From military service to time travel: 7 moments from Stray Kids' 'This & That' press conference

Stray Kids returned with its new EP “This & That” on Friday, marking the group’s first comeback of 2026.

A day before the album’s release, the members sat down with reporters at Conrad Seoul in western Seoul to talk about the new music and answer questions.

There were serious conversations, but plenty of fun moments too. From Changbin taking the “Run It” pose a little too seriously to the members debating whether they would want to travel to the past or future, here are seven moments that stood out from the press conference.

1. Changbin takes the ‘Run It’ pose very seriously

During the photo call, the members were asked to strike a pose inspired by “Run It,” a prerelease track from the new EP.

Changbin took the assignment quite literally, dropping to the floor and getting into a runner’s starting position.

2. Lee Know asks STAY to wait for him

Asked about his eventual military service, Lee Know said he would faithfully fulfill his duty when the time comes.

While the members haven't discussed their plans for after his service in detail, Lee Know said he is sure they will come together again. He asked STAY to wait for him, saying he wants to repay the love the group has received from fans.

Seungmin added, “Lee Know is someone who keeps his promises.”

3. Seungmin smoothly navigates a Grammy question

When asked about the Grammys and its new category for Best Asian Pop Music Performance, Seungmin kept the focus on the group's music, saying Stray Kids focuses on telling its own stories rather than how the group is viewed from the outside. He also expressed gratitude for the growing global love for K-pop.

4. Stray Kids takes the time travel question very seriously

When asked whether they would rather travel to the past or future, the members took the question surprisingly seriously — even stopping to clarify the rules before giving their answers. 

Bang Chan chose the future because he didn't want to risk changing the present, while Lee Know picked going back two weeks so he could be at their concert again. Felix would go back to relive moments from the “dominATE” tour, while Hyunjin chose the past simply because he hates spoilers.

Changbin and Han wanted a glimpse of their future selves. Changbin wanted to see what he would look like in his 40s, while Han was curious about what reptiles his future self would own. Seungmin wanted to see what the members would look like in their 60s. I.N kept things simple: He wanted to go back to the day before just to eat the same delicious meal again.

5. I.N reveals where Stray Kids' musical pride and confidence come from

When asked about the source of Stray Kids' musical pride and confidence, I.N pointed to 3RACHA — Bang Chan, Changbin and Han — and their role in producing the group's music.

As for confidence, I.N said it comes from the members and, above all, STAY.

6. Festival or concert? Hyunjin explains how Stray Kids approaches each stage

Hyunjin explained that Stray Kids approaches festivals and its own concerts differently. At festivals, the goal is to have fun with STAY and people who may not know the group yet.

At Stray Kids' own concerts, however, the members want to show STAY what they have done so far and what they hope to show in the future.

7. What keeps Bang Chan creating music

Asked about having hundreds of songs registered under his name, Bang Chan said he doesn't pay much attention to the numbers.

He said working with 3RACHA keeps him creating, while hearing from people who say Stray Kids' music has given them strength or even saved them motivates him to make more music.

BY DANIELA GONZALEZ PEREZ (gp.daniela@joongang.co.kr)