The makings of a Supergroup: Are Stray Kids unstoppable?
From seven years of training to the highly anticipated Europe and UK leg of their world tour, Stray Kids have certainly experienced a lot since their debut. Having already re-signed with JYP Entertainment before their seven-year contract officially ended, the eight-member group continues to set their own standards in K-pop.
Stray Kids promotional poster for ‘DominATE’ World Tour. Image: JYP Entertainment.
The Self-Production Edge
The group’s pre-debut single “Hellevator” was released on November 1, 2017, over four months before their official debut on March 25, 2018. Since then, at the time of writing, the group has released 30 singles, two single albums, 13 extended plays in both Korean and Japanese, and five studio albums—three in Korean and two in Japanese.
Stray Kids has also contributed soundtracks for K-dramas, webtoons, and, most recently, the animated Netflix show Arcane.
Known for being the driving force behind their music, Stray Kids writes and produces their own songs, with members Bang Chan, Changbin, and HAN (collectively known as 3RACHA) creating most of the tracks, although all the members have contributed over the years. They also have input on their choreography, with practices often led by main dancer Lee Know, who was previously a backup dancer for the world-famous BTS.
Their hands-on approach allows them to craft a sound that is uniquely their own—bold, experimental, and deeply personal. This authenticity resonates with listeners and sets them apart in an industry where creative control is often limited.
Stray Kids’ Journey Through Challenges
The group has encountered its share of controversies over the years, starting with the unexpected departure of their eldest member, Woojin, who left citing personal reasons. This sparked numerous rumors about his conduct both in and outside of the group, although the official reason for his departure has never been confirmed.
In 2021, Hyunjin took a temporary hiatus following unfounded allegations of bullying during his teenage years. However, these challenges have only strengthened the group.
Breaking Boundaries with Their Sound
The term K-pop barely captures the extent of Stray Kids’ musical style and ability. Their albums span everything from acoustic ballads to EDM and hip-hop, as well as feel-good songs, dance anthems, and party tracks—they truly do it all. Their live performances are captivating, showcasing perfectly timed movements, powerful energy, and playful tones. The fun and excitement they bring to their concerts are mesmerizing and unrivaled by Western artists.
Global Icons in Fashion and Branding
Outside of music, Stray Kids have become global ambassadors for several brands. Changbin represents Samsung, Felix is the face of Louis Vuitton, I.N. represents Alexander McQueen, and most notably, Hyunjin is an ambassador for Versace, with Donatella Versace herself calling him “a true Versace man” on the brand's official Instagram.
Stray Kids in custom Tommy Hilfiger suits at the Met Gala. Image: Kevin Mazur/MG24/Getty Images.
The entire group is also an ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger and, although not the first idols to attend, they were the first K-pop group to appear at the Met Gala as a collective, wearing custom suits designed by the Tommy Hilfiger team. Tommy Hilfiger himself noted in Rolling Stone magazine: “One of the special things about Stray Kids is that each of the eight members has a completely individual style.”
At the Met Gala in May 2024, Tommy Hilfiger accidentally revealed that Stray Kids would soon be embarking on a tour—news that had not been previously disclosed, sending fans into a frenzy. The tour, named DominATE, was officially announced on July 8 2024, with initial dates set for Asia and Australia, followed by a teaser for the American and European legs. The American, European, and UK dates were revealed in early November and went on sale shortly after, selling out many stadiums within hours and prompting the addition of extra dates at several stops.
Are Stray Kids unstoppable?
Given their growing fame, Stray Kids can only be described as a force to be reckoned with. They have built a dedicated fanbase with their charm and humility, earning praise from other K-pop groups while continuing to showcase their unique style and talent on stages around the world. Whether through their music, stage performances, or global presence, Stray Kids are proving that they are not just a fleeting trend but a powerhouse in K-pop.
So, are Stray Kids unstoppable? If their trajectory is any indication, the answer is a resounding yes. The world better be ready—because Stray Kids are here to STAY.
Edited by Dina Yusof
