Stray Kids Drop "Star, Light (STAY)" on Their 8th Debut Anniversary

Eight years after their debut, Stray Kids release a handcrafted anniversary digital single dedicated to STAY, with fan meetings at Incheon Inspire Arena already sold out.

HITKULTR

March 19, 2026

#K-Pop#Stray Kids#JYP Entertainment#STAY#Anniversary

Eight years is a long time to keep pointing the way. On March 25, the exact date Stray Kids made their debut in 2018, the group releases their 8th anniversary digital single "Star, Light (STAY)" (별, 빛 (STAY)) at 1 PM KST, a release that doubles as both a milestone marker and a direct message to their fandom.

JYP Entertainment confirmed the release alongside the unveiling of an online cover image. The artwork centers on the group's Nachimbong, their compass-shaped official light stick, reimagined among a field of stars to depict "the moment when light turns into direction." Each of the eight members, Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin and I.N, contributed their own star design to the illustration. The result is one of the more intentional pieces of K-pop promo art in recent memory: handmade, symbolic, and specific.

The title itself lands on two levels. "별, 빛" translates to "Star, Light," while the bracketed "STAY" calls directly to the group's official fandom name. The single arrives as a thank-you, a love letter to the people who have been there since debut day.

The Streak Behind the Gesture

The anniversary gift comes off the back of an extraordinary run. Stray Kids' 2025 album Karma debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 313,000 first-week units, their seventh straight chart-topping debut in the US and the most consecutive No. 1 albums by any K-pop act, surpassing BTS. Their November 2025 mixtape Do It extended the record to eight, making them the first act across all genres in Billboard history to debut their first eight charting albums at No. 1.

Stray Kids at the 40th Golden Disc Awards, January 10, 2026 — Stray Kids accepting Album Daesang for *Karma* at the 40th Golden Disc Awards, January 2026. Photo: 티비텐 TV10 / CC BY 4.0

That weight gives "Star, Light (STAY)" some context. This is not a stopgap. It's a pause point from a group at the peak of their commercial run, choosing to mark eight years with something small and sincere rather than a campaign cycle. The single may also offer the first sonic preview of a full-length album already teased for 2026, following a cinematic teaser last year that ended with the message: "The next historical chapter begins."

STAY in Our Little House

Stray Kids will perform the single live at their sixth official fan meeting, "Stray Kids 6TH FANMEETING STAY in Our Little House," held across four dates at Incheon Inspire Arena: March 28 and 29, and April 4 and 5. All tickets for offline attendance have sold out. Fans unable to attend in person can access the March 29 and April 5 performances through paid livestreams on the Beyond LIVE platform.

The group's momentum heading into 2026 extends well beyond music. Stray Kids confirmed a major world tour earlier this year, while individual members have been building significant brand portfolios: Changbin was named Autry's first global brand ambassador in February, and Hyunjin partnered with GUESS in March.

"Star, Light (STAY)" drops March 25 at 1 PM KST (midnight ET).

Fans Also Ask

When does Stray Kids' "Star, Light (STAY)" release?

"Star, Light (STAY)" releases on March 25, 2026 at 1 PM KST, coinciding precisely with Stray Kids' 8th debut anniversary. The group officially debuted on March 25, 2018 under JYP Entertainment. The single is available on all major streaming platforms. It is a gift track dedicated to STAY, the group's fandom, released without a major comeback cycle to mark the milestone anniversary directly.

What does the title "Star, Light (STAY)" mean?

The Korean title "별, 빛" translates to "Star, Light" in English. The bracketed "STAY" is a direct reference to Stray Kids' official fandom name. The title connects the group's fanbase to the imagery of stars and guiding light that runs through the single's artwork. Together, the title positions fans as the stars that guide the group, a theme consistent with Stray Kids' anniversary messaging since debut.

What is on the cover art for "Star, Light (STAY)"?

The cover art features the group's official light stick, the Nachimbong (a compass-shaped design), reimagined as a guiding light among stars. Each of the eight Stray Kids members personally contributed by designing their own star, making the illustration a collaborative, member-created piece. The handmade quality of the artwork mirrors the personal tone of the track, which was conceived as a direct message to the STAY fandom.

Where is the Stray Kids 2026 fan meeting?

Stray Kids' 6th official fan meeting, "STAY in Our Little House," takes place at Incheon Inspire Arena on March 28 and 29 and April 4 and 5, 2026. All offline tickets have sold out. The March 29 and April 5 shows will be livestreamed globally via Beyond LIVE for fans who could not secure in-person tickets. The fan meeting is held separately from any major comeback activity.

How many Billboard 200 No. 1 albums does Stray Kids have?

As of early 2026, Stray Kids have eight consecutive No. 1 debuts on the Billboard 200, the most by any act in any genre in Billboard history. Their 2025 album Karma was their seventh, followed by the November 2025 mixtape Do It as their eighth. The record spans group albums and mixtapes alike, cementing Stray Kids as the most consistent Billboard 200 chart-toppers in K-pop history.