History of Stray Kids in Timeline

Stray Kids is a South Korean boy band formed by JYP Entertainment, currently consisting of eight members: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. Woojin, a former member, left in October 2019. The group is known for its self-producing nature, with the main production team, 3Racha (Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han), leading the creative process and other members contributing to songwriting.

August 2017: JYP Entertainment Announces Stray Kids Reality Show

In August 2017, JYP Entertainment (JYPE) announced its new reality survival show with the goal of launching a male idol debut project, which would later be named Stray Kids.

2017: Formation of Stray Kids

In 2017, Bang Chan handpicked each member to be a part of Stray Kids before the filming of their reality television show. This selection process differed from the typical K-Pop group formation.

2017: 3Racha's debut year

Since 2017, 3Racha has been releasing self-produced tracks on SoundCloud and are largely responsible for crafting Stray Kids' music.

January 8, 2018: Release of Mixtape EP and Beware Performance Video

On January 8, 2018, JYPE announced the release of Stray Kids' seven-track debut extended play (EP) titled "Mixtape", which was co-written and co-composed by the members, and included "Hellevator" and other songs the band performed on the show. The performance video of its second track "Beware" was also released on this day.

January 2018: Release of Mixtape

In January 2018, Stray Kids released their unofficial debut extended play (EP), "Mixtape".

February 2018: Models for Jambangee Jeans

In February 2018, Stray Kids was announced as the models for the spring collection of Jambangee Jeans.

2018: First Overseas Performance and Concerts

In 2018, Stray Kids had their first overseas performance at KCON Japan, announced their second concert "Stray Kids Unveil (Op. 02: I Am Who)" for August 5, and their third concert "Stray Kids Unveil (Op. 03: I Am You)" for October 21.

April 19, 2019: Stray Kids Wins First Music Program with Miroh

On April 19, 2019, Stray Kids won its first music program with "Miroh" at Show Champion.

June 2019: Talk Talk Korea Contest ambassador

In June 2019, Stray Kids was chosen as the ambassador of the Talk Talk Korea Contest, and the Korean Culture and Information Service appointed the band members as honorary ambassadors.

September 2019: Endorsement of Lotte Duty Free

In September 2019, Stray Kids began endorsing Lotte Duty Free and participated in the company's "Let's Do Something Fun" campaign.

October 9, 2019: Release of Double Knot

On October 9, 2019, Stray Kids released the digital single "Double Knot" and announced the District 9 Unlock World Tour.

October 2019: Woojin leaves Stray Kids

In October 2019, Woojin left Stray Kids due to undisclosed personal reasons, marking a significant change in the group's lineup.

October 28, 2019: Woojin leaves Stray Kids

On October 28, 2019, Stray Kids member Woojin left the band and terminated his contract with JYP Entertainment for undisclosed personal reasons.

2019: Release of Clé 2: Yellow Wood

In 2019, Stray Kids released its first special album "Clé 2: Yellow Wood" and its lead single "Side Effects" on June 19.

2019: Release of the Clé Trilogy

In 2019, Stray Kids released the Clé trilogy, consisting of "Clé 1: Miroh", "Clé 2: Yellow Wood", and "Clé: Levanter".

2019: Release of Clé 1: Miroh and First Music Show Win

In 2019, Stray Kids released their fourth EP "Clé 1: Miroh" on March 5, marking their debut anniversary. On April 14, they earned their first music-show win on M Countdown for the album's lead single, "Miroh".

2019: Unveil Tour I Am...

In early 2019, Stray Kids embarked on their concert tour in the Asia-Pacific region, the Unveil Tour "I Am...", starting on January 19 in Bangkok. They also toured South Korea with the Hi Stay Tour in March, concluding in Seoul on April 20.

January 24, 2020: Release of English Versions of Double Knot and Levanter

On January 24, 2020, Stray Kids released the first English versions of "Double Knot" and "Levanter" as digital singles, together titled "Step Out of Clé".

August 2020: Go Live Certified Platinum

In August 2020, the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) certified Stray Kids' album "Go Live" platinum, marking the group's first album to achieve this milestone.

November 2020: Stray Kids becomes Shopee Indonesia's brand ambassador

In November 2020, Stray Kids was selected as the brand ambassador for Shopee Indonesia for two promotional sales events.

2020: Joining Kingdom: Legendary War

At the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards, it was announced that Stray Kids would join Ateez and The Boyz on the inaugural season of Kingdom: Legendary War, a Mnet boy-group competition show.

2020: Performance at 2020 SBS Gayo Daejeon

During the 2020 SBS Gayo Daejeon performance, Stray Kids performed a nanta show to emphasize the cooking theme of "God's Menu".

2020: Stray Kids Japanese Debut

In 2020, Stray Kids made their Japanese debut with the compilation album "SKZ2020", released through Epic Records Japan. Their debut Japanese single "Top" debuted atop the Oricon Singles Chart.

2020: Go Live becomes Stray Kids' First Platinum Album

In 2020, Stray Kids' first studio album, "Go Live", became their first platinum-certified album by the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA).

February 1, 2021: Stray Kids becomes models for Clio Cosmetics

On February 1, 2021, Stray Kids was chosen to become new models for Clio Cosmetics.

February 20, 2021: Stray Kids 1st #LoveStay 'SKZ-X' Fan Meeting

On February 20, 2021, Stray Kids held its first official fan meeting, Stray Kids 1st #LoveStay 'SKZ-X', via V Live.

May 28, 2021: Release of Wolfgang for Kingdom: Legendary War

On May 28, 2021, Stray Kids released the song "Wolfgang" for the final round of the Kingdom: Legendary War competition. The song charted at number 138 on the main Gaon Digital Chart, marking the band's first appearance on that chart.

June 2021: Stray Kids endorses Wego and Expo 2020 Korea Pavilion

In June 2021, Stray Kids was selected to endorse the Japanese clothing brand Wego and to serve as ambassadors for the Korea Pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai, UAE.

July 2021: Hyunjin's Hiatus

From February to July 2021, Hyunjin was on hiatus due to allegations of bullying against him.

August 2021: Noeasy Sales Exceed 1.1 Million Copies

As of August 2021, Stray Kids' second studio album "Noeasy", released on August 23, 2021, sold over 1.1 million copies.

August 23, 2021: Release of Noeasy

On August 23, 2021, Stray Kids released their second studio album "Noeasy". The album's lead single "Thunderous" peaked at number 33 on Gaon Digital Chart and at number 80 on Billboard Global 200.

2021: Performance at 2021 SBS Gayo Daejeon

During the 2021 SBS Gayo Daejeon, Stray Kids performed "Winter Falls" and "Thunderous" (Christmas version) with point choreography using canes and staging scenes from Squid Game.

2021: Bang Chan hosts 2021 JYP EDM Day

In 2021, Bang Chan hosted the 2021 JYP EDM Day on JYP Entertainment social media account with J.Y. Park and Twice's Sana, where they introduced EDM projects and shared results of social contribution works.

2021: Release of Christmas EveL and SKZ2021

In 2021, Stray Kids released a Christmas-themed special holiday album titled "Christmas EveL" on November 29 and the digital compilation album "SKZ2021" on December 23.

2021: Asia Artist Award

In 2021, Stray Kids won an Asia Artist Award.

2021: Kingdom: Legendary War victory

In 2021, Stray Kids won the competition show Kingdom: Legendary War, performing for five rounds.

2021: Noeasy becomes Stray Kids' First Million-Selling Album

In 2021, Stray Kids' second studio album, "Noeasy", became their first million-selling album.

2021: Performance of the Year award at 2021 Asia Artist Awards

Stray Kids has been acknowledged for the band's stage and performance through multiple daesang (grand prize) awards in this category. In 2021, they won the Performance of the Year award at the Asia Artist Awards (AAA).

February 10, 2022: Signing with Republic Records for US Promotions

On February 10, 2022, Stray Kids signed with Republic Records for promotions in the United States as part of JYPE's strategic partnership with the label.

September 2022: Stray Kids becomes models for Lotte Duty Free

In September 2022, Stray Kids, along with Super Junior, became models for Lotte Duty Free.

October 7, 2022: Maxident and "Case 143" Release

On October 7, 2022, Stray Kids released their seventh EP, Maxident, along with its lead single "Case 143".

2022: Stray Kids as fifth best-selling artist in Japan

According to Oricon, Stray Kids was the fifth best-selling artist in Japan from 2022 to 2024.

2022: Stray Kids ranked as seventh-best-selling artist globally by IFPI

In 2022, Stray Kids became the seventh-best-selling artist globally according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).

2022: Signing with Republic Records

In 2022, Stray Kids signed with Republic Records for promotions in the United States.

2022: Best performance at Hanteo Music Awards

In 2022, Stray Kids won Best performance at the Hanteo Music Awards

January 20, 2023: Bench holds a fan meeting with Stray Kids

On January 20, 2023, Bench held a fan meeting with Stray Kids at SM Mall of Asia Arena.

February 2023: Stray Kids participates in JYP EDM Wish Day

In February 2023, Stray Kids participated in JYP EDM Wish Day activities by virtually granting wishes of overseas children with incurable diseases.

February 22, 2023: Release of The Sound

On February 22, 2023, Stray Kids released their debut Japanese-language studio album, The Sound, preceded by the Japanese version of "Case 143" and the title track.

April 2, 2023: Maniac World Tour Concludes in Los Angeles

On April 2, 2023, Stray Kids' Maniac World Tour, supporting the Oddinary album, concluded in Los Angeles after shows in Asia, Australia, and North America.

June 1, 2023: 5-Star album exceeds 5.13 million pre-orders

On June 1, 2023, Stray Kids' album 5-Star exceeded 5.13 million pre-orders.

June 2, 2023: 5-Star Album and "S-Class" Single Release

On June 2, 2023, Stray Kids released their third studio album, 5-Star, and the lead single "S-Class," featuring rapper Tiger JK.

June 2023: 5-Star album sales

As of June 2023, the album 5-Star has sold over five million copies.

July 2023: Hyunjin appointed as Versace's global ambassador

In July 2023, Hyunjin of Stray Kids was appointed as a global ambassador for Versace.

August 2023: Felix appointed as Louis Vuitton's house ambassador

In August 2023, Felix of Stray Kids was appointed as a house ambassador for Louis Vuitton.

October 2023: 5-Star Dome Tour

From August to October 2023, Stray Kids embarked on the 5-Star Dome Tour in South Korea and Japan.

October 21, 2023: Stray Kids honored with Prime Minister's Commendation

On October 21, 2023, Stray Kids was honored with the Prime Minister's Commendation at the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards.

2023: Stray Kids on Time's Next Generation Leaders List

In 2023, Stray Kids appeared on Time's list of Next Generation Leaders.

2023: Releases, Commendation and IFPI Ranking in 2023

In 2023, Stray Kids featured on the remix version of Lil Durk's "All My Life" and released their eighth Korean-language EP Rock-Star and also received the Prime Minister's Commendation at the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards and IFPI named Stray Kids the third best-selling artist of 2023.

2023: Stray Kids headlines Lollapalooza Paris

In 2023, Stray Kids performed as a headliner at Lollapalooza Paris.

2023: Milestones of Stray Kids in 2023

In 2023, Stray Kids was noted as the first K-Pop group to exceed five million album pre-orders for 5-Star; 5-Star and Rock-Star were noted as the second- and fifth-best-selling-albums worldwide, respectively. The IFPI named Stray Kids as the third-global-best-selling artist that year, behind Taylor Swift and Seventeen.

2023: Stray Kids named Asian ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger

In 2023, Stray Kids was selected as the Asian ambassador of Tommy Hilfiger for the company's campaigns in Fall 2023, and Spring and Fall 2024.

2023: Asia Artist Award and Hanteo Music Award

In 2023, Stray Kids won an Asia Artist Award and Best performance at the Hanteo Music Awards.

2023: Stray Kids' unique musical style in 2023

In 2023, Stray Kids' music was recognized as a "Stray Kids" genre

2023: Stage of the Year award at 2023 Asia Artist Awards

Stray Kids has been acknowledged for the band's stage and performance through multiple daesang (grand prize) awards in this category. In 2023, they won the Stage of the Year award at the Asia Artist Awards (AAA).

January 2024: Performance at Le Gala des Pièces Jaunes

In January 2024, Stray Kids performed "God's Menu", "S-Class", and "Topline" at the Le Gala des Pièces Jaunes in Paris, France.

March 5, 2024: Felix debuts at Paris Fashion Week

On March 5, 2024, Felix of Stray Kids made his runway debut at the Paris Fashion Week for the Louis Vuitton Women's Fall-Winter 2024 Collection.

May 2024: Stray Kids' Met Gala Debut

In May 2024, Stray Kids made their Met Gala debut as the guest of designer Tommy Hilfiger, wearing overcoats on top of tailored suits of the brand's signature red, white and blue with gold accents. They are the first group to attend the event together.

July 18, 2024: Contract Renewal and "Ate" EP Announcement

On July 18, 2024, JYP announced the members of Stray Kids had renewed their contracts with the company. Stray Kids announced their ninth Korean-language EP Ate to be released the next day.

August 2024: Stray Kids on Rolling Stone UK Cover

In August 2024, Stray Kids became the first K-pop artist to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone UK.

September 2024: Hyunjin appointed as Cartier's ambassador

In September 2024, Hyunjin of Stray Kids was appointed as an ambassador for Cartier.

October 2024: Performance at American Music Awards

In October 2024, Stray Kids became the second K-pop group to perform at the American Music Awards.

December 2024: Stray Kids' Album Sales Exceed 31 Million

As of December 2024, Stray Kids had sold over 31 million albums in both Korean and Japanese.

2024: Stray Kids as fifth best-selling artist in Japan

According to Oricon, Stray Kids was the fifth best-selling artist in Japan from 2022 to 2024.

2024: Stray Kids chosen for Bioré UV spring campaign

In 2024, Bioré UV selected Stray Kids for the spring campaign, "Sunlight Is Your Spotlight."

2024: Fan meetings, drama theme, Met Gala and single release in 2024

In 2024, Stray Kids held fan meetings, performed the theme for the Japanese television drama Re: Revenge – Yokubo no Hate ni, attended the Met Gala and released the single "Lose My Breath".

2024: Asia Star Entertainer Award

In 2024, Stray Kids won an Asia Star Entertainer Award.

2024: Best Performance awards at 2024 Hanteo Music Awards

Stray Kids has been acknowledged for the band's stage and performance through multiple daesang (grand prize) awards in this category. In 2024, they won the Best Performance awards at the Hanteo Music Awards.

January 2025: Bang Chan for Fendi and I.N for Bottega Veneta

In January 2025, Bang Chan was appointed as ambassador for Fendi and I.N was appointed as ambassador for Bottega Veneta.

2025: Fifth Fanmeeting and Mixtape Release in 2025

In 2025, Stray Kids hold the fifth fanmeeting SKZ 5'Clock and released the single album Mixtape: Dominate, the fifth installment of "Mixtape Project" series.