STRAY KIDS is widely known as a self-producing group. With nearly 10.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, it’s clear that the authenticity of their music coupled with unique, daring, and original production is at least part of the formula for their success. We’d hazard to guess it’s not just a part of the formula – it’s the whole formula.
3RACHA is the sub-unit within STRAY KIDS responsible for their production and most of their writing. This sub-group consists of Bangchan (also known as CB97), Changbin (also known as SPEARB), and Han (also known as J.ONE).Of the over 100 songs written for STRAY KIDS, STRAY KIDS solo artists, and 3RACHA, Bangchan has written over 86 and composed 95. Changbin has 94 writing credits and 80 composition credits. And Han? He has 88 writing credits and 80 composition credits. While the other members of STRAY KIDS do contribute to the writing and production process, few are doing it at the same scale as these three.
Of the STRAY KIDS songs in existence, the only song 3RACHA didn’t write on is “WOW.” Chan is the fastest producing idol in the K-pop industry, pumping out over 2 songs a month since his debut. Keep in mind that 3RACHA writes for additional artists beyond the scope of STRAY KIDS.
Even if STRAY KIDS isn’t as big as, say, BTS, the fact that 3RACHA writes so prolifically not just for the group but for other artists deepens their ties to the industry and widens their reach. It’s a huge financial asset, a huge marketing asset, and plays a significant role in their artistry.
STRAY KIDS needs every member to succeed as a performing group. Writing, singing, dancing, etc. all play a role. But I don’t think it would be hyperbole to say there wouldn’t be a STRAY KIDS without 3RACHA.