Stray Kids, a South Korean boy band formed by JYP Entertainment, has been making waves in the K-pop scene since their debut in 2018. With their unique blend of genres, energetic performances, and passionate fan base, they have quickly become one of the most popular groups in the industry. Here are five interesting facts about Stray Kids' debut that showcase their journey to stardom.
Key Points
- Stray Kids debuted on March 26, 2018, with the EP "I Am Not" and its title track "District 9".
- The group's name, Stray Kids, represents their desire to break free from the norms and find their own path in the music industry.
- Stray Kids is known for their self-producing abilities, with many members involved in the creation of their music, including Bang Chan, Woojin, and Han.
- The group's debut EP "I Am Not" was a commercial success, ranking high on various music charts, including the US Billboard World Albums chart.
- Stray Kids has won numerous awards since their debut, including the Best New Male Artist award at the 2018 Melon Music Awards and the 2018 Mnet Asian Music Awards.
Stray Kids’ Pre-Debut and Formation

Before their official debut, Stray Kids appeared on a reality TV show of the same name, which aired on Mnet from October 2017 to January 2018. The show followed the members as they trained and prepared for their debut, with the final lineup being decided through a combination of evaluations and fan votes. The original lineup consisted of nine members: Bang Chan, Woojin, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. Unfortunately, Woojin left the group in October 2019, and the group has since continued as an eight-member group.
Debut EP and Music Style
Stray Kids’ debut EP, “I Am Not”, was released on March 26, 2018, and features five tracks, including the title track “District 9”. The EP showcases the group’s energetic and addictive sound, which blends genres such as hip-hop, rock, and electronic dance music. The title track “District 9” is a high-energy song with a strong beat and powerful vocals, showcasing the group’s impressive performance skills. The music video for “District 9” has gained millions of views on YouTube, further solidifying the group’s popularity.
| Album Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | March 26, 2018 |
| Label | JYP Entertainment |
| Genre | K-pop, Hip-hop, Rock, EDM |
| Tracklist | "Not!", "District 9", "Mirror", "Awkward Silence", "Rock" |

Awards and Accolades

Since their debut, Stray Kids has won numerous awards and accolades, including the Best New Male Artist award at the 2018 Melon Music Awards and the 2018 Mnet Asian Music Awards. These awards recognize the group’s hard work and dedication to their craft, as well as their impressive performances and music releases. Stray Kids has also been nominated for several other awards, including the MTV Video Music Awards and the Billboard Music Awards, further solidifying their position as a rising star in the K-pop industry.
Impact and Legacy
Stray Kids’ debut has had a significant impact on the K-pop industry, with many considering them one of the most promising new groups of 2018. Their unique sound, energetic performances, and passionate fan base have set them apart from other groups, and their self-producing abilities have allowed them to take creative control of their music. As Stray Kids continues to release new music and perform at various concerts and festivals, their legacy as one of the most talented and innovative K-pop groups of their generation is likely to endure.
What is the name of Stray Kids’ debut EP?
+Stray Kids’ debut EP is titled “I Am Not” and was released on March 26, 2018.
How many members were in the original lineup of Stray Kids?
+The original lineup of Stray Kids consisted of nine members: Bang Chan, Woojin, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N.
What is the name of Stray Kids’ debut single?
+Stray Kids’ debut single is titled “District 9” and was released on March 26, 2018, as part of their debut EP “I Am Not”.