When
STRAY KIDS: from origins to global phenomenon
2017-2026
Stray Kids formed in 2017 through JYP Entertainment’s survival program Stray Kids, a show unlike others in its genre.
The competition wasn’t just about individual survival but about building a team that could conquer challenges together. Led by Bang Chan, the group exemplified teamwork, perseverance, and self-expression.
Their pre-debut song “Hellevator” wasn’t just a musical release—it was a message about their struggles and aspirations. Han described it as “a story about climbing out of dark times, together.”
The show wasn’t without drama. Felix and Lee Know were eliminated at different stages, only to be reinstated after proving their worth to the group. This decision wasn’t just JYP’s but also a testament to the team’s unity. “We’re not complete without each other,” Hyunjin said in one heartfelt moment. By the end of the year, Stray Kids released their pre-debut EP Mixtape, a raw, self-produced collection that introduced fans to their unapologetically honest style.
“We were just kids with big dreams, and we wanted to chase them together.”
– Bang Chan
March 25, 2018, marked Stray Kids’ official debut with the mini-album I Am NOT, led by the high-energy track “District 9.” The song’s rebellious energy and sharp choreography set the tone for their music—a mix of youthful angst and introspection. The I Am series continued with I Am WHO and I Am YOU, exploring themes of self-discovery and connection, further cementing their relationship with their fanbase, STAY.
Their music style, largely influenced by their production team 3RACHA (Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han), became a hallmark of their identity. By blending hip-hop, EDM, and rock with emotionally charged lyrics, Stray Kids established what Changbin called “a genre of our own.” The group’s commitment to authenticity resonated deeply. The year ended with the group taking home several Rookie of the Year awards, including from the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) and Asia Artist Awards. They also began partnering with brands like IVY Club, marking their emergence as style icons.
“We want our music to feel like a hug for anyone going through tough times,”
– Seungmin
2019 marked a turning point for Stray Kids, both in their sound and as a group. Early in the year, Woojin departed from the group due to personal reasons. This was an emotional moment for both the members and fans, but it also signaled a new beginning. As an eight-member team, they found strength in their unity. Bang Chan remarked, “Every challenge makes us stronger. We’re here to grow together, no matter what.”
The release of Clé 1: MIROH solidified their rise to prominence. “Miroh,” with its powerful beats and anthemic energy, earned them their first music show win, a moment filled with tears and gratitude. The album also marked a bold evolution in their style, combining tribal beats with modern electronic elements. Clé 2: Yellow Wood followed, emphasizing the theme of choices and challenges, while Clé: LEVANTER delved into introspection and finding light in the darkness.
This was also the year Stray Kids took their first global tour, Unveil, where they mesmerized audiences with their intense choreography and raw emotion. Fans and critics alike praised their performances, calling them “leaders of the next generation.” They ended the year on a high note, winning international recognition as Best Korean Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards.
“Performing live is when we feel the closest to our fans.”
– Hyunjin
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Stray Kids flourished in 2020 with their first full-length album, GO生 (GO Live). The title track “God’s Menu” became an instant global sensation, praised for its genre-blending sound. The song demonstrated their unique style, mixing EDM, trap, and Korean traditional instruments. NME described it as “a sonic feast that only Stray Kids could serve.”
The repackaged album IN生 (IN Life) followed, with “Back Door” gaining international acclaim. Time Magazine named it one of the 10 Best Songs of 2020, highlighting its innovative composition. Stray Kids also held their first online concert, Unlock: Go Live In Life, connecting with fans worldwide despite physical barriers. The group expanded their influence in fashion and endorsements joining major campaigns and establishing their presence as style icons.
They capped off the year with a daesang at the Asia Artist Awards, Best Music Video Award and Best Korean Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards, affirming their rising star power.
“We don’t just make songs, we create experiences.”
– Changbin
2021 was the year Stray Kids proved their versatility and resilience. Competing on Kingdom: Legendary War, they stunned audiences with cinematic performances like “Wolfgang” and “God’s Ddu-Du Ddu-Du” where they combined theatrical storytelling with jaw-dropping visuals.
Their creativity and hard work paid off as they were crowned winners.
“It wasn’t just about winning—it was about showing who we are and what we stand for,” Changbin shared post-competition.
The release of NOEASY marked their first million-selling album, featuring the hit “Thunderous.” The track celebrated their defiant spirit, a theme that resonated with fans worldwide. Other standout tracks include “CHEESE,” a playful diss track, and “DOMINO,” a song celebrating the domino effect of their growth and impact. Their performance of “Thunderous” at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) that year was one of the highlights, blending traditional Korean motifs with modern stage effects.
Hyunjin’s return after a brief hiatus was another highlight, marked by heartfelt performances.
“We’re loud because we have something to say.”
– Han
2022 solidified Stray Kids’ global stardom. Their mini-album ODDINARY debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, making them the third K-pop group in history to achieve this milestone. The title blends “odd” and “ordinary,” encapsulating Stray Kids’ message of embracing individuality and finding strength in what makes people unique.
The lead track, “Maniac,” displaied their quirky, boundary-pushing style, winning them accolades like the Worldwide Fans’ Choice Top 10 at the MAMA Awards.
Later in the year, MAXIDENT followed suit, also topping the Billboard 200 and breaking records with over 3 million copies sold. The album’s name combines “maximum” and “incident,” representing the overwhelming and unexpected feelings of love. With MAXIDENT, Stray Kids delved into themes of romance, vulnerability, and emotional highs, showcasing a more tender side of their artistry while retaining their characteristic intensity.
This year, the group also embarked on the Maniac World Tour, performing in iconic venues across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Their dynamic performances and heartfelt speeches made every concert memorable.
“It’s about embracing your uniqueness and being proud of it.”
– Felix
Stray Kids made history again in 2023 with the release of 5-STAR, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, marking their third consecutive chart-topper. This album featured hit tracks like “S-Class,” which earned them recognition at the MTV Video Music Awards, where they delivered a fiery performance.
The album’s blend of experimental sounds and themes of self-confidence resonated with fans globally, driving over 4 million album sales in South Korea alone, making it one of the best-selling albums of the year.
Later in the year, their mini-album ROCK-STAR also debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. The album included standout tracks like “LALALALA,” which became their first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, further showcasing their growing influence in the Western market. Stray Kids took their music to new heights with the 5-STAR Dome Tour, which sold out in cities across Japan and concluded in the massive Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.
Stray Kids’ influence extended beyond music into fashion and lifestyle. Felix’s partnership with Louis Vuitton continued to flourish, with him appearing in high-profile campaigns and events. Hyunjin also made waves as a brand ambassador for Versace, reflecting his status as a fashion icon and expanding the group’s cultural footprint.
Their record-breaking achievements don’t stop there. The group closed 2023 with another stunning achievement: their nomination and win at the Asia Artist Awards in the Daesang (grand prize) stage of the year category, further affirming their status as K-pop powerhouses.
“We’re still the same kids chasing dreams, just on a bigger stage.”
– I.N
2024 has been a groundbreaking year for Stray Kids, underscoring their evolution into one of the most impactful groups in K-pop history. In Summer, they shattered barriers by headlining major international festivals: they performed at Milan’s I-Days, London’s BST Hyde Park and Lollapalooza Chicago.
The release of the mini Album ATE in July, has been a defining milestone for the group. This album marked their fifth consecutive debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, a historic achievement that made them the first group in history to accomplish such a feat with their initial charting albums.
The music video for “Chk Chk Boom,” the lead single of ATE, became a sensation due to its unexpected guest stars: Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.
The group also contributed to major anime soundtracks, their music appeared in the hit series Tower of God and the critically acclaimed Arcane, where their tracks added depth and energy to the narratives.
In November, Stray Kids released the Japanese Album GIANT. The title track, also named “Giant,” serves as a metaphor for overcoming challenges and reaching new heights, a recurring theme in the group’s discography. Finally, in December, they launched their second special album, 合 (HOP), featuring the standout track “Walkin’ on Water.” The album also features a collection of solo tracks that highlight each member’s unique artistry and personality and a collaboration with Tablo of Epik High. HOP was the sixth number one album on the Billboard 200, making Stray Kids the first act ever to debut at number one with their first six charting albums.
“Believe in yourself and your dreams, even when no one else does. Your determination and hard work will prove them wrong.”
– Lee Know
2025 starts with a bang, with the release – In March, just ahead of Stray Kids’ seventh anniversary – of the EP, Mixtape: dominATE. This fifth installment in their “Mixtape Project” series features five tracks, including the group title track “GIANT (Korean Ver.)” and sub-unit songs like “Burnin’ Tires” (Changbin & I.N), “Truman” (Han & Felix), “ESCAPE” (Bang Chan & Hyunjin), and “CINEMA” (Lee Know & Seungmin). The EP showcases the group’s versatility and collaborative synergy, offering fans a diverse musical experience.
On June 18 Stray Kids released the Japanese EP Hollow, supported by the lead single of the same name.The album debuted at number one on the Oricon Albums Chart and Billboard Japan Hot Albums.
On August 22, the group released its fourth Korean-language studio album KARMA, supported by the lead single “Ceremony“. The album topped several national charts, including South Korea, France, Germany, and the United States. The album made Stray Kids the first act in Billboard history to debut at the top of the Billboard 200 with the first seven entries. The album has sold 3.03 million in its first week, becoming the best-selling 2025 album in South Korea.
