K-Pop Spotlight: Stray Kids

A crime of passion has been committed, and Stray Kids is on the case—143, that is. Whodunnit, you ask? We caught up with the group ahead of the release of their latest mini-album, MAXIDENT, to chat about matters of the heart, their sold-out UNVEIL shows, and producing music on the road. And if you’ve ever wondered what a movie night with Stray Kids would be like, we’ve got you covered there, too. Check out our full interview below!

Tell us about your new mini-album MAXIDENT and your experiences writing and composing music while on tour. 

Bang Chan: Like the title of the album, Stray Kids have come across a case that they’ve never encountered before. A MAXIDENT has occurred with the birth of Stray Kids’ first love title song! Writing tracks and demos while on tour has always been fun. Different sceneries and environments definitely help out with the inspiration for new projects.

HAN: This new album showcases the growth of the more mature sides of Stray Kids. Being able to visit and experience so many different places while on tour has definitely brought us many inspirations for projects.

Each of you performed so many individual songs and covers (i.e., ‘Streetlight,’ ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit,’ ‘Youngblood’) throughout your tour—which were your favorites to perform? 

Lee Know: I had a lot of fun singing and dancing to J.Y. Park’s ‘Honey.’ 

Seungmin: My most memorable moment was when I sang Justin Bieber’s ‘Off My Face’! I was so happy that I was able to sing for fans with a live band. I also sang a lot of other Justin Bieber songs, and especially because these are songs I love, I was happy to sing. 

Give us your TMI! Share one out-of-the-ordinary thing you did this week that no one else knows. 

Changbin: I had an arm-wrestling fight with the members, and I was the final winner. As expected—I am powerful! 

I.N: I bought konjac black bean noodles!

Congratulations on your UNVEIL 11 shows at KSPO! What were your expectations going into the concerts, and how did they compare to the real thing? 

Hyunjin: It felt like a dream to perform at the KSPO Dome. I didn’t expect so many STAY to come, but thanks to the many STAY who came, I had so much fun performing. 

Felix: Not only was it a goal but also a gift from STAY, who came to watch our concert at the KSPO Dome. The KSPO Dome was filled with a lot of STAY, making it not only memorable but enjoyable to see fans. We were able to ride on new carts to see STAY on the second floor, which was also memorable.

I.N: I was looking forward to performing so much, but the actual concert exceeded my expectations. I had tons of fun. I felt so, so proud to see the happiness in STAY’s eyes; this made me vow to myself that I will make STAY even happier in the future. 

We’ve seen a lot of heart imagery during this comeback, from the music video to the album art. Can you tell us a little about that choice and what those hearts represent? 

Bang Chan: Having love is a concept that is a MAXIDENT to us; we thought using hearts in a hectic turn of events was essential. “Love” might be a word that has a lovely and warm image, but to make it suit the Stray Kids color, we mixed things around to match the mood that we were aiming for.

Changbin: The reason why we use heart imagery is that this album contains our first love-themed title track. Also, the heart monsters that appear in the music video will spark STAY’s curiosity!

A crime has been committed, and you’re on the case—which of your members are on the hunt, and who committed the crime? 

HAN: I think the suspect would be I.N because he is so lovable. The thoughtful ones of the group, Hyunjin, and Seungmin, will be the ones on the hunt.

Seungmin: The suspect is Lee Know, and I will be the one in charge of going after him and examining the site!!!!!

Lightning round! You’re hosting a movie night for STAYs. What’s your snack of choice, your favorite pajamas, and the movie you’re watching? 

Lee Know: I want to watch a scary movie together. Without a doubt, the snack will be popcorn—caramel flavored. I want to wear the pajamas that I always wear. 

Hyunjin: A sweet romance movie, popcorn and soda, and cute pajamas.

Felix: While watching The Avengers, I hope everyone wears pajamas with long sleeves and eat caramel butter popcorn!