The generational gap in Korean pop music felt a little smaller earlier this month when Stray Kids’ I.N shared the stage with J.Y. Park in Tokyo. The unexpected collaboration, which took place on at Kanadevia Hall, highlighted both artists’ versatility and underscored Park’s continued influence on the industry he helped build.
I.N, a member of the globally successful fourth-generation K-pop group Stray Kids, was a special guest at Park’s solo concert, ‘HAPPY HOUR.’ The pairing was described as a “special meeting” between a “living legend” – Park, who has maintained a prominent position in the music industry for over 30 years – and a rising star representing the current wave of K-pop. The concert appearance came just ahead of I.N’s birthday, which Park acknowledged with a live performance of “Happy Birthday” by the band, a cake, and a surprise gift.
Park introduced I.N with high praise, noting the young artist’s ability to embody the emotional depth of ballad singers like 2am and the performance energy of Rain. This observation speaks to a deliberate effort on Park’s part to identify and nurture talent capable of bridging stylistic divides. I.N’s performance included joint stages with Park, tackling 2am’s “This Song” and a duet of Rain’s “Switch to Me” with Park himself. Reports indicate I.N showcased both a “soft yet charming tone” and “flashy dance skills,” successfully capturing the essence of new jack swing.
The significance of this collaboration extends beyond a simple concert appearance. J.Y. Park, as a producer, has been instrumental in the success of numerous iconic K-pop acts, including 2am, 2PM, and, of course, Rain. I.N himself expressed his admiration for these artists, stating he was a fan of both 2am and 2PM and that he “really loved ‘This Song’ when I was young.” This acknowledgement highlights the enduring legacy of Park’s production work and its influence on a new generation of performers. For I.N to express gratitude for the opportunity to perform the song *with* Park adds another layer to the moment.
The timing of the concert and collaboration is also noteworthy. Stray Kids are enjoying a strong start to , with their first full-length album repackage, ‘IN生,’ surpassing 1.5 billion cumulative streams on global platforms like Spotify. The title track ‘神메뉴’ from their first full-length album ‘GO生’ has also exceeded 500 million plays, marking a significant milestone for the group and solidifying their position as leaders among fourth-generation K-pop boy groups. This success provides a strong foundation for I.N’s individual activities and elevates the profile of the collaboration with Park.
The concert appearance has generated considerable buzz online, with videos and clips circulating on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. A video of the duet performance is available on YouTube, and a TikTok post highlighted I.N’s performance as an “experience not to be missed” for fans of Stray Kids and quality performances. A post from Stray Kids Bangladesh on Facebook also shared footage of the performance.
While the collaboration might seem unexpected to some, it’s a testament to J.Y. Park’s willingness to engage with and support the next generation of K-pop artists. It also demonstrates Stray Kids’ openness to cross-generational collaborations and their respect for the pioneers of the industry. The pairing isn’t simply a promotional opportunity; it’s a symbolic passing of the torch, acknowledging the past while embracing the future of Korean pop music. The fact that Park specifically highlighted I.N’s ability to navigate different performance styles suggests a recognition of a rare talent – one capable of honoring tradition while forging its own path.
The success of Stray Kids, coupled with J.Y. Park’s continued relevance, underscores the dynamic nature of the K-pop industry. The industry’s ability to seamlessly blend established artistry with emerging talent is a key factor in its global appeal. This concert appearance, and the positive reception it has received, serves as a compelling example of that dynamic in action.
