Bang Chan is the leader of Stray Kids. But he’s more than that. He founded the group, produced their music, and chose every single member himself.
Fast forward to 2025, Stray Kids have become huge since they debuted in 2018
Now, they top charts worldwide and sell out concerts everywhere. And with all of this, Bang Chan is special because he leads with real care and warmth. Fans call him “Father Chan” for a reason.
This article will show you exactly what makes his leadership so important to the group’s success.
Meet Bang Chan: Stray Kids’ Leader and Founder
Bang Chan’s full name is Bang Christopher Chanwas born on October 3, 1997, in Sydney, Australia, and as of 2025, he’s 28 years old.
Known for his warm yet determined personality, Chan spent seven years training under JYP Entertainment, the longest in the company’s history.
Fluent in English and Korean, and comfortable in Japanese with some Mandarin, his multilingual skills help Stray Kids connect with fans all over the world.
That’s the longest anyone has ever trained there. JYP saw something special in him and let him form his own group. He speaks perfect English and Korean. He also knows Japanese and some Mandarin.
These language skills help Stray Kids talk to fans everywhere. Bang Chan can switch between languages easily. This makes him great at connecting with people from different countries.
Let’s take a look at Bang Chan’s Profile:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Bang Chan (방찬) |
| Birth Name | Christopher Bang / Bang Chan |
| Position | Leader, Producer, Vocalist, Dancer, Rapper |
| Birthday | October 3, 1997 |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Height | 171 cm (5’7″) |
| Nationality | Australian-Korean |
| Representative Emoji | 🐺 (Wolf) |
| Unit | 3RACHA (CB97) |
Bang Chan’s leadership journey began long before Stray Kids officially debuted. JYP Entertainment saw potential in him and chose him for a survival show, a rare opportunity where he was trusted to form his own team.
Unlike most K-pop groups, Chan personally handpicked every member of Stray Kids, choosing people who shared his drive and passion.
When Stray Kids debuted on March 25, 2018, with “District 9,” Chan was the only member involved in everything, from the pre-debut concept to production and execution.
Bang Chan’s Role In 3RACHA
Before Stray Kids even debuted, Bang Chan formed a production unit called 3RACHA, alongside Changbin (SpearB) and Han (J.ONE).
Under his producer name CB97, Chan leads the trio as the main producer and songwriter behind most of Stray Kids’ music. 3RACHA began by releasing self-made tracks online, showcasing their creativity and sound.
you can still listen to many of them on Spotify.
Today, they’re known for hits like “God’s Menu,” “Back Door,” “MANIAC,” “S-Class,” and “LALALALA.”
What Makes Bang Chan’s Leadership Unique?
Bang Chan’s leadership stands out because it’s rooted in care and authenticity. Known lovingly as “Father Chan” by fans and members, he constantly looks out for everyone.
In 2025, “Chan’s Room” evolved into “2 Kids Room 2025,” where members share honest, heartfelt conversations. Recent episodes like Bang Chan & Felix (Ep. 18) continue his tradition of open connection and emotional warmth with fans.
He’s deeply protective of his younger members and stays involved in their training and personal growth. Beyond care, Bang Chan leads with creativity and trust.
As the head of a self-producing idol group, he values artistic freedom, encouraging every member to contribute ideas.
His open “we’re a team, not a hierarchy” approach lets Stray Kids experiment with different genres and sounds, making their music feel fresh, authentic, and entirely their own.
Also check out: Stray Kids Members Height
Stray Kids Leadership Structure In 2024-2025
In Stray Kids, Bang Chan is the only official leader, but his leadership isn’t about control; it’s about collaboration. He never makes decisions alone; instead, he encourages open discussion and values everyone’s input.
While the group follows the traditional Korean age order, with Bang Chan being the oldest, creative decisions are shared equally.
He’s built an environment where every member feels comfortable speaking up, and that trust keeps their bond strong both on and off stage.
Here is the list of Stray Kids Members from Oldest to Youngest (2025):
| Member | Birth Year | Age (2025) | Position | Sub-Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bang Chan | 1997 | 28 | Leader, Producer, All-rounder | 3RACHA |
| Lee Know | 1998 | 27 | Main Dancer, Vocalist | DanceRacha |
| Changbin | 1999 | 26 | Main Rapper, Producer | 3RACHA |
| Hyunjin | 2000 | 25 | Main Dancer, Rapper, Visual | DanceRacha |
| Han | 2000 | 25 | Main Rapper, Producer, Vocalist | 3RACHA |
| Felix | 2000 | 25 | Dancer, Rapper, Deep Voice | DanceRacha |
| Seungmin | 2000 | 25 | Main Vocalist | VocalRacha |
| I.N | 2001 | 24 | Vocalist, Maknae | VocalRacha |
Now let’s look at how these eight members work together.
Since October 2019, Stray Kids has remained an eight-member group, six Koreans and two Australians, Bang Chan and Felix, often called the “Aussie line.”
The team works in sub-units: 3RACHA (Bang Chan, Changbin, Han) handles production and rap; DanceRacha (Lee Know, Hyunjin, Felix) leads choreography; and VocalRacha (Seungmin, I.N) focuses on vocals.
Even with their roles, Bang Chan ensures everyone’s voice matters, proving that in Stray Kids, trust ranks higher than hierarchy.
Bang Chan’s Impact On Stray Kids’ Global Success
Bang Chan’s leadership has been a driving force behind Stray Kids’ incredible rise.
Under his guidance, the group has reached #1 on the Billboard 200 more than five times as of 2025, becoming the first K-pop act ever to debut at #1 three consecutive times.
Their achievements go far beyond charts, from winning at the MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards to selling out arenas across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Bang Chan also pioneered the “self-producing idol” model, where artists don’t just perform but create their own music.
Through songs that explore themes like mental health, self-discovery, and resilience, Stray Kids built a deep emotional connection with fans worldwide.
His authenticity and creative freedom turned the group into one of the most influential K-pop acts of their generation.
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Conclusion: Bang Chan Is The Leader & Heart Of Stray Kids
Bang Chan built Stray Kids from the ground up. He handpicked every member, produces most of their music, and leads with genuine warmth and care. What sets him apart is his willingness to share and provide equal opportunities.
As Stray Kids continues breaking records and growing bigger globally, Bang Chan’s leadership proves that trust and respect work better than a strict hierarchy. Other K-pop artists now want the same creative freedom he fought for.
If you haven’t explored their music yet, now’s the perfect time to discover what Bang Chan and his team of Stray Kids have built together.
FAQs
1. Who is the leader of Stray Kids in 2025?
Bang Chan leads Stray Kids in 2025. He’s the founder, main producer, and has led the group since they debuted in March 2018.
2. Who is the second leader of Stray Kids?
Stray Kids has no second leader. Bang Chan is the only official leader, though he makes decisions together with all eight members.
3. Who left Stray Kids?
Woojin left Stray Kids in October 2019 due to undisclosed personal reasons. Since then, the group has continued as eight members.
4. Why did Hyunjin almost leave SKZ?
In early 2021, Hyunjin paused activities following school bullying accusations. After JYP Entertainment investigated, he issued a public apology and returned to the group.
5. Are Stray Kids as popular as BTS?
Stray Kids are among K-pop’s biggest global acts, earning multiple Billboard #1 albums. However, BTS still holds greater worldwide fame and mainstream influence.
