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.

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ChoA, former member of the girl group Crayon Pop, has bravely shared her ongoing battle with cervical cancer and her emotional journey.

On January 28, ChoA posted a heartfelt update on her social media, explaining her struggles. "I usually laugh, talk, and live my life as usual, but there are moments when I suddenly face a reality that isn’t like before, and it gets tough," she shared.

She went on to say, "Recently, something difficult happened, and in the past, I would have had a drink with my husband to shake it off. I really miss being able to do that."

ChoA admitted that she still can’t fully believe her diagnosis. "When I face the reality I’ve been avoiding, my heart that I’ve built up breaks down," she said. "But the life I’m living now, which I’m still enjoying, is something that someone else might be wishing for. I try to gather my thoughts again with gratitude."

She also expressed hope for the future, saying, "Lately, I dream of a day five years from now when I’ll be declared cancer-free and be able to have a drink with my husband after putting the kids to bed, after all the struggles. It’s been almost two years, so I believe the day I get that clean bill of health will come soon."

ChoA married a businessman in 2021, six years older than her. In October 2023, she revealed her cervical cancer diagnosis, sharing that she had been diagnosed during a routine check-up in her first year of marriage.

Despite everything, ChoA remains hopeful, noting that the cancer was smaller than expected during surgery, and she was able to preserve her fertility—a step closer to her dream of becoming a mother.

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