Author’s Note: I would like to personally and publicly thank Autumn Moore for sharing her knowledge of K-pop culture and the scene with me as I wrote this article.
K-pop sensation Stray Kids have had a banner year in 2024, between their multiple releases including ATE, featuring on the Deadpool & Wolverine soundtrack, and their impending US tour in the spring selling out multiple stadiums within the first 24 hours of sales. The octet has capped their year off in a big way with HOP, a mixtape featuring more hip-hop and R&B influences, as well as a solo song from each member, the first official release to do so since 2022’s SKZ-REPLAY.
Each of the solo songs has received the music video treatment, and last but not least was leader and 3RACHA architect Bang Chan’s solo, entitled “Railway.” The running joke among STAY, the fandom, is that the song is about trains, despite the provocative lyrics (for example: “Heart is racing day and night, for you (For you) / Don’t hold back, enjoy the ride, let it loose”). Those expecting Bang Chan to go full train conductor might be disappointed, but many STAY were shocked and amazed to see the music video take a much darker approach, with the frontman and producer appearing like a dhampir, a half-blood and attacking other creatures in gory, stylized fight scenes.
So in other words, the man lied. It was not, in fact, about trains, but now we need a scene of bloodsucker carnage in a cab car.
Fans have likened the video to the work of DPR Ian, an Australian K-pop artist formerly of the group C-Clown (he was then known as Rome) whose solo work features darker, more emotional themes, particularly those which deal with his own struggles with bipolar disorder. Other fans have humorously pointed out that while his SKZOO character (each member has an animal avatar associated with them, with accompanying merch and other social media content) is a wolf, that may need to change after the release of this clip.
And if this is the beginning of a SKZ Monsterverse, sign me up. After all, Felix’s HOP solo “Unfair” is inspired by Beauty and the Beast and written from the Beast’s POV. Make it happen, boys.
HOP is available now via JYP Entertainment and Republic Records.
Check out the music video for “Railway” below:
One Response
Man, I loved this video. I’ve seen all solos and have to say Bang Chan, Chang Bin, and IM songs and videos are my top favs. Was not expecting the vampire angle but I am HERE for it!