out Of Clé" English Version
  10. Hankyung: 스트레이 키즈, 3월 18일 일본 정식 데뷔…베스트 앨범 `SKZ2020` 발표
  11. Soompi: KCON, Stray Kids, Super Junior, And More Postpone Or Cancel Concerts + Events Due To Coronavirus Outbreak
  12. Allkpop: JYPE cancels Stray Kids' upcoming Europe tour 'District 9: Unlock' due to coronavirus
  13. Soompi: Stray Kids Looks Right Out Of A High School Drama In Teasers For Surprise Mixtape
  14. Soompi: Stray Kids’ “God’s Menu” Becomes Their 1st MV To Reach 100 Million Views
  15. The Jakarta Post: Stray Kids 'unlock' pandemic-hit stage with virtual concert
  16. JYP Entertainment Announces Stray Kids’ Hyunjin Will Halt All Activities
  17. Pinkvilla: Stray Kids to enter Mnet’s Kingdom for their second recording; will now join as a 7 member group
  18. The Korea Times: Stray Kids win Mnet's 'Kingdom'
  19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 Korea JoongAng Daily: Stray Kids come out on top in final of 'Kingdom: Legendary War'
  20. NME: Stray Kids share what they learned from BtoB during their stint on ‘Kingdom’
  21. Kingdom: Legendary War Ep.1-10
  22. JYP Announces Stray Kids’ Hyunjin Will Be Returning To Activities In July
  23. Koreaboo: JYP Reveals Stray Kids Is Preparing For A Comeback With All Members
  24. Soompi: Watch: Stray Kids Announces Comeback Date In Hilarious & Epic Trailer For “NOEASY”
  25. Soompi: Stray Kids Sets Personal Record With Over 830,000 Stock Pre-Orders For “NOEASY”
  26. Forbes: Stray Kids’ Latest Album Joins The List Of Million-Sellers In Korea In 2021
  27. Soompi: Stray Kids’ “NOEASY” Becomes 1st Million-Seller Album From JYP Entertainment
  28. Soompi: Stray Kids Surprises Fans With Mysterious Teaser And Date For “Christmas EveL”
  29. Soompi: Stray Kids Surprises With Release Date For “SKZ 2021”
  30. Soompi: Stray Kids Announces Plans To Hold Fan Meeting Both Online And Offline
  31. Watch: Stray Kids Announces Comeback With Release Of “ODDINARY” Trailer
  32. Billboard: Stray Kids’ ‘Oddinary’ Tops Billboard 200 Albums Chart With Biggest Sales Week of 2022
  33. AllKpop: Stray Kids wrap up first-week sales for 'ODDINARY' with over 850,000 copies
  34. Soompi: Stray Kids Breaks Personal Record With Over 1.3 Million Stock Pre-Orders For “ODDINARY”
  35. Soompi: Watch: Stray Kids Takes 2nd Win For “MANIAC” On “Show Champion”; Performances By Highlight, CRAVITY, NMIXX, And More
  36. Teen Vogue: Stray Kids “Oddinary” Review: An Exciting, Eclectic Crossroads
  37. Stray Kids on Twitter (March 28, 2022 tweet)
  38. Soompi: Watch: Watch: Stray Kids Announces Comeback As They Take Over The City In Bold “MAXIDENT” Trailer
  39. Stray Kids on Twitter (December 14, 2022 tweet)
  40. @Stray_Kids_JP on Twitter (December 22, 2022)
  41. Soompi: Watch: Stray Kids Tease 2 Albums, Special Collab + Concert, And More To Come In 2023
  42. Soompi: Stray Kids Completes Filming New MV For Upcoming Comeback
  43. Soompi: Stray Kids Confirmed To Make June Comeback
  44. Soompi: Stray Kids Announces June Comeback Date With Mesmerizing Trailer For “5-STAR”
  45. @Stray_Kids_JP on Twitter (June 26, 2023)
  46. @Stray_Kids_JP on Twitter (July 27, 2023)
  47. Soompi: 6 Stray Kids Members Launch Personal Instagram Accounts
  48. Soompi: Stray Kids Reported To Make Fall Comeback + JYP Comments
  49. Soompi: Watch: Stray Kids Announces Comeback With Epic Prologue Video For “樂-STAR”
  50. Soompi: Watch: Stray Kids Teases Upcoming Albums, World Tour, And More With “STEP OUT 2024” Video
  51. Soompi: Stray Kids Announces New Single Featuring Charlie Puth
  52. (KR) Star News: [단독]'대상 가수' 스트레이 키즈 온다..7월 19일 컴백 확정
  53. Soompi: Watch: Stray Kids Is Looking For Luck In Cinematic Trailer For July Comeback With "ATE"
  54. Soompi: Stray Kids To Release New Song For "Deadpool & Wolverine" Soundtrack
  55. Soompi: All 8 Stray Kids Members Renew Contracts With JYP Entertainment
  56. Soompi: Stray Kids Confirmed To Participate In "Arcane" Season 2 Soundtrack
  57. @Stray_Kids_JP on Twitter (September 30, 2024)
  58. Soompi: Watch: Stray Kids Surprises With Logo Teaser For SKZHOP HIPTAPE "合 (HOP)"
  59. Soompi: Watch: Stray Kids Reveals Plans For 2025, Including New Albums And Encore Concert, In "STEP OUT" Video
  60. Soompi: Stray Kids Announces March Return With Teaser For "Mixtape : dominATE"
  61. @Stray_Kids_JP on X (April 14, 2025)
  62. Stray Kids positions were assigned since the survival show, but removed in September 2020.
  63. Based on official emoji and Line Friends SKZOO toy series
  64. @Stray_Kids on Twitter (July 10, 2023)
  65. Soompi: Stray Kids Announces First Batch Of Stops For New World Tour "dominATE"
  66. Soompi: Stray Kids Announces “5-STAR Dome Tour 2023” And New Light Stick
  67. Soompi: Watch: PSY, Stray Kids, NCT DREAM, ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, NMIXX, THE BOYZ, And More Perform At Seoul Festa 2022
  68. (FR) @ParisLaDefArena on Twitter (December 6, 2022)
  69. Soompi: Stray Kids To Headline Lollapalooza Paris 2023
  70. Soompi: KCON 2023 LA Announces 1st Performer Lineup
  71. Soompi: Stray Kids To Perform At 2023 Billboard Music Awards
  72. Soompi: Stray Kids And BLACKPINK’s Lisa To Perform At Paris’s 2024 Gala Des Pièces Jaunes
  73. 73.0 73.1 Soompi: Stray Kids To Headline BST Hyde Park In London And I-Days Festival In Milan
  74. Soompi: Stray Kids To Headline Lollapalooza 2024 + IVE And VCHA Announced For Lineup
  75. Soompi: "Music Core In Japan" Announces Performer Lineup
  76. Soompi: "K-Wave Concert Inkigayo" Announces 1st Performer Lineup
  77. Soompi: Stray Kids, ATEEZ, And The Boyz Confirmed To Compete On "Kingdom"; Perform Powerful Collab At 2020 MAMA
  78. (KR) Yonhap News: 롯데면세점, 스트레이키즈·슈퍼주니어 모델 발탁…동남아 시장 공략
  79. 79.0 79.1 MTV: Stray Kids on Growing Up, Taking More Creative Risks, And Dealing With Self-Doubt

Official links

Korean
Japanese
Chinese