Tag: STAY

  • Stray Kids’ STRAYCITY Draws 270,000 Fans in Latin America: Why Their New Festival Is a Big Deal

    Stray Kids’ STRAYCITY Draws 270,000 Fans in Latin America: Why Their New Festival Is a Big Deal

    Stray Kids have spent the past few years proving that they can fill arenas, stadiums and major festival stages around the world.

    But STRAYCITY represents something different.

    In September 2026, Stray Kids launched a new festival built around the group itself, taking STRAYCITY to Bogotá, Buenos Aires and Mexico City. By the time the Latin American run ended in Mexico on September 26, the five shows had drawn a combined audience of about 270,000 people.

    That number is impressive on its own.

    What makes STRAYCITY more important, however, is what it could mean for the next stage of Stray Kids’ global career.

    Instead of simply appearing at someone else’s festival or adding another stop to a world tour, Stray Kids became the centerpiece of a festival carrying their own identity.

    What Is STRAYCITY?

    STRAYCITY is a new festival project jointly planned by JYP Entertainment and global concert promoter Live Nation, with Stray Kids serving as the main headliner.

    The first Latin American edition began in Bogotá, Colombia, on September 9 before moving to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for two shows on September 14 and 15. It then concluded with two nights at Estadio GNP Seguros in Mexico City on September 25 and 26.

    Unlike a traditional Stray Kids concert, STRAYCITY was designed as a broader festival experience.

    Stray Kids remained at the center, but the events also featured NEXZ and different local artists depending on the city. That gave each stop a more localized festival lineup rather than simply repeating the same touring package from country to country.

    That distinction matters.

    Stray Kids were not just touring Latin America.

    They were building an event around the Stray Kids name.

    270,000 Fans Across Five Shows

    The first STRAYCITY Latin American run consisted of five performances across three cities:

    • Bogotá — September 9
    • Buenos Aires — September 14 and 15
    • Mexico City — September 25 and 26

    Together, those five performances attracted approximately 270,000 fans.

    Mexico City provided an especially powerful ending.

    Billboard reported from the first Mexico City night at Estadio GNP Seguros, describing the massive production, choreography and atmosphere surrounding the festival. Local reporting put preliminary attendance for that first night alone at 58,611 tickets sold.

    The scale shows how far Stray Kids’ presence in Latin America has developed.

    Only a few years ago, the question was whether K-pop groups could consistently fill major venues across the region.

    For Stray Kids, the question is increasingly becoming what they can build on top of that demand.

    From the dominATE Tour to STRAYCITY

    STRAYCITY did not appear out of nowhere.

    It followed Stray Kids’ enormous 2025 dominATE world tour, during which the group performed eight stadium shows across five Latin American cities and drew roughly 400,000 people in the region.

    That tour demonstrated something important: the group’s Latin American audience was large enough to support stadium-scale performances across multiple markets.

    STRAYCITY took the next step.

    Instead of returning with only another conventional tour, Stray Kids and their partners created a new event format around the group.

    The change can be summarized simply:

    2025: Stray Kids proved they could fill Latin American stadiums.

    2026: Stray Kids began building their own festival around that audience.

    That is why STRAYCITY deserves to be remembered as more than another successful series of concerts.

    Rock in Rio Made September Even Bigger

    STRAYCITY was not Stray Kids’ only major Latin American achievement in September 2026.

    On September 11, between the Bogotá and Buenos Aires dates, Stray Kids headlined Rock in Rio in Brazil.

    They became the first K-pop act to headline the legendary festival, performing in front of approximately 100,000 people.

    Combined with the 270,000 fans reported for STRAYCITY, Stray Kids reached roughly 370,000 concertgoers in Latin America during September alone.

    The two achievements are closely related, but they represent different milestones.

    Rock in Rio showed that Stray Kids could stand at the top of the lineup at one of the world’s major established festivals.

    STRAYCITY showed something else: they could become the foundation for a new festival concept of their own.

    That difference is what makes the STRAYCITY story especially interesting.

    Why Latin America Matters for Stray Kids

    Latin America has become one of the clearest examples of Stray Kids’ growth outside their traditional Asian markets.

    Their 2025 stadium tour established the size of the fandom. Their 2026 Rock in Rio appearance demonstrated their position on the broader festival circuit. STRAYCITY then tested whether that popularity could support a new branded event.

    There is also a cultural reason the format makes sense.

    STRAYCITY combines the intensity of a Stray Kids concert with the scale and variety of a music festival — an environment well suited to a group known for powerful live performances, large crowds and highly participatory songs.

    Tracks including “MANIAC,” “God’s Menu,” “S-Class,” “MIROH,” “TOPLINE” and “Thunderous” have become natural large-crowd songs, while newer material gives the group a continually expanding festival setlist.

    The STRAYCITY performances used live-band arrangements, large video screens, fireworks and other outdoor-festival production elements.

    STRAYCITY Is More Than a Concert Name

    Perhaps the most important part of STRAYCITY is the name itself.

    Major artists regularly headline festivals.

    Far fewer reach the point where promoters can build a new large-scale festival concept around the artist’s identity.

    STRAYCITY turns “Stray” into something bigger than a tour title. It imagines a temporary city built around Stray Kids, their music and the community surrounding them.

    That creates possibilities beyond one Latin American run.

    If the format continues in other countries or regions, STRAYCITY could develop into a recurring part of the group’s global live strategy rather than remaining a one-time event.

    That possibility is not guaranteed, and future locations will depend on what JYP Entertainment and Live Nation announce next. But the first Latin American run has already demonstrated that the concept can operate at substantial scale.

    Where STRAYCITY Fits in Stray Kids’ History

    Looking back at Stray Kids’ international growth, several stages are becoming visible.

    First came increasingly large world tours.

    Then came headline appearances at major international festivals, including Lollapalooza Paris, BST Hyde Park, Lollapalooza Chicago and Governors Ball.

    In 2025, the dominATE tour pushed the group further into stadium territory.

    In 2026, Rock in Rio added another historic festival milestone.

    And now STRAYCITY introduces a different idea: a festival with Stray Kids not simply on the lineup, but at the center of the entire concept.

    That makes September 2026 an important chapter in the group’s touring history.

    FAQ

    What is Stray Kids’ STRAYCITY?

    STRAYCITY is a festival project jointly planned by JYP Entertainment and Live Nation with Stray Kids as the central headliner. The first Latin American run took place in Bogotá, Buenos Aires and Mexico City in September 2026.

    How many people attended STRAYCITY in Latin America?

    The five STRAYCITY performances across the three cities drew approximately 270,000 people in total.

    Where was STRAYCITY held in 2026?

    The Latin American run included Bogotá in Colombia, Buenos Aires in Argentina and Mexico City in Mexico. Bogotá hosted one show, while Buenos Aires and Mexico City each hosted two.

    Is STRAYCITY the same as a Stray Kids world tour?

    No. STRAYCITY was created as a festival-style event centered on Stray Kids and also featured NEXZ and local artists, with lineups varying by location.

    How many fans did Stray Kids reach in Latin America in September 2026?

    STRAYCITY drew approximately 270,000 people, while Stray Kids’ Rock in Rio headline performance drew about 100,000. That puts their September 2026 Latin American audience at roughly 370,000 people across those events.

    Final Thoughts

    The biggest number from STRAYCITY may be 270,000, but the real significance of the festival goes beyond attendance.

    Stray Kids have spent years building a global audience through world tours, stadium concerts and major festival appearances. STRAYCITY shows what can happen when that audience becomes large enough to support something created around the group itself.

    Across Bogotá, Buenos Aires and Mexico City, Stray Kids were no longer simply visitors on another tour or performers on someone else’s festival lineup. They became the center of a new festival concept carrying their own identity.

    Combined with their historic Rock in Rio headline performance, September 2026 became one of the most significant months in Stray Kids’ history in Latin America.

    The next question is no longer whether Stray Kids can fill major venues in the region.

    It is how far STRAYCITY can grow from here.

  • Stray Kids at Rock in Rio 2026: How They Became the Festival’s First K-Pop Headliner

    Stray Kids at Rock in Rio 2026: How They Became the Festival’s First K-Pop Headliner

    Stray Kids Made History at Rock in Rio 2026

    On September 11, 2026, Stray Kids reached another major milestone in their global career. The eight-member group headlined Rock in Rio in Brazil, becoming the first K-pop act to headline the legendary festival.

    Their performance took place on Palco Mundo, Rock in Rio’s main stage, in front of an estimated 100,000 people. The achievement was especially significant because Rock in Rio has been one of the world’s best-known music festivals since its first edition in 1985.

    For Stray Kids, however, the night represented more than another large international concert. It showed how far both the group and K-pop have moved into the mainstream global festival circuit.

    Rock in Rio also made an unusual change for the occasion. For the first time in the festival’s history, fans were allowed to bring K-pop lightsticks into the venue. The result was a huge lightstick-filled crowd that visually brought K-pop concert culture into one of Latin America’s most famous music festivals.

    Stray Kids performed songs from different stages of their career, including “TOPLINE,” “S-Class,” “MANIAC,” “God’s Menu,” “Chk Chk Boom,” “LALALALA,” and “THIS & THAT.” The group performed with a live band and delivered festival versions and remixes of several songs, giving the show a different character from a standard tour concert.

    But why was Stray Kids becoming Rock in Rio’s first K-pop headliner such an important moment?

    To understand that, it helps to look at both the history of the festival and Stray Kids’ rapid rise on the international festival circuit.

    Why Rock in Rio Matters

    Rock in Rio is not a new festival looking for its first international breakthrough. Its history goes back to 1985, when the first edition was held in Rio de Janeiro and attracted around 1.38 million people over 10 days.

    Over the following decades, Rock in Rio expanded beyond Brazil to other countries and became one of the most recognizable large-scale music festivals in the world. Its stages have hosted major artists from rock, pop, metal, electronic music, and many other genres.

    That history makes Stray Kids’ appearance especially meaningful.

    On September 11, Stray Kids occupied the top position on the Palco Mundo lineup. The same 2026 main stage hosted artists including Foo Fighters, Elton John, Maroon 5, Twenty One Pilots, Halsey, Demi Lovato, and Avenged Sevenfold on other festival days.

    The September 11 lineup also showed something bigger happening around K-pop. Stray Kids were joined on Palco Mundo by HWASA and NEXZ, alongside Brazilian DJ and producer Alok.

    For a genre that once reached many international listeners mainly through online fandoms, albums, music videos, and dedicated K-pop concerts, appearing at the center of a festival like Rock in Rio represents a different kind of visibility.

    Stray Kids were no longer performing only inside a K-pop-specific environment.

    They were standing on the main stage of a major global music festival.

    From K-Pop Concerts to Global Festival Stages

    Stray Kids’ Rock in Rio appearance also fits a broader change in the group’s international career.

    As their audience has grown, the group has increasingly appeared in spaces that place them alongside artists from many different genres and countries. Large festivals offer a different challenge from an arena or stadium filled primarily with dedicated fans.

    A festival performance has to communicate quickly.

    The songs, choreography, live energy, stage production, and individual personalities all have to work even for people who may not know every lyric or every member.

    That makes Stray Kids particularly suited to this environment. Their music frequently combines hip-hop, electronic production, rock elements, powerful choreography, and performance-focused arrangements. Songs such as “God’s Menu,” “MANIAC,” “S-Class,” and “Chk Chk Boom” were already designed around strong musical and visual identities.

    At Rock in Rio, those characteristics could be presented not simply as part of K-pop fandom culture, but as a live festival experience.

    Why Latin America Matters for Stray Kids

    Rock in Rio was not an isolated stop for Stray Kids. It came in the middle of a much larger push into Latin America.

    Just two days before the Rock in Rio performance, Stray Kids launched STRAYCITY in Bogotá, Colombia. The new festival-style project, co-produced with Live Nation, was designed as a multi-city event rather than a conventional K-pop concert tour.

    After Bogotá and Rio de Janeiro, the schedule continued through Buenos Aires and Mexico City. Local artists were also included alongside K-pop acts, giving STRAYCITY a broader festival identity.

    That matters because Stray Kids had already demonstrated the scale of their Latin American audience before 2026. Their previous touring showed that the region was capable of supporting major stadium-level K-pop performances.

    STRAYCITY takes the idea one step further.

    Instead of simply bringing an existing Korean concert production to Latin America, the project places Stray Kids at the center of a festival format that can connect K-pop with artists and audiences from individual markets.

    From Seoul to the World

    There is also a clear connection between this expansion and the story Stray Kids have been telling through their music.

    Their 2026 song “RUN IT” was built around the idea of moving from a small beginning in Seoul toward a much larger global stage. Members Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han of 3RACHA participated in creating the track, which combines pop and alternative hip-hop with brass, marching drums, and world-beat rhythms.

    JYP Entertainment also connected “RUN IT” directly with the group’s expanding international performance schedule, including Governors Ball, Rock in Rio, and STRAYCITY.

    That makes the Rock in Rio performance feel almost like a real-world continuation of the song’s message.

    Stray Kids started as a K-pop group built around self-produced music and a distinctive sound. By 2026, they were not simply taking that music overseas. They were being positioned at the top of major festival lineups and building new live-event formats around their own name.

    What This Moment Means for K-Pop

    The significance of Rock in Rio goes beyond Stray Kids.

    For years, one of the clearest signs of K-pop’s international growth was the expansion of dedicated K-pop concerts and world tours. Groups could travel farther, perform in larger venues, and attract increasingly large fandoms outside Asia.

    Festival headlining represents another stage of that evolution.

    At Rock in Rio, Stray Kids appeared on the same main stage used by major international artists from many different musical traditions. September 11 was also presented as the festival’s first K-pop-focused day, with HWASA and NEXZ performing on the main stage before Stray Kids.

    Even the decision to allow K-pop lightsticks into the festival for the first time carried symbolic weight. A fan culture that developed largely inside K-pop concerts was now visible inside one of the world’s major music festivals.

    Rock in Rio 2026 therefore represents more than another entry on Stray Kids’ tour schedule.

    It marks a moment when a K-pop group did not simply participate in a global festival.

    Stray Kids headlined it.

    And as STRAYCITY continues across Latin America, that milestone may be remembered as another step in the transformation of K-pop from a global fandom phenomenon into a permanent part of the international live-music landscape.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When did Stray Kids perform at Rock in Rio 2026?

    Stray Kids performed at Rock in Rio in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on September 11, 2026. They closed the night on Palco Mundo, the festival’s main stage.

    Were Stray Kids the first K-pop headliner at Rock in Rio?

    Yes. Stray Kids became the first K-pop act to headline Rock in Rio. Their appearance was part of a historic K-pop-focused day that also featured HWASA and NEXZ on the main stage.

    How many people attended Stray Kids’ Rock in Rio performance?

    JYP Entertainment said the performance drew around 100,000 people. The huge crowd also stood out visually because Rock in Rio allowed K-pop lightsticks into the festival for the first time.

    What songs did Stray Kids perform at Rock in Rio?

    Their performance included major Stray Kids songs such as “God’s Menu,” “MANIAC,” “S-Class,” “LALALALA,” “Chk Chk Boom,” “TOPLINE,” and “THIS & THAT,” among others.

    What is STRAYCITY?

    STRAYCITY is Stray Kids’ festival-style live project developed with Live Nation. Its 2026 Latin American schedule includes cities such as Bogotá, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City, combining Stray Kids with other K-pop and local artists.

    A New Chapter in Stray Kids’ Global Story

    Stray Kids’ rise has often been measured through album sales, chart records, sold-out tours, and an increasingly international fandom.

    Rock in Rio offered a different measure.

    On September 11, 2026, eight Korean artists stood at the top of the lineup on one of the world’s most recognizable festival stages, while tens of thousands of fans filled the venue with the lightsticks and chants associated with K-pop concert culture.

    That moment connected several parts of the Stray Kids story: their self-produced musical identity, their growth as live performers, their expanding Latin American audience, and their move into the wider global festival circuit.

    For Stray Kids, Rock in Rio 2026 was another milestone.

    For K-pop, it was another sign of how much the boundaries of the genre’s global stage have changed.

  • Stray Kids STRAYCITY 2026 Explained: Latin America Festival, Setlist, Dates & Why It’s Different

    Stray Kids STRAYCITY 2026 Explained: Latin America Festival, Setlist, Dates & Why It’s Different

    Stray Kids Turn STRAYCITY Into Their Own Global Festival

    Stray Kids have taken their live performances to a new level in 2026 with STRAYCITY, a large-scale festival project built around the group and their music.

    Rather than functioning like a traditional concert tour, STRAYCITY combines a major Stray Kids performance with the atmosphere and scale of a music festival, creating a different kind of experience for STAYs.

    The project launched in Latin America in September 2026, with shows in Bogotá and Buenos Aires, followed by scheduled dates in Mexico City.

    Fans have also been paying close attention to the STRAYCITY setlist, which mixes signature Stray Kids hits with newer songs from their 2026 era.

    So what exactly is STRAYCITY, how is it different from a regular Stray Kids concert, and which songs are being performed?

    In this guide, we’ll break down the STRAYCITY concept, Latin America dates, setlist highlights, and why the festival could become an important new chapter in Stray Kids’ global live career.

    What Is Stray Kids’ STRAYCITY?

    STRAYCITY is a large-scale live festival project centered on Stray Kids, created in partnership with JYP Entertainment and Live Nation.

    Unlike a standard concert tour, the concept is designed around a broader festival-style experience, with Stray Kids serving as the main attraction.

    The project began its Latin American run in Bogotá, Colombia, on September 9, 2026, before moving to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Mexico City is also part of the announced schedule later in September.

    The name “STRAYCITY” reflects the idea of transforming each host city into a temporary world built around Stray Kids, their music, performances, and STAY fandom.

    That distinction is important: STRAYCITY is not simply another stop on the RUN IT World Tour. It is presented as its own festival project, giving Stray Kids another format for connecting with large international audiences.

    How Is STRAYCITY Different From a Regular Stray Kids Concert?

    The biggest difference is the festival-style format.

    A traditional Stray Kids tour is built around a concert production that travels from city to city. STRAYCITY, however, is designed as a larger event concept centered on Stray Kids while creating the atmosphere of a dedicated music festival.

    That gives the project a different identity from the RUN IT World Tour, even though both are part of Stray Kids’ busy 2026 live schedule.

    STRAYCITY also allows the group to build a set around different stages of its career. Recent songs can appear alongside major fan favorites, giving longtime STAYs and newer listeners a broader live experience.

    In that sense, STRAYCITY is not simply about adding more tour dates. It experiments with a format in which Stray Kids themselves become the center of a festival-scale event.

    STRAYCITY 2026 Latin America Dates

    STRAYCITY launched its first run in Latin America, highlighting the growing importance of the region in Stray Kids’ global activities.

    The project began in Bogotá, Colombia, on September 9, 2026, before continuing to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where strong demand led to an additional performance.

    The next destination is Mexico City, Mexico, with STRAYCITY scheduled for September 25 and 26, 2026.

    These events give Latin American STAYs another opportunity to experience Stray Kids in a format that is different from a conventional world-tour stop.

    JYP Entertainment has also indicated that additional STRAYCITY locations could be announced, meaning the Latin America dates may represent the beginning of a broader festival project rather than its final form.

    STRAYCITY 2026 Setlist: Old Hits Meet the New Era

    One of the biggest attractions of STRAYCITY is its setlist.

    Rather than focusing only on Stray Kids’ newest material, the performances bring together songs from different stages of the group’s career.

    Major fan favorites such as “God’s Menu,” “MANIAC,” “S-Class,” “TOPLINE,” and “MIROH” have appeared alongside newer 2026 material including “This & That” and “After You.”

    This mix gives the festival a career-spanning feel. Longtime STAYs can experience songs that helped define Stray Kids’ rise, while newer releases connect the performance to the group’s current musical era.

    The live-band production and large outdoor setting also help distinguish STRAYCITY from simply replaying a standard tour set.

    Because setlists can change between cities and performances, fans attending future STRAYCITY dates should expect possible adjustments rather than assuming every show will feature exactly the same songs.

    Why STRAYCITY Matters for Stray Kids

    STRAYCITY represents something different in Stray Kids’ live career: an event built around the group rather than simply another stop on a conventional tour.

    By placing Stray Kids at the center of a festival-scale experience, the project shows how the group’s live presence has expanded alongside its international audience.

    Latin America is especially significant for the first STRAYCITY events. Bogotá, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City give the project a strong international starting point while allowing Stray Kids to connect with large communities of STAYs across the region.

    The format may also give Stray Kids more flexibility in the future. Different cities, changing setlists, festival production, and additional locations could allow STRAYCITY to evolve without simply duplicating the group’s regular world tours.

    For that reason, STRAYCITY can be viewed as more than a series of 2026 performances. It is an experiment with a new kind of Stray Kids live-event format — one that could potentially grow alongside the group’s global career.

    Frequently Asked Questions About STRAYCITY 2026

    What is Stray Kids’ STRAYCITY?

    STRAYCITY is a festival-style live project centered on Stray Kids, created with JYP Entertainment and Live Nation. It is presented separately from a standard Stray Kids world-tour concert.

    When did STRAYCITY begin?

    The first STRAYCITY event took place in Bogotá, Colombia, on September 9, 2026, followed by performances in Buenos Aires.

    When is STRAYCITY in Mexico City?

    The announced Mexico City STRAYCITY dates are September 25 and 26, 2026.

    What songs are on the STRAYCITY setlist?

    Performances have included Stray Kids favorites such as “God’s Menu,” “MANIAC,” “S-Class,” “TOPLINE,” and “MIROH,” together with newer songs including “This & That” and “After You.” Exact setlists can vary by show.

    Is STRAYCITY the same as the RUN IT World Tour?

    No. STRAYCITY is presented as a separate festival-style project rather than simply another RUN IT World Tour stop.

    Will STRAYCITY come to more cities?

    Additional locations have been indicated as possible, but fans should wait for official announcements before treating any unannounced city or date as confirmed.

    Final Thoughts: STRAYCITY Is More Than Another Stray Kids Concert

    STRAYCITY shows how Stray Kids are experimenting with what a large-scale K-pop live event can become.

    Instead of simply adding more dates to a traditional world tour, the project creates a festival-style experience centered on Stray Kids, their music, and the global STAY community.

    The first Latin America events have brought together career-defining tracks and newer 2026 songs, while the Bogotá, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City schedule gives STRAYCITY a distinctly international beginning.

    What happens after these first cities remains to be seen. But if the project continues to expand, STRAYCITY could develop into a recurring live-event format alongside Stray Kids’ conventional tours.

    For now, STRAYCITY 2026 represents another stage in Stray Kids’ evolution from a touring K-pop group into an act capable of building a festival-scale event around its own musical identity.

  • Stray Kids THIS & THAT Era Explained: New Album, RUN IT World Tour & STRAY CITY in 2026

    Stray Kids THIS & THAT Era Explained: New Album, RUN IT World Tour & STRAY CITY in 2026

    Stray Kids Enter a New Chapter in 2026

    Stray Kids have built their career around constant evolution, self-produced music, and a performance style that is instantly recognizable. In 2026, that story has entered another major chapter with THIS & THAT, the RUN IT World Tour, and the expanding STRAY CITY experience.

    For STAYs, these projects are more than separate releases and concerts. Together, they show how Stray Kids continue to expand their music, live performances, and global identity while staying connected to the sound and creative direction that made the group distinctive.

    The THIS & THAT era also gives newer fans a useful entry point into where Stray Kids stand in 2026—years after their debut and after growing into one of K-pop’s most internationally recognized groups.

    In this guide, we’ll explore the THIS & THAT era, the RUN IT World Tour, STRAY CITY, and what this latest chapter means for Stray Kids and STAYs in 2026.

    What Is THIS & THAT?

    THIS & THAT marks a new musical chapter for Stray Kids in 2026. Released on August 7, 2026, the EP arrived as the group continued to expand its global activities and explore new ideas within the powerful, self-driven style that has defined much of its career.

    Rather than viewing the release as an isolated comeback, THIS & THAT can be understood as part of a broader 2026 era. New music, large-scale live performances, and international fan experiences are unfolding around the same period, giving STAYs several ways to experience the group.

    For newer listeners, the release also offers a snapshot of Stray Kids at this stage of their career: an established global act continuing to experiment while maintaining a strong creative identity.

    The Sound and Meaning of the THIS & THAT Era

    One reason Stray Kids continue to stand out is their ability to combine intensity with experimentation. Their music has long moved between hip-hop, electronic sounds, rock influences, melodic moments, and unexpected structural changes.

    The THIS & THAT era continues that sense of contrast. Even the title suggests the idea of moving between different sides rather than being limited to a single musical identity.

    For longtime STAYs, this fits naturally into the group’s broader story. Stray Kids have repeatedly built their identity around choosing their own direction, challenging expectations, and turning experimentation into part of their signature sound.

    For newer fans discovering the group in 2026, THIS & THAT therefore works not only as new music but also as an introduction to one of the central ideas behind Stray Kids: their identity has always been built around movement, change, and creative freedom.

    RUN IT World Tour: Taking the 2026 Era to the Stage

    The RUN IT World Tour brings Stray Kids’ latest chapter into the live-performance space. For a group known for high-energy stages, choreography, and strong audience interaction, touring remains an important part of how their music reaches fans around the world.

    The tour also gives STAYs an opportunity to experience songs from different periods of the group’s career within the context of their newest era. Rather than focusing only on a single release, a Stray Kids concert can connect earlier fan favorites with newer material and show how the group’s performance style has evolved.

    In 2026, the tour also reflects just how international the Stray Kids audience has become. Their activities increasingly extend beyond traditional K-pop promotion cycles, with concerts and large-scale events becoming a major part of the group’s global presence.

    STRAY CITY: Expanding the Stray Kids Experience

    Another notable part of Stray Kids’ 2026 activities is STRAY CITY, a large-scale live event concept that expands the fan experience beyond a conventional concert.

    The project reflects a broader trend in K-pop: major artists are increasingly creating experiences that combine music, performance, fandom, and destination-scale events. For Stray Kids, this format is especially fitting because their concerts have long emphasized powerful performance and direct interaction with STAYs.

    STRAY CITY also demonstrates how the group’s international reach has developed. Events connected with the concept in Latin America give fans outside Korea another opportunity to participate in a major Stray Kids experience closer to home.

    For STAYs, the significance is clear: Stray Kids’ global activities are no longer defined only by album releases and traditional tours. The group is continuing to experiment with how its music and fandom can be experienced on a larger scale.

    Why 2026 Matters for Stray Kids

    By 2026, Stray Kids are no longer simply proving that they can succeed internationally. The more interesting question is how they continue developing after reaching a much larger global audience.

    The combination of THIS & THAT, the RUN IT World Tour, and STRAY CITY illustrates three important parts of that development: new music, global touring, and larger fan-centered experiences.

    It also shows why the group continues to attract both longtime STAYs and new listeners. Fans can enter the Stray Kids story through different doors—an album, a performance, a concert, or even a major international event—and then explore the group’s earlier music and history.

    That makes 2026 another useful milestone in the Stray Kids timeline: a year defined not simply by expansion, but by finding new ways to connect their music, performances, and global fandom.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Stray Kids’ THIS & THAT?

    THIS & THAT is a 2026 Stray Kids EP released on August 7, 2026. It forms an important part of the group’s latest era alongside their expanding global activities.

    What is the RUN IT World Tour?

    The RUN IT World Tour is part of Stray Kids’ 2026 live activities, bringing the group’s music and performance to audiences across international markets.

    What is STRAY CITY?

    STRAY CITY is a large-scale Stray Kids live-event concept that expands the fan experience beyond the format of a conventional concert, with activities reaching international audiences including Latin America.

    Is THIS & THAT a good starting point for new Stray Kids fans?

    Yes. New fans can use the THIS & THAT era as a starting point and then explore Stray Kids’ earlier albums, performances, and career history to understand how their sound has evolved.

    Where can new STAYs learn about the Stray Kids members?

    New fans who want to learn the members’ names, ages, roles, and basic profiles can also read our Stray Kids Members Guide 2026.

    Final Thoughts

    Stray Kids’ 2026 chapter shows a group continuing to evolve rather than relying only on past success. With THIS & THAT, the RUN IT World Tour, and STRAY CITY, their latest era connects new music with increasingly ambitious live experiences around the world.

    For longtime STAYs, it is another stage in a career built on experimentation and self-expression. For new fans, it offers an ideal moment to discover Stray Kids and then explore the albums, members, and milestones that brought them here.

    As Stray Kids continue their 2026 activities, one thing remains consistent: their story keeps moving forward, and STAYs around the world continue moving with them.

  • Stray Kids Members Guide 2026: Names, Ages, Roles, and Everything New STAYs Should Know

    Stray Kids Members Guide 2026: Names, Ages, Roles, and Everything New STAYs Should Know

    Stray Kids Members Guide 2026: Meet the 8 Members

    Stray Kids is one of the most recognizable K-pop boy groups in the world, known for powerful performances, distinctive music, and strong involvement in creating their own songs.

    For new STAYs, however, learning all eight members can take a little time.

    Who is the leader? Who are the producers? Who is the youngest member? And what makes each member different?

    This beginner-friendly guide introduces the eight Stray Kids members in 2026 and explains their backgrounds, strengths, and roles within the group.

    How Many Members Are in Stray Kids in 2026?

    Stray Kids currently has eight members:

    Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N.

    The group originally debuted with nine members in 2018, but Woojin left the group in 2019. Since then, Stray Kids has continued as an eight-member group.

    Stray Kids Members at a Glance

    MemberBirthdayKnown For
    Bang ChanOctober 3, 1997Leader, producer, performer
    Lee KnowOctober 25, 1998Dance, performance
    ChangbinAugust 11, 1999Rap, songwriting, production
    HyunjinMarch 20, 2000Dance, rap, performance
    HanSeptember 14, 2000Rap, vocals, songwriting
    FelixSeptember 15, 2000Deep voice, dance, performance
    SeungminSeptember 22, 2000Vocals
    I.NFebruary 8, 2001Vocals, youngest member

    Now let’s meet each member individually.

    1. Bang Chan

    Bang Chan is the leader of Stray Kids and one of the central creative forces behind the group.

    Born in South Korea and raised in Australia, he spent many years training at JYP Entertainment before Stray Kids debuted.

    He is also part of 3RACHA, the group’s production unit, together with Changbin and Han.

    Bang Chan is widely associated with songwriting, production, vocals, rap, and leadership. His involvement in the creative process has helped shape the distinctive sound of Stray Kids.

    For new fans, one simple way to remember him is:

    Bang Chan = leader + producer.

    2. Lee Know

    Lee Know is especially known for his dancing and precise performance style.

    Before debuting with Stray Kids, he gained professional dance experience, which is reflected in his strong stage presence and technical ability.

    Although his performances can appear intense, fans also know him for his distinctive sense of humor and personality.

    An easy way for beginners to remember him is:

    Lee Know = powerful dancer.

    3. Changbin

    Changbin is one of the most recognizable rappers in Stray Kids.

    His powerful delivery and distinctive vocal tone make his rap sections easy to identify in many Stray Kids songs.

    He is also a member of 3RACHA, contributing to songwriting and music production alongside Bang Chan and Han.

    Changbin therefore plays an important role not only on stage but also behind the scenes in the group’s music.

    Remember:

    Changbin = powerful rap + songwriting.

    4. Hyunjin

    Hyunjin is widely known for his expressive dancing and charismatic stage presence.

    His performance style often emphasizes dramatic movement and facial expression, making him particularly noticeable in choreography-focused stages and performance videos.

    He also participates in rap and other musical activities within the group.

    For new STAYs:

    Hyunjin = expressive performance + dance.

    5. Han

    Han is one of the group’s most versatile members.

    He is known for rapid and expressive rap, but he is also a capable vocalist and songwriter.

    Along with Bang Chan and Changbin, Han belongs to 3RACHA, the production team closely associated with the musical identity of Stray Kids.

    His ability to move between rap and vocals makes him especially recognizable once new fans begin exploring more of the group’s music.

    Remember:

    Han = rap + vocals + songwriting.

    6. Felix

    Felix is one of the easiest Stray Kids members for many new fans to recognize.

    Born in Australia, he is famous for his unusually deep voice, which often creates memorable moments in Stray Kids songs.

    He is also an important performer and dancer.

    His contrast between a deep vocal tone and energetic stage presence has become one of his most recognizable characteristics.

    For beginners:

    Felix = deep voice + performance.

    7. Seungmin

    Seungmin is particularly associated with the vocal side of Stray Kids.

    His clear and controlled singing voice often provides melodic balance against the group’s powerful rap and performance sections.

    As new fans listen to more Stray Kids songs, his vocal tone becomes increasingly easy to recognize.

    Remember:

    Seungmin = vocals.

    8. I.N

    I.N is the youngest member of Stray Kids.

    In K-pop, the youngest member of a group is commonly called the maknae.

    He is known primarily for his vocals and has developed considerably as a performer since the group’s early years.

    Because he is the youngest member, beginners can remember him as:

    I.N = vocalist + maknae.

    What Is 3RACHA?

    One of the most important things new fans should understand about Stray Kids is 3RACHA.

    3RACHA consists of:

    Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han.

    The trio existed before the official debut of Stray Kids and became an important creative foundation for the group.

    They have participated extensively in songwriting and production, helping Stray Kids develop a musical identity that often combines hip-hop, electronic sounds, powerful performances, and experimental production.

    This creative involvement is one reason Stray Kids is frequently described as a group with a strong self-producing identity.

    Who Is the Leader of Stray Kids?

    The leader of Stray Kids is Bang Chan.

    Beyond performing, he has played an important role in the group’s creative direction and teamwork.

    His long training period and involvement in 3RACHA also make him an important figure in the history and development of the group.

    Who Is the Youngest Member of Stray Kids?

    The youngest member is I.N, born on February 8, 2001.

    That makes him the group’s maknae.

    However, being the youngest does not necessarily mean having a minor role. Like many K-pop maknaes, I.N has developed significantly as a vocalist and performer throughout the group’s career.

    Who Is the Oldest Member of Stray Kids?

    Bang Chan, born on October 3, 1997, is the oldest member.

    He is also the group’s leader.

    This makes the age range among the current members relatively compact, with Bang Chan as the oldest and I.N as the youngest.

    What Is the Stray Kids Fandom Called?

    Stray Kids fans are called STAY.

    The fandom name reflects the connection between Stray Kids and their fans and has become an important part of the group’s global identity.

    If you are just beginning to follow the group, you will frequently see the word STAY used across concerts, fan communities, social media, and official content.

    When Did Stray Kids Debut?

    Stray Kids officially debuted in 2018 under JYP Entertainment.

    The group emerged through the reality program Stray Kids, which documented the process leading toward their debut.

    Over the following years, they developed from a rising K-pop group into a major international touring and recording act.

    Why Is Stray Kids So Popular Internationally?

    Several factors have contributed to the group’s international popularity.

    Their music often combines aggressive rap, electronic production, strong melodies, and highly energetic choreography.

    Another major factor is creative participation. Members—particularly 3RACHA—have been deeply involved in creating much of the group’s music.

    Stray Kids has also built a strong relationship with international fans through performances, touring, digital content, and multilingual communication.

    Together, these elements have helped create a distinctive identity within modern K-pop.

    The Easiest Way to Remember the Stray Kids Members

    If eight names feel overwhelming at first, try learning them through one memorable characteristic:

    Bang Chan — leader and producer
    Lee Know — dancer
    Changbin — powerful rapper
    Hyunjin — expressive performer
    Han — rapper, vocalist, and songwriter
    Felix — deep voice
    Seungmin — vocalist
    I.N — youngest member

    Once you begin watching music videos, performances, interviews, and variety content, recognizing each member becomes much easier.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many Stray Kids members are there in 2026?

    There are eight current members: Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N.

    Who is the leader?

    Bang Chan is the leader of Stray Kids.

    Who is the youngest member?

    I.N is the youngest member, or maknae.

    Who are the members of 3RACHA?

    Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han.

    What are Stray Kids fans called?

    Their fandom is called STAY.

    Did Stray Kids originally have nine members?

    Yes. Stray Kids debuted with nine members in 2018. Woojin left the group in 2019, and Stray Kids has continued as eight members.

    Final Thoughts

    Learning the members is one of the best ways to begin exploring Stray Kids.

    Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N each bring different strengths to the group, while their combined performances and creative involvement have helped Stray Kids build a distinctive place in K-pop.

    For new STAYs, there is no need to memorize everything immediately. Start with one or two members, listen to the music, watch performances, and gradually learn the personalities and voices behind the songs.

    Before long, recognizing all eight members will feel natural.

  • What Does “Fandom” Mean in K-Pop? How K-Pop Fan Communities Got Their Names

    What Does “Fandom” Mean in K-Pop? How K-Pop Fan Communities Got Their Names

    What Does “Fandom” Mean in K-Pop?

    If you are new to K-pop, you will quickly notice that fans are rarely described simply as “fans.”

    Many K-pop artists have an official fandom name.

    BTS fans are known as ARMY, BLACKPINK fans are called BLINK, and many other groups have names created especially for the communities that support them.

    But why are fandom names so important in K-pop?

    To understand that, we first need to understand what the word fandom means.

    What Is a K-Pop Fandom?

    A fandom is a community of people who share an interest in a particular artist, group, or form of entertainment.

    Fandoms exist throughout music, movies, sports, books, and popular culture.

    K-pop, however, has developed an especially organized and visible form of fandom culture.

    Fans do much more than listen to songs.

    They attend concerts, collect albums and photocards, watch music videos, follow artists on social media, participate in fan communities, celebrate anniversaries, and support new releases.

    For many people, becoming part of a fandom is an important part of the K-pop experience.

    Why Do K-Pop Fandoms Have Names?

    Official fandom names create a shared identity.

    Instead of simply saying “BTS fans,” people can say ARMY.

    Instead of “BLACKPINK fans,” they can say BLINK.

    A fandom name creates a direct connection between the artist and the community supporting them.

    These names are often announced by entertainment companies or artists and may have special meanings connected with the group’s name, concept, or message.

    Once established, the fandom name can become almost as recognizable as the artist’s name itself.

    What Does BTS ARMY Mean?

    BTS has one of the most internationally recognized fandoms in modern music.

    Their fans are known as ARMY.

    The fandom name was officially announced in 2013, shortly after BTS debuted.

    Over time, ARMY became much more than a label.

    As BTS gained international popularity, fans around the world used the name to identify themselves as part of a shared global community.

    Today, the relationship between BTS and ARMY is frequently discussed as an important part of the group’s history.

    What Does BLACKPINK’s BLINK Mean?

    BLACKPINK’s official fandom is called BLINK.

    The name combines parts of the words BLACK and PINK.

    It creates a short, memorable identity directly connected to the group’s name.

    As BLACKPINK expanded internationally, BLINK became a familiar term across social media, concerts, fan communities, and entertainment coverage.

    Like ARMY, the name allows fans in different countries to identify as members of the same global community.

    Other Famous K-Pop Fandom Names

    K-pop is filled with creative fandom names.

    TWICE fans are known as ONCE.

    Stray Kids fans are called STAY.

    SEVENTEEN fans are known as CARAT.

    aespa fans are called MY.

    Each fandom name has its own story and relationship with the artist.

    For new K-pop fans, learning these names can initially feel like learning another vocabulary.

    But after spending time in K-pop communities, they quickly become familiar.

    What Do K-Pop Fandoms Actually Do?

    K-pop fandoms participate in many different activities.

    The most obvious is supporting music.

    Fans may listen to new releases, purchase albums, watch music videos, attend concerts, and follow performances.

    But fandom activity extends far beyond music consumption.

    Fans create translations, artwork, dance covers, video edits, discussion communities, guides for new fans, and social media content.

    Some fan communities also organize charitable projects or events in an artist’s name.

    This level of participation helps explain why K-pop fandoms are so visible online.

    Why Are Lightsticks Important to K-Pop Fandoms?

    One of the most distinctive symbols of K-pop fandom culture is the official lightstick.

    Many groups have their own specially designed lightstick.

    At concerts, thousands of fans holding matching lightsticks can transform an arena into a sea of color.

    Modern lightsticks can sometimes synchronize with concert production, creating coordinated patterns across the audience.

    The result makes fans visually part of the performance.

    A lightstick therefore becomes more than concert merchandise.

    For many fans, it represents belonging to a particular fandom.

    Why Do Fandoms Have Official Colors?

    Earlier generations of K-pop fandoms were often strongly associated with particular colors.

    Fans could identify groups through balloons, banners, and other objects displaying those colors.

    As K-pop evolved, official lightsticks and more elaborate visual branding became increasingly important.

    The basic idea, however, remained similar.

    A shared symbol or color helps thousands of individual fans feel like part of one community.

    K-Pop Fandoms and Social Media

    Social media transformed K-pop fandom culture.

    In earlier generations, international fans had fewer ways to follow Korean artists closely.

    Today, fans can receive updates almost instantly.

    A music video released in Seoul can be watched within seconds by audiences in New York, London, Bangkok, Manila, São Paulo, Sydney, and countless other cities.

    Fans can also translate interviews, discuss performances, share clips, and organize community projects across national borders.

    This digital network is one of the major reasons modern K-pop fandoms can operate globally.

    What Is a Multi-Stan?

    Not every fan belongs to only one fandom.

    A person who follows and supports several K-pop groups may describe themselves as a multi-stan.

    For example, someone might enjoy BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, Stray Kids, and aespa at the same time.

    They may have a bias in each group and participate in several fandom communities.

    K-pop fandom identities are therefore not always exclusive.

    Many listeners explore multiple generations, groups, and musical styles.

    Do You Have to Join a Fandom to Enjoy K-Pop?

    No.

    There is no requirement to use a fandom name, buy albums, collect merchandise, stream music videos, or participate in online communities.

    You can simply enjoy the music.

    Fandom culture provides additional ways for people to connect with artists and other listeners, but everyone can participate at their own level.

    Being a K-pop fan should ultimately begin with enjoying the music and performances.

    Can K-Pop Fandoms Have Negative Sides?

    Like any large online community, fandoms can sometimes experience conflict.

    Arguments may develop between different fan communities or even among fans of the same artist.

    Competition over charts, awards, popularity, and social media can occasionally become intense.

    However, these conflicts should not define all K-pop fandom culture.

    Millions of fans simply enjoy sharing music, attending concerts, meeting other fans, and celebrating artists they appreciate.

    Understanding both the positive and competitive sides gives a more realistic picture of modern fandom.

    Why K-Pop Fandoms Became Global Communities

    The most remarkable feature of modern K-pop fandom may be its international scale.

    A fan in Korea, India, the United States, the Philippines, Brazil, France, or Australia can belong to the same fandom.

    They may speak different languages and live thousands of kilometers apart, yet recognize the same fandom name, songs, symbols, and artists.

    Digital platforms made this type of community possible on an unprecedented scale.

    K-pop fandoms therefore demonstrate how popular culture can create connections that cross national and linguistic boundaries.

    More Than Just a Fan Name

    A K-pop fandom name may appear to be a simple nickname.

    But names such as ARMY, BLINK, ONCE, STAY, CARAT, and MY represent communities that can span the world.

    They give fans a shared identity and artists a recognizable way to address the people supporting them.

    That is why understanding fandom culture is useful for anyone beginning to explore K-pop.

    Sooner or later, every new fan encounters the same question:

    Which fandoms are you part of?