THE WORLD EP.1

Lore & Background

The thematic core of this era revolves around the duality of darkness and light, where the characters must confront their shadows to emerge stronger. It establishes a foundation for future storytelling, positing that every individual carries a unique 'world' within them, waiting to be explored. The music serves as the vehicle for this exploration, transforming personal pain into collective power and setting the stage for a saga about unity and resilience.

In Their Own Story

The neon lights of the city flicker against a rain-slicked pavement, reflecting the fractured thoughts of a young traveler standing at a crossroads. Ahead lies a path shrouded in fog, rumored to be the only way out of the cycle that has trapped them for so long. With a deep breath that tastes of ozone and determination, they step forward, realizing that the map was never drawn on paper but etched into their own heartbeat.

Reader's Guide

Released in October 2020, this album launched with the explosive title track 'MIROH,' which charted globally and cemented the group's signature sound. The tracklist features a diverse range of genres, from the aggressive rock-infused beats of 'God's Menu' to the introspective ballads that explore vulnerability. The accompanying music video for 'MIROH' depicts the members trapped in a surreal, dystopian facility, fighting against invisible forces before breaking free into an open sky. This visual narrative reinforces the album's overarching theme of liberation and self-actualization. Critically acclaimed for its cohesive storytelling and production quality, this era marked a significant turning point where Stray Kids fully embraced their role as producers, setting a new standard for their future musical journeys.

Did You Know?

• This album was the first to be entirely produced by the group's in-house unit, 3RACHA, alongside Bang Chan.
• The title 'MIROH' is derived from a Buddhist term meaning 'bliss' or 'ecstasy,' symbolizing the joy found after overcoming suffering.
• The era introduced a distinct visual identity characterized by high-contrast lighting and surreal, dream-like imagery.
• It marked the group's first time topping major music charts in their home country with a self-produced title track.