Head to the Top: Stray Kids forge their way to global domination

Since 2021, I’ve kept an eye on Stray Kids, back when I claimed they’d reach the top—and it turns out I wasn’t wrong. From turning heads at high-fashion galas to crashing the silver screen and dropping tracks on Deadpool & Wolverine’s soundtrack, Stray Kids are marking 2024 as their year. Their “noisy music” doesn’t merely resonate; it’s a sonic juggernaut that challenges pop norms and redefines K-pop’s place in the cultural landscape.

Forged by fire: Bang Chan’s vision for the perfect team

Stray Kids didn’t come together by chance; they were meticulously crafted. Back in 2017, JYP Entertainment aimed to create a group with a genuine bond that went beyond synchronized steps and harmonies. Leading this mission was Bang Chan, who, after years as a JYP trainee, had a clear vision of the vibe he wanted. Through the reality show Stray Kids, he played a hands-on role in assembling the final lineup, choosing members who shared his energy and ambition. This group wasn’t a corporate selection—they were Bang Chan’s team, bonded by chemistry and a shared dream.

And then there’s Felix, who adds a unique twist to this story. Originally from Australia and more comfortable in English, Felix struggled with Korean at first. This led to a pivotal moment on the show where he was temporarily cut from the lineup, causing a wave of concern among fans. But Felix returned with renewed determination, proving his place in the group and bringing an international flair that’s now a core part of their identity. His journey, marked by resilience, only strengthened the group’s connection, molding them into the powerhouse of friendship and talent that Bang Chan envisioned.

Noise with a purpose: Redefining “Noisy Music” in K-Pop

Stray Kids have built a style uniquely their own, affectionately (and ironically) dubbed “noisy music” by fans. It’s more than sound; it’s an industrial, genre-blending force. Imagine EDM with the rugged feel of factory machinery, hip-hop beats clashing with rock riffs, all fused with that unmistakable SKZ energy. It’s organized chaos that transforms each track into an anthem of raw power and gritty, high-octane rhythm. Songs like God’s Menu offer blueprints for their industrial K-pop legacy: clanging beats, intense synths, and an unpredictable vibe that somehow melds into infectious hooks.

The DominATE Tour: Transforming arenas into sonic battlegrounds

This year, "Head to the Top" feels like their anthem, as they’ve taken on arenas, global stages, and even Hollywood. The DominATE World Tour is amplifying their reach, transforming stadiums from Seoul to Melbourne into epic soundscapes. And with Deadpool embracing their music, they’ve proven they’re perfectly in sync with the anti-hero era. Stray Kids are reshaping the pop game on their terms, ditching the expected bubblegum sounds and embracing a raw, unapologetic grit.

Stray Kids’ latest album, ATE, is proving to be a monumental success, reaching the top of the U.S. charts as the best-selling K-pop album of 2024 and earning an RIAA Gold certification. Debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, ATE has held its ground for 13 consecutive weeks, recently climbing back into the top 90. It’s a record-setting album, making Stray Kids the first group to have their first five charting albums all debut at No. 1. ATE has also dominated Billboard’s World Albums chart, claiming the No. 1 spot for a total of eight non-consecutive weeks. Even their newest single, “Falling Up,” has made waves, holding strong on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.

But Stray Kids aren’t just scaling music charts—they’re tackling the anime world, too. Their journey with Tower of God began when they contributed two iconic tracks to the first season: the opening theme “TOP”, and the closing theme “SLUMP.” “TOP” soared as an anime anthem, with versions in Japanese, Korean, and English that solidified its place among fans of both the anime and Stray Kids. Now, in Tower of God: Workshop Battle, they’re back with “NIGHT” and “Falling Up,” taking the next steps in this ongoing collaboration. Metaphorically, their rise mirrors the series itself: like the characters striving to reach the top of the tower, Stray Kids started from their “Hellevator” days and climbed up, step by relentless step, to a place at the top of both anime and music charts. With Giant, they’re proving that no tower is too high when you’ve got the drive—and the anthems—to reach the summit.

Stray Kids everywhere: Our STAY Manifesto

And here’s the thing—Stray Kids go beyond being a group; they’re a movement, and “Stray Kids everywhere, all around the world” is our manifesto. We STAYs aren’t simply listeners; we’re co-pilots in this journey, keeping Stray Kids on top and fueling their global takeover. For anyone yet to join our STAY family, consider this your sign. Stray Kids are making noise, breaking molds, and our collective “head to the top” mission shows that this sound has found its home with us.