Stray Kids are back and ready to shake things up! The group is gearing up to release their brand-new album '合 (HOP)', showing off their unique take on hip-hop and proving once again why they’re known as the ultimate "self-producing idols."

The SKZHOP HIPTAPE '合 (HOP)', dropping on December 13, is all about Stray Kids' individuality. The album’s name combines “SKZ” with “hip-hop,” symbolizing their own, exclusive genre. Leading the album is the title track "Walkin On Water", which promises to deliver a bold and refreshing vibe. Fans have been treated to a variety of teasers, including logo videos, teaser images, and previews that have created a huge buzz online.

On December 11, the group dropped an intro video called "Stray Kids [INTRO '合 (HOP)']" where the members talked about their vision for the album. They described their hip-hop as music that reflects their personalities and allows them to express themselves freely. "Since debut, we’ve poured ourselves into self-produced music, and this album is no different," they shared, highlighting their pride in creating something uniquely Stray Kids.

The title track, "Walkin On Water", is particularly special. The group’s in-house production unit, 3RACHA—made up of Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han—explained, “It’s our first time creating a full-group track with an old-school hip-hop vibe and Boom Bap beats. This album has a much more unified sound, and we focused on cohesive melodies and tracks.”

The members also shared their excitement about the choreography, saying, “This time, we’ve put extra effort into rhythm and steps. The moves are also easy for STAYs to follow, so we hope fans have fun dancing along!”

The album isn’t just about the title track—it features 12 songs, including "Bounce Back", "U (Feat. TABLO)", and "Walkin On Water (HIP Ver.). Fans can also look forward to solo tracks from all eight members, first introduced during their Stray Kids World Tour . Each song dives deep into their personal stories and showcases a different side of their artistry.

Stray Kids are ending 2024 on a high note! This year has been a whirlwind of success for the group, including nominations in three major categories at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards and a second-year performance at the ceremony. Their world tour, , has been a massive hit, with sold-out stadiums and added dates to meet fan demand.

The group expressed their gratitude, saying, “2024 has been such a happy year thanks to STAY and the members. We’re excited to keep moving forward together with even more determination next year.”

To keep fans excited, Stray Kids gave a sneak peek of the choreography and title track through short videos featuring Lee Know, Hyunjin, and Felix on December 11. The clips have only fueled anticipation for what’s shaping up to be one of the most unique comebacks of the year.

Stray Kids’ SKZHOP HIPTAPE '合 (HOP)' and the highly awaited "Walkin On Water" will officially drop on December 13 at 2 PM KST (midnight EST). Get ready, STAY—this album is about to end 2024 with a bang!

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Actress Lim Ji Yeon is finally opening up about the unexpected backlash she received after showing support for actor Jung Woo Sung during his controversial return to the public eye.

In an interview on January 23rd, following the end of her drama The Tale of Lady Ok, Lim Ji Yeon spoke candidly about the situation that caused a stir at the 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards in November last year.

At the event, Jung Woo Sung made his public return after facing controversy surrounding an “illegitimate child” with model Moon Ga Bi. While Jung Woo Sung took the stage to apologize, Lim Ji Yeon was seen clapping and cheering for him.

Reflecting on that moment, Lim Ji Yeon shared, "It was a brief moment, so it’s hard to say whether it was right or wrong." She added, "I didn’t expect the public’s reaction. On the other hand, I was cautious since The Tale of Lady Ok was airing at the time."

For those who missed it, Jung Woo Sung and Moon Ga Bi, who had been in a relationship since 2022, revealed last year that they were expecting a child.

The actor took full responsibility for the situation and issued an apology during the awards ceremony, saying, "I’m sorry for causing concern and disappointment to everyone who has shown me love and support. I will bear all the criticism, and I promise to take full responsibility as a father to my son".

However, while Jung Woo Sung addressed the controversy, it was Lim Ji Yeon’s show of support that sparked controversy.

She cheered enthusiastically for Jung Woo Sung, while actress Hye Ri, who was seated next to her, kept a neutral, expressionless face. This led to a wave of criticism from some netizens who questioned Lim Ji Yeon’s reaction.

It’s worth noting that Lim Ji Yeon’s agency, Artist Company, was co-founded by Jung Woo Sung and actor Lee Jung Jae, both of whom currently serve as directors.

Could this connection have influenced Lim Ji Yeon’s public display of support? She’s still processing the response, and fans are curious to know how she’ll handle the fallout moving forward.

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