Stray Kids is an eight-member South Korean boy group under JYP Entertainment — Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N — known for writing and producing most of their own discography through an in-house team called 3RACHA. Formed through a 2017 survival reality show of the same name and debuting in March 2018, the group has grown from a rookie act defined by its "stray from the mold" identity into one of the most commercially dominant groups in K-pop, built almost entirely on a self-produced sound rather than outside songwriting teams.
Formation and the 3RACHA Sound
Stray Kids' origin story is unusual for a JYP group: rather than being assembled purely through company casting, the lineup came together through the survival show that gave the group its name, with leader Bang Chan personally involved in selecting members during the trainee period. Before the group's debut, three members — Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han — were already writing and producing together as 3RACHA, a hip-hop unit whose work became the backbone of Stray Kids' catalog. That self-produced approach has stayed central to the group's identity, credited with giving their music a heavier, more experimental edge than much of the genre's more centrally produced output.
From Rookies to Billboard Regulars
Stray Kids built momentum steadily through releases like their debut mini album I Am Not (2018) and later hits including Thunderous and MANIAC, before becoming a fixture at the top of the Billboard 200 album chart with releases such as MAXIDENT, 5-STAR, and ROCK-STAR. By the group's most recent album cycles, Stray Kids had notched eight consecutive Billboard 200 No. 1 albums and reported worldwide album sales north of 31 million — a run that places them among the most consistently chart-topping acts in K-pop, alongside stadium tours across Asia, North America, Latin America, and Europe. The group also picked up back-to-back MTV Video Music Awards for Best K-Pop in 2022 and 2023.
2026: THIS & THAT and a Return to the Road
After a recording break of roughly nine months, Stray Kids announced their comeback plans in June 2026, opening the rollout with the pre-release digital single "RUN IT" before releasing their 10th mini album, THIS & THAT, on August 7, 2026. The eight-track EP arrived alongside an announced world tour aimed at expanding the group's footprint in Western and Latin American live markets, following a compilation release, SKZ-REPLAY 2026 Pt. 1, earlier in the year. The comeback continues the group's pattern of pairing a new studio release with a large-scale tour rather than treating the two as separate cycles.
Member Roles at a Glance
| Member | Primary Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bang Chan | Leader, Producer, Vocalist | Core member of 3RACHA; oversees much of the group's production |
| Lee Know | Main Dancer, Vocalist | Former backup dancer before debut |
| Changbin | Rapper, Producer | 3RACHA member; known for rap on the group's heavier tracks |
| Hyunjin | Dancer, Vocalist | Frequently featured in the group's choreography-driven concepts |
| Han | Rapper, Producer, Vocalist | 3RACHA member; songwriter on much of the catalog |
| Felix | Rapper, Vocalist | Born and raised in Australia; known for his low vocal register |
| Seungmin | Vocalist | Frequently highlighted for vocal stability in ballad-leaning tracks |
| I.N | Vocalist | The group's youngest member |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many members are in Stray Kids?
Stray Kids has eight members: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. The group originally had nine members before debuting as eight.
What does 3RACHA mean?
3RACHA is the in-house production and songwriting unit within Stray Kids made up of Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han, who write and produce a large share of the group's music.
What is Stray Kids' fandom name?
The group's fandom is called STAY.
What is Stray Kids' most recent release?
Their 10th mini album, THIS & THAT, was released on August 7, 2026, led by the title track of the same name.
Is Stray Kids going on tour in 2026?
Yes, the group announced a world tour alongside the THIS & THAT album cycle, aimed at expanding their presence in Western and Latin American markets.
Tour dates, ticket details, and release schedules can shift after announcement — check Stray Kids' official JYP Entertainment channels for the latest confirmed information.