Karma StrayKids Say “7 Years of Ups and Downs… Current Popularity Feels Like a Dream”
Stray Kids Release 4th Full Album KARMA After 2-Year Wait
Stray Kids held an opening ceremony on August 22 at the Conrad Seoul Grand Ballroom to celebrate the release of their 4th full-length album, KARMA.
JYP Entertainment explained that “KARMA” means destiny and retribution, with Stray Kids adding the nuance of “Calmer.” The group shared, “When bad karma comes, we want to calm it with our good karma. This is our first comeback of the year and our first album in 11 months. We worked hard while on tour and prepared this album as a gift for fans. We’re curious to see their reactions—we prepared without regrets.”
This album marks their first studio release in two years since ★★★★★ (5-STAR) in June 2023. The producing team 3RACHA (Bang Chan, Changbin, Han) took part in writing and producing all 11 tracks, including the title track, once again showcasing their identity as a self-producing group.
Title Track “CEREMONY” and Special Guest Appearance by Faker
The title track “CEREMONY” blends trap EDM with baile funk rhythms. According to JYP, it carries the message of celebrating success achieved through effort and patience while overcoming hardships. The members themselves described their energy on stage as “crazy,” meant in a positive and confident way.
The sports-themed music video includes a surprise appearance by esports star Faker. Stray Kids said, “Although we didn’t meet him in person, it was an honor. We’d love to meet him together someday.”
Seungmin reflected on their seven years since debut, comparing their path to sports: “It feels like baseball, running toward victory in our positions, like a relay race, and at times like a high jump we need to clear.”
Record-Breaking World Tour and Billboard Achievements
From August 2023 to July 2024, Stray Kids completed their largest tour to date—54 concerts across 34 regions worldwide—before returning to Seoul for their new release. On this tour, they set records including the largest K-pop concert held at Stade de France in Paris, and became the first K-pop act to perform at five of six major European stadiums, such as Rome’s Stadio Olimpico and London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Hyunjin added, “Entering such massive stadiums made us grateful to fans who support us even from far away. If I could recall one thing before I die, it would be the look in fans’ eyes from the stage.”
Stray Kids also continue to break records in the U.S., becoming the first group in Billboard 200’s 69-year history to have six consecutive albums debut at No.1, starting with ODDINARY in 2022.
Looking Back on 7 Years With Gratitude
Changbin shared, “Looking back, I feel so thankful. The amount of love we’re receiving is hard to believe. Early on, we often questioned if our music was right and what we should do. There was uncertainty, but thanks to our members and fans, we gained confidence. What felt like stubbornness ended up helping Stray Kids. Touring has given us dreamlike moments.”
Han reflected, “Over seven years, we faced many challenges, but no one collapsed. We leaned on each other and grew stronger. If we started as branches, we’ve now become a tree with deep roots. I want us to keep being admirable to one another.”
He ended warmly, saying to his members: “I want us to be together for a very long time. I’ll confess—I really love you.”
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