For years, one story has followed Stray Kids everywhere:
“They came from nothing.”
“They fought their way from the bottom.”
“They’re the ultimate underdog group.”
It’s emotional. It’s inspiring. It’s powerful.
But here’s the uncomfortable question no one likes to sit with:
👉 What if Stray Kids stopped being underdogs a long time ago — and fans are still holding onto that story because it feels better than the truth?
Yeah. Let’s talk about it.
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The Underdog Narrative Is Partly a Fantasy
Don’t get it twisted — Stray Kids worked HARD. Insane schedules. Self-producing pressure. Survival show trauma. Constant criticism in their early years. That’s real.
But calling them “underdogs” in 2025?
That’s where things get… questionable.
They are from JYP Entertainment — one of the biggest K-pop companies. Not a garage startup. Not a tiny unknown label. They debuted with:
• Company resources
• Industry connections
• Global distribution
• Built-in visibility
Yes, they struggled for recognition compared to other Big 3 groups, but that’s different from being truly powerless in the industry.
Stray Kids weren’t fighting with no weapons. They were fighting in heavy armor — just in a tougher arena.
And that’s a big difference fans don’t like hearing.
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Fans Love the “Struggle” Story More Than the Success
Here’s the psychology part STAYs won’t admit:
The more a group “suffers,” the more emotionally attached fans feel.
It creates this bond like:
“We survived this together.”
But Stray Kids are now:
• Billboard charting
• Selling millions of albums
• Headlining global tours
• Brand ambassadors
• Industry leaders
They’re not climbing anymore.
They’re already at the top table.
Yet a lot of fans still talk about them like they’re fighting for scraps. Why?
Because if they’re no longer underdogs…
then the story changes from “protect them” to “they’re powerful now.”
And power makes people uncomfortable.
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Stray Kids Are Becoming the Industry Standard — And That’s Scary
This is the real shift.
Stray Kids normalized:
• Self-producing idols
• Loud, experimental sound
• No chasing Western validation formula
• Unfiltered personality on camera
• Music that doesn’t try to please everyone
They didn’t adapt to trends.
Trends started adapting to THEM.
And that’s when an underdog stops being the victim of the industry…
and starts influencing it.
Some fans aren’t ready to accept that Stray Kids are no longer the rebels outside the system.
They are reshaping the system.
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The “They’re Still Underrated” Argument Is Getting Weak
Be honest.
Can we still call a group “underrated” when they:
• Sell out arenas worldwide
• Dominate album sales
• Have one of the most loyal global fandoms
• Get massive streaming numbers
• Are constantly invited to major events
They might not get every award or every bit of Korean GP love — but that’s different from being ignored.
At some point, saying “they’re underrated” becomes a reflex, not reality.
And maybe… just maybe…
Fans hold onto that label because it keeps the emotional story alive.
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The Real Struggle Now Isn’t Recognition — It’s Pressure
Here’s the twist.
Stray Kids’ current “struggle” isn’t about being overlooked.
It’s about:
• Maintaining a signature sound while evolving
• Meeting insane fan expectations every comeback
• Being compared to younger groups they inspired
• Carrying the “self-produced genius” label forever
• Never being allowed to have an “average” era
That pressure? Way heavier than rookie days.
Back then, they were trying to prove themselves.
Now?
They have to prove they deserve to stay on top every single time.
That’s a different battlefield.