Stray Kids embrace softer sound on new EP This & That

Stray Kids is stepping into a new sonic territory with its upcoming EP This & That, trading the aggressive intensity that has defined their early catalogue for a more relaxed, confident aesthetic. The shift marks a deliberate creative decision as the eight-piece group enters its ninth year.

Leader Bang Chan outlined the thinking during a press conference in Seoul on 6 August, ahead of the album's release on 7 August. "It's our ninth year, and we've tried many genres from the start," he said. "With this album, we prepared a new colour of Stray Kids, just as the title suggests."

The 10th EP features eight tracks entirely produced by the group's in-house production unit 3Racha, comprising Bang Chan, Changbin and Han. The hip-hop-based title track, also called This & That, anchors the project with what the group describes as a "chill" and "cool" vibe. Changbin highlighted the production's distinctive sonic textures paired with simple, repetitive lyrics centred on the album's titular phrase—a deliberate choice to balance experimental production with accessibility.

Member Han emphasised the group's philosophy of creative risk-taking. "There are safe choices. We could come back the same way and do what's familiar, but we take on challenges when making albums because it's more fun," he said, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The release comes as Stray Kids has become a focal point in K-pop's global expansion. With eight number-one albums on the Billboard 200, the group has drawn speculation about Grammy consideration, particularly after BTS announced it would not submit music for the 2027 awards. However, members deflected questions about chart ambitions. "We have never once set awards or chart records as goals when releasing an album. This time is the same," member Hyunjin said, stressing that fan satisfaction remains the priority.

Stray Kids is set to launch its new "Straycity" multi-day global festival next month, touring Bogota, Buenos Aires and Mexico City. Member Seungmin spoke to the group's hunger to reach fans worldwide. "We want to keep going to meet Stays around the world who haven't seen us in person yet," he said, using the name of their fanbase. Meanwhile, member Lee Know addressed questions about future military service obligations, framing them as a natural responsibility. "I realised how many Stays there are, and even if I go to the military, I want to repay the love I've received," he said.