Bang Chan is the heart, mind, and unwavering foundation of Stray Kids — a once-in-a-generation leader who didn’t just rise with his team; he built it from the ground up. After passing the 2010 JYP Global Audition in Australia at the age of 13, he moved alone to South Korea and began a seven-year training journey that would shape him into one of the most respected artists of his generation and within the music industry.

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Officially joining JYP Entertainment on April 11, 2011, Bang Chan went on to handpick each member of Stray Kids in a determined and strategic effort to turn his years of training into a realized debut—creating a self-made brotherhood destined for global influence.

 

As the leader of Stray Kids and a core member of the in-house production team 3RACHA, Bang Chan has been instrumental in crafting the group’s musical identity, emotional tone, and powerful messages. From designing the original Stray Kids logo to producing and writing the vast majority of their discography, his creative imprint is embedded into every layer of the group’s artistry. His leadership philosophy is as humble as it is powerful: “I want to be a leader that listens, not a leader who leads. I want to be the rock that our members can rely on.”

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A classically trained pianist since the age of five and once a competitive swimmer, Bang Chan is a multitalented powerhouse whose discipline is rooted in his upbringing. His meeting with future bandmates Han and Changbin in a MIDI class led to the formation of 3RACHA in 2016—a hip-hop unit that became the creative backbone of Stray Kids. Today, their self-produced sound is globally recognized, with Bang Chan’s lyrics often reflecting deep introspection, personal growth, and resilience—universal themes that resonate powerfully with STAYs around the world.

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Recognized by Rolling Stone UK as a “Visionary Producer” and Paper Magazine as one of the “most prolific self-produced idols,” Bang Chan’s influence extends far beyond Stray Kids. He has written and produced for other artists, further proving his versatility and dedication to the craft. As of February 2023, he became a full member of the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA), where he currently ranks as the 3rd most credited active idol and #1 among all 4th-generation idols.

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Beyond music, Bang Chan serves as a Global Ambassador for Fendi, a reflection of his growing impact across fashion, culture, and youth worldwide; recently releasing a self produced track just for Fendi, celebrating their anniversary. Yet titles aside, what truly defines him is his unwavering commitment to his members and STAY.

 

Often described as fatherly, selfless, and protective, Bang Chan’s presence offers stability in an industry defined by chaos. He is the architect of Stray Kids’ legacy, their protector, and the founder of a movement that continues to inspire millions.

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Bang Chan is not only the leader and the mind behind Stray Kids — he is their heartbeat.