Stray Kids have once again rewritten the rules of K-pop success. On June 22, the group dropped a surprise announcement for their pre-release digital single "RUN IT", giving the world just three days’ notice before its release on June 24. With virtually zero traditional promotions — no extensive teaser campaign, limited playlist pushes, or media blitz — the track has exploded across global charts, proving the power of organic fan support and the group’s unmatched self-producing prowess.
Created by their in-house production team 3RACHA, "RUN IT" delivers a powerful anthem featuring majestic brass sounds and marching drums. The song immediately claimed the #1 spot on the Worldwide iTunes Song Chart and the European iTunes Song Chart. As of the morning of June 25, it simultaneously topped the iTunes Top Song Charts in 41 overseas regions, including major markets like the U.S., U.K., France, and Brazil. In the U.S., it achieved a new personal best, peaking at #2 on the all-genre iTunes chart — their highest position ever.
The music video has been equally dominant, sweeping #1 on YouTube Music Video Trending in 34 regions worldwide and claiming the global trending top spot. In response to the overwhelming fan reaction, JYP Entertainment released charismatic behind-the-scenes photos of the members against dramatic rock wall backdrops.
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A New Chapter of Dominance
This low-promotion, high-impact surprise drop marks Stray Kids’ first new release of 2026, arriving approximately nine months after their previous work "DO IT", which set a historic record with eight consecutive #1 albums on the U.S. Billboard 200 — a feat unmatched in K-pop history.
Building on this momentum, Stray Kids will officially launch the "Stray Kids World Tour <RUN IT>" starting with five performances at KSPO DOME in Seoul on July 25, 26, 29, and August 1–2. The tour will see them become the first overseas male artist to hold solo performances at Japan’s prestigious Tokyo MUFG Stadium (Japan National Stadium) on August 29–30, followed by stops in Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, Hong Kong, Taipei, Bangkok, Singapore, and more.
The full mini-album "THIS & THAT", which includes "RUN IT" as a track, is scheduled for release on August 7, 2026.
STAY, 8월 7일까지 우리 같이 RUN IT!
— Stray Kids (@Stray_Kids) June 21, 2026
Stray Kids ‘THIS & THAT’ 사전 저장하고 발매까지 함께 카운트다운해요! ⌛️
STAY, let's RUN IT together until August 7! 🏁
Pre-save Stray Kids ‘THIS & THAT’ and join the countdown!
🤍 https://t.co/eRbh5Cs0bX#StrayKids #스트레이키즈…
Fan Power Over Heavy Marketing
In an era where K-pop comebacks often rely on months of heavy promotion and manufactured hype, Stray Kids have demonstrated that authentic connection with their global fandom (STAY) can deliver explosive results. The short-notice strategy turned the release into a viral event driven almost entirely by fans.
Industry observers are already calling this a potential new model for efficient, high-impact releases in the streaming age. With "RUN IT" serving as a powerful teaser, expectations for the full album and world tour are at an all-time high.
Stray Kids aren’t just participating in the game — they’re changing how it’s played.