Why are Stray Kids so popular in Japan?Addictive “attacking music” and a thorough concept-Real Sound | Real Sound

Stray Kids is an 8-member boy group that debuted from JYP Entertainment in 2018. So far, he has released numerous hit songs such as “MIROH”, “God’s Menu”, and “Thunderous”, and the album “MAXIDENT” released in October 2022 will follow “ODDINARY” released in March of the same year. ‘s main chart “Billboard 200” for the second time, achieving triple million sellers, etc. It can be seen that it is loved not only in Korea but also globally.

Their popularity in Japan is tremendous, and in February they held their second Japan solo performance “Stray Kids 2nd World Tour ‘MANIAC’ ENCORE in JAPAN”, and on February 22nd they released their first Japanese album “THE SOUND”. ]is also released.

So far, he has appeared on the Japanese music YouTube channel “THE FIRST TAKE” four times, and in “CASE 143 -Japanese ver.-“, which was released just the other day, he performed an arrangement that is different from the original version. and has aroused a reaction.

While many K-POP boy groups are expanding into Japan and the world, what is the reason why Stray Kids are gaining such remarkable success and outstanding popularity in Japan?

When talking about the charm of Stray Kids, many K-POP listeners and STAY (a general term for Stray Kids fans) probably think of their self-producing and performance skills first and foremost.

It is a well-known story that their songs are produced by the unit 3RACHA, which consists of members Bang Chan, Han, and Changbin. In addition, there is no doubt that their performance skills that capture the hearts of viewers and listeners at a glance, cultivated by winning a tough trainee period and numerous fierce audition programs, are their characteristics.

However, I think there are other reasons why even beginners who have just begun to be interested in K-POP are attracted to them.

“Aggressive” music with strong sound

Speaking of Stray Kids, as introduced at the beginning, aggressive songs with strong beats and sounds, such as “God’s Menu” and “Thunderous”, are characteristic. It is rare among the 4th generation K-POP boy groups that debuted after 2018 to put out such a big-boned song, and there are too many young boy groups of this type in Japan. I have the impression that it does not. For that reason, their music sounds fresh to the listeners’ ears, and is more likely to leave an impression.

In addition, many of Stray Kids’ songs are highly addictive, as they repeat iconic phrases in the chorus. And such songs are often used on TikTok, and their songs spread from there, which leads to the expansion of new fans and recognition.