Where Does The Name Come From?
The group’s name wasn’t chosen by JYP Entertainment, it was conceptualized by the members themselves, adding uniqueness to it. The name “Stray Kids” had originally referred to “a lost child who wants to chase their dreams” but it later evolved to represent the idea of finding a way together out of the ordinary. It is meant to represent the members’ journey of overcoming hardships and finding their own path, as suggested by their origin story. The name symbolizes the members as “stray kids” who have gone through difficult experiences but have come together to create their own unique identity and sound.
Another reason why they are called Stray Kids was because they don’t stick to only one genre and that they are talented in all genres, explaining where the ‘Stray’ part comes from, a way of saying that they are capable of producing different genres of music. Some examples to this can be “MOUNTAINS” and “twilight” from their latest album “ATE”. MOUNTAINS is a more fast-paced and energetic whereas twilight is a more ballad-like and calm song.
Their fandom name “STAY” comes from “A place where people who are wandering (Stray) can ‘STAY’, as per the will of the group to make reliable music for stray people all around the world.”. The reason for the existence of Stray Kids, as the letter “r” removed from “Stray” is interpreted as “reason”.
Who Are They?
Stray Kids is a eight-member group under JYP Entertainment. They debuted on March 25, 2018 with their album “I am NOT” with the title track “District 9” now reached 69 million views on Youtube. The group was formed through a survival show of the same name, Stray Kids. On February 10, 2022 they signed with Republic Records for their overseas activities.
The group’s songs are produced by the subunit “3RACHA”. The subunit consists of Bang Chan (CB97), Changbin (SpearB) and Han (J.One). The name is a wordplay, combining sriracha sauce and its three members. The unit was formed in 2016, before Stray Kids debuted. They have written and produced their own tracks and in 2017 released their mixtapes via Soundcloud.
On July 8, the first batch of dates for their upcoming world tour “dominATE”. The tour will open with four shows at the KSPO Dome in South Korea from late-August to early-September. The group later go on by playing shows across East Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia, up until mid-January, 2025. In the newly released poster for Stray Kids’ 2024 to 2025 “dominATE” world tour, more concerts in Latin America, North America and Europe were hinted.
The group will be performing at Lollapalooza 2024 in Chicago on August 2. The tour will commence about a month after the release of their 9th mini album “ATE”, which was released on July 19, on August 24. The dates are as follows:
- August 24, 25 and 31 in KSPO Dome,
- September 1 in KSPO Dome,
- September 28 in Singapore National Stadium,
- October 19 in Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Victoria,
- October 26 in Allianz Stadium in Sydney, New South Wales,
- November 2 in Kaohsiung National Stadium in Kaohsiung, Taiwan,
- November 14, 16 and 17 in Tokyo Dome,
- November 23 in Philippine Arena in Manila, the Philippines,
- November 29-30 in Galaxy Arena in Macau, China,
- December 5, 7 and 8 in Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan,
- December 14 in National Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand,
- December 21 in Madya Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia,
- January 18-19 in AsiaWorld-Arena in Hong Kong, China.
Bang Chan
- Stage Name: Bang Chan
- Birth Name: Christopher Bahng
- Korean Name: Bahng Chan
- Position: Leader, Producer, Vocalist, Dancer, Rapper
- Birthday: October 3, 1997
- Chinese Zodiac Sign: Ox
- Zodiac Sign: Libra
- Height: 171 cm
- Blood Type: O
- MBTI: ENFJ-T
- Nationality: Korean-Australian
- Representative Animal: Wolf
- Unit: 3RACHA
Facts about Bang Chan
Bang Chan was born in South Korea but moved to Sydney, Australia when he was very young. He has two siblings; one younger sister, Hannah who is also producing music under her own agency, and one younger brother, Lucas. He speaks English, Korean, Japanese and a bit of Chinese. He is close friends with GOT7’s BamBam and Yugyeom as well as ENHYPEN’s Jake. Bang Chan can play the guitar and the piano, he also helps his members with producing the group’s songs as a part of the 3RACHA subunit.
He used to train with other JYP artists like TWICE, GOT7 and DAY6. Bang Chan has a dog named Berry and his favorite season is autumn. He once shared in a VLive that he would be a kangaroo, actor or athlete if he wasn’t in Stray Kids. Bang Chan has starred in TWICE’s “Like Ohh Ahh” MV as a zombie and Miss A’s “Only You” MV before he debuted. The charming leader’s motto in life is “Just enjoy~”.
Lee Know
- Stage Name: Lee Know
- Birth Name: Lee Min-Ho
- Position: Dance Leader, Dancer, Vocalist, Rapper
- Birthday: October 25, 1998
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
- Chinese Zodiac Sign: Tiger
- Height: 172 cm
- Blood Type: O
- MBTI: ISFP
- Nationality: Korean
- Representative Animal: Rabbit
- Unit: Dance Racha
Facts About Lee Know
Lee Know is an only child and he is ambidextrous, meaning he is able to use both of his hands equally well. His role model is 2PM’s Taecyeon and his favorite song is 2PM’s “10 out of 10”. Lee Know cracks his fingers fingers frequently, like a habit. He has a fear for heights his favorite color is mint. Lee Know likes to read a lot and his current favorite author is Keigo Higashino. His favorite 3RACHA song is “Matryoshka”. Lee Know’s life motto is “Let’s eat well and live well.”.
Lee Know has three cats; Sooni, Doongi and Dori. He has shared in a VLive that he would’ve been a dancer if he wasn’t in Stray Kids. The dancing gem made the choreo for their song “Hellevator”. He appeared in National Geographic when he was auditioning for Cube Entertainment, before joining JYP. Another thing he did pre-debut is that he was a backup dancer for BTS during their Japan tour and he was featured in BTS’ “Not Today” MV, also as a backup dancer. Lee Know describes himself as a “cute person who eats well”.
Changbin
- Stage Name: Changbin
- Birth Name: Seo Chang-Bin
- Position: Rapper, Vocalist, Producer
- Birthday: August 11, 1999
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
- Chinese Zodiac Sign: Rabbit
- Height: 167 cm
- Blood Type: O
- MBTI: ESFP
- Nationality: Korean
- Representative Animal: Pabbit (Pig + Rabbit)
- Unit: 3RACHA
Facts About Changbin
Changbin has an older sister and he helps with producing songs, as a part of 3RACHA. His nicknames are; Mogi (mosquito), Jingjingie (whiny), Teokjaengie (chin) and Binnie. Changbin’s specialities are song-writing and rap. His favorite season is autumn and he is a fan of Joo Woojae, a famous actor-model under YG Entertainment. His role models are BIGBANG’s G-Dragon, Kendrick Lamar along with his parents. Changbin has a black belt in Taekwondo and he can run fast.
Changbin is a fan of IKON’s Jinhwan/Jay. He has shared in a VLive that he would’ve been a producer, writer or maybe a tattoo master if he wasn’t in Stray Kids. Changbin has composed a song for Samsung, Fly High, which was released in August of 2023. He is friends with ATEEZ’s Wooyoung and former IZ*ONE member Chaeyeon. Changbin likes to collect things as well as horror movies. His motto in life is “Let’s live with a positive mind, enjoy the life.”.
Hyunjin
- Stage Name: Hyunjin
- Birth Name: Hwang Hyun-Jin
- English Name: Sam Hwang
- Position: Dancer, Rapper, Vocalist, Visual
- Birthday: March 20, 2000
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Chinese Zodiac Sign: Dragon
- Height: 179 cm
- Blood Type: B
- MBTI: ESTP
- Nationality: Korean
- Representative Animal: Ferret
- Unit: Dance Racha
Facts About Hyunjin
Hyunjin is an only child and his hobbies are dancing, reading books, painting and playing sports. Some of his drawings are posted on the group’s Instagram as well his personal account. His nicknames are Jinnie and The Prince. Hyunjin’s favorite colors are black and white. His role model is GOT7’s Jinyoung. He has made a cameo in the Web drama “A-Teen Season 2” episode 16 along with I.N. He was chosen as Studio Choom’s Artist of the Month for October of 2021. On July 20, 2023 it was revealed that Hyunjin is the new Korean Global Brand Ambassador for Versace.
Hyunjin attended SOPA (School of Performing Arts) in Seoul where he studied Practical Dance and graduated in February 2019. He has a dog named Kkami, who he raises since he was 16. His motto in life is “Let’s try even when you regret it later.”. Hyunjin has shared is a VLive that he would’ve been an interior designer if he wasn’t in Stray Kids. His favorite season is autumn and he likes all fruits, especially watermelon, except for persimmon.
Han
- Stage Name: Han
- Birth Name: Han Ji-Sung
- English Name: Peter Han
- Position: Rapper, Vocalist, Producer
- Birthday: September 14, 2000
- Chinese Zodiac Sign: Dragon
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Height: 169 cm
- Blood Type: B
- MBTI: ISTP
- Nationality: Korean
- Representative Animal: Quokka
- Unit: 3RACHA
Facts About Han
Han has an older brother and he used to live as well as study in Malaysia. His nickname, given by his members, is Squirrel. Han helps with producing songs along with Bang Chan and Changbin. Han went to Korea from Malaysia to take an exam. He thought if he went back to Malaysia, he would never get the chance to become a singer, so he made a deal with his parents that if he doesn’t get into an agency within a year, he would go back to Malaysia and just study.
Han prefers lyrical and melodic type of rap. His favorite season is winter and he loves the color red. Han can play the guitar and he has trypophobia (fear of clusters of small holes). He has a puppy named Bbama and his role model is Block B’s Zico. He has shared in a VLive that he would’ve been a producer if he wasn’t in Stray Kids. Han has appeared in “King of Masked Singer” as “Imgeokjjeong” but he was eliminated in the 1st round. His motto in life is “This too, shall pass.”.
Felix
- Stage Name: Felix
- Birth Name: Felix Lee
- Korean Name: Lee Yong-Bok
- Position: Dancer, Rapper, Vocalist
- Birthday: September 15, 2000
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Chinese Zodiac Sign: Dragon
- Height: 171 cm
- Blood Type: AB
- MBTI: ESFJ
- Nationality: Korean-Australian
- Representative Animal: Chick
- Unit: Dance Racha
Facts About Felix
Felix’s parents are Korean but he was born in a suburb of Sydney, Australia called Seven Hills. He has an older sister named Rachel/Jisue and a younger sister named Olivia. His nicknames are Bbijikseu, Bbajikseu, Bbujikseu, and Jikseu, given by his members. Felix thinks that his charming point is his freckles. Felix is a 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo and has won a lot of medals when he was young. He also likes swimming, he has got the 2nd place for age 15 category in 2015 Swimming Carnival. Felix’s hobbies are listening to music, dancing, shopping (especially clothes), traveling and beatboxing. Felix has ranked 43rd on TC Candler “The 100 Most Handsome Faces” in 2018. On August 22, 2023 it was revealed that Felix is the new House Ambassador of Louis Vuitton.
Felix made his runway debut in March 2024 at the Paris Louis Vuitton FW24 show. His favorite seasons are autumn and winter. Felix’s lucky number is 7 and he likes the color black. His favorite song is “A Little Braver” by New Empire. Felix’s favorite type of movies are comedy and action. His role model is BIGBANG’s G-Dragon and he is close with Boy Story’s Xinlong and Zeyu along with The Boyz’s Eric. He was eliminated on December 5, episode 8 of Mnet’s Stray Kids, but he was added back at the end of episode 9. Felix has shared in a VLive that he would’ve been a songwriter if he wasn’t in Stray Kids. His motto in life is “Just a little braver~”.
Seungmin
- Stage Name: Seungmin
- Birth Name: Kim Seung-Min
- Position: Vocalist
- Birthday: September 22, 2000
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Chinese Zodiac Sign: Dragon
- Height: 178 cm
- Blood Type: A
- MBTI: ISFJ
- Nationality: Korean
- Representative Animal: Dog
- Unit: Vocal Racha
Facts About Seungmin
Seungmin has an older sister and his favorite season is autumn. The nickname his members gave him Snail and his nickname give by fans is Sunshine. He can speak English very well as he has studied in LA for 3 months during 4th grade. The dandy boy joined JYP Entertainment in 2017 after he won 2nd place in JYPE’s 13th Open Audition. His favorite color is purple and he really likes oranges as well as strawberries. Seungmin and Wanna One’s Daehwi were close during high school.
Sengmin’s role models are DAY6, Kim Dong-ryul, and Sandeul from B1A4. He said he has many look-a-likes, like Day6’s Wonpil and actors Lee Jangwoo and Park Bogum. Apparently in 2013, a helicopter crashed into Seungmin’s apartment in Gangnam, while he was brushing his teeth as shared in his friends posts from 2013. He once shared in a VLive that he would’ve been photographer or a prosecutor. His motto in life is “Today you spent in vain is the day as tomorrow someone who passed away really wants to live through.”.
I.N
- Stage Name: I.N
- Birth Name: Yang Jeong-In
- Position: Vocalist, Maknae
- Birthday: February 8, 2001
- Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
- Chinese Zodiac Sign: Snake
- Height: 172 cm
- Blood Type: A
- MBTI: INFJ
- Nationality: Korean
- Representative Animal: Fennec Fox
- Unit: Vocal Racha
Facts About I.N
I.N has an older brother and a younger brother. He has graduated from SOPA, the same school Hyunjin has attended, where he studied Applied Music. I.N used to be a child model when he was seven. His nicknames are Desert Fox, Our Maknae, Spoon Worm Yang and Bean Worn, which were given by his members. I.N’s special ability is singing trot, a genre of Korean popular music, known for its use of repetitive rhythm and vocal inflections.
I.N’s favorite season is winter and his role model is Bruno Mars. The maknae of Stray Kids was assigned to the dancing team in Kingdom in 2021 as he had improved his dancing a lot. I.N has made a cameo in the Web drama “A-Teen Season 2” episode 16 along with Hyunjin. He is in a friend group called 이즈 (ee-z) with TXT’s Beomgyu, Enhypen’s Heeseung and Just B’s Lim Jimin. I.N has once shared in a VLive that he would’ve been a singer or an elementary school teacher, since he likes kids, if he wasn’t in Stray Kids. His motto in life is “Let’s have a good time!”.
Former Member
Woojin
- Stage Name: Kim Woo-jin
- Birth Name: Kim Woo-jin
- Position: Main Vocalist
- Birthday: April 8, 1997
- Zodiac Sign: Aries
- Chinese Zodiac Sign: Ox
- Height: 176 cm
- Blood Type: B
- MBTI: ESFJ
- Nationality: Korean
- Unit: Vocal Racha
Facts About Woojin
Woojin has an older brother and he has graduated from SOPA. His nickname given by the members is Bear. Woojin’s specialty is kendo (modern Japanese martial arts) and he is a former Fantagio trainee. Other than Fantagio, he was an SM trainee and he has trained with members of NCT. Woojin’s hobbies are listening to music and shopping. His favorite movie genre is mellow but he also likes horror and action movies. Woojin has once shared in a VLive that he would’ve been a vocal trainer or a music teacher if he wasn’t in Stray Kids. His favorite season is autumn and he is friends with Wanna One’s Jihoon, who is also a former SM and Fantagio trainee. His role model is Bruno Mars and his motto in life is “Let’s not make things that we regret.”.
He left Stray Kids on October 27, 2019 due to personal reasons and has terminated his contracts with JYP. two years later, on August 5, 2021, he debuted as a soloist with his 1st mini album “The moment: 未成年 a minor”. In April 2022, it was announced that Kim Woojin, Newkidd’s Kim Jin Kwon, XRO’s Yoon Jae Chan, and actor Lee Min Wook from JFLO Entertainment, will act in a HBO MAX series that was released in 2023. On March 19, 2024, it was revealed that Woojin had signed an exclusive contract with Kreation Music Rights’ Kustomade, a subsidiary of SM Entertainment.