Stray Kids’ Hyunjin Opens Up on Creative Burnout, Traveling, and Member Dynamics in W KOREA Interview

Fresh off the release of W KOREA's September 2026 issue, Stray Kids member Hyunjin took center stage in a new feature video for the magazine's popular Shuffle Button interview series. Styled in high-jewelry pieces from Cartier, the artist brought his signature charm and candid reflection to the set, walking fans through his personal creative routines, travel escapades, and the comedic realities of life alongside his bandmates.

Whether dissecting his late-night songwriting sessions or attempting lighthearted acting challenges, Hyunjin's conversation underscored the balance between his intense stage persona and his grounded offline self. Below is a detailed look into everything the Stray Kids performer revealed during the session.

Key Interview Highlights & Timestamps

• [00:19] Introduction: Hyunjin introduces himself and kicks off the Shuffle Button interview balance game.

• [00:36] Creative Routine & Inspiration: Shares how he handles sudden inspiration—taking notes on his phone during the day, writing late at night, and translating thoughts into music and artwork.

• [01:05] Mind-Reading Superpower Balance Game:

  • Choosing between seeing what someone wants to buy vs. what someone wants to eat, he chooses what they want to buy so he can pick out great birthday gifts.

  • Mentions Bang Chan (who rarely expresses what he wants) and I.N (who is great at choosing gifts for others to get him).

• [01:53] Travel & Favorite Memories:

  • Expresses a strong desire to take a drive to Sokcho with the members to eat red snow crab and have a drink by the ocean.

  • Highlights his trip to Iceland as one of his favorite travel experiences, recalling driving ~500 km a day, visiting the Blue Lagoon, and exploring Reykjavik.

• [02:48] Definition of Beauty & Art Supplies: Defines beauty as peace of mind, stability, and raw/unpolished aesthetics. He always travels with his watercolor palette, paper, and a paintbrush case he has used for over 6 years.

• [03:32] Acting Challenge (Line Reading): Hyunjin attempts to read the line "What time is it, why are you still sleeping?" across multiple dramatic moods—including scary, mock-flirtatious, and seductive.

• [04:36] Concert Memories & Recovery: Reflects on the high energy from recent concerts with STAYs and shares that a full day of deep sleep is his best way to recover.

• [05:08] Signature & Tactile ASMR: Customizes his signature layout and tests out a tactile stress-relief ball while chatting.

• [06:15] Closing Message & Exhibition Joke: Promotes Stray Kids' comeback and Cartier collaboration feature in W KOREA. Joking about hosting an art exhibition, he says if forced to do one without enough paintings, he would sit at a desk and turn himself into the living exhibit for fans to look at!

Stay tuned to KpopEcho for more updates on Stray Kids' upcoming comeback releases, fashion editorials, and world tour announcements.