K-pop heartthrob and leader of global sensations Stray Kids, Bang Chan, graces the February cover of HarperS Bazaar Korea, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the Korean music scene. As the latest brand ambassador for Italian fashion house Fendi, Bang Chan’s influence extends far beyond music, demonstrating his undeniable appeal to both fashion and entertainment enthusiasts. In an intimate interview accompanying the striking cover, Bang Chan delves into the intricate fabric of Stray Kids’ success, revealing a bond that transcends typical friendship.
“Our relationship is more about love than friendship,” he candidly shares, emphasizing the unique depth and intensity that binds this remarkable group. Bang Chan acknowledges that their tight-knit connection is rooted in something deeper, a shared passion that fuels their creative fire and guides them even through missteps. “That’s why even when we make mistakes, we can understand each other and feel motivated to grow together. I think that’s the most critically important thing,” he explains, adding a touch of awe: “Sometimes, even I wonder—how is this possible for us?”
The secret behind Stray Kids’ electrifying stage presence lies in the fervent passion burning within each member. This internal fire becomes amplified as thay step onto the stage, fueled further by the unwavering support of their devoted fanbase, known as STAY. Bang Chan recognizes the natural ebb and flow of passion, but within Stray Kids, he sees something different. “But in our team, even if someone’s flame dies down, it quickly reignites as ther are seven other sparks to keep it alive. We’re always busy warming each other up,” he shares, highlighting the symbiotic nature of their bond.
Far from resting on their laurels, Bang Chan remains a relentless seeker of artistic refinement. In his creative process, he embraces collaboration and feedback, pouring his heart and soul into his work. “When I work on music, I give it my all, and then I share it with people to see their reactions and keep refining it,” he admits.This dedication to his craft, coupled with his genuine desire to connect with his audience, has propelled stray Kids to extraordinary heights.
Stray Kids, the captivating K-pop sensation, continues to dominate charts and hearts worldwide. Their undeniable success isn’t solely attributed to catchy tunes and impressive performances; it stems from a unique bond between its members,notably evident in their collaborative creative process. Bang Chan, the charismatic leader and multi-faceted artist, recently sat down with Harper’s Bazaar Korea, becoming the brand ambassador for Italian luxury fashion house Fendi. He shed light on the powerful influence of their close-knit bond, revealing that it’s more than just friendship; it’s a foundation built on love and unwavering support.
“Our relationship is indeed very special, and I’d venture to say it’s more about love than just friendship,” Bang Chan shared. “We’ve always been open with each other, and that honesty allows us to grow together seamlessly.” This openness, he explained, extends beyond everyday interactions, deeply influencing their music creation and production. Mistakes, certain in any creative endeavor, are viewed not as failures, but as valuable learning opportunities.
“I believe our bond is a natural instinct that even mistakes can’t break,” Bang Chan emphasized. “When someone makes a mistake during practice or a performance, we don’t point fingers. Instead, we try to understand why it happened and learn from it together. We’re motivated to grow and improve, not by blame, but by mutual understanding and support.” This collaborative spirit, fueled by empathy and a genuine desire for collective growth, fosters a dynamic and innovative creative habitat.
Stray Kids’ music reflects this unique bond. Their distinctive sound, a harmonious blend of individual talents, resonates deeply with fans worldwide. The group’s captivating reality show, “K-POP GENERATION” on Viki, offers a glimpse into their dynamic, offering fans an intimate look at their journey.
Watch Now truly astounding how this understanding prevails in our group.
Archyde: It’s remarkable how Stray kids’ performances are fueled by this dynamic.Where does the powerful energy you bring to the stage come from?
Bang Chan: I believe it comes from our passion. Each member has a burning desire within them, and when we step onto the stage, that fire intensifies. it’s further fueled by our devoted fanbase, STAY. Of course,it’s natural for flames to dwindle over time,but in our team,we’ve found a way to keep the fire alive. If one member’s flame dies down, there are seven others to warm it back up.We’re always busy nurturing each other’s passion.
Archyde: That’s a splendid image—that of eight individual flames burning together, keeping each other alive. Do you find that this shared passion influences your music and the self-production process?
Bang Chan: definitely. Our bond, our passion, our shared experiences—all these factors influence our music. We draw inspiration from each other, and that collaborative process helps us create music that resonates with us and our fans.It’s not just about the final product; it’s about the journey and growth we experience together.
Archyde: We can certainly see that in your discography. Lastly,bang Chan,you’ve recently been appointed as an ambassador for Fendi. How does it feel to represent such an iconic brand, and what does this possibility mean to you?
bang Chan: It’s an amazing honor. Fendi is a brand that stands for elegance,creativity,and innovation,values that resonate with me. Being asked to represent them is a testament to the work we’ve put in as Stray Kids,and I’m grateful for this possibility. I look forward to contributing to the brand and continuing to grow as an artist.
archyde: We’re confident you’ll do great! Thanks for joining us today,Bang Chan. We can’t wait to see what’s next for Stray Kids!
bang chan: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure. Here’s to more music, growth, and love!
Stay tuned for more interviews with your favorite K-Pop idols only on Archyde!
How does Bang Chan feel about representing a brand as iconic as Fendi, and what does this chance mean for him and Stray Kids?
[Archyde] An In-depth Conversation with Bang Chan: The Heart and Soul of Stray Kids
In this exclusive interview, the multihyphenate artist, bang Chan, leader of global sensation Stray Kids, discusses the extraordinary bond that binds the group, his passion for creativity, and the secrets behind their unparalleled success.
Archyde: Bang Chan, first off, congratulations on being named the brand ambassador for Fendi! How does it feel to be surrounded by luxury and fashion, particularly as a K-pop idol?
Bang Chan: Thank you! It’s truly an honor to be part of the Fendi family. I’ve always had an appreciation for fashion, but representing such an iconic brand feels surreal. it’s like walking into a dream, really. I’m excited to explore this new opportunity and see where it takes me and Stray kids.
Archyde: You’ve mentioned that the February issue of Harper’s Bazaar Korea is a sentimental one for you. Could you tell us more about that?
Bang Chan: Absolutely. This issue carries a lot of weight for me as it’s showcasing a personal side of Stray Kids and myself that frequently enough gets overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of K-pop. It’s a party of our journey, growth, and the deep bond we have as a group. It feels like a milestone for us.
Archyde: Speaking of your bond, you mentioned in the issue that your relationship with the Stray Kids members is ‘more about love than friendship.’ Can you elaborate on that?
bang Chan: Sure. When people hear the word ‘friendship,’ they often think of just having a good time together, but for us, it’s so much more.We’ve known each other for years, and we’ve been through immense challenges and victories side by side. Our bond is built on love,respect,and understanding. We’ve seen each other at our lowest points, and instead of judging, we’ve always been there to support and uplift. That kind of love is rare, and it fuels our passion for both our music and our fans.
Archyde: That love and understanding are reflected in your creative process. How do you find working together, given that you all have distinct individual talents?
Bang Chan: It’s engaging, actually. We all have our unique styles and strengths, but when we come together, it’s like our energies amplify each other. I think that’s why our music has this distinctive sound that resonates with so many people. Working together comes naturally to us.We listen to each other’s ideas, build on them, and always keep the best interest of the group and our fans in mind. It’s a collaborative process that feels incredibly organic.
Archyde: You’re known for your humility and dedication to your craft. Can you share with us how you maintain such a strong work ethic?
Bang Chan: I think it comes down to two things: passion and gratitude.I genuinely love what I do, and every day, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given. That gratitude fuels my passion and drives me to keep pushing myself and the group to new heights. I believe that as long as you love what you do and remain humble, the hard work will always pay off.
Archyde: Stray Kids’ fanbase,STAY,is one of the most dedicated and passionate in the K-pop scene.How does their love and support impact you and the group?
Bang Chan: It means the world to us. Knowing that there are people out there who believe in us, who are inspired by us, and who love our music as much as we do—it’s an incredible feeling.They’re not just our fans; they’re our family. Their love and support drive us to create better music, to be better people, and to represent them in the best way we can.
Archyde: lastly, what can fans expect from Stray Kids in the future?
Bang Chan: They can expect us to continue pushing boundaries, both musically and visually. We’re always evolving, always growing, and always striving to be the best version of ourselves. We have so much more to show them,so much more to share.It’s an exciting time for Stray Kids, and we can’t wait to take our STAYS on this journey with us.
Archyde would like to thank Bang Chan for taking the time to share his thoughts and insights with us. We look forward to seeing all that stray Kids have in store for their fans in the future.
[[Cover Image Caption: Bang Chan, the charismatic leader of global K-pop sensation Stray Kids, graces the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Korea, February 2023 issue. (Source: Harper’s Bazaar Korea)]
[[Bang Chan’s social Media Handles: Instagram – @lifeisongoing, Twitter – @its_B bangchan, YouTube – Bang Chan]