Stray Kids Aren't Playing It Safe With 'THIS & THAT'

K-pop group Stray Kids are pushing into new territory nine years in. The group returned with a new mini-album, "THIS & THAT," a project built on the confidence that they can pull off, well, this and that.

Stray Kids held a press conference for "THIS & THAT" on Aug. 6 at the Conrad Seoul in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo district.

The title track, "This & That," is a groovy, hip-hop-based song that leans into a chill, cool mood. It carries the ease and confidence of a group that says it can handle whatever it sets out to do. "Compared to what we've done before, this title track stands out for its chill, laid-back vibe," said Changbin. "We worked hard to capture that 'we can do this and that well' kind of confidence."

That relaxed tone marks a real shift from their past singles. Han explained why they wanted to try something different. "There's always a safe option. We could just repeat the style we've shown before," he said. "But we always go for experimental, challenging choices because it's fun. It's tough sometimes, but we learn a lot along the way. If we kept doing the same thing, wouldn't we lose interest?"

Once again, the group's in-house producing team 3RACHA, made up of Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han, is credited on all eight tracks, giving the record the range of moods the group is known for. "Our musical pride comes from 3RACHA's producing," I.N said. "I always look forward to what the members will make. They come through with amazing songs."

Bang Chan has now worked on 239 songs. "I just kept working, and it turned into this many songs," he said. "I've learned so much working with the members, especially 3RACHA. More than anything, knowing there are people listening to our music gives me so much strength." He then shared a memory from the road. "The line that stayed with me the most on tour was, 'Your music saved me,'" he said. "When you hear that, you keep going. I plan to keep making songs that can be that kind of support."

Stray Kids have been a steady presence on global charts, but the members said sincerity matters more than results. "When we prepare each album, we try to show our sincerity and our best effort rather than chase a specific outcome," Seungmin said. "Of course, we hope the results match. We want our music and our feelings to reach as many people as possible." He added, "I was so happy while preparing the concerts and the album. I didn't want to miss the happiness of right now while worrying about the future. Our motto is to do the best we can in the present and show music and performances with real heart."

The members also talked about STRAYCITY, a festival set to be held in Latin America the following month. "We're still hungry," Seungmin said. "There are STAYs around the world we haven't met even once, and we really want to go to them. We want to meet fans on as many stages as possible, not just at our own concerts. It'll have a different vibe from a concert, and we're excited about that." Hyunjin added, "This isn't a festival we can hold just because we want to. It's happening because STAYs have shown us so much love. Starting in South America, we'll bring our stage to more places."

Along with the title track, the album includes "RUN IT," "aura farming," "FARMING," "After You," "I Do," "Way Out," "That Day" (Geunal), and "This & That (Festival Version)."

Stray Kids' mini-album "THIS & THAT" was released on Aug. 7 at 1 p.m. KST.