Exclusive: Stray Kids opens a new chapter with THIS & THAT

As Stray Kids prepare to launch their biggest world tour and unveil THIS & THATits new album, the South Korean group looks back for WECB France on its artistic evolution, the central role of 3RACHA in its creation and the ambitions that continue to drive it, eight years after its debut.

Since their debut in 2018, Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin and IN have established themselves as one of the major groups of their generation. Writing, composition, production: the eight members continue to shape their music themselves, a creative involvement that has become their signature as much as their strength. Today, this identity takes them from the studios to the largest halls and stadiums in the world.

A few days after the launch of the RUN IT World Tour in Seoul, Stray Kids returns on August 7 with THIS & THAT. Composed of eight tracks, the album extends the musical evolution of the group, between new experiments and affirmation of an identity which continues to become clearer.

For WECB France, the eight members look back on the creation of THIS & THATtheir way of working together, their ambitions and the special bond they have with their French fans.

RUN IT traces your journey, from the first stages in Seoul to the biggest stadiums in the world. What message did you want to convey with this song?

Bang Chan: This song is about that first step that we take without hesitation. No matter where we are in life, the unknown will always be ahead of us. You just have to trust yourself and keep moving forward. Since it’s the opening track, we wanted to infuse that energy into the whole album and tour.

At what point did you say to yourself, “This is what Stray Kids looks like in 2026”?

Changbin: As soon as I heard the first draft of THIS & THAT, I immediately felt that this track should become the title track of the album.

Is there a song from THIS & THAT that reveals a more unexpected side of Stray Kids?

HAN: This album fully reflects the musical identity of Stray Kids. So I wouldn’t say that it reveals a totally different side of us. On the other hand, I hope that the public will discover a more relaxed and more mature group through all the pieces.

How did the eight members shape THIS & THAT?

Bang Chan: Everyone made their contribution and fulfilled their role. Whether in the music, the performances or the concept, everyone’s ideas naturally find their place in the final result. This is what I love most about Stray Kids. An A+ for teamwork!

When you start a new song, what comes first: the emotion, the lyrics or the music?

Changbin: I usually start with the theme. I first think about the story I want to tell or the message I want to convey, then I build the music around that idea.

Has the creative dynamic of 3RACHA evolved? Do you still manage to surprise yourself in the studio?

Changbin: Our way of working has changed little. We always draw our inspiration from our discussions. It’s these conversations that naturally lead us towards new ideas and new creative directions.

After so many albums, how do you continue to reinvent yourself without losing what makes Stray Kids identity?

Hyunjin: I think 3RACHA’s music plays the most important role in our identity. It is thanks to her that we have been able to maintain our color over the years.

In just a few years, you have gone from small venues to the biggest stages, while becoming essential figures in fashion. How do you experience this international recognition?

Lee Know: I consider myself very lucky. But I also feel a great responsibility: to live up to the trust our fans place in us and the place they have helped us reach.

“I want to show the confidence, ambition, determination and passion that characterize us. » IN

What are your biggest goals today?

Bang Chan: My biggest goal is to continue growing with Stray Kids without losing what makes us unique. We want to create ever better music and offer performances that push us to go further. As long as we continue to have fun and bring people together through our music, we will always find new dreams to pursue.

Lee Know: Above all, I hope that all members remain healthy and happy. My biggest wish is to continue finding the STAYs and creating new memories with them.

Changbin: My biggest dream is to continue to perform on stage with the members of Stray Kids and share our music with STAY for many more years.

Hyunjin: My biggest wish is to stay healthy and continue sharing happy moments with our fans.

HAN: I hope that one day we will set records that no one has achieved before. Whether it’s the Grammy Awards or another accomplishment, I want us to continue to excel and make our own mark in history.

Felix: I hope we can visit even more places, meet our fans and create new memories together.

Seungmin: My goal is to stay healthy and continue to deliver great music and performances to our fans.

IN: I hope we continue to evolve and one day have the opportunity to perform at the Super Bowl as Stray Kids.

How do you plan to push your limits with this new tour?

IN: I want to show the confidence, ambition, determination and passion that characterize us. I hope that the public will feel this energy and our desire to always take on new challenges.

Has your relationship with the stage evolved over the years?

Lee Know: I have always had the same state of mind: to give the best of myself. As endurance is essential on stage, I pay particular attention to staying in excellent physical condition.

Felix: This experience transformed me, visually and mentally. I place more importance on how I express myself through choreography, fashion and my stage presence. Experiencing different cultures has also broadened my horizons and helped me grow as an artist.

What link have you developed with French STAYs over the years?

Felix: France is a country that we visit regularly, both for our concerts and for the fashion events in which we participate. Each visit allows us to better discover French culture and strengthen this bond.

What is your most memorable memory from your last concerts in Paris?

Seungmin: After the cheers of the audience, leaving the room and seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the distance remains a moment deeply engraved in my memory.

Aside from the title track, what track from the album would you recommend to STAY?

Seungmin: I would recommend 그날 (Back Then). This song reminds me of the sunsets I admired in Paris facing the Eiffel Tower. I love its calm, warm and peaceful atmosphere.

IN: I would recommend FARMINGbecause I think it’s the song that best represents the color of Stray Kids in this album.

What legacy would you like to leave in K-pop history?

Hyunjin: I hope Stray Kids will be remembered as a group true to themselves, who pursued their dreams with passion and created music informed by their own stories and experiences.

HAN: I hope people remember Stray Kids as friends who shared a part of their lives and come back to them, years later, with a sense of nostalgia. I would also like our music to remain that of artists who have always remained true to themselves.

By Alexia Français-Arnaud