Stray Kids is a 9 member K-Pop group formed under JYP Entertainment Company. The group consists of members: Bang Chan (Leader, Lead Vocalist, Lead Dancer, Rapper and Producer), Woojin (Main Vocalist), Lee Know (Main Dancer, Vocalist and Rapper), Changbin (Main Rapper, Vocalist and Producer), Hyunjin (Main Dancer, Lead Rapper and Visual), Han (Main Rapper, Lead Vocalist, Producer), Felix (Lead Dancer and Lead Rapper), Seungmin (Lead Vocalist), and I.N (Vocalist and Maknae).
In August 2017, JYP Entertainment (JYPE) officially announced the agency's new reality survival show to launch a male idol debut project. More details and teasers were released in the next two months, including the show's title—Stray Kids. Prior to its premiere on October 17th, JYPE released Stray Kids' first music video for a song titled "Hellevator", which was later released as a digital single.
During the show, two members (Lee Know and Felix) were eliminated from their group's lineup.
In the end, the group won and got to debut as all nine members. They released a pre-debut ep featuring all of the songs written during their time on the show.
Stray kids had their explosive debut on March 25th, 2018. Featuring the first of a trio of albums, called the "I am..." series, I am NOT establishes their rough and gritty sound. Promising to not hold back any punches on their meaningful lyrics and heavy instrumentals.
Stray Kids' first comeback with I am WHO (July 13th, 2018), truely brought the group into the spotlight with their hit title track "My Pace." Their fanbase grew exponentially from there, especially internationally.
The finale of the "I am..." series was I am YOU (October 22nd, 2018). A more solemn finish to an arc about finding one's identity, and the power of friendship.
In their first year alone, Stray kids won an astounding 9 music awards in the Korean market; featuring the likes of MAMA's Best New Male Artist, Seoul Music Award's Rookie of Year, and Golden Disc Award's Best New Artist. Along with another 10 nominations under their belt, Stray Kids remain the record holder of the highest amount of awards won during a group's first year in the industry.