Stray Kids

Stray Kids is a South Korean boy band formed by JYP Entertainment, which officially debuted in March 2018. The group consists of eight members: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. Known for their powerful sound, authentic lyrics, and energetic performances, Stray Kids quickly stood out as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the new generation of K-pop.

Stray Kids was formed through a survival program of the same name, "Stray Kids," broadcast in 2017 by Mnet. The program aimed to select the final members of the group, with an approach focused on showcasing their songwriting, production, and performance skills. Unlike many K-pop groups that are formed directly by agencies, Stray Kids had the opportunity to actively participate in creating their own music and image from the beginning.

The group made their official debut in March 2018 with the mini-album "I Am NOT," which included the single "District 9." The song immediately stood out for its powerful production, intense lyrics, and impactful choreography. "District 9" was well-received by both the public and critics, marking Stray Kids as a new force in K-pop.

Stray Kids followed up with the release of the albums "I Am WHO" and "I Am YOU" in 2018, exploring themes of identity, personal growth, and the search for one's place in the world. These album series helped establish the group's identity as artists who speak directly to the struggles and challenges faced by young people, earning them a loyal fanbase known as STAY.

In 2019, Stray Kids released the "Clé" series, composed of three parts: "Clé 1: Miroh," "Clé 2: Yellow Wood," and "Clé: LEVANTER." "Miroh," the lead single from "Clé 1: Miroh," was a significant success and marked the group's first win on music programs in South Korea. The song is an anthem of celebration and resilience, with an electrifying energy that reflects the group's courage and determination.

2020 was a significant year for Stray Kids, with the release of the album "GO LIVE," which included the single "God's Menu" ("¿¿¿"). "God's Menu" quickly became one of the group's most iconic songs, featuring bold production and memorable choreography. The song was widely praised for its innovation and unique style, solidifying Stray Kids as one of the leading K-pop bands.

The success continued with the release of "IN LIFE" in September 2020, a re-release of "GO LIVE," which included the single "Back Door." "Back Door" was another resounding success and was included in Time magazine's list of the "10 Best K-pop Songs of 2020."

Stray Kids is known for its "do-it-yourself" approach to music. The group, especially the production trio known as 3RACHA (Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han), actively participates in the composition, production, and writing of their songs. This allows them to express their own experiences and emotions, creating an authentic sound and a deep connection with fans.

In 2021, Stray Kids released the album "NOEASY," which included the hit song "Thunderous" ("¿¿¿"). The album was a huge commercial success, becoming the group's best-selling album to date and demonstrating the continued growth in Stray Kids' popularity.

The group also succeeded in expanding its fanbase internationally, undertaking world tours and winning major awards, including the title of "King" on the competition show "Kingdom: Legendary War" in 2021.

With a combination of talent, authenticity, and a strong work ethic, Stray Kids continues to break barriers and redefine what it means to be a boy band in K-pop. Their commitment to creating music that resonates with youth and their ability to continuously evolve and innovate ensure that Stray Kids is destined for a bright and lasting future in the global music industry.