Stray Kids: KARMA, a Futuristic Epic of Energy and Symbolism

On August 22, 2025, South Korean group Stray Kids released their fourth studio album, KARMA, marking a new milestone in their musical and visual universe. Stray Kids do more than deliver songs: they open a universe woven with visual details, cultural references, and profound messages. With 11 tracks, including the lead single “CEREMONY,” the album celebrates perseverance, collective achievement, and the unbreakable bond with their fans, the STAYs. During a press conference, the members explained that the album reflects the "fruits" of their efforts during the DominATE World Tour, calling it a true "gift" to the fans (STAY).

TRACKLIST – KARMA

“삐처리” (Bleep)
“CEREMONY”
“CREED”
“엉망” (Mess)
“In My Head”
“반전” (Half Time)
“Phoenix”
“Ghost”
“0801”
“CEREMONY” (Festival Version)
“CEREMONY” (English Version)

CEREMONY: A SPORTY, FUTURISTIC CELEBRATION

The title track, by the trio 3RACHA with Versachoi, blends EDM trap and baile funk, delivering a track that is both celebratory and powerful. The music video is set in the futuristic world of 2081, during the fictional Karma Sports competition, where each member embodies a former champion returning to compete—a metaphor for their rise and their will to continue conquering. The world of “CEREMONY” isn’t limited to the fictional arenas of 2081: the competitions take place in monumental stadiums, evoking grandeur, spectacle, and performance.

Ceremony: Making Noise, Stronger and True to Stray Kids

“CEREMONY” is a battle cry, an affirmation of power and identity, “making noise,” true to Stray Kids’ energetic spirit since their debut. Every movement, every note, and every sonic arrangement amplifies this sense of collective strength: the group appears stronger and more powerful than anything and against everyone, defying obstacles and asserting its impact in the musical and visual world.

The repetition of the word “Stray Kids” in their past works functioned as an identity signature; with Ceremony, the introduction of “KARMA” as a slogan or new battle cry could mark a symbolic revolution, placing the concept of karma at the heart of their identity. This new mantra reinforces the message of perseverance and universal justice, while retaining the raw, unifying energy that has always characterized the group.

Little Winks

The number 325, visible in the music video, is a subtle tribute to their debut date (March 25 - 0325), reminding us that their journey and success are also a matter of personal and collective karma. To the surprise of fans, League of Legends superstar Faker (Lee Sanghyeok) appears at the end of the music video. He becomes the ultimate illustration of positive karma: hard work, mastery, and perseverance lead to excellence. Faker's inclusion seems to be a tribute to his status as a champion and his cultural influence. His unexpected appearance was hailed as a defining moment, strengthening the ties between K-Pop and Esports and captivating fans of both worlds: two major industries in South Korea.

KARMA: A CONCEPTUAL DRIVER

Origin and Meaning

"Karma" comes from Sanskrit and refers to the law of cause and effect: every action produces consequences, good or bad. In Eastern philosophy, karma is neither arbitrary punishment nor reward, but a natural chain of repercussions that guides destiny and personal growth.

Karma in the Album

In the context of Stray Kids, “KARMA” becomes more than a word; it embodies a central concept. The fictional sports competition (Karma Sports, 2081) reflects the law of karma: every action, every effort counts and is reflected in the final result. The members return as past champions, ready to reap the fruits of their labor and face the consequences of their choices. The role of each member: Felix, observer and “maestro” of the game, symbolizes awareness, mastery of actions, and insight into the chain of cause and effect. The athletes embody practice and action, the movements and decisions that produce karma. Finally, the connection with the fans (STAYs): karma here doesn’t just concern the fictional characters; it also refers to the energy exchanged between the group and its fans. Every success, every support, every interaction is a direct consequence of this symbiotic relationship.

Duality and Balance

The circular SKZ logo, which subtly evokes the yin-yang, reinforces the notion of karma as a balance between opposing forces: effort and reward, action and consequence, individuality and the collective. In this interpretation, the circle symbolizes the continuity and infinity of karma. The interlocking shapes evoke the constant flow of actions and results, like an endless cycle. Thus, the concept of karma is not static: it is alive, moving, and interactive, exactly like the energy that flows through the music video for "CEREMONY."

THE CHOREGRAPHY: KARMA IN MOTION

The choreography of "CEREMONY" is much more than a simple sequence of steps: it becomes a body language that conveys the concept of KARMA. The members of Stray Kids alternate between circular formations, solos, and duets, illustrating the relationship between individual actions and collective consequences. The fluid, acrobatic movements reflect the energy of Karma Sports competitions, while the rapid transitions convey the tension and unpredictability of karmic outcomes. Each gesture symbolizes an action and its consequence, creating a visible cycle of cause and effect.

Every shot, every action, every number, every pose is designed to visually convey the law of karma: what goes around comes around, in a personal, collective, and universal dimension.

KARMA: THE COMMON THREAD OF A MUSICAL AND SYMBOLIC UNIVERSE

Stray Kids' album KARMA isn't just a string of songs together: it tells a narrative and emotional journey.

"삐처리 (Bleep)” provides an explosive opening to the album, with a blend of trap and electro. Here, Stray Kids reject judgments and rumors, focusing fully on their goals. The song highlights their self-confidence and resilience, affirming that their success isn't the result of chance, but of their passion and hard work. The line "Growing up to be a bad person, I dodge it skillfully" (in Korean, '늦바람') illustrates this idea: it describes the phenomenon where someone who was lovely as a child can, as they grow up, take a wrong turn. Here, Stray Kids affirm their desire to remain true to themselves and their integrity, despite the pressures and temptations of the adult world. "Bleep" lays the foundations for the universe of 2081 and KARMA, where every action will have consequences.

"CEREMONY," the title track, is a celebration and victory ritual. It tells of the champions' return to the arena and the recognition of their past efforts. Stray Kids expresses their pride in overcoming challenges and now shining in the global spotlight.

"Creed" is themed around perseverance and self-belief. The members explain that they remain true to themselves, emphasizing their hard work and personal ethics, as well as their desire to always turn their words into actions.

"엉망 (Mess)” explores the difficult emotions of breakups, as well as mistakes and their negative consequences, with deep regret over how things turned out. This track shows that karma isn't all positive: bad actions produce repercussions, sometimes chaotic. It introduces a duality necessary to understand the full cycle.

"In My Head" invites personal introspection. This song speaks of the inner struggle against unhappiness and depression, where each day resembles the previous one, with no hope of change. Its "old-school" rhythm and melody immerse the viewer in this introspective nostalgia.

"반전 (Half Time)” offers an accelerated, punchier pace, using the metaphor of the first half of a match. They emphasize that they have achieved great success but are still only halfway through. It's a play on words between 전반전 – first half / halftime and 반전 – rebound.

"Phoenix" is a metaphor for rebirth and resilience. Even after failure (엉망), the protagonist rises again, embodying the law of positive karma: perseverance and courage produce transformation. Phoenix's rhythm seems very similar to the song "Kkulchong" released during a VLIVE (Chan's Room ep. 158).

"Ghost" expresses confusion, a feeling of loss of direction and emotional emptiness. Lost, wandering like a ghost, but confirming that everything is okay.

"0801" follows "Ghost" by offering a sense of comfort and closeness with fans, with 0108 representing STAY's anniversary (August 8). The song conveys the idea that Stray Kids will always be there by their side, providing constant and reassuring support. It's an invitation to stay united, hand in hand, and a message of encouragement they will sing endlessly to their fans, reminding them that, even in difficult times, they are never alone.

"CEREMONY" (Festival Version) offers a more festive version, choreographed for live performances and celebrations. As for “CEREMONY” (English Version) it is a global extension of the concept, allowing the universal message of karma to be transmitted beyond South Korea.

With KARMA, Stray Kids doesn't just produce an album: they deliver a coherent universe where music, visuals, dance, and symbolism echo one another. Each track tells a chapter of the champion's journey, each choreographic movement embodies the law of cause and effect, and each visual detail reinforces the common thread of karma. KARMA is thus an immersive experience that celebrates perseverance, resilience, and harmony between the individual and the collective, while connecting the group to its fans and to a larger, futuristic, and symbolic universe. By listening to this album and watching "CEREMONY," the viewer doesn't just attend a performance: they become a witness and participant in the cycle of actions and their consequences, where every gesture counts and every victory is deserved.

Edited by Bryn Claybourne