Bang Chan: The Story Behind His Journey to Stray Kids

Behind the dazzling performances and powerful music of Stray Kids lies the story of one individual who revolutionized the group: Bang Chan. His journey from an aspiring musician from Australia to the leader of Stray Kids is a testament to perseverance, talent, and dedication. In this article, we delve into how Bang Chan became a member of Stray Kids and the impact he had on the group's formation and success.

From Australia to South Korea

Bang Chan's journey began at the young age of 13 when he made the bold decision to move from Australia to South Korea to pursue his dreams of becoming a musician. Much like many young musicians, Bang Chan took a chance and followed his aspirations by joining JYP Entertainment's idol trainee program in Seoul. His move marked the beginning of a rigorous seven-year training period where he honed his skills in singing, dancing, and producing music. This training was crucial, laying the foundation for his future endeavors with Stray Kids.

Loading the Reality Survival Show

In 2016, Bang Chan formed a unit known as 3RACHA, which was composed of Han Ji Sung and Changbin. This unit was notable for their songwriting and production skills. In January 2017, they released their first untitled mixtape on SoundCloud, showcasing their talents and gaining recognition. This success paved the way for even greater opportunities.

The Stray Kids Formation

One year later, in August 2017, JYP Entertainment announced a reality survival show aimed at forming a new male idol group. It was here that Bang Chan took on a pivotal role by leading the now-famous "Male Group Project," which included Han Ji Sung and Changbin. With a team of nearly two dozen trainees, the show required intense competition and collaboration. The project culminated in the formation of the nine-member group known as Stray Kids in December 2017.

The Debut and Leadership

On March 25, 2018, Bang Chan made his awaited debut with Stray Kids. As the leader, lead rapper, lead dancer, and songwriter/composer, he brought his expertise to the group's music and performance. His contributions were significant, not only in the personal growth of the members but also in the group's success as a whole.

Bang Chan's dedication and skills have been instrumental in the group's rise to prominence in the K-pop industry. He is often referred to as the 'father' of the team, and his leadership and talent have ensured that Stray Kids continues to thrive.

Bang Chan's Impact

Bang Chan has played a crucial role in the formation of Stray Kids. He handpicked the members of the group, ensuring that each had the necessary talents to contribute to the group's success. His leadership extended beyond just leading performances but also in songwriting, mixing, arranging, and producing. The sub-unit 3RACHA not only contributed to the success of their first mixtape but also continued to develop the overall concept of the group.

Without Bang Chan, it is difficult to imagine the current trajectory of Stray Kids. His seven years of training and perseverance have led to a group that is both artistically rich and widely beloved. In the K-pop industry, Bang Chan has not only made a significant impact but has also set a new standard for leadership and artistic vision.