Stray Kids is a South Korean boy group that was formed under JYP Entertainment through the reality survival show "Stray Kids." The group consists of eight members: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. They officially debuted on March 25, 2018, with the extended play (EP) titled "I Am NOT" and the lead single "District 9."
Prior to their debut, the members of Stray Kids participated in the reality show "Stray Kids," which aired from October to December 2017. The show aimed to select the final members of the group through various challenges, evaluations, and missions. Despite being initially a nine-member group, with Woojin as a member, he left the group in October 2019 due to personal reasons.
After their debut, Stray Kids gained recognition for their unique and powerful performances, as well as their involvement in the production of their music. The group's music style is diverse, ranging from hip-hop and EDM to rock and pop, and their lyrics often convey messages of self-empowerment, youth, and societal issues.
Here's a breakdown of the members of Stray Kids and their roles
Bang Chan: He is the leader of Stray Kids and serves as a rapper and vocalist. Bang Chan is known for his versatile skills in both rapping and singing. He has participated in writing and producing many of the group's songs.
Lee Know: Lee Know, also known as Minho, is primarily a dancer in the group but also showcases his rap skills. While he is not a main vocalist, he occasionally provides vocals in some of Stray Kids' songs.
Changbin: Changbin is one of the main rappers in Stray Kids. He is known for his powerful and dynamic rap style and has contributed significantly to the group's rap line.
Hyunjin: Hyunjin is primarily a dancer in the group, but he also showcases his rap skills. He has participated in rap sections in some of Stray Kids' songs.
Han: Han, also known as Jisung, is one of the main rappers in Stray Kids. He is known for his distinctive and versatile rap style and has been involved in writing and producing many of the group's tracks.
Felix: Felix is primarily a rapper in Stray Kids. He is known for his deep and charismatic voice and has gained attention for his unique rap delivery.
Seungmin: Seungmin is one of the main vocalists in Stray Kids. He has a versatile vocal range and has showcased his singing abilities in various songs.
I.N: I.N, also known as Jeongin, is one of the vocalists in the group. He has a sweet and melodic voice and contributes to the group's vocal line.
The fandom name for Stray Kids is "STAY." The name represents the group's desire for their fans to always stay by their side and support them throughout their journey. STAY is a dedicated and passionate fandom that actively supports Stray Kids through various activities and projects. The fandom plays a crucial role in promoting the group's music, attending their concerts, and organizing fan events. STAY often expresses their love and support for Stray Kids through fan art, fanfiction, fan videos, and fan-made merchandise. The members of Stray Kids have a strong bond with their fans and frequently communicate with them through social media, fan meetings, and other interactions. STAY is known for their unity, creativity, and unwavering support, making them an integral part of Stray Kids' success.
After their debut, Stray Kids gained recognition for their unique and powerful performances, as well as their involvement in the production of their music. The group's music style is diverse, ranging from hip-hop and EDM to rock and pop, and their lyrics often convey messages of self-empowerment, youth, and societal issues.
In June 2018, Stray Kids released their second EP, "I Am WHO," featuring the title track "My Pace." The album garnered positive reviews and charted well, solidifying their growing popularity. They embarked on their first world tour, "UNVEIL Tour 'I am…'" in 2019, visiting cities across Asia, Europe, the United States, and Australia.
Continuing their successful run, Stray Kids released their third EP, "I Am YOU," in October 2018, which included the hit tracks "I Am YOU" and "Get Cool." The album showcased their musical versatility and garnered critical acclaim. They followed up with the release of their fourth EP, "Clé 1: Miroh," in March 2019, featuring the title track "Miroh." The album marked a turning point for the group, establishing their signature sound and concept.
Stray Kids continued to release a series of successful albums and singles, including "Clé 2: Yellow Wood" (2019) with the title track "Side Effects," "Clé: LEVANTER" (2019) with the title track "Levanter," and "GO生" (GO LIVE) (2020) with the hit tracks "God's Menu" and "Back Door." These releases further solidified their status as one of the most promising and talented groups in the K-pop industry.
In November 2020, Stray Kids released their first full-length album, "IN生" (IN LIFE), which contained a mix of new tracks and previously released songs. The album topped various music charts and achieved significant commercial success.
Throughout their career, Stray Kids received numerous awards and nominations, both domestically and internationally. They won the New Korean Wave Rookie Award at the 2018 Asia Artist Awards and the New Artist of the Year Award at the 2019 Golden Disc Awards, among others.
Stray Kids' global popularity continued to soar, and they embarked on their second world tour, "District 9: Unlock," in 2020, which was held both online and offline due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, Stray Kids released their first Japanese-language single, "TOP -Japanese ver.-," which debuted at number one on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart. They also released their first Japanese-language studio album, "SKZ2020," which included Japanese versions of their hit songs.
In August 2021, Stray Kids released their highly anticipated second full-length album, "NOEASY," which stands for "Not Only Exist, But Be Seen." The album featured a variety of genres and showcased the group's growth and musical maturity. The title track "Thunderous" gained immense popularity and topped various music charts.
The group actively promoted their album through various music shows, interviews, and online fan events. "NOEASY" became a commercial success, breaking their own sales records and solidifying their position as one of the leading K-pop groups.
In addition to their music activities, Stray Kids has been actively engaging with their fans, known as STAY, through social media and their own reality series called "Finding SKZ." The show allows fans to get a glimpse into the members' daily lives and behind-the-scenes moments.
Stray Kids' impact extends beyond music as they actively participate in philanthropic activities. They have collaborated with organizations such as UNICEF and launched campaigns to raise awareness and support for important social issues.
In terms of international recognition, Stray Kids has gained a strong following around the world. They have embarked on multiple international tours, including "District 9: Unlock" and "Manhattan," where they performed in various cities across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Stray Kids' music videos consistently attract millions of views on platforms like YouTube, and they have a dedicated fanbase that passionately supports their endeavors. The group's distinctive sound, high-energy performances, and meaningful lyrics have resonated with fans, contributing to their global popularity.
In addition to their discography, Stray Kids has been actively involved in creating self-produced content. They regularly release mixtapes and special tracks on their official YouTube channel, showcasing their songwriting and producing skills. These releases allow the members to explore different musical styles and experiment with diverse sounds.
Stray Kids has also collaborated with other artists, both within and outside of JYP Entertainment. They have worked with artists such as Changmo, Alesso, and STAYC, showcasing their versatility and ability to collaborate with various genres and artists.
The group has received recognition for their musical talents and creative contributions. They have been involved in the production and composition of their own songs, with members like Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han actively participating in writing lyrics and producing music for their albums.
Stray Kids' popularity extends to social media platforms, where they have a strong presence. They have a dedicated fanbase that actively supports them through various fan projects, streaming goals, and fan art. The members actively engage with their fans through live broadcasts, V LIVE sessions, and fan meetings, creating a strong bond between the group and STAY.
In terms of awards and achievements, Stray Kids has received numerous accolades since their debut. They have won several music show awards, including on popular programs such as M Countdown, Music Bank, and Inkigayo. The group has also been recognized internationally, winning awards at events such as the MTV Europe Music Awards and the Gaon Chart Music Awards.
Stray Kids' impact is not limited to their music and performances. They have established themselves as positive role models for their fans, promoting messages of self-love, empowerment, and resilience. Their lyrics often address the challenges faced by youth and encourage their listeners to overcome obstacles and stay true to themselves.
Stray Kids has ventured into the international music scene and has gained significant recognition and a large following outside of South Korea. They have embarked on international tours and have performed in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others. Their global popularity has led to sold-out concerts and enthusiastic fan responses around the world.
The group has actively communicated with their international fans through various means. They have released English versions of some of their songs, allowing non-Korean-speaking fans to connect with their music on a deeper level. They have also participated in interviews and guest appearances on international TV shows and platforms, further expanding their global presence.
Stray Kids has been recognized for their captivating and powerful performances. They are known for their synchronized choreography and energetic stage presence. Their live performances have garnered praise for their ability to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.
In addition to their music career, the members of Stray Kids have individually pursued various activities and projects. They have appeared in TV shows, hosted radio programs, and showcased their talents in areas such as acting, modeling, and variety show appearances. These individual activities have allowed them to showcase their versatility and talent beyond their roles as members of Stray Kids.
Stray Kids' impact extends to the fashion and beauty industry as well. They have collaborated with renowned fashion brands and have been recognized for their unique and stylish fashion sense. The members have also become ambassadors for various beauty and fashion campaigns, further establishing their influence in these fields.