When Stray Kids ruled K-pop

KARACHI:

While the world awaits the grand reunions of K-pop greats BLACKPINK and BTS, another group has been creating quite the buzz in the global music scene. Stray Kids has arrived and, in its short lifespan, has already caused enough commotion in the neighborhood.

From conquering music charts to inviting worldwide recognition, Stray Kids embraced the unending "noise music" criticism and molded it into something special for itself—a proud identity. The members have charmed fans around the world with music mottled with sonic variety and personalities as boisterous as the beats they dance to.

The JYP Entertainment group officially debuted in 2018 and comprises eight members: I.N, Seungmin, Felix, Han, Hyunjin, Changbin, Lee Know, and their leader Bang Chan. Bearing origins as unconventional as the name suggests, Stray Kids was named by Bang Chan, who was also given the opportunity to hand-pick the members himself, deviating from industry conventions. He even designed what is now the group's official logo, immortalising a vision that would define the band for years to come.

The art of consistency

Eight is a lucky number for Stray Kids, and the octet seems to brand it as such. Flaunting cheeky world-play, such as the equivoque album name ATE, it seems that the band is fatefully tied to the number. In 2023, Stray Kids ranked as the 8th most popular K-pop act in Pakistan, and the group has sustained the position for this year as well.

"How?" you might ask. To offer a precursory glimpse of Stray Kids' year in worldwide numbers, Billboard's Year-End Top Artists list of 2024 saw Stray Kids at No 73, as per The Korea Times. Furthermore, the Year-End Billboard 200 Albums chart ranked the group's albums ROCK-STAR and ATE at No 123 and No 139 respectively, showcasing the band's significant part in representing K-pop among global musicians.

With all members having renewed their contracts just this year, the group released a total of three albums in 2024 (one being a Japanese-language release). ATE, the group's summer EP, earned the topmost spot on Billboard 200. Surpassing the second-placed MUSE by BTS' Jimin, the feat landed Stray Kids its fifth consecutive No 1 on the chart.

Hannah Dailey of Billboard credited the group's consistent success to its in-group producers—the sub-unit 3RACHA, comprising Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han. "The band seems really intentional about the music it wants to make and release," she noted. "With this album in particular, it sounds as though the group was really discerning about experimenting with new sounds while staying familiar to longtime fans."

Musically unbound

That is the marrow of Stray Kids' appeal—the group's commitment to staying uncommitted to genres. The group defines its music as the "Mala Taste" sound, a fiery and eruptive style of music. This eventful year especially uncovered more of that inventive side of the octet, with the mixtape HOP and more before it.

STAYs, or Stray Kids fans, had much to digest this year. The group's new-fashioned track with Charlie Puth, Lose My Breath, was a result of a change in pace, rapper Changbin told NME. As someone who's usually very detail-oriented, this time he adopted spontaneity, obeying a key rule of 3RACHA's work ethic—collaborative harmony within the group and with artists from the outside.

Speaking of which, the music video of ATE's leading track Chk Chk Boom featured appearances from none other than Deadpool & Wolverine stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, who donned their superhero outfits for the special occasion. Not only this, but Stray Kids even earned credits on the 2024 film's soundtrack with an original song, SLASH. The X-sparked friendship between the members and Ryan dates back to 2021.

Marvel wasn't the only fictional universe on the cards for the group this year. Stray Kids also took a dip into the video-game world of League of Legends by making an OST for Netflix's hit animated series Arcane. The group's supplement Come Play served as the audio backdrop for the pre-release series trailer and an action-packed climactic moment in the show.

Now, at the tail-end of the year, the group has ignited an explosive comeback, strapping solo tracks and music videos from individual members. HOP's release falls in the midst of the octet's DominATE World Tour. So, yes, STAYs all over the world have been fed well all year long.

Ceaseless global exposure

Concert stadiums are not all that Stray Kids has been setting ablaze this year. The group also lit up the stage at the Billboard Music Awards of 2024, captivating the international audience with a suavely synchronous yet frisky performance of Chk Chk Boom and JJAM. The band even received the Top Global K-Pop Artist award, marking the second consecutive year the group went home with a trophy from the show.

The world of fashion was also compelled to offer its respects as Stray Kids members marked their attendance at the 2024 Met Gala in bedazzling overcoats. They later stripped the top layers to reveal a colour-coordinated ensemble tailored by Tommy Hilfiger. This followed the group's involvement in the brand's 2024 spring campaign, bearing witness to a consistent international collaboration.

As Vogue documented the dressing process, the members expressed their nerves and the overall surreal nature of the moment. I.N, who has been a fan of the brand since his trainee days, especially couldn't grasp the fact that he would soon be adorned in Tommy Hilfiger's custom looks.

Ever the sought-after style enthusiast, Hyunjin had much to say about the sartorial unit. "Overall, there's sort of a botanical theme," he explained. "You can't see it on the outside, but the interior is full of these details. And even the design of these gold accents is of flowers."

Thus, Stray Kids took to the big event, features primed and shoulders linked for every photograph. The same can be said for every moment preceding and succeeding this one. Across all major accomplishments this year, this cohesion has been evident. Come what may, the members stand together, vowing solidarity and unremitting gratitude towards their fans.

Much has changed for Stray Kids in 2024, but the devotion to their roots remains unwavering. And with worldwide victories piling up even as 2024 approaches its end, the sentiment of their slogan rings truer than ever. Stray Kids have been and will be everywhere, all around the world.