Stray Kids have kicked off the countdown to their highly anticipated comeback. On November 16, JYP Entertainment released the teaser schedule for their upcoming album, SKZHOP HIPTAPE - Hap (合(HOP)) which fuses hip-hop elements with traditional Korean cultural motifs, highlighting the unique charm of Korea.
The concept art for the album features a dark hanok (traditional Korean house) door adorned with brushstroke-style typography, symbolizing both “hop” in hip-hop and the Korean character “hap” (合), meaning harmony or unity. This design, along with elements such as traditional paper patterns, modern graphic objects, and a red and blue color scheme reminiscent of the Taeguk symbol on the Korean flag, sets the stage for a striking blend of traditional and contemporary visuals.
Stray Kids will release a series of teasers starting November 18, including various images and videos leading up to the album launch. On the day of the release, the group will hold a live countdown event, followed by a special remix single.
The album name SKZHOP HIPTAPE combines “SKZ” (Stray Kids’ abbreviation) with “hip-hop,” representing a new, unofficial genre created by Stray Kids. This innovative album showcases tracks that reflect the group’s distinct sound and style, making it a unique addition to their discography.
The title Hap (合) carries a dual meaning: it symbolizes the synergy of Stray Kids’ eight members coming together to create something unified, while also incorporating the word "hop" from hip-hop, reflecting a layered interpretation in both languages.
In addition to preparing for their comeback, Stray Kids are currently on an extensive world tour. The tour began in Seoul this past August and has since brought the group to large stadium venues worldwide, highlighting their immense global popularity.
Stray Kids recently made a major impact in Japan, releasing their second Japanese full album, Giant, on November 13. The group performed three consecutive solo concerts at Tokyo Dome from November 14 to 17 as part of the world tour, solidifying their influence in Japan’s music scene.
Following Japan, the group will head to Manila on November 23, then to Macau on November 29 and 30. In December, Stray Kids will perform in Osaka, Bangkok, and Jakarta, continuing their global journey and connecting with fans across Asia.
Stray Kids' new album, SKZHOP HIPTAPE - Hap (合), is set to be officially released on December 13 at 2 PM KST, and expectations are high for the unique cultural fusion and fresh sounds they promise to deliver.
Sayart / Sharon Jung, guhuijeong784@gmail.com
