Rookie group Stray Kids have proven they are a force to be reckoned with in the K-pop scene, winning a total of five trophies so far from this year’s award shows.

Representing the act, JYP Entertainment said Thursday that the nine-piece boy band took home the new male artist award at Korea’s First Brand Award held at the Conrad hotel in Seoul on Wednesday.

The band has received four best new artist awards since August, starting with the 2018 Soribada Best K-music Awards, followed by the 2018 MGA, 2018 Asia Artist Awards and most recently, the 2018 Mnet Asian Music Awards.




After entering the K-pop scene in March with their first official EP “I Am Not,” featuring single “District 9,” Stray Kids made a name for themselves as a hip-hop-laden group under JYP Entertainment, home to the likes of Twice and GOT7.

Equipped with composing and songwriting skills, Stray Kids gained immense popularity for their powerful choreographies and songs that well represented their generation. The act also became a fixture on Billboard’s world albums chart with hits like “My Pace” and “I Am You.” In addition, they gained a strong international following after performing at KCON 2018 NY in June.

Stray Kids will continue their global promotions by kicking off their overseas showcase tour series titled “Unveil Tour ‘I am…’” in January, visiting Bangkok and Jakarta on Jan. 19 and 26, respectively.

Additional dates and cities for the tour will be announced by the agency.

By Hong Dam-young (lotus@heraldcorp.com)