Stray Kids lost a member before their debut and still became one of K-pop's biggest acts

Stray Kids lost a member before their debut and still became one of K-pop's biggest acts

Stray Kids almost debuted as a complete lineup, but that changed before their official start. One member left, creating uncertainty around the group’s future. Despite this setback, stray kids pushed forward with determination. Their early struggle became part of their identity.

South Korean boy group Stray Kids
South Korean boy group Stray Kids attend the 2022 KBS Song Festival at Jamsil Arena in Seoul, South Korea (R) and their leader Bang Chan (L). Photo: The Chosunilbo JNS
Source: Getty Images

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Stray Kids faced a major challenge when a member left before their official debut, creating uncertainty for the group’s future.
  • The remaining members, led by Bang Chan, stayed focused, showing determination to continue despite the lineup change.
  • The remaining members stayed focused, showing determination to continue despite the lineup change.
  • They distinguished themselves by writing and producing much of their own music, giving them creative control.
  • The group’s chemistry and teamwork strengthened as they adapted to the change, helping them perform cohesively.

Stray Kids members

Stray Kids members are the individual artists who make up the globally recognised K-pop group known for their self-produced music and strong group identity. Each member brings a distinct role, from vocals and rap to dance and production, shaping the group’s unique sound. Below is a complete guide to Stray Kids members' ages, birthdays, photos and full names, along with key profile details.

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Stage name

Full name

Age (as of 2026)

Birthplace

Key Facts

Bang Chan

Christopher Bang

28

South Korea / Australia

Leader, producer, 3Racha (CB97)

Lee Know

Lee Min-ho

27

South Korea

Survival show finalist, dancer

Changbin

Seo Chang Bin

26

South Korea

Main rapper, producer, 3Racha

Hyunjin

Hwang Hyun Jin

26

Seoul, South Korea

Dancer, studied at SOPA

Han

Han Ji Sung

25

Incheon, South Korea

Rapper, producer, 3Racha

Felix

Lee Yong Bok

25

Sydney, Australia

Deep voice, dancer, beatboxer

Seungmin

Kim Seung Min

25

Seoul, South Korea

Main vocalist, former MC

I.N

Yang Jeong In

25

Busan, South Korea

Youngest, singer, piano skills

1. Bang Chan

stray kids members age
Bang Chan of Stray Kids visits Build Studio in New York City. Photo: Santiago Felipe
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Christopher Bang
  • Date of birth: October 03, 1997
  • Age: 28 years old (as of 2026)
  • Place of birth: Korea
  • Height: 1.71 m

Born in South Korea and now in Australia, Bang Chan is an accomplished singer, record producer, and songwriter. Bang Chan is best known as the leader of the band. He is also a member of the hip-hop trio 3Racha. He goes by the moniker CB97 alongside his colleagues HAN and Chang-bin.

2. Lee Know

  • Full name: Lee Min-ho
  • Date of birth: October 25, 1998
  • Age: 27 years old (as of 2026)
  • Place of birth: Korea
  • Height: 1.72 m

Min-ho graduated from South Korea's Gimpo Jeil Technical High School. In 2017, he gained popularity after participating in JYP Entertainment's singing survival show Stray Kids. Lee Know was a finalist in the program and later joined the Stray Kids K-pop boy group.

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3. Changbin

skz members
Changbin of Stray Kids visits at Build Studio on May 13, 2019 in New York City. Photo: Santiago Felipe
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Seo Chang Bin
  • Date of birth: August 11, 1999
  • Age: 26 years old (as of 2026)
  • Place of birth: Korea
  • Height: 1.67 m

When Changbin delivered his first musical performance in high school, he realised singing was his passion. At just 16, he began to work on his craft, which earned him an audition at one of South Korea's most renowned record labels, JYP Entertainment. Having passed the audition with flying colours, Seo Chang Bin eventually joined Stray Kids, where he is renowned as their primary rapper and producer.

4. Hyunjin

felix stray kids
Hyunjin of boy band Stary Kids attends the launch event of the TOD'S 2022 F/W collection at Loop Station in Seoul, South Korea. Photo: Han Myung-Gu
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Hwang Hyun Jin
  • Date of birth: March 20, 2000
  • Age: 26 years old (as of 2026)
  • Place of birth: Seoul, South Korea
  • Height: 1.80 m

Hyunjin is the sole offspring of his family. As a young child, he spent a brief period in Las Vegas, during which time he attended kindergarten and was known as Sam. To pursue his dream of becoming a dancer, Hwang Hyun Jin attended SOPA (School of Performing Arts) in Seoul and was conferred a degree in Practical Dance after two years of vigorous training.

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5. Han

  • Full name: Han Ji Sung
  • Date of birth: September 14, 2000
  • Age: 25 years old (as of 2026)
  • Place of birth: Incheon, South Korea
  • Height: 1.69 m

Han Ji-sung is the principal rapper and producer of the South Korean group. Alongside Changbin and Bang Chan, he is part of the hip-hop rap subgroup 3RACHA. Fluent in English, Han Ji Sung debuted as a member of Stray Kids on March 25, 2018, featuring on their debut album, I Am Not, and its lead single, District 9.

6. Felix

woojin stray kids
Felix of boy band Stray Kids attends the Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2023 Show on the Jamsugyo Bridge at the Hangang River in Seoul, South Korea. Photo: Han Myung-Gu
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Lee Yong Bok
  • Date of birth: September 15, 2000
  • Age: 25 years old (as of 2026)
  • Place of birth: Sydney, Australia
  • Height: 1.71 m

Felix from Stray Kids is the main rapper and dancer of the group. He is recognised for his unique, deep vocal tone in the group's songs. Felix's additional talents in beatboxing and piano playing make him stand out even more.

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7. Seungmin

who left stray kids
Seungmin of Stray Kids visits Build Studio in New York City. Photo: Santiago Felipe
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Kim Seung Min
  • Date of birth: September 22, 2000
  • Age: 25 years old (as of 2026)
  • Place of birth: Seoul, South Korea
  • Height: 1.78 m

Kim Seung Min is the primary vocalist in the band. His admirers have affectionately termed him Sunshine, and his teammates humorously label him Snail. Kim Seung Min became an MC for Arirang's After School Club between July and December of 2018 due to his command of the English language and hosting abilities.

8. I.N

  • Full name: Yang Jeong In
  • Date of birth: February 08, 2001
  • Age: 25 years old (as of 2026)
  • Place of birth: Busan, South Korea
  • Height: 1.72 m

Before launching his music career, Yang Jeong In was a model. He is also known for his impressive ability to play the piano and sing Trot.

When did Stray Kids debut?

Stray Kids released its first-ever extended play called Mixtape in January 2018, but officially debuted in March 2018 with another extended play, I Am Not.

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Below are some of Stray Kid's popular songs;

  • Hellevator
  • District 9
  • I am YOU
  • MIROH
  • Double Knot
  • Astronaut
  • Mixtape #1
  • Sunshine
  • WHO?
  • Road Not Taken
  • Hero's Soup

In January 2020, Stray Kids released its first-ever English album, Step Out of Clé. The new album features the English versions of digital singles Levanter from the album Clé: LEVANTER, released in December 2019, and Double Knot, released in October 2019.

Stray Kids' concerts are known for their incredible production value, engaging fan interactions, and a sense of unity that creates an unforgettable atmosphere. Some of their concert tours include District 9: Unlock World Tour (2019–2020) and Maniac World Tour (2022–2023).

Where are Stray Kids now?

As of late March 2026, the INSPIRE ARENA will host Stray Kids' sixth fan meeting, "STAY in Our Little House," on March 28–29 and April 4–5, 2026. The single "Star, Light (STAY)" was released on March 25, 2026, and their "Chk Chk Boom" music video had 200 million views. They recently celebrated their eighth anniversary.

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Who is the oldest of Stray Kids?

The oldest member of Stray Kids is Bang Chan. Born on October 03, 1997, he is 28 years old as of 2026 and also serves as the leader of the group.

Who is the youngest member of Stray Kids?

The youngest member of Stray Kids is Yang Jeong In (I.N). Born on February 08, 2001, he is 25 years old as of 2026.

Felix, the lead rapper, is one of the group's most popular members. He is known for his extremely deep voice.

What nationality are Stray Kids members?

Bang Chan and Felix are Australian citizens (born/raised in Australia) and have maintained their Australian citizenship, which makes them exempt from mandatory South Korean military service. Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Seungmin, and I.N. are South Korean citizens and are required to fulfill military service.

How tall are Stray Kids members?

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Stray Kids members range in height from approximately 167 cm to 179 cm, making them a relatively compact group in the K-pop industry. Hyunjin is widely considered the tallest member at around 179 cm (5'10.5"), while Changbin is the shortest at roughly 167 cm (5'5"-5'6"),

Who left Stray Kids?

Kim Woo-jin left the group in 2019. Why did Woojin leave Stray Kids? The reason Woojin left Stray Kids was personal circumstances, and he terminated his exclusive contract.

Woojin from Stray Kids has been performing with the band since its inception in 2017. He was the group's lead vocalist and the group's eldest member.

Are Stray Kids as famous as BTS?

Yes, Stray Kids has gained a significant and dedicated fanbase. However, BTS has achieved unprecedented global success and is considered one of the biggest and most influential K-pop groups worldwide.

Who is the main dancer of Stray Kids?

Hyunjin is regarded as the group's main dancer. He is known for his versatility as a dancer and has contributed significantly to developing Stray Kids' dynamic choreography.

What is Stray Kids' fandom name?

STAY is the official fandom name for the South Korean boy group Stray Kids. The fandom name STAY incorporates wordplay, creating a connection between the verbs "to stray" and "to stay."

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It signifies that dedicated fans are the driving force behind Stray Kids' continued presence and success. The slogan "You make Stray Kids STAY" reinforces this idea, highlighting the essential role of fans in supporting and sustaining the group's journey.

What does the Stray Kids logo look like?

Stray Kids logo
The Stray Kids logo. Photo: @Stray Kids
Source: Facebook

The Stray Kids logo is designed as a cardiogram. Bang Chan designed it.

Were the Stray Kids in the Idol Room?

Yes, Idol Room is a popular South Korean variety show that has featured the talented group Stray Kids as guests.

Today, Stray Kids stand as one of K-pop’s biggest acts worldwide. Losing a member did not stop their growth or impact. Instead, it strengthened their bond and direction. Their journey proves that setbacks can lead to even greater success.

Kami.com.ph published an article about the SNSD members. Girls' Generation (SNSD) was an eight-member girl group comprised of extremely skilled women. The group was founded in 2007 by SM Entertainment.

It was disbanded ten years later. Despite their separation, SNSD members have stayed active in the entertainment industry. The members of the all-girl group have turned into young women taking over the world through dancing, singing, and acting.

Source: KAMI.com.gh

Authors:
Hannah Benavidez avatar

Hannah Benavidez (SEO writer)

Kevin Omuya avatar

Kevin Omuya (Lifestyle writer)

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