Tag: Stray Kids

Music

Stray Kids Announce Comeback with New Album ‘Do It’ Set for Release Next Month

Tanisha Cardozo

Stray Kids are officially making their long-awaited comeback with a new album titled ‘Do It’, set to be released on November 21, according to Yonhap News. The announcement comes just three months after their last record, underscoring the group’s creative momentum and global dominance in the K-pop scene.

The group revealed a cinematic trailer for the album following the finale of their massive world tour concert at Incheon Asiad Main Stadium on October 19, sparking enormous anticipation among fans worldwide. ‘Do It’ will feature five tracks, including double title songs ‘Do It’ and ‘신선놀음 (Sinseonnoreum)’, alongside ‘Holiday’, ‘Photobook’, and a special ‘Do It (Festival Version)’.

As in all their previous albums, 3RACHA — Stray Kids’ in-house production unit comprising Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han — have written, composed, and produced the entire record. Their creative leadership has consistently defined the group’s powerful sound and artistic authenticity, balancing high-energy anthems with introspective storytelling.

Following the success of their recent world tour and chart-topping releases, fan excitement has reached a fever pitch. With social media abuzz and pre-orders expected to soar globally, ‘Do It’ is poised to be one of the most anticipated K-pop releases of the year.

As Stray Kids prepare to make their return, their message to fans is clear — they’re ready to “do it” again, louder and stronger than ever.

International

Stray Kids and Le Sserafim to Lead Star-Studded Launch of Korea’s Presidential Pop Culture Committee

Tanisha Cardozo

South Korea will officially launch its Presidential Committee for Popular Culture Exchange on October 1, with performances by Stray Kids and Le Sserafim scheduled as part of the inaugural event.

The committee is co-chaired by Park Jin-young, founder of JYP Entertainment, and Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young. It is described as a new body aimed at supporting the international growth of Korean popular culture across sectors such as K-pop, dramas, films, and games.

According to media reports, approximately 270 citizens will be invited to attend the launch ceremony, which President Lee Jae-myung has referred to as being prepared like a festival. He has also stated that the committee will “firmly support the global leap and growth of our popular culture.”

The Presidential Committee for Popular Culture Exchange was announced in September 2025, and its official role includes facilitating collaboration between the government and the private sector within Korea’s cultural industries.

Stray Kids and Le Sserafim, two of the country’s leading K-pop acts, are expected to perform at the launch event, underscoring the government’s recognition of pop culture as a significant part of its international image and economic influence.

Fit & Fabulous

Stray Kids’ Bang Chan Wows at Fendi SS/26 Runway During Milan Fashion Week

Tanisha Cardozo

On September 24, amidst the grandeur of Milan Fashion Week, Stray Kids’ leader Bang Chan made a commanding appearance at the Fendi Spring/Summer 2026 runway show. As Fendi’s global ambassador—announced earlier in 2025—this moment reinforced his emerging status as a style icon bridging K‑Pop and high fashion.

Chan stepped onto the runway in a striking ensemble: a black sheer, lacy shirt layered with matching black trousers, and topped with a charcoal gray leather coat. To complete the monochrome aesthetic, he accessorized with Fendi earrings, a coordinating ring, and a sleek black bag. The look was simultaneously bold and elegant, capturing attention for its refined interplay of texture and tone.

Fans online were quick to laud the pairing. On X, one fan wrote, “Bang Chan looks like a fantasy character, and the outfit is a masterpiece.” Another gushed, “It’s as if Fendi created this look specifically for Chan… the combination becomes a work of art in itself.” The hashtag wave—#BANGCHANXFENDISS26 and #FENDISS26—trended among K‑Pop fashion fans and Fendi followers alike.

This runway appearance is not Bang Chan’s first outing for Fendi. He debuted in Fendi’s sphere at Milan Fashion Week prior to his ambassador role, wearing all‑cream ensembles at their FW25 show, and has since become a regular in Fendi styling.

Before the show, Chan also attended the inauguration of Fendi’s flagship store in Milan, wearing a voluminous beige fur coat over neutral tones. The juxtaposition of that softer look and the bold runway outfit demonstrates his versatility as a fashion muse.

The Fendi SS/26 show itself, directed by Silvia Venturini Fendi, leaned into playful elegance and craftsmanship—sheer fabrics, bold silhouettes, floral motifs, and leather details took center stage. Chan’s styling and presence aligned well with the collection’s aesthetic, reinforcing his synergy with the brand.

In a fashion world increasingly influenced by pop culture and global fandoms, Bang Chan’s presence at Fendi’s runway underscores how music and style are converging. For fans and fashion insiders alike, his appearance is more than a guest spot—it’s proof that he’s a creative collaborator, an ambassador, and a muse capable of carrying both the weight of brand legacy and the energy of K‑Pop fandom into the next era.

Music

Stray Kids Break Billboard 200 Record With Seventh No. 1 Album “Karma”

Tanisha Cardozo

Stray Kids have reached a new pinnacle in their career with the release of Karma, their seventh consecutive No. 1 album on the Billboard 200. This record-breaking feat gives them the distinction of having the most No. 1 albums by any group on the Billboard 200 since the year 2000, surpassing major acts like BTS, Linkin Park, and Dave Matthews Band.

Karma debuted with 313,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. for the week ending August 28, according to Luminate, making it the third-largest week of 2025 in terms of overall album units and the second-largest week in pure sales. The 11-track album features the lead single “Ceremony” and was entirely produced by the group’s in-house trio 3RACHA—Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han—reinforcing the group’s unique identity as both performers and producers.

Stray Kids’ historic streak began in 2022 with Oddinary, and each of their seven albums since then has debuted at No. 1. In 2024, Hop set a Billboard first by making Stray Kids the only act in history to have their first six albums debut at No. 1 on the chart. With Karma, they’ve pushed that legacy even further.

The momentum shows no signs of slowing down. A broader CD rollout is set for September 5, likely to drive even more sales. Meanwhile, the album’s lead single “Golden” is spending its third consecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, further solidifying the group’s presence on both the albums and singles charts.

In other chart highlights this week, Laufey scored her first top 10 debut with A Matter of Time, entering at No. 4 with 99,000 equivalent album units, boosted by a wide array of vinyl and signed CD variants. Deftones returned with Private Music, debuting at No. 5 and earning the band their best sales week to date with 87,000 units. Tyler, The Creator’s Cherry Bomb re-entered the chart at No. 6 thanks to a deluxe reissue for its 10th anniversary, and BigXthaPlug achieved his highest placement yet with I Hope You’re Happy at No. 7.

But the week ultimately belongs to Stray Kids, whose chart-topping consistency, self-produced artistry, and fan-fueled momentum have made them not just K-pop giants—but global record-setters.

Music

Stray Kids and IVE Dominate 2025 K-World Dream Awards With 4 Wins Each

Tanisha Cardozo

The 2025 K-World Dream Awards weren’t just another night of trophies — they were a glittering celebration of K-pop’s unstoppable global wave. Held in Seoul, the ninth edition of the awards brought together the biggest names in the industry, and the night clearly belonged to Stray Kids and IVE, who each took home four prestigious honors.

Stray Kids and IVE shared the Best Artist Award, a nod to their massive influence, chart-topping hits, and unbeatable fanbase. Both were also among the winners of the World Class Award and the Bonsang (Main Award). Their popularity translated into fan-driven wins too, with IVE’s Jang Won Young earning the Solo Popularity Award, while Stray Kids picked up the Group Popularity Award.

TXT, LE SSERAFIM, and NCT WISH followed closely with three awards each — with accolades including World Class, Bonsang, and Best Performance awards. The night also spotlighted fresh talent like ILLIT, tripleS, QWER, and rookies AHOF, KiiiKiii, and Hearts2Hearts.

Specialty awards ranged from Best Music Video (ILLIT, tripleS, YOUNG POSSE) to Best OST (“Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters). Paul Kim and BTOB took home the Listener Choice Award, while G-Dragon, IU, and Rosé were recognized for Best Digital Music.

The Producer Award went to Seo Hyun Joo, executive producer at Starship Entertainment, recognizing her role in shaping some of the industry’s biggest acts.

MCs Jun Hyun Moo and Jang Do Yeon kept the energy high, while star presenters like Byeon Woo Seok and Moon Ga Young added a touch of glamour to the event.

With the blue carpet starting at 4:30 pm KST and the show streaming live worldwide via HelloLive, the event proved once again that K-pop is a worldwide obsession with no signs of slowing down.

As K-pop continues to break barriers and reach new heights, the K-World Dream Awards 2025 made one thing clear — the genre is not just surviving, it’s thriving.