STRAY KIDS

STRAY KIDS: The Story

How They Got Here

In August 2017, JYP Entertainment (JYPE) officially announced the agency's new reality survival show to launch a male idol debut project. More details and teasers were released in the next two months, including the show's title—Stray Kids. Prior to its premiere on October 17, JYPE released Stray Kids' first music video for a song titled "Hellevator", which was later released as a digital single. Two members, Lee Know and Felix, were eliminated from the group, but all nine members ended up in the final line-up.

Stray Kids in January 2018

Along with the launch of Stray Kids' official website, JYPE announced the release of the group's pre-debut extended play (EP) titled Mixtape. It contains seven tracks co-written and co-composed by the members, including "Hellevator" and other songs that they performed during the show. The EP, along with the performance video of its second track titled "Beware", was released on January 8, 2018, while the performance video of "Spread My Wings" was uploaded online a week later. It debuted at number 2 on Gaon's Album Chart and Billboard's World Albums chart.

On March 5, JYPE announced the debut showcase of the group titled Stray Kids Unveil (Op. 01: I Am Not), which was held on March 25 at Jangchung Arena. They officially debuted the next day with the release of their EP titled I Am Not, along with the music video of its title track titled "District 9", while the music video of "Grow Up" and performance video of "Mirror" were released on March 31 and April 23 respectively.I Am Not debuted at number four on Gaon's Album Chart and sold over 54,000 physical copies in March.

On April 14, Stray Kids performed at KCON Japan 2018, the group's first overseas performance since debut.

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On July 12, JYPE announced the group's second showcase titled Stray Kids Unveil (Op. 02: I Am Who), which was held on August 5 at Kyung Hee University's Grand Peace Palace. Their second EP named I Am Who, along with its title track "My Pace", was released the next day.

On October 4, JYPE announced the group's third showcase titled Stray Kids Unveil (Op. 03: I Am You), which was held on October 21 at Olympic Hall, and followed by the release of their new album EP I Am You the next day.