It is a landmark moment for K-pop powerhouses Stray Kids, and the group is celebrating the milestone with a heartfelt gift dedicated to their global fanbase.
To honor eight years since their 2018 arrival on the music scene, the octet unveiled a new single titled “별, 빛 (STAY)” on Wednesday, March 25. The track serves as a melodic tribute to their supporters—affectionately known as STAY—and reinforces the profound bond between the group and their listeners.
Members HAN and Seungmin took the creative lead on the project, contributing to both the composition and the lyricism. “별, 빛 (STAY)” is a poignant ballad driven by acoustic guitar and piano, weaving a narrative about shared journeys and mutual reliance under a vast sky. The song’s celestial themes are mirrored in the cover art, which takes inspiration from the group’s official lightstick. In a personal touch for fans, each of the eight members hand-designed a star for the single’s artwork, according to official statements.
Since debuting in March 2018 with the EP I Am Not, Stray Kids have experienced a meteoric rise to the top of the industry. Their journey progressed through the I Am series to their 2020 full-length debut, GO生, which earned critical acclaim as one of the year’s standout K-pop releases. Over nearly a decade, the group has rewritten the record books, securing eight consecutive number-one spots on the Billboard 200. They notably became the first act in history to debut at the summit with their first six chart entries.
Their trophy cabinet reflects this dominance, boasting a Top K-Pop Album win at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards and Group of the Year honors at the 2024 People’s Choice Awards. Following the release of their 2025 mixtape SKZ IT TAPE ‘DO IT’, Stray Kids further solidified their legacy by becoming the K-pop act with the most RIAA Gold-certified albums in history.
Experience the new single “별, 빛 (STAY)” below:
