Who Are Stray Kids? “FAM”: a Comprehensive Guide Within a Single

Stray Kids are on a roll, releasing SKZ-REPLAY, their fourth album this year, on December 21, 2022, just two months after MAXIDENT. The A-side of the album includes 10 tracks, whereas the B-side includes 15. Each member participated in the creation process and has a dedicated song. Listeners are also lucky to hear the works of 3RACHA again and many new unofficial sub-units.

The title track “FAM,” meaning “family,” was released in 2020 in Japanese as an introduction to Stray Kids. Two years later, the track was remade by 3RACHA and VERSACHOI in Korean. Keeping the same electronic melody and hip-hop beat, the lyrics describe how the members perceive each other after two more life-changing years together. Shall we start the introductions?

I.N: Maknae I.N, shy about his Busan accent, but he’s practically “number 1,” the “best” in the group. The members light up when he smiles brightly, and he attracts their attention with his unique voice.

Seungmin: Does he remind you of a puppy with his soft looks and “good manners”? He’s truly “dandy,” with a “mellow voice.” All is forgiven when he starts acting “random” because, “He makes mistakes, he’s a human too.” Let’s carry that message for everyone.

Felix: “Sunshine Felix, Yongbok Felix,” the heart and warmth of Stray Kids. When you miss the night sky, look at his freckles and see “constellations.” A day with him is always a bright day.

Han: Looks like a “quokka,” the world’s happiest animal, but he’s full of hidden talent that you don’t hear through his rap. Forgetful, yet smooth, he’s a real “mood maker.” He’s got great swag and is good at everything.

Hyunjin: Stray Kids’ “weasel” due to his looks, so cute that you could “bite him.” With his “unexpected charm,” he shocks everyone, and his “dance is sexy.” But behind that, he's a smart and talented artist.

Changbin: A loud man that burns through “noise canceling” headphones, he’s not afraid to show his muscles as you wish you were him. With great stage moves and someone who can make you smile, he’s a true “jutdae” boy (“줏대,” meaning he has a good grip on himself). Yet, he sometimes mimics his character “Dwaekki” (“돼끼” meaning “돼지” (dwaeji) a pig and “토끼” (tokki) a rabbit).

Lee Know: Nose carved by “Leonardo da Vinci”, it’s sharp enough to cut air. You’re tongue-tied, lost for words, and he destroys your vision when you see him dance. Handsome, but weird, he still wows.

Bang Chan: Leader Bang Chan, “a sense of responsibility is his second nature.” He can jump high like a “kangaroo,” has broad shoulders like the “Pacific Ocean,” and washboard abs, but “his morning face is a mess.”*

So, who are Stray Kids? A rowdy bunch of boys-turned-men that are no longer astray as they become one through Stray Kids. After years together, they know each other so well and still don’t get bored of seeing each other daily. Rallying the crowd, Stray Kids are loud as they characterize each other through “FAM.” Do you agree with their summaries?

*All “quoted” translations from Color Coded Lyrics.

Edited by Vivian N.