STRAY KIDS
Sitting more calmly before journalists, STRAY KIDS shared insights about their new album “KARMA” and their work over the past years.
On August 22, STRAY KIDS (Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, I.N) held a press conference at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, to celebrate the release of their fourth studio album, “KARMA”.
“KARMA” is their first full-length album in about two years, following their third album “5-STAR” in June 2023. It reflects the group’s strong philosophy and growth story, showcasing how they have carved their own path despite external pressures and internal conflicts. The album includes 11 tracks, including the title song “Ceremony”, as well as “삐처리”, “Creed”, “엉망 (Mess)”, “In my head”, “반전 (Half Time)”, “Phoenix”, “Ghost”, “0801”, “Ceremony (Festival Ver.)”, and “Ceremony (English Ver.)”.
BANG CHAN said:
“This is our first comeback and first album of the year. We prepared it diligently during our 11-month tour. We see this album, in which we put so much care, as a big gift for our STAY. We’re excited to see their reactions and happy we prepared it without regrets. We’re thrilled to greet so many people through this new studio album.”
CHANGBIN explained:
“We chose the title ‘Karma’ because we wanted an album reflecting the achievements we’ve made with STAY so far, the fruits of our efforts and perseverance. The sports concept came from our ‘DOMINATE’ stadium tour. Seeing the venues, we imagined our interaction with STAY as a kind of ceremony, which inspired the concept.”
SEUNGMIN added:
“Sports culture seems to be booming worldwide. We wanted to incorporate the idea of all eight members giving their best in their respective positions, like players in a football or baseball game, moving together toward the same goal.”
The title track “Ceremony” blends powerful trap EDM with baile funk rhythms, delivering a message celebrating success achieved through perseverance and effort, and overcoming obstacles along the way.
A standout moment is the music video for “Ceremony”, which features a surprise appearance by professional gamer Faker, immediately capturing attention.
At this moment, SEUNGMIN made the audience laugh. When MC Shin Ah Young asked: “Should this question be answered by a high-tier or low-tier player?” he joked: “Our members’ tiers have been changing a lot lately.”
CHANGBIN added:
“Honestly, none of us are particularly high-tier. But recently, thanks to Felix and me working hard, we reached Platinum level.”
FELIX said:
“During our tour, Faker helped shoot our music video. He did it in a fun and stylish way, which really impressed us. Even though we didn’t meet him in person, we are extremely grateful and honored. If the chance comes, we definitely want to meet him together. It’s truly an honor.”
Global performance expectations are high. From “ODDINARY” in 2022 to “HOP” last year, STRAY KIDS had six consecutive albums debut at #1 on the US Billboard 200, the first act in the chart’s 69-year history to achieve this.
HYUNJIN said:
“Records are important, but whatever they are, I just want to keep enjoying the music and albums we make and continue living as STRAY KIDS.”
He added:
“The name STRAY KIDS is also really cool. We are wandering kids, and STAY fully supports us. It strengthens our bond with fans. We want to humbly accept these records and continue working hard as STRAY KIDS.”
Since August 2024 until last month, STRAY KIDS performed 54 shows in 34 cities worldwide over about 11 months. During the “DOMINATE” tour, they sold out two shows at the Stade de France in Paris, gathering 120,000 spectators, setting a record for K-pop concerts in terms of scale and attendance. They also became the first K-pop artists to perform in 5 of 6 major stadiums in Europe (including Rome’s Stadio Olimpico and London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium) and 5 of 10 major stadiums in North America (including Toronto’s Rogers Centre), traveling a total of 285,000 km, equivalent to 7 times around the Earth. Out of 27 stadiums, they performed in 13, achieving records of “firsts,” “bests,” and “most.”
HYUNJIN reflected:
“It was our first time performing in stadiums, so we practiced with a lot of nerves. Once on the stage, I thought, ‘We really need to thank our STAY who watch and love us from distant countries,’ and also, ‘We need to work even harder on stage.'”
He added:
“If I were to recall just one thing before I die, it would probably be the gaze of STAY in those stadiums.”
Finally, key remarks from CHANGBIN and HAN:
CHANGBIN:
“The members are completely obsessed with the music, the stage, and Stray Kids. When we talk seriously about our vision, you could say we’re totally crazy. Our affection is truly insane.”
HAN:
“Despite all the ups and downs over the past eight years, none of us broke down. Whenever something happened, we could lean on each other and help each other grow. At first, we were just a branch, but now I think we’ve become a solid tree with deep roots. We’ve grown so much, and we want to keep being pillars for each other, healthy and together for a long time. We really love each other.”
STRAY KIDS’ fourth studio album, “KARMA”, is available today at 1 PM KST on all major music streaming platforms.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source : Press conference STRAY KIDS
