Stray Kids are often considered part of the fourth generation of K-pop because they debuted in 2018, which is around the time many people think the fourth generation began. Although there is no official start date for the fourth generation, Stray Kids are frequently mentioned alongside other groups like ATEEZ and ENHYPEN, who are also part of this generation.
Stray Kids officially debuted on March 25, 2018, with their EP I Am Not, and since then, they have become very popular globally. They are known for producing their own music and have achieved many records in the music industry. The group’s success and influence align with the characteristics of the fourth generation of K-pop, which includes a focus on self-production and global appeal.
The classification of K-pop generations can be a bit confusing because there are no strict rules about when one generation ends and another begins. However, Stray Kids are generally seen as one of the early groups of the fourth generation due to their debut time and their significant impact on the K-pop scene.