Stray Kids Unleash 'ATE': A New Flavor in K-Pop

Stray Kids 'ATE' Release Press Conference

(MHNSports Reporter Sun Shin) Stray Kids, who previously signaled a different atmosphere, is ready to top the charts with their new comeback. 

 

On the morning of the 19th, Stray Kids (Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, I.N.) held a press conference to commemorate the release of their new mini-album 'ATE' at the Conrad Seoul Grand Ballroom in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. The event was hosted by broadcaster Shin Ayoung.

Regarding their comeback, Lee Know said, "This is the most anticipated moment for us. This album was fun to prepare and we are confident about it, so we want to show it to you soon. We will do our best to show you that we have literally 'eaten it up'."

The new album 'ATE' is their first work in about eight months since '樂-STAR' (Rockstar), and it is completed with the bold ambition to dominate the domestic and international music markets this summer.

The album contains a total of eight tracks, including the title track 'Chk Chk Boom', 'MOUNTAINS', 'JJAM', 'I Like It', 'Runners', '또 다시 밤', 'Stray Kids', and 'Chk Chk Boom' (Festival Version).

The group's in-house producing team 3RACHA (Bang Chan, Changbin, Han) participated in the entire album, including the title track, and Felix contributed to the lyrics of 'Runners', adding significance.

When asked what they wanted to emphasize through this album, Han explained, "We wanted to show a different charm of Stray Kids. Previously, we showed explosive and expressive energy, but the title track of this album is more restrained and latent, yet not boring, and it showcases our charm. We also tried to fill the tracks with a more diverse range of genres."

Bang Chan added, "We chose the album name 'ATE' to combine the expression of 'eating up' and the pronunciation of eight (8), to reflect the sincerity of Stray Kids."

The title track 'Chk Chk Boom' music video garnered attention with appearances by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. Additionally, on the 23rd, they will release the digital single 'SLASH', a song included in the movie 'Deadpool and Wolverine', continuing their connection.

Regarding their collaboration, Bang Chan expressed, "You might not have expected this. We still can't believe it ourselves. We've had a history with Ryan Reynolds, who mentioned us on stage before. Thanks to this, we communicated through social media and then contacted him first. Despite his busy schedule, he made time for us, allowing this collaboration to happen."

Previously, the members announced their full group re-signing on the 18th, just before their comeback. Since their re-signing was originally scheduled to end early next year, this early re-signing drew attention.

Bang Chan said, "I wanted to share this happy news with STAY (fans) as soon as possible. Thanks to the support of STAY and our company family, we often imagined wanting to be together in the future. I felt that we could grow a lot more, and I was very grateful and touched as a leader by the members' unified heart. I think the team Stray Kids has been drawing a good narrative since before our debut, and we have a lot of things we want to show you in the future. With this opportunity, we will show you many good things with the mindset of a new beginning."

Following their re-signing and the release of the new album, they will embark on their largest-scale world tour, 'dominATE', starting in August. The tour will begin in Seoul on August 24-25 and August 31-September 1, visiting several cities including Singapore, Melbourne, Sydney, and Kaohsiung in Taiwan.

Regarding the global love they receive, Changbin said, "Even after attending festivals, it still doesn't feel real. It's unbelievable that they sing along to the Korean lyrics. I think our unique music as Stray Kids is our strength, and we want to develop further. I think these aspects are what people like a lot."

Finally, aespa recently created a sensation with the 'Iron Taste' in the music industry, and now Stray Kids, who have adhered to the 'Mala Taste', are making a return.

When asked what new flavor they want to show this time, I.N. said, "I love the title 'Mala Taste'. I think this song is a bit softer, so I thought of it as Rose Mala." The members all agreed.

Meanwhile, Stray Kids' new mini-album 'ATE' will be released at 1 PM on the 19th. 

Photo by MHN Sports Reporter Lee Hyunji.