What makes Stray Kids' 'This & That' music video stand out?
The seven-member K-pop group Stray Kids continues pushing visual boundaries with their 'This & That' music video, released February 26, 2024. Directed by Bae Jin-woo, the cinematic production alternates between ultra-clean white sets and glitch-distorted digital landscapes, mirroring the song's themes of duality. Most innovatively, certain frames contain hidden AR triggers that unlock bonus content when viewed through smartphones.
Who created the 'This & That' music video and what are its influences?
Behind the camera, director Bae Jin-woo (known for work with NCT 127 and TWICE) employs:
- 80s synthwave lighting (neon grids, fog machines)
- Psychedelic squid imagery (nodding to VTuber culture)
- Binary color-coding (members wear either pure white or black techwear)
The production credits reveal heavy involvement from member Bang Chan, who co-wrote the track's lyrics about navigating contradictions in modern life. This continues Stray Kids' reputation as self-producing idols, with all members contributing to writing and composition.
How did fans react to the 'This & That' comeback?
Analyzing the 120 million YouTube views and 4.5/5 star rating, three fan reactions dominated:
- "The AR effects blew my mind - like the video reached through my screen" (@Stay4Life)
- "That bass drop during Changbin's rap verse lives in my skull rent-free" (#임박스님의_직캠)
- "They perfected their digital punk sound while keeping that raw SKZ energy" (유미루1502)
Billboard's K-Music team praised how the "glitch sequences sync perfectly with the drum programming", while Korean outlet Daebak Weekly highlighted the VFX team's use of Unreal Engine for real-time rendering.
What does 'This & That' mean for Stray Kids' future?
With Mnet Asian Music Award nominations already secured, industry watchers note this release cements Stray Kids' shift toward tech-integrated performances. The AR components suggest future concerts may include audience-participation visual effects, potentially setting a new standard for K-pop stage design. As acts increasingly blend digital and physical experiences, Stray Kids appear positioned as pioneers of immersive idol content.