Stray Kids Are About to Drop "THIS & THAT": Everything We Know Before the August 7 Release
- Jon Lui
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Release Date: August 7, 2026, at 1:00 PM KST (12:00 AM ET)
The countdown has officially begun.
After months of speculation, teaser drops, and fan theories, Stray Kids are finally returning with their highly anticipated new mini album, THIS & THAT, arriving on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 1:00 PM KST (midnight ET). The comeback marks the group's first major Korean release since the success of "RUN IT," and STAYs around the world are already preparing for what could become one of the biggest K-pop releases of the summer.
From cinematic teasers to multiple album versions and a packed tracklist, here's everything fans should know before release day.
The Official Release Date
JYP Entertainment has confirmed that THIS & THAT will be released worldwide on:
Release Date: Friday, August 7, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM KST
U.S. Release: 12:00 AM ET
Pre-orders have been open since early July, with several collectible editions available for fans and collectors.
What's on the Album?
The mini album features eight tracks, headlined by the title song "This & That."
The confirmed tracklist includes:
RUN IT
This & That
After You
FARMING
I Do
Way Out
Back Then
This & That (Festival Version)
All songs were created with significant involvement from 3RACHA—Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han—continuing the group's reputation for producing their own music.
Why Fans Are So Excited
1. The teasers hint at a new era
Rather than revisiting concepts from previous releases, the promotional images suggest a playful but stylish direction that mixes street fashion, vibrant colors, and confident energy.
Fans have already begun dissecting every teaser frame for hidden references and storyline clues.
2. The title track is expected to be a performance powerhouse
If Stray Kids have proven anything over the past few years, it's that they know how to deliver unforgettable title tracks.
Songs like "God's Menu," "MANIAC," "LALALALA," and "RUN IT" have become staples thanks to their explosive choreography and addictive hooks. Expectations for "This & That" are understandably sky-high.
3. Multiple album versions are fueling collector hype
JYP has unveiled several physical editions, including THIS, THAT, LP, FANS ALBUM, and limited versions, giving collectors plenty of reasons to expand their shelves before release day.
Perfect Timing for Their World Tour
The comeback lands just as Stray Kids continue their RUN IT World Tour, creating tremendous momentum.
Instead of waiting until after promotions conclude, the group is giving fans brand-new music while performing before massive international audiences—a strategy that could significantly boost streaming numbers and album sales.
Will THIS & THAT Dominate the Charts?
Industry watchers are already predicting a strong debut.
Several factors are working in Stray Kids' favor:
Massive global fanbase
Strong physical album sales
Consistent streaming performance
Viral social media engagement
A world tour that keeps the group in the spotlight
If early excitement is any indication, THIS & THAT has the potential to become one of the defining K-pop releases of August 2026.
Final Thoughts
Every comeback raises expectations, but THIS & THAT feels especially significant.
With an official August 7, 2026 release date, a self-produced tracklist, multiple collectible album versions, and worldwide anticipation, Stray Kids are poised to make another major impact on the global K-pop scene.
Whether you're planning to stream the title track the moment it drops, unbox your pre-order, or analyze every frame of the music video, one thing is certain: August 7 is shaping up to be a huge day for STAYs everywhere.