Stray Kids are marking their 8th debut anniversary with a brand-new digital single, “별, 빛 (STAY),” arriving tomorrow, March 25, 2026, at 1 PM KST (0 AM ET). The timing isn’t subtle—it lands right on their debut date. The group’s official teasers are leaning into it as a message straight to STAY.
And yes, a video is coming too. But it’s not a full music video: a lyric video has been confirmed, and it’s expected to be built around world tour behind-the-scenes footage rather than a newly shot MV, per the group’s official notice. With the drop basically a day away, fan timelines have shifted into countdown mode with pre-save receipts, anniversary edits, and throwbacks from past tours.
Drop details you can lock in (release info + assets)
The official title is “별, 빛 (STAY),” and it’s being promoted as a fan-dedicated release tied to STAY activities. The release time has been consistently listed as March 25 at 1 PM KST (0 AM ET), with official channels pushing pre-saves in the final stretch.
Visually, the focus is on a lyric video. That usually means a more sentimental cut—tour clips, candid moments, big crowd energy—rather than choreography and sets. Still, for an anniversary release, that’s exactly the kind of footage that hits hardest.
Why this release is different: the membership kit controversy, explained
This single is tied to the STAY 6th Gen rollout, which faced backlash earlier this year. Fans criticized the 22,000 KRW membership kit, arguing the price outweighed its value.
After the criticism, the agency lowered the kit price to 10,000 KRW (about $7.50) and adjusted the kit’s 구성 (contents), with fans noting some items were removed or excluded. The change was confirmed when JYP announced the reduction following fan feedback. Fans interpret the “별, 빛 (STAY)” digital single as a “they listened” moment, though it is not an official tagline.
Stray Kids’ anniversary single is landing as both a celebration—and, to many fans, proof that speaking up can shift the rollout.
Quick fact file (for skimmers)
- Song: “별, 빛 (STAY)” (digital single)
- Release: March 25, 2026 — 1 PM KST / 0 AM ET
- Occasion: Stray Kids 8th debut anniversary
- Video: Lyric video with world tour behind-the-scenes footage
- Controversy hook: Membership kit pricing backlash → price cut and renewed scrutiny of paid fan-club rollouts
What to watch after it drops (planned update items)
Post-release, early Spotify, Apple, and YouTube metrics—alongside volatile iTunes and trending charts—will provide a quick “temperature check” on the song’s performance. We’ll see if Stray Kids or JYP acknowledge STAY at release. So check back for chart updates and the rollout’s impact on future “exclusive” content.