SEOUL: K-pop group Stray Kids releases its new eight track EP, “THIS & THAT,” on Friday, following a press event in Seoul where all eight members discussed the record’s softer, more relaxed direction a day ahead of launch.
The new release follows last year’s mixtape “DO IT,” which made Stray Kids the first act to debut eight straight releases at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. At Thursday’s event, held at the Conrad Seoul hotel, the members appeared in matching suits to talk about the album and share stories from the recording process.
Member Changbin said the long gap since the group’s last comeback made this release feel especially exciting, pointing to last month’s Seoul concerts as a source of momentum heading into the new album.
Changbin said the group deliberately smoothed out some of the rougher sounds that have defined earlier songs, aiming for a track that felt more welcoming to listeners.
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All eight songs were written and produced by 3RACHA, the group’s in house production team made up of members Bang Chan, Changbin and Han. Han said the group avoids repeating past formulas, even when an older approach might feel safer, because chasing something new keeps the creative process engaging for the members themselves.
The EP arrives just days after Stray Kids kicked off its “RUN IT” world tour with five sold out shows at Seoul’s KSPO Dome in late July and early August. Member Hyunjin called the run a long awaited return to the stage after roughly a year away from touring.
Looking ahead, the group headlines “STRAYCITY,” a new festival touring Latin America in September with stops in Bogota, Colombia; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Mexico City. JYP labelmate NEXZ joins the lineup alongside several other acts that vary by city.
