History of Stray Kids in Timeline
Stray Kids is a popular South Korean boy band formed in 2017 by JYP Entertainment. The eight-member group is known for their self-producing abilities, with their primary production unit, 3Racha, playing a key role. The members are Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. Former member Woojin left the group in 2019. They gained recognition through a reality show of the same name and are known for their strong songwriting contributions across their albums.
August 2017: Announcement of Stray Kids Reality Show
In August 2017, JYP Entertainment officially announced their new reality survival show with the goal of launching a male idol debut project, eventually named Stray Kids.
2017: Formation of Stray Kids
Stray Kids was formed by JYP Entertainment in 2017 through a reality show of the same name.
2017: The Formation of 3Racha and Early Self-Production
Stray Kids' commitment to self-production became evident in 2017 with the formation of their in-house production team, 3Racha, consisting of members Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han. The trio began releasing original tracks on SoundCloud, demonstrating their musical talents and laying the groundwork for Stray Kids' distinct sound. This dedication to self-production, a rarity among K-pop groups at the time, quickly became a defining characteristic of Stray Kids.
January 8, 2018: Pre-debut EP Mixtape Release
On January 8, 2018, Stray Kids released their pre-debut EP Mixtape, which debuted at number two on the Gaon Album Chart and Billboard World Albums chart.
January 2018: Pre-debut EP Mixtape Release
In January 2018, Stray Kids released their pre-debut EP Mixtape.
February 2018: Early Endorsements and Rising Popularity
Stray Kids' popularity surged in February 2018, even before their official debut, landing them a modeling deal with Jambangee Jeans for their spring collection.
2018: First Overseas Performance and EP Releases
In 2018, Stray Kids performed at KCON Japan, held several showcases, and released their second and third EPs, I Am Who and I Am You.
March 25, 2019: Release of Fourth EP Clé 1: Miroh
On March 25, 2019, Stray Kids released their fourth EP Clé 1: Miroh, which earned them their first music show win on April 4.
June 2019: Stray Kids as Global Ambassadors
In June 2019, Stray Kids' influence extended beyond music as they were chosen as ambassadors for the Talk Talk Korea Contest and appointed as honorary ambassadors by the Korean Culture and Information Service, highlighting their growing impact on Korean culture.
October 2019: Woojin's Departure
In October 2019, Stray Kids member Woojin left the group due to undisclosed personal reasons.
October 28, 2019: Woojin's Departure from Stray Kids
On October 28, 2019, Woojin left Stray Kids and JYP Entertainment due to personal reasons.
2019: Clé Trilogy EPs Release
In 2019, Stray Kids released their Clé trilogy EPs, including Clé 1: Miroh, Clé 2: Yellow Wood, and Clé: Levanter.
August 2020: Certification of Go Live
In August 2020, Stray Kids' first studio album Go Live was certified platinum by the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA).
November 2020: Stray Kids as Shopee Indonesia's Brand Ambassador
In November 2020, Stray Kids expanded their global reach by becoming brand ambassadors for Shopee Indonesia's major sales events.
2020: First Studio Album Go Live Release
In 2020, Stray Kids released their first studio album Go Live, which became their first platinum-certified album by the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA).
2020: Announcement of Kingdom: Legendary War Participation
In 2020, it was announced that Stray Kids would be joining the inaugural season of Kingdom: Legendary War.
February 1, 2021: Stray Kids Partners with Clio Cosmetics
Stray Kids further solidified their presence in the advertising world on February 1, 2021, by becoming the new faces of Clio Cosmetics.
February 20, 2021: First Official Fan Meeting
On February 20, 2021, Stray Kids held their first official fan meeting, Stray Kids 1st #LoveStay 'SKZ-X', via V Live.
May 28, 2021: Release of Wolfgang
On May 28, 2021, Stray Kids released the song "Wolfgang" for the final round of the competition show Kingdom: Legendary War.
June 2021: Expanding Endorsements and International Collaborations
June 2021 saw Stray Kids secure endorsement deals with Japanese clothing brand Wego and become ambassadors for the Korea Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, marking their expanding presence in the global market.
July 2021: Hyunjin's Hiatus and Return
From February to July 2021, Hyunjin took a hiatus from Stray Kids following bullying allegations. He resumed activities with the group in August.
August 2021: Release of Noeasy
In August 2021, Stray Kids released their second studio album Noeasy, which debuted atop the Gaon Album Chart and was certified million by the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA).
2021: Million-selling Album Noeasy
In 2021, Stray Kids' second studio album Noeasy became their first million-selling album.
2021: Stray Kids Release "Scars"/"Thunderous (Japanese ver.)", "Christmas EveL", and SKZ2021
In 2021, Stray Kids released their second Japanese single "Scars"/"Thunderous (Japanese ver.)" on October 13, reaching number two on both the Oricon Singles Chart and Billboard Japan Hot 100. They followed this with the Christmas-themed single album "Christmas EveL" on November 29, topping the Gaon Album Chart. The group ended the year with the digital release of their compilation album SKZ2021 on December 23.
February 10, 2022: Stray Kids Signs with Republic Records
On February 10, 2022, Stray Kids announced their signing with Republic Records for promotions in the United States, marking a significant step in their global career.
September 2022: Continued Partnership with Lotte Duty Free
In September 2022, Stray Kids, alongside Super Junior, once again became the face of Lotte Duty Free, signifying their lasting impact and recognition in the industry.
October 2022: 10 Million Albums Sold
As of October 2022, Stray Kids had sold over 10 million albums across both Korean and Japanese releases.
2022: Stray Kids Release "Oddinary", Embark on "Maniac" World Tour, and More
2022 was a year of milestones for Stray Kids, marked by the release of their hit EP "Oddinary" in March, which topped charts globally and became their first album to chart on the UK Albums Chart and Billboard 200. They also embarked on their second concert tour, "Maniac World Tour", released their second Japanese EP "Circus", and surprised fans with the single "Mixtape: Time Out" in celebration of their fourth anniversary with their fandom, Stay.
January 20, 2023: Stray Kids' Fan Meeting with Bench
Stray Kids continued their successful partnership with Philippine clothing brand Bench, holding a fan meeting on January 20, 2023, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, demonstrating their strong international fanbase.
February 22, 2023: Stray Kids Release Debut Japanese-Language Studio Album "The Sound"
Stray Kids released their debut Japanese-language studio album, "The Sound", on February 22, 2023. It topped the Oricon Albums Chart with impressive sales and achieved double-platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ).
April 2, 2023: Stray Kids Conclude "Maniac" World Tour in Los Angeles
Stray Kids' "Maniac" World Tour, which began in Seoul, South Korea on April 29, 2022, concluded in Los Angeles on April 2, 2023, marking the end of a successful global tour.
June 2, 2023: Stray Kids Release Third Studio Album "5-Star"
On June 2, 2023, Stray Kids released their third studio album, "5-Star," featuring the lead single "S-Class" and a collaboration with rapper Tiger JK on the track "Topline." The album achieved significant commercial success, topping charts in various regions, including South Korea, France, and the United States.
2023: Stray Kids' Evolving Music Style and "Mala Taste Music"
In 2023, Stray Kids continued to garner attention for their distinct musical style, often dubbed "mala taste music." This unique sound, characterized by its intense and experimental nature, draws inspiration from genres like hip-hop, dubstep, and heavy metal. While initially met with criticism for being "too noisy" or "eclectic," Stray Kids embraced their sound, solidifying their identity as musical pioneers. Notably, Changbin, a member of the group, expressed their ambition to establish a unique "Stray Kids" genre, highlighting their commitment to innovation and pushing musical boundaries.
2023: Time's Next Generation Leaders
In 2023, Stray Kids were featured on Time's Next Generation Leaders list.
January 2024: Stray Kids Performs at Le Gala des Pièces Jaunes Charity Event
Stray Kids kicked off 2024 with a performance at the prestigious Le Gala des Pièces Jaunes charity event in Paris, France, organized by the First Lady of France, Brigitte Macron, showcasing their rising global influence.
2024: Stray Kids Release "Lose My Breath" with Charlie Puth, Announce Upcoming Album and World Tour
Stray Kids continued their collaborative streak in 2024, releasing the single "Lose My Breath" featuring American singer-songwriter Charlie Puth on May 10. The group also announced an upcoming album, special album, and their third world tour, hinting at another year of global success.