Overview
Bang Chan, born Christopher Chahn Bahng on October 3, 1997, in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in Sydney, Australia, is the leader of the South Korean boy group Stray Kids, formed under JYP Entertainment.
Stray Kids debuted on March 25, 2018, with the mini album I am NOT. Bang Chan is also a key member of the hip-hop sub-unit 3RACHA, alongside Changbin and Han, where he goes by the stage name CB97.
Career Highlights
- Trainee Period: After passing a JYP Entertainment audition in Australia at 13, Bang Chan moved to South Korea and trained for seven years before debuting.
- Survival Show: He was central to the creation of Stray Kids through the survival show of the same name, where he was given the unique responsibility of selecting the group members.
- Songwriting and Production: He has been involved in writing and producing much of Stray Kids' music, showcasing his skills in composition and production.
Artistry and Music
Bang Chan is known for his versatility as a singer, rapper, dancer, producer, and songwriter. His work with 3RACHA has been pivotal in defining Stray Kids' sound, which blends elements of hip-hop, EDM, and pop-rock. His leadership and creative input have been crucial in the group's musical direction, with his songwriting reflecting personal experiences and a wide range of emotions.
Public Image and Influence
Bang Chan is often praised for his leadership qualities, being dubbed "Father Bang" by fans for his caring and supportive nature towards group members. His influence extends beyond music, with fans appreciating his positive attitude and efforts in promoting mental health awareness. He's known for his multilingual skills, speaking English, Korean, Japanese, and some Chinese, which contributes to his global appeal.
Achievements and Records
- KOMCA Credits: He has a significant number of song credits, making him one of the most credited artists in K-pop for his age.
- Billboard Success: Stray Kids, under his leadership, has achieved multiple number-one albums on Billboard charts and entries on the Hot 100.
- Awards: Bang Chan has received accolades for his contributions as a creator, including the Best Creator award.
Discography
- Solo tracks: "I Hate To Admit" (2020), Connected" (2022), "Railway" (2024), and "Eternity" (2024)
- With Stray Kids: Numerous mini-albums like I am NOT, I am WHO, I am YOU, and albums like Go Live, Noeasy, Oddinary, 5-Star, among others.
- Features: "Streetlight" (2020) and "Maknae On Top" (2021)
- 3RACHA: Released mixtapes on platforms like SoundCloud, contributing significantly to Stray Kids' pre-debut and post-debut music.
Social Media Profiles
While specific social media handles were not directly listed, Bang Chan is active on platforms like:
- Instagram: @gnabnahc (official, mentioned in several sources)