Stray Kids has officially revealed the first teaser images for their upcoming album, 合 (HOP), signaling the return of the "concept masters" with their bold and unique visuals.

The group’s new album, SKZHOP HIPTAPE: 合 (HOP), featuring the title track "Walkin On Water," will be released on December 13 at 2 PM KST (midnight EST). On November 19, JYP Entertainment shared the first concept photos on social media, showcasing Stray Kids' distinctive creativity and flair.

In the teaser images, the members captivate fans with confident poses and charismatic gazes. They skillfully blend traditional Korean elements, such as chrome masks, drums, fans, and gat (traditional hats), with hip-hop symbols like boomboxes and speakers, creating a perfect harmony between the past and present.

The album’s name, SKZHOP HIPTAPE, combines "SKZ" (Stray Kids’ abbreviation) with "hip-hop," introducing a fresh "new genre" unique to the group. 合 (HOP) carries dual meanings, representing the unity of the eight members (the "合") and the "hop" in hip-hop. Once again, 3RACHA—comprised of Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han—led the production, with all members contributing to the album’s creation.

The album includes a rich tracklist, such as the title song "Walkin On Water," "Bounce Back," "U (Feat. TABLO)," and a "HIP Ver." of the title track. Bonus tracks from Stray Kids’ solo stages during their world tour, Stray Kids World Tour , are also featured. These include:

• "Railway" by Bang Chan
• "Unfair" by Felix
• "HALLUCINATION" by I.N
• "Youth" by Lee Know
• "So Good" by Hyunjin
• "ULTRA" by Changbin
• "Hold My Hand" by Han
• "Slowly, Together, Us" by Seungmin

Adding to their achievements, Stray Kids’ song "SLASH," featured on the Deadpool & Wolverine movie soundtrack, has earned a nomination for "Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media" at the 67th Grammy Awards. Known as one of the most prestigious honors in music, the Grammys will be held on February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles.

Fans are excited to see Stray Kids’ groundbreaking concepts and undeniable talent once again shine on the global stage.

Source (1)

BTS member Jimin made history at the 2024 MAMA AWARDS, becoming the first solo artist ever to win the prestigious Visa Fan’s Choice of the Year award.

On November 22, Jimin was honored with the Fan’s Choice of the Year award at the 2024 MAMA AWARDS JAPAN, held at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan. This marks a huge milestone in his career, especially considering his ongoing military service.

Jimin made history as the first solo artist to win the Fan’s Choice of the Year award, a category that BTS had dominated for six years since its debut in 2018.

In addition to this achievement, Jimin also took home the Fan’s Choice Grand Prize, making him a two-time winner at this year’s awards.

Although Jimin couldn't attend the ceremony due to his military service, his name was met with loud cheers from fans when announced.

His incredible win continues to prove his global influence as a solo artist. Jimin had also won Best Male Artist at the 2023 MAMA AWARDS, marking back-to-back wins at the event.

The MAMA AWARDS praised Jimin for his groundbreaking achievements, saying, “As the first K-pop solo artist to reach 4 billion streams and set the longest-running #1 record for a Korean artist, Jimin has proven his influence as a world-class artist and global pop star.”

Jimin's win also made him the first solo artist to claim a grand prize at the MAMA AWARDS in 10 years, with his achievement sparking excitement worldwide.

On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag “CONGRATULATIONS JIMIN” topped the trends, while “우리지민이상받았네” (Our Jimin Got the Award) reached the #1 spot in Korea.

Jimin’s ongoing success continues to shine even during his military service. He was also recently named Best K-pop at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards and continues to be recognized for his charitable efforts, including a recent donation of 100 million KRW to the National Defense Soldier and Veteran Love Fund.

Source: [1]