Ever wondered what it takes to become a global music sensation in the fast-paced world of K-pop? The story of Stray Kids, the eight-member South Korean boy band, is a testament to relentless hard work, creative vision, and an unbreakable bond between the members and their devoted fanbase, known as STAY.

Formed by JYP Entertainment, Stray Kids' journey began in 2017, culminating in their official debut on March 25, 2018, with the EP "I Am Not." However, the path to stardom was far from straightforward. The group's formation was documented through a reality survival show of the same name, where the trainees competed, not as individuals vying for solo success, but as a cohesive unit aiming to debut together. This innovative approach, emphasizing teamwork and unity, set the stage for the group's future endeavors.

Here's a glimpse into the individual members of Stray Kids:

Member	Real Name	Position	Birthday	Zodiac Sign	Representative Animal
Bang Chan	Christopher Bang	Leader, Vocalist, Rapper, Producer	October 3, 1997	Libra	Wolf
Lee Know	Lee Minho	Main Dancer, Vocalist, Rapper	October 25, 1998	Scorpio	Rabbit
Changbin	Seo Changbin	Rapper, Producer	August 11, 1999	Leo	Dwaekki (Pig-Rabbit)
Hyunjin	Hwang Hyunjin	Main Dancer, Rapper, Visual	March 20, 2000	Pisces	Hamster
Han	Han Jisung	Rapper, Vocalist, Producer	September 14, 2000	Virgo	Quokka
Felix	Lee Felix	Rapper, Dancer	September 15, 2000	Virgo	Chick
Seungmin	Kim Seungmin	Vocalist	September 22, 2000	Virgo	Dog
I.N	Yang Jeongin	Vocalist, Maknae	February 8, 2001	Aquarius	Fennec Fox

Reference: Kpopping.com

The group's early days were marked by the release of their debut EP "I Am Not" on March 26, 2018, which built upon the hype generated by the survival show and introduced their unique musical style to the world. The group also unveiled a debut showcase, "Stray Kids Unveil: I Am Not," held the day before the EP's release, further fueling anticipation. The success of "I Am Not" was just the beginning of a string of achievements, proving the group's early potential.

The journey of Stray Kids has also seen moments of change. While the group debuted as nine members, Woojin departed in October 2019. This shift, however, didn't slow down their momentum. The remaining eight members continued to strengthen their bond, pushing forward with renewed dedication and a shared vision for their future.

Stray Kids' impact isn't limited to their home country of South Korea. They've successfully navigated the international music scene, releasing English versions of popular tracks like "Double Knot" and "Levanter," and even making their American television debut. The group has also broadened their reach through Japanese releases, with their single debuting at number one on the Japanese Oricon Singles Chart, making them one of the few foreign male artists to achieve this feat with their first single. The release of their Japanese EP "All In" further solidified their presence in Japan, debuting at number two on the Oricon Albums Chart and Billboard Japan Hot Albums.

The group's official debut date, March 25th, is a significant date in the Stray Kids' calendar. It's a day of celebration, marked by the release of various content for fans. This anniversary also coincides with the release of major projects, such as their fourth mini-album "Cl 1: Miroh," which was released on their anniversary date. The fandom has also created "Stay Week" to celebrate the anniversary of the fandom.

Their fans, known as STAY, are a crucial part of their success. The name "STAY" is more than just a fandom name. It embodies the group's bond with their supporters, representing the desire for both the group and the fans to remain together, interested in the group, and listening to their music. This strong connection is exemplified by the additional recruitment of the Stray Kids official fan club, STAY 5th Gen.

Stray Kids' musical style is as diverse as the members themselves. The group is known for creating music that delves into themes of self-discovery, youth, and navigating the complexities of life. They often incorporate elements of hip-hop, electronic music, and pop, all blended with powerful performances and intricate choreography. The group members actively participate in the songwriting, composing, and production of their music. Their ability to convey emotions and connect with their audience through their music has made them a beloved group worldwide.

The "I Am Not" EP marked the beginning of their journey and continues to hold importance for the group. The group's discography demonstrates the growth and artistic evolution of Stray Kids. From their early releases to their latest work, the group consistently explores new sonic territory while maintaining its core identity.

The influence of Stray Kids extends beyond their music. They are trendsetters, both in fashion and in the creative direction of their visual concepts. Their music videos are well-known for their high production values, combining imaginative storytelling with intricate choreography. The group has also been praised for their work ethic, always striving to improve and present the best version of themselves.

The future looks bright for Stray Kids, as they continue to release new music, expand their global presence, and deepen their connection with their fans. Their journey from a survival show to a prominent name in the global music scene is a testament to the power of perseverance, teamwork, and genuine artistic vision. They've solidified their place in the K-pop world and beyond, and are poised to continue breaking barriers and captivating audiences worldwide.