PRODUCERS UNPLUGGED: Bang Chan

This series would be incomplete if I didn’t include one of the most well-known and successful idols and producers in the K-pop industry, Stray Kids’ Bang Chan. Before I got into K-pop, I knew of his name because of the major milestones he and Stray Kids achieved as an idol group. However, though he is constantly praised for his leadership and skills as an idol, sometimes his work as a producer goes unnoticed.

Early Beginnings

Bang Chan didn’t have an easy start. He joined JYP Entertainment at the young age of 13 and moved from Australia to South Korea alone, forcing himself to adapt to a new language and culture. His trainee years lasted far longer than most idols, spanning seven years before he joined the survival show to form the group Stray Kids.

In an interview, Bang Chan talked about how lonely his trainee period was. He initially was open and friendly but gradually became quieter and more intimidating towards his juniors after losing many of his trainee friends, either because they debuted, joined another company, or quit being trainees. In a song he wrote with Han Jisung and Seo Changbin in their unit 3RACHA, “42,” they expressed their feelings of wanting to quit and having suicidal thoughts due to the pressure they were under. Bang Chan faced intense emotions at a young age, fighting his own challenges alone. Music became his outlet and a way to connect with others, including the other 3RACHA members. Music was his life and he was ready to risk it all for a chance at achieving his dream.

Challenges and Hardships

Bang Chan’s journey to debut was marked by unwavering perseverance and dedication. He turned to music not only as an emotional outlet but also as a means to connect with others. His hard work eventually paid off when he debuted with Stray Kids. However, his path remained challenging, especially after losing a member mid-comeback, which required re-recording and re-choreographing their performances. From the very beginning, Bang Chan has been instrumental in writing and producing music for Stray Kids, starting with their debut track “Hellevator.” He has since continued to produce music for Stray Kids and other idols, showcasing his versatility and talent as a producer.

Achievements

Bang Chan created a unique sound for Stray Kids, characterized by powerful beats, intense raps, and meaningful lyrics. Despite some labeling their sound as “noise music,” Bang Chan and Stray Kids have proven their versatility with releases such as “Cover Me” and “Youtiful,” as well as Bang Chan’s solo release “I Hate to Admit.” Their latest albums, “ROCK-STAR” and “5-STAR,” showcase Bang Chan’s growth as a music producer, incorporating different genres and styles into one album. Their award for “Best Creator” at the Asia Artists Awards (AAA) 2023 was truly well deserved. In fact, Bangchan currently stands in 6th place with the most songs copyright registered with the Korea Music Copyright Association with 168 songs.

Impact and Legacy

Bang Chan’s determination and passion for music and his members have been key to his success. In Stray Kids’ recording behind-the-scenes videos, Bang Chan’s patience and dedication are evident. He goes the extra mile to make his members feel comfortable, such as writing out English words in Hangul to help with pronunciation. He also directs himself during recordings, showing his “musical ear” and pushing himself to achieve the best for his team.

Bang Chan will forever remain one of the idols and producers I look up to in my journey to become a music producer. His story of resilience and passion is an inspiration to many.