As Stray Kids gears up for their performance at Lollapalooza, Crystal Bell looks back on the K-pop group’s remarkable year and their ongoing journey.
Stray Kids
In late 2017, just months before their official debut, Stray Kids released “Hellevator,” a song that showcased their drive and ambition. The track, characterized by its intense rap verses and raw energy, reflected the tumultuous emotions of their trainee years. With lines like “My life was rock bottom, an edge of a cliff,” Seungmin’s lyrics captured the group’s determination to rise above adversity.
Fast forward nearly seven years, and Stray Kids now appear to be at the pinnacle of their success. Their eighth EP, ATE, recently debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making them the first group to achieve this with their first five charting albums. The EP also includes their highest entry on the Hot 100 with “Chk Chk Boom,” which landed at No. 49. Additionally, their track “Slash” was featured on the Deadpool & Wolverine soundtrack. In July, the group headlined major international festivals, including I-Days in Milan and BST Hyde Park in London, and they are set to take the stage at Lollapalooza in Chicago as one of the headliners. They also recently surpassed eight billion streams on Spotify—a milestone that, while impressive, only fuels their desire for more.
Striving Beyond Numbers
Before their 100-minute set at BST Hyde Park, Bang Chan shared with reporters, “Numbers in general are infinite, we still have a long way to go.” Reflecting on their ambitions, Changbin likened their drive to Seoul’s 123-story Lotte World Tower, suggesting they aim to reach even greater heights.
The group’s relentless pursuit of excellence is vividly expressed in “Runners,” a standout track from ATE. Unlike their earlier days on the edge of uncertainty, the lyrics now declare confidence and resilience: “Come and try to push me off,” Seungmin sings, with Han adding, “On the edge we’ll never fall ‘cause we’re the runners.”
Running has become a central metaphor in their music. From the twilight field in the “Hellevator” visual to the determined pace in “My Pace,” and the defiant leaps in “MIROH,” Stray Kids’ lyrics and visuals consistently convey their forward momentum. The song “The Tortoise and the Hare” embodies their approach to time and progress, reflecting their commitment to the journey rather than just the destination.
Authenticity and Evolution
Bang Chan emphasized the importance of their music resonating with fans. “As the producers and creators of our music, hearing that Stays gain strength and confidence from it, that’s all that matters,” he said in London. “Numbers, results, a big thank you. But for us what matters most is if people out there need it, they can gain strength from it.”
Stray Kids have maintained their authenticity while adapting their sound. Their contribution to the Deadpool & Wolverine soundtrack includes a Korean trap song, featuring artwork by Nuri Kim that incorporates traditional Korean elements. Although they ventured into English-language music with their single “Lose My Breath” earlier this year, they have remained true to their unique style.
In preparing for ATE, the group’s producers, 3RACHA, created over 15 demos before finalizing the title track. Changbin noted the challenge of balancing mainstream appeal with their distinct sound. “We wanted to make popular music with a touch of the SKZ style. After we were finished, it didn’t feel like Stray Kids music. So we started from square one and combined mainstream elements with classic Stray Kids-style music.”
A Promising Future
Despite their genre-crossing experimentation, ATE retains the essence of Stray Kids. Tracks like “I Like It” showcase their bright pop sensibility, while “JJAM” highlights Changbin’s lyrical prowess. The festival version of “Chk Chk Boom” adapts to the Lollapalooza crowd with euphoric EDM drops, and the fan-favorite “Stray Kids” references their past hits while promising continued growth.
The group’s recent contract renewal with JYP Entertainment reaffirms their commitment to their journey together. As Stray Kids continue to ascend both musically and professionally, their story remains a marathon fueled by the same rookie enthusiasm that marked their beginnings. They are not merely chasing numbers; they are dedicated to making an impact and reaching new heights with each step.
-
-
-
-
