STAYC Celebrates 5th Debut Anniversary with Stellar Growth and Global Reach
K-pop girl group STAYC is solidifying its impressive growth narrative as they mark their 5th debut anniversary.
On November 12th, STAYC – comprised of Sumin, Sieun, Isa, Seeun, Yoon, and J – released celebratory images to commemorate their 5th year since debut. The members conveyed a refreshing and warm energy through their signature hand gestures and greetings to their fans, showcasing their vibrant team chemistry. Their flawless visuals, highlighting each member's unique charm, undeniably prove why they are lauded as 'all-center' material.
**Transcending Limits: The Rise of a Mid-Tier Agency Powerhouse**
STAYC debuted on November 12, 2020, with their first single album 'Star To A Young Culture' and the title track 'SO BAD.' Despite originating from a smaller entertainment company, they made a powerful debut, captivating audiences with addictive music, stable live performances, and strong stage presence.
Their true prowess shone through with a subsequent string of hits. 'ASAP,' 'STEREOTYPE,' 'RUN2U,' 'Teddy Bear,' and 'Bubble' became chart-toppers, firmly establishing them as leaders of the 4th generation of K-pop. Notably, 'Teddy Bear' climbed to second place on Melon's TOP100, a remarkable achievement for a girl group from a smaller agency, demonstrating their simultaneous appeal in both commercial success and musicality.
**Crafting 'Teen Fresh' Identity, Targeting the Global Market**
STAYC has carved out a distinct musical identity in the competitive K-pop scene with their signature 'Teen Fresh' concept. This unique blend of youthful vitality and freshness has become their trademark. With their 5th single album 'S' and its title track 'BEBE,' they showcased an evolved 'Teen Fresh' through a bold transformation. 'BEBE' was also recognized by Billboard in their '25 Best K-Pop Songs of Early 2025: Critics' Picks.'
Their journey as global artists is also accelerating. They officially debuted in Japan in 2022 with the single album 'POPPY' and have since strengthened their presence in the Japanese market with tracks like 'LIT,' 'MEOW,' and 'Lover, Killer.'
Most significantly, their first-ever world tour, 'TEENFRESH,' held last year, saw them connect with fans in seven U.S. cities, three Asian cities, and four European cities, following their Seoul dates. Building on this success, STAYC embarked on their second world tour, 'STAY TUNED,' this year, expanding their global reach exponentially by visiting eight Asian cities, four Oceanian cities, and ten North American cities, including Seoul. Completing two world tours within five years of debut is a rare feat.
**Non-Stop Activities, Continuous Growth**
STAYC has been active across various fronts this year. In July, they showcased their 'Summer Queen' persona with the special single 'I WANT IT.' Even amidst their world tours, they participated in festivals, graced magazine covers, appeared on variety shows, and even published a children's book, 'The Dreaming Sweetland.' Their recent performance at the 'Waterbomb Macau 2025' festival garnered praise for their unwavering live performance, once again proving their capabilities.
Marking their 5th anniversary, STAYC has overcome the limitations of a smaller agency, building a solid position in the K-pop market through their unique musical color and continuous growth. With their diverse visuals, individual charms, and proven musical and performance skills, anticipation is high for the new music and stages STAYC will present as they continue to write their story with fans worldwide.
STAYC is set to release their first full-length Japanese album, 'STAY ALIVE,' on February 11th next year, with various teaser content to be unveiled sequentially.
Netizens are celebrating the milestone, commenting, 'Wow, 5 years already, time flies!', 'Happy 5th anniversary, STAYC! Let's be together for a long time,' and 'It's so great to see you thriving both domestically and internationally.'