Stray Kids' new album ”KARMA” proves their unwavering musical power, and their bond and growth in the eighth year since their debut

'Stray Kids' are crazy about 'Stray Kids'.

On the afternoon of the 22nd, Stray Kids (Bang Chan, Lee Know, Chanbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N) held a press conference at Congrad Seoul in Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, to commemorate the release of their 4th album, 'KARMA'.

　On this day, Bang Chan shared his thoughts on the comeback, saying, “This is our first album of the year. We worked hard to prepare it while touring for 11 months. We believe this album, which we carefully crafted over time, is a great gift for our fans, ‘STAY.’ We're curious about the reaction, but we're very happy that we prepared it without any regrets.”

　'KARMA' is a new album that encapsulates the unwavering philosophy and growth story of the eight members, who have continued to move forward without wavering despite countless external gazes and internal conflicts, carving out their own path. Led by the group's in-house production team “3RACHA” (Bang Chan, Chanbin, Han), who have participated in the creation of all songs released since their debut, all members contributed to the creation of 'KARMA', maximizing the unique personality of Stray Kids.

　The title track “CEREMONY” is a song that celebrates the success achieved through patience and effort, as well as the journey of overcoming numerous adversities along the way. After concluding their historic, largest-scale world tour, which set numerous K-POP firsts and records, Stray Kids are holding a grand ceremony to celebrate this achievement.

　Prior to this, Stray Kids performed 54 shows in 34 regions around the world from August 2024 to last month, spanning approximately 11 months. This equates to a travel distance of approximately 285,000 kilometers, or seven times around the Earth, based on Incheon International Airport as the starting point. Additionally, Stray Kids performed at 13 out of 27 stadiums, achieving milestones such as “first,” “highest,” and “most.”

Regarding this, Hyunjin shared, "This was our first stadium-scale performance, so we practiced with great tension. However, once we stepped onto the large stage, we felt a deep gratitude toward the ‘STAY’ fans who had come from far away to support us and give us their love, and we realized we had to give our all on stage. If I were to think of just one thing before dying, it would be the gaze of the ‘STAY’ fans I saw during this stadium-scale performance." He expressed his special love for the fans.

Stray Kids, who debuted in March 2018, are now in their eighth year since debut. Last year, in their seventh year since debut, all members renewed their contracts with their agency, JYP Entertainment.

　Han said, “Despite the many ups and downs over the past eight years, no one has faltered, and we have become a reliable presence for each other whenever something happens. Additionally, when we were going through tough times, we helped each other grow. If we started as a branch, I think we have now become a strong tree with deep roots. That's how much we've grown. I want us to continue to be wonderful for each other while staying healthy and together for a long time.”

　Continuing, Han suddenly declared, “I'll confess. I truly love all of you,” and made a large heart shape with his hands above his head toward the members, eliciting laughter from the audience.

　On this day, Stray Kids premiered the music video for 'CEREMONY', the title track from their album 'KARMA'. At the end of the video, professional gamer Faker made a surprise appearance, stunning the audience.

Felix commented, "We were on tour overseas, but Faker was so fun and cool in the music video that we were really surprised. We couldn't meet him in person, but we are deeply grateful to Faker. If we have another opportunity, we definitely want to meet him. It's an honor."

Felix and Bang Chan especially mentioned to Faker, “We want to learn how to play games from you,” and joked, “We want to invite you to our concert and learn how to play games.”

　Stray Kids also confessed that they are not only passionate about their music and stage performances but also deeply devoted to the Stray Kids team. Chanbin said, "The members aren't the type who are overly self-absorbed; they're just completely obsessed with the stage. Of course, they're obsessed with ‘STAY,’ but they're also obsessed with music, the stage, and the ‘Stray Kids’ team. Even now, when we gather to talk, we often discuss trivial matters, but we also have serious conversations about our vision. Personally, when I see the members on stage, they look incredibly passionate. The members responsible for the performance seem like they're possessed. That passion is truly intense. ‘Stray Kids’ is obsessed with ‘Stray Kids.’ I think we're truly obsessed with ourselves. They seem to understand what they can do well and what songs they can get obsessed with, and they sing with that understanding."

　I.N also said, “Stray Kids is ‘STAY.’ We monitor ourselves extensively. As a result, we know each other's strengths well and can spend time together like family without any reservations.”

　Finally, Stray Kids mentioned their goals and achievements for this album. Bang Chan stated, “The ultimate goal is to widely promote the music and performances that ‘Stray Kids’ wants to continue doing for a long time. If this album achieves good results, it would be an honor and a blessing, but the goal of this album is to introduce our musicality and the unique personality of ‘Stray Kids’ to the world.”

　Hyunjin added, "We are aware of and recognize records like Billboard chart updates, but while we hold gratitude for ‘STAY,’ to be honest, such things aren't immediately visible to us. We prioritize thinking about how to become even more passionate on stage. We consider records important, but regardless of the record, we want to continue enjoying ourselves, immersing ourselves in the music and albums we create, and living as 'Stray Kids.' Personally, I think the name ‘Stray Kids’ is cool. It means ‘wandering children.’ When we wander, ‘STAY’ holds us firmly, and we feel a bond. We will humbly accept such records of gratitude and continue to work hard."

Stray Kids' 4th album, 'KARMA', will be released on the 22nd at 1 PM via various online music platforms.