Stray Kids showcases new album photos ahead of 'HOP' release on Dec 13, featuring confident visuals and a unique hip-hop genre.
November/22/2024 19:26
Stray Kids has additionally released concept photos for their new album, showing a strong presence. The new format album SKZHOP HIPTAPE 'HOP' and the title track 'Walkin On Water' will be released on December 13 at 2 PM (Eastern Time, 0 AM). Prior to this, JYP Entertainment posted individual teaser images highlighting a confident attitude at 11 PM on the 21st. In the photos, Stray Kids poses confidently in front of a red, blue, and black background, showcasing their photogenic side. The calligraphy '合' written on the floor and suits with traditional patterns catch the eye, stimulating curiosity about the new album's concept. SKZHOP HIPTAPE is a coined term combining the group's name abbreviation 'SKZ' and 'HIP HOP', hinting at a 'new genre unique to Stray Kids' without a formal definition. The first installment '合 (HOP)' carries a dual meaning of 'combination' and 'hip-hop', completed by the eight members. Once again, the group’s internal production team 3RACHA, consisting of Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han, leads the project, with all members credited, packing the album with their musical color. The new album includes the title track 'Walkin On Water', along with 'Bounce Back', 'U (Feat. TABLO)', 'Walkin On Water (HIP Ver.)', and solo stage songs from their world tour 'dominATE' as bonus tracks. Stray Kids has once again proven their powerful influence at major global music awards, winning at the '2024 People's Choice Awards' and '2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards' earlier this year. Recently, their song 'SLASH' featured in the movie 'Deadpool & Wolverine' was nominated for the 'Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media' at the 67th Grammy Awards, generating buzz. The prestigious '67th Grammy Awards' will be held on February 2 (local time) in Los Angeles.
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Stray Kids’ Felix marked his birthday by donating a total of 300 million won to Samsung Seoul Hospital, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Books International, and UNICEF Korea. The funds will support pediatric cancer treatment, vulnerable groups, picture books, and flood relief. Han also donated 100 million won the day before.
Stray Kids’ Han marked his birthday by donating 100 million won to the social welfare organization Angels’ Heaven. The money will be split equally to support the protection and psychological treatment of abused children, and the child-rearing and education of children at Eunpyeong Angel’s Home. He said he wanted to offer warm comfort to hurt children and hopes they can overcome their pain and smile again. He also donated 100 million won on his 2025 birthday to Samsung Seoul Hospital for adult patients with severe illnesses and for pediatric and adolescent patients’ treatment costs.
The Golden Disc Awards will be held again this year. According to the 41st Golden Disc Awards, the ceremony will take place over two days, January 9 and 10, 2027, on a special outdoor stage at VEC (Vietnam Exposition Center) in Hanoi, Vietnam. The awards honor the Korean pop music loved by fans over the past year and are known for special performances and results. The event has previously been held in cities such as Osaka, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, Bangkok, Jakarta, Fukuoka, and Taipei, and will once again connect with fans worldwide with a star-studded lineup.
Stray Kids announced the Osaka-area rollout of its live-linked project for the Japan tour, featuring collaborations with local sweets, Osaka Metro, Namba Parks, Umeda Sky Building, and more. The group also revealed a new Japan mini album and its record Billboard success.
Stray Kids left for Japan through Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 4th for concerts. They recently held Japan shows at MUFG Stadium, and will continue the tour in Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, and with additional performances at Tokyo Dome in November.
Dwango will exclusively livestream the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS from Busan, South Korea, on Niconico on September 19, 2026. The red carpet is free, while the awards ceremony and live performances require a net ticket. Buyers also get access to past TMA shows from 2019 to 2025.
On the morning of the 3rd, Stray Kids’ Changbin headed to Japan through Gimpo International Airport for his schedule. Related reports note his attendance at an AUTRY brand event and the advance sale of a limited collection he worked on at Isetan Shinjuku.
On the afternoon of the 1st, Stray Kids’ Changbin attended the brand AUTRY event held in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong District, Seoul. The text also notes that AUTRY is pre-selling a limited collection created by Changbin at Isetan Shinjuku, and that Changbin donated about 10 million yen for his birthday, saying he hopes his feelings reach places that need them.
AUTRY will prelaunch a limited Changbin capsule collection at Isetan Shinjuku Men’s Building B1 Shoes Lab. Created through a close partnership with Stray Kids’ Changbin, the line blends AUTRY’s heritage with K-pop energy and features DWAEKKI and CHANGBIN x AUTRY motifs.
Stray Kids’ Felix unveiled the digital single “Slow It Down” as part of the group’s self-produced SKZ-PLAYER project. The acoustic hip-hop track, which he helped write and compose, carries a message about pausing in busy life to reflect on loved ones and dreams. Actress Noh Yoon-seo appears in the music video as a young woman struggling between dreams and reality.
