Stray Kids have solidified their place as one of the most dynamic and successful acts in K-pop today, rising to prominence through sheer grit, raw talent, and a refusal to play by the rules.
Formed in 2017 via JYP Entertainment’s survival show Stray Kids, the group quickly distinguished themselves with a self-produced, self-driven identity, thanks in large part to the creative powerhouse 3RACHA—comprised of members Bang Chan, Changbin, and HAN.
Since their official debut in 2018, Stray Kids have led the charge for K-pop’s fourth generation, breaking new ground and redefining what it means to be an artist in the genre. From bold, genre-blending title tracks like “God’s Menu,” “Miroh,” “Thunderous,” and “Maniac,” they’ve earned a reputation as fearless sonic innovators—never ones to take the safe route.
Their signature mantra, “Stray Kids everywhere around the world,” pulled from their debut single “District 9,” has evolved from a hopeful slogan into a global truth. While their sound has matured, their core commitment to experimentation and creative autonomy remains unchanged.
Now, the group is embarking on their biggest tour to date—the “dominATE World Tour.” Kicking off with a four-night run at Seoul’s KSPO Dome from August 24 to September 1, 2024, the tour marks their most ambitious venture yet.
Stray Kids will bring their explosive energy to some of Europe’s most iconic stadiums, delivering a blend of high-octane choreography, genre-defying tracks, and unforgettable performances for those lucky enough to get their hands on Stray Kids tickets.
As the group continues their “Dominate World Tour,” we take a look at eight of their biggest hits fans should expect in the tour’s setlist.
1: “District 9”
Stray Kids made their official debut in 2018 with “District 9″—a blistering track that fused blaring sirens, gritty rock elements, and rapid-fire rap into a bold statement of intent. The dystopian imagery and defiant energy made one thing clear: Stray Kids weren’t here to play it safe. “Better watch out,” they warned—not with menace, but with the promise of a group ready to disrupt the K-pop landscape.
Building on the raw introspection of their Mixtape project, “District 9” offered a deeper look into the group’s identity crisis and search for belonging.
“They say, ‘You’re different from me, so leave here,’ but you need to know that being different is not wrong,” they sing—laying the groundwork for a philosophy that would come to define their artistry.
2: “Chronosaurus”
Stray Kids have a distinctive perspective on growing up. As their discography maps out their journey into adulthood, it’s the honesty and depth in tracks like “Grow Up,” “Gone Days,” and “19” that stand out—proof of a maturity that belies their age.
Of those introspective moments, “Chronosaurus” remains one of the most striking. The song draws on dual imagery—Chronos, the Greek god of time, and the now-extinct Kronosaurus—to explore the creeping fear of being outpaced by time.
It’s an unsettling mix of jagged guitar lines and the sound of a ticking clock that creates a tense, urgent backdrop as the group wrestles with the idea of escaping time altogether, hoping to run so fast that “time can’t even see me.”
“We meant to say that time can sometimes be the scariest creature,” Felix explained in an interview with Apple Music. “While we’re chasing our dreams, time is chasing after us. So, is it that we’re running away from time, or are we just desperately trying to reach our goals?”
3: “3rd Eye”
If one track truly encapsulates Stray Kids’ fearless approach to nonconformity, it’s “3rd Eye.” The song carries an eerie, almost unsettling energy that’s rare in K-pop, constantly catching listeners off guard with its unpredictable shifts in mood.
One moment, it’s sparse and haunting—almost weightless; the next, it spirals into chaos. Yet somehow, every twist feels intentional. Only Stray Kids could pull off something so unconventional and still make it feel this cohesive.
4: “Thunderous”
With bigger acclaim came louder criticism—and in K-pop, that often means accusations of being “too noisy” or “too messy.” Following the high of “GO生,” Stray Kids faced those exact jabs. But instead of backing down, they fired back—loudly.
Released in August 2021, their second studio album, “NOEASY” (a clever pun on “noisy”), was both a tongue-in-cheek clapback and a statement of intent. Its lead single, “Thunderous,” said it all: “Why are you mad? Why are you sad? Why are you ticking me off? … I don’t care at all.” In classic Stray Kids fashion, the track mixed pounding traditional Korean sounds with futuristic synths and swaggering horns.
The result? A sonic storm that proved impossible to ignore. “NOEASY” not only embraced their so-called “noise” but amplified it, and fans responded in kind, pushing the album to over a million sales, the first ever in JYP Entertainment’s history.
5: “FAM (Korean ver.)”
First introduced on Stray Kids’ debut Japanese album, “All In,” in 2020, “FAM” quickly won fans over, so much so that it earned a Korean re-release on their 2022 compilation album, “SKZ-REPLAY.” As the name implies, it’s a celebration of the group’s unshakeable bond, one rooted in family-like closeness.
The track kicks off with Bang Chan showing affection for the group’s youngest, I.N., before each member takes turns spotlighting the next with witty, affectionate lines. From calling Hyunjin “a weasel with charming lips” to likening Seungmin to a loyal Labrador, their quirky yet warm exchanges paint a picture of genuine camaraderie.
Set against a laid-back electronic backdrop, “FAM” doesn’t aim to overwhelm—instead, it gently pulls listeners in with its sincerity. It’s a rare glimpse behind the curtain: a light-hearted yet heartfelt tribute to the trust, memories, and connection that fuel Stray Kids’ journey.
6:”YOU.”
Four years into their career, Stray Kids have explored an impressive range of genres, but their alt-rock-leaning tracks stand out as some of their most compelling. “YOU” is a prime example: it opens with an eerie stillness before erupting into a rush of pounding drums and gritty guitar riffs.
Assigning the intro duties to Hyunjin, I.N., and Changbin was a masterstroke—each brings a raw, distinct edge that captures the track’s grungy intensity with striking precision. Their delivery turns “YOU” into more than just an opener—it’s a fierce, emotional jolt that sets the tone for everything that follows.
7: “Chk Chk Boom”
In 2021, Stray Kids paid playful homage to Marvel’s Deadpool on Kingdom: Legendary War. This moment came full circle in 2024 when the actual Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) joined forces with them in the music video for “Chk Chk Boom.”
With their cinematic flair growing in tandem with global fame, a collaboration like this felt inevitable. While past hits like “God’s Menu” and “Back Door” laid the sonic foundation for more recent bangers such as “Case 143” and “LALALALA,” “Chk Chk Boom” reaffirmed the group’s fearless streak—this time diving into Latin-tinged hip-hop and reggaetón.
That hunger has translated into history-making numbers. “ATE,” the EP housing “Chk Chk Boom,” debuted atop the Billboard 200—their fifth straight No. 1 after “ODDINARY,” “MAXIDENT,” “5-STAR,” and “ROCK-STAR.”
8: “Muddy Water”
Though “Muddy Water” closes out Stray Kids’ sixth EP, “ODDINARY,” it delivers one of the project’s most unforgettable statements. With Changbin, Hyunjin, HAN, and Felix on the mic, the track is a masterclass in artistic evolution—a bold step outside their comfort zone.
Set against a jazzy old-school hip-hop beat, the four rappers weave together threads of past and present, mixing swagger with introspection. Their lyricism carries bite: “We’re the rainwater that comes after the stagnant water has dried up / I’ll change all the standards of the world / You get soaked without even realising it.” It’s an explicit declaration—Stray Kids don’t follow trends; they redefine them.
And redefine they did. “ODDINARY” marked a commercial turning point, becoming their first No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and later ranking as the 14th best-selling album globally in 2022, according to the IFPI.
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