A New Chapter for Stray Kids
Stray Kids have officially released their latest eight-track mini-album, THIS & THAT, marking another milestone in a career defined by consistent chart dominance. The project opened with the digital single “RUN IT,” a track written and produced by the group’s in-house production unit, 3RACHA, comprised of members Bang Chan, Changbin, and HAN.
According to a statement from the group, the new music reflects a journey of evolution, tracking their path from their origins in Seoul to a global audience. The group describes the project as an expression of their determination to overcome previous limitations and continue their upward trajectory in the music industry.
Chart Records and Industry Standing
The release of THIS & THAT comes as Stray Kids maintain an unprecedented streak on the Billboard 200. Since their 2022 mini-album ODDINARY, the group has seen all eight of their entries debut at the No. 1 position. In 2024, the success of the album HOP solidified their status as the first act to debut at the summit with their first six entries in the 69-year history of the Billboard 200 chart. This momentum continued with subsequent releases KARMA and DO IT.
Beyond chart statistics, the group has amassed significant industry recognition, including Top K-Pop Album at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards and Group of the Year at the 2024 People’s Choice Awards. Following the release of their 2025 mixtape SKZ IT TAPE DO IT, Stray Kids also earned the distinction of being the act with the most RIAA Gold-certified albums in K-pop history.
Touring and Global Presence
The album launch coincides with an active touring schedule. Stray Kids are set to become the first K-pop act to headline the Rock in Rio Brazil festival next month. Additionally, the group is launching STRAYCITY, a series of live performances spanning Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico. The tour is scheduled to begin on September 9 at the Vive Claro Distrito Cultural in Bogotá and conclude on September 25 at Mexico City’s Estadio GNP Seguros.
The group’s influence is not limited to performance metrics; a recent study by The Action Network, which analyzed over 1.5 million comments across 106 music subreddits, identified Stray Kids as the musical act whose fanbase “radiates the most joy online,” leading the study by a three-point margin.
Critical Reception
Initial critical reception to the new material has been mixed. Critics have noted that while the group maintains high production standards, the musical direction of THIS & THAT leans into a familiar, anthemic sound. While some reviewers appreciate the dynamic production textures, others have suggested that the tracks represent a more conventional approach rather than a significant sonic evolution for the group, noting that the production is reminiscent of established hip-hop styles within the K-pop industry.