Tag: STRAY KIDS

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STRAY KIDS’ Han Confirmed as KOMCA Youngest Full Member

Han Ji-sung of STRAY KIDS has an impressive collection of 135 KOMCA registered songs
Han Ji-sung of STRAY KIDS has an impressive collection of 135 KOMCA registered songs

Han is already considered a “perfect all-rounder” but it looks like the STRAY KIDS rapper has added yet another feather to his cap. It has been confirmed that Han Jisung is officially a full member of the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA). This makes him the youngest full member of the association at the age of 22!

HAN of STRAY KIDS Becomes Youngest KOMCA Full Member

KOMCA is a non-profit organization in South Korea dedicated to managing and safeguarding the copyright interests of musical works. This includes the administration of public performance and broadcasting rights, as well as mechanical recording and reproduction rights.

The organization extends an invitation to copyright owners including authors, composers, arrangers, and music publishers. Once an individual accepts, they become an associate member. Through this affiliation, music creators and rights holders can benefit from KOMCA’s services and expertise in ensuring their creative works are protected.

Attaining full membership status in this prestigious organization is contingent upon fulfilling specific prerequisites. Aspiring members must first sustain an associate membership for a minimum of three years, while concurrently amassing royalties exceeding 30 million won. This meticulous selection process permits the elevation of merely 25 members to full status each year, ensuring the highest standards are upheld. However, STRAY KIDS members Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han have all accomplished this. The formidable sub-unit 3RACHA achieved this coveted milestone in January 2023.

The milestone is also huge for Han who managed to become a full member of KOMCA at the age of 22. In addition to that, he has an impressive collection of 135 registered songs to his name. Han Jisung is also the third most credited idol from the 4th generation of K-pop artists.

Although he didn’t go on an official celebration for the milestone, Han clearly wanted to treat STAYS with a special gift. The rapper recently released a new self-composed song “Miserable (You & Me)”.

Han is currently set to join STRAY KIDS on their all-dome concert tour “5-Star Dome Tour” in South Korea and Japan from August to October 2023. The group was recently confirmed to perform at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Newark’s Prudential Center on September 12, 2023.

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Stray Kids to Perform at the MTV VMAs 2023

Stray Kids snaps a photo after their performance at Lollapalooza in Paris. Credit: Facebook/Stray Kids

Stray Kids continues to conquer the world as MTV announced that the group will be performing at the 2023 Video Music Awards (VMAs), becoming the first 4th generation K-pop act to perform in the award show. 

Stray Kids at the VMAs

The eight-member group excitedly announced on its X (formerly Twitter) account that they will be performing at the MTV VMA which will be held on September 12. 

 

With this, Stray Kids now joins worldwide sensations BTS and BLACKPINK as the only K-pop groups to ever perform in the prestigious award show. 

Additionally, the group will be having the US broadcast premiere of “S-Class”, the title track from their latest successful full-length album 5-Star.

Moreover, “S-Class” also brought Stray Kids their second VMA nomination for the Best K-Pop award. They were nominated in the same category last year, for their hit track “Maniac”.

Other artists in the VMA lineup include American pop singer Demi Lovato, Italian rock band Maneskin and Columbian superstar Karol G. 

Fans’ reaction

STAYs, the group’s fandom, are ecstatic upon hearing the news. The fans have expressed how proud they are of Stray Kids and have sent congratulatory messages for the self-producing idol group. 

“Stray Kids have so many achievements this year. To think it’s only a few months before the year ends, I can’t wait to witness more of it. Cheers to more success and achievements with my SKZ, proud is an understatement when it comes to you kids,” one fan wrote.

 

Booked and Busy SKZ

It is indeed an eventful year for Stray Kids. The group wrapped up their MANIAC world tour in April. 

And they continue to be busy as JYP Entertainment announced that the group will have a 5-Star Dome Tour this year. 

In addition, Stray Kids performed their captivating hits “S-Class,” “District 9,” “Super Bowl,” “God’s Menu” and “TOPLINE” in the recently concluded KCON LA 2023.

Aside from the VMAs and KCON LA, Stray Kids also made history as it became the first-ever K-pop group to headline the Lollapalooza Festival in Paris.

The group lit up the stage on the first day of the three-day-long event with an estimated 65,000 daily concertgoers. They performed alongside well-known international artists including American rapper Kendrick Lamar and Spanish singer Rosalia.

Featured image: Stray Kids snaps a photo after their performance at Lollapalooza in Paris. Credit: Facebook/Stray Kids

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Look: Stray Kids’ Felix Is Louis Vuitton’s New Ambassador

Felix poses for Elle Korea while wearing Louis Vuitton pieces. Credit: Twitter/Louis Vuitton

Fashion luxury brand Louis Vuitton has tapped Felix of K-pop boy group Stray Kids as their newest house ambassador. 

On Tuesday, August 22, the brand made the announcement by sharing a series of photos of Felix wearing pieces from their collection. 

Additionally, Louis Vuitton also didn’t shy away from showering Felix with compliments, describing him as a “multi-talented artist” who is “internationally revered for his stellar stage presence.” 

 

According to Nicolas Ghesquière, artistic director of the women’s collection at Louis Vuitton, they’re really excited to welcome Felix in the brand. 

“I love his energy, his unique personality and his audacious sense of style,” Ghesquière said of the rapper. 

 

Following the announcement, Felix also expressed his gratitude to fans who congratulated him. “To be honest, this good news, as soon as I heard it, I was so happy,” he wrote. 

 

Felix as the ‘Louis Vuitton Boy’ 

While the announcement of Felix’s ambassadorship was only made today, the idol has previously attended an event by the brand. 

In May, the Stray Kids member was chosen to be one of the attendees at the Louis Vuitton Cruise Show 2024 in Italy. 

 

Meanwhile, in July, Felix went viral for wearing Louis Vuitton pieces during the Lollapalooza Paris show. His styling prompted fans to speculate that he’ll soon be joining the brand. 

 

With this, Felix has become the eight celebrity from South Korea to join Louis Vuitton’s roster.

Other K-pop idols who have been signed under Louis Vuitton includes BTS’ j-hope, Jackson Wang, and NewJeans’ Hyein. Previously, the whole group of BTS were signed as a collective ambassador for the fashion house. 

Interestingly, Louis Vuitton isn’t the only fashion house that has tapped K-pop idols to be their global ambassadors.  The list includes BTS’ V for Cartier, SEVENTEEN’s Vernon for Kenzo, and TWICE’s Dahyun for Michael Kors. (G)I-DLE’s Miyeon and STRAY KIDS’ Hyunjin  are also ambassadors for Jimmy Choo and Versace, respectively.

Featured image: Felix poses for Elle Korea while wearing Louis Vuitton pieces. Credit: Twitter/Louis Vuitton

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Listen: Stray Kids’ Seungmin Treats Fans With New Solo ‘Hold On’

Stray Kids' Seungmin releases a new solo song. Credit: Twitter/Stray Kids

STAYs were in for a treat! Seungmin of K-pop boy group Stray Kids unveiled a new solo song titled “Hold On” on August 13.

The track is part of Stray Kids’ “SKZ-RECORD” YouTube series. In this series, the Stray Kids members are seen doing covers and unveiling original songs that are not part of the group’s official album or single releases. 

Meanwhile, “Hold On” is composed by Stray Kids members Han and Bang Chan and producer VERSACHOI. Additionally, Han wrote all the lyrics for the track. 

 

Prior to “Hold On,” the other releases under “SKZ-RECORD” includes “Party’s Not Over,” which was released on the fandom’s anniversary.

Changbin, Felix, and Seungmin’s song “Snain” and “Volcano” by Han were also released under “SKZ-RECORD” in 2023. 

A busy Stray Kids in 2023

As for their official releases, Stray Kids released their third studio album 5-STAR in May. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard’s 200 albums chart. With this, 5-STAR became the group’s third top entry following 2022 albums MAXIDENT and ODDINARY. 

Currently, Stray Kids is composed of Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. It initially debuted as nine-piece act in March 2018. Although, Woonjin left the group in October 2019. 

Their hits include “CASE 143,” “Thunderous, “God’s Menu,” and “Back Door.”

Moreover, the group is known for having their songs produced by 3RACHA, the sub-unit of members Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han. 

In an interview with Teen Vogue, Changbin opened up how important it is for them to take reins on their journey as musicians. 

“At the beginning of our career, I think there was a bit of wandering when it came to our music,” he said. “But through the consistent pursuit and development of our musical color, we were able to establish the Stray Kids genre and become the team we are today.”

Featured image: Stray Kids’ Seungmin releases a new solo song. Credit: Twitter/Stray Kids

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Here Are the K-Pop Acts Nominated for the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards

BLACKPINK in a behind-the-scenes photo from their Coachella 2023 set. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

There’s no denying how huge K-pop has become in the international music scene. And the growing amount of K-pop act nominees in 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) is proof of that. 

MTV unveiled on Wednesday, August 8, the nominees for this year’s awarding, and six K-pop acts made it to the list. 

BLACKPINK is the most nominated K-pop act this year, garnering a total of four nods. 

The girl group’s hit single “Pink Venom” is nominated for Best Choreography, Best Art Direction, Best Editing, and Best K-pop. 

 

Meanwhile, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) scored a total of two nominations with their recent title track “Sugar Rush Side.”

It is nominated in the Push Performance of the Year and Best K-pop categories. 

 

In addition to BLACKPINK and TXT, four other acts are also nominated in the K-pop category.

The nominees includes aespa’s “Girls,” FIFTY FIFTY’s “Cupid,” SEVENTEEN’s “Super,”  and Stray Kids’ “S-Class.” 

MTV only added the Best K-pop category in 2019. 

 

Overall, pop star Taylor Swift and singer SZA lead the 2023 MTV VMAs nominees with eight and six nods, respectively. 

Moreover, fans can vote for their favorite acts through the MTV website. 

Additionally, the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony will take place on September 12 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. 

Featured image: BLACKPINK in a behind-the-scenes photo from their Coachella 2023 set. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

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Look: Stray Kids’ Hyunjin Revealed as Versace’s New Global Brand Ambassador

Hyunjin, member of K-pop boy group Stray Kids, has been named as the newest global ambassador of luxury fashion house Versace. 

On Thursday, July 20, Versace made the announcement, revealing that Hyunjin will also front the brand’s Versace Holiday 2023 campaign, which will be launched in November. 

Donatella Versace, the brand’s chief creative officer, described Hyunjin as a “true Versace man.” 

Hyunjin as a ‘Versace man’

“I am constantly inspired by new voices defining culture around the world and for me Hyunjin has great new energy and creativity. I love his confidence and freedom of expression,” she explained about casting Hyunjin. 

The idol also relayed his excitement to be working with the brand. He said that he’s “both inspired and honored to play a part in the House’s truly amazing heritage.”

Hyunjin is the first K-pop idol to be chosen by Versace to become their global ambassador. He’ll be joining the likes of international stars Chris Lee, Anne Hathaway, Bella Hadid, and Li Yuchun, among others. 

Prior to the official announcement, Hyunjin has been seen attending several events of the brand, including going to the opening of the Versace pop-up store in Seoul. 

In May, Hyunjin also attended Versace’s “La Vacanza” fashion show in Cannes alongside popstars Dua Lipa and Troye Sivan. 

While Versace serves as Hyunjin’s first solo ambassadorship, Stray Kids has been previously tapped by luxury Italian footwear Etro. Aside from fashion names, the group has been recently tapped by mobile accessory brand SLBS. 

Stray Kids initially debuted as a nine-piece act. Woonjin left the group in October 2019. 

Members Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. are the current lineup.

The group is known for their songs “CASE 143,” “Thunderous, “God’s Menu,” and “Back Door.”  Stray Kids made their recent comeback in June with the third studio album 5-STAR.

Featured image from Stray Kids’ Instagram

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Stray Kids Hailed As New Brand Ambassadors for Brand SLBS

Mobile accessory brand SLBS has chosen Stray Kids as their new brand ambassadors, as Slash B Co., Ltd. announced on June 28. The popular boy group will collaborate with the Galaxy-exclusive accessory company for their upcoming campaign, “STAR to GALAXY.“

SLBS is an esteemed partner of Samsung Electronics’ mobile accessory partnership program, known for its eco-friendly accessory lineup called Eco Friends. Stray Kids will work closely with SLBS to create collaborative accessories that will be available for a range of Samsung devices, including the Galaxy Z-flip series, Z-fold series, S-series, Buzz, Watch, Tablet, and more.

In the News Nate report, Jeong Yong-chae, CEO of Slash B’Slash Co., Ltd. Kids Samsung Gangnam, shares: “We look forward to the synergy between Stray Kids, a global trend group that has taken over the Billboard with K-POP, and SLBS, an innovative and sensuous fashion tech brand.”

To celebrate this partnership, SLBS STUDIO will launch at the end of this month in Samsung Electronics’ flagship store in Gangnam. 

The studio will showcase Stray Kids’ adorable animal characters, known as SKZOO, along with eco-collaboration accessories and a captivating theme experience space—and fans can’t get enough, taking to Twitter to share snippets of the products.

Stray Kids fans can look forward to more updates and exciting developments as the collaboration with SLBS progresses. 

Congratulations, Stray Kids!

Featured Photo Credit: Stray Kids Official Twitter

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STRAY KIDS’ I.N Will Sit Out ‘M Countdown’ Filming Due to Health Issues

I.N will be sitting out some of his upcoming schedules. The STRAY KIDS maknae will not join the rest of the group for their “M Countdown” filming.

I.N Will Not Participate in STRAY KIDS’ Upcoming Performance On ‘M Countdown’

JYP Entertainment had previously confirmed that I.N will not attend a guest appearance on “Kim Shin Young’s Noon Song of Hope”. The agency cited mild symptoms of a cold as the reason for the STRAY KIDS member’s absence.

A new statement further adds that Yang Jeongin will not join the rest of the group for their pre-recording for “M Countdown”.

“As we announced earlier today, I.N has been showing mild symptoms of a cold,” the statement read. “Therefore, [he] will not be taking part in the pre-recording and live broadcast of Mnet’s ‘M COUNTDOWN’ on June 7 and 8.”

“I.N will be taking adequate rest to focus on his health and for a swift recovery,” it continued. “We will notify you in case of any additional schedule changes.”

The company also assured STAYs that they are looking out for I.N and that his health is their top priority.

“JYPE will provide everything we can to support the artist’s swift recovery,” the statement added. “We would like to ask for STAY’s kind understanding.”

Although I.N was unable to attend STRAY KIDS’ recent schedules, JYPE made sure his fans still got a lot of content from him. The group’s official Twitter account shared a new video featuring Yang Jeongin and fellow member Seungmin.

STRAY KIDS is currently promoting their third full album ‘5-Star’ and its lead single “S-Class”. The group has also been confirmed to headline Lollapalooza in Paris in July. They will be the first K-pop group to serve as a headliner in a French music festival.

STRAY KIDS will perform as one of the headliners at Lollapalooza in Paris on July 21, 2023.

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STRAY KIDS’ Bang Chan Apologizes For Controversial Live Stream Comments

Bang Chan finally clarified his comments in a recent broadcast of “Chan’s Room”. The STRAY KIDS leader apologized after his controversial comments during the live stream caused a backlash against a certain group.

Bang Chan Criticizes Younger People For Not Bowing To Their Seniors

Earlier this week, Bang Chan discussed the topic of manners and bowing in his weekly live stream “Chan’s Room”. The STRAY KIDS rapper pointed out that he was concerned about the generational differences in basic etiquette. Christopher Bang stated that he felt that younger people were not bowing as often as they should which is a sign of disrespect.

Bang Chan did not specify anyone in his comments. However, people quickly deduced that the rapper was targeting rookie girl group IVE. While STAYs defended the STRAY KIDS leader by claiming he was disrespected by the younger idols, IVE fans fought back for the group.

Bang Chan Issues An Apology For Controversial Comments

Chris Bang quickly addressed the issue by posting an apology on the official STRAY KIDS Instagram account.

“Hello, this is Bang Chan from Stray Kids,” he wrote. “I apologize for the offense caused by the comments I made during a recent live broadcast.”

He continued, “I thought about the impact my words and behavior can have on others, and have deeply reflected on myself. I would like to mention that it was not my intention to specify a certain artist, and that my comments had nothing to do with the artist being mentioned currently.”

Bang Chan added, “I would like to express my deepest apologies to the artist who has been hurt by my careless words. I sincerely apologize.”

“I will be more cautious of what I say in order to ensure this does not happen again. Once again, I sincerely apologize,” he concluded.

BangChan is currently preparing for STRAY KIDS’ next comeback in June. The group will release their third studio album ‘5-Star’ on June 2, 2023. STRAY KIDS will also headline the Lollapalooza music festival in Paris. They will be the first K-pop artist to headline the French music festival on July 21, 2023.

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ENHYPEN’s Jungwon Accidentally References STRAY KIDS’ Changbin

Jungwon is proving yet again that he is a funny guy. The ENHYPEN leader made a joke in a recent interview that had everyone laughing. After all, it was an unintentional reference to fellow funny guy STRAY KIDS rapper Changbin.

ENHYPEN Leader Jungwon Unintentionally Channels STRAY KIDS’ Changbin In Latest Interview

Yang Jungwon recently joined fellow ENHYPEN members Heeseung and Sunghoon as guests in “The K-Star Next Door”. During the interview, the idols were clearly at ease while talking to host Jonathan.

Interestingly, Jungwon may have been a little too comfortable about being on the show. When his mic needed to be fixed, the ENHYPEN leader declared, “I need to go to the bathroom.”

The statement itself was hilarious enough for everyone but it also brought back memories for Jonathan. The host immediately remembered STRAY KIDS’ Changbin saying the same thing during their interview.

Luckily, Jonathan didn’t miss a beat. He had an equally hilarious solution for ENHYPEN’s problem. “Let’s put on diapers from now on. You need to tell them when you cast them,” the host told the staff, making the idols laugh.

The bathroom situation got funnier when Jungwon, Heeseung, and Sunghoon all left the set to head for the restroom. The same thing happened to Jonathan when he interviewed STRAY KIDS and he was left alone on the set.

ENHYPEN Finds Their Eighth Member

The exchanges between the ENHYPEN members and the host of “The K-Star Next Door” were funny and relatable. Sunghoon felt so comfortable talking to the host that he suggested Jonathan should be ENHYPEN’s eighth member.

ENHYPEN’s agency Belift Lab recently confirmed that the idol group will have their next comeback in May. The concept trailer for the comeback was released today.

Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Ni-ki will release their fourth EP ‘Dark Blood’ on May 22, 2023.

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