Chapter 19: The Fans – Our Pillars of Strength

Throughout our journey, one thing has remained constant: the unwavering support of our fans. They are the reason we are where we are today. Without them, there would be no Stray Kids, no Hope album, and no connection to the world. When we talk about the success of Hope, we know that it's not just about the music—it's about the bond we've built with our fans.

From the very beginning, we knew that we wanted to create a deep connection with our fans. We didn't want to just be idols on stage; we wanted to be real with them. Our fans have always been there, supporting us, cheering for us, and offering their love. But what truly sets them apart is their ability to understand us on a deeper level. They don't just listen to our music—they live it. They feel the emotions we put into every song, and they connect with us through our shared experiences.

When we began working on Hope, we were constantly reminded of the importance of our fans. We knew that they were part of the journey, and we wanted them to feel like they were part of the album too. Every song, every lyric, every note was written with them in mind. The message of Hope was for everyone—especially our fans, who had been there for us through thick and thin.

One of the most emotional moments during the creation of Hope came when we heard our fans singing our songs back to us during concerts. It was overwhelming to see and hear the way they embraced the music. "Back Door" was one of the first songs that brought that energy into the room. Hearing the crowd sing along to every word felt like a moment of pure connection. We weren't just performers and fans; we were a family, united by the same passion and love for music.

Our fans have always been there for us, through every challenge and every triumph. But the connection goes beyond the music. They have shared their stories with us, confided in us, and allowed us to be a part of their lives. It's humbling to realize that our music has had such a profound impact on people's lives. We've heard countless stories from fans who've told us how our songs helped them get through tough times, how our music gave them strength when they thought they had none left. That's what makes everything worth it—the knowledge that our music is helping others heal and grow.

In the creation of Hope, we wanted to reciprocate that love and support. We wanted to give our fans something that would inspire them, just as they've inspired us. Hope is as much theirs as it is ours. It's a celebration of the bond we share with them, and it's a reminder that no matter how far apart we may be, we are always connected through our music.

We've always believed that our fans are our pillars of strength. They are the reason we keep going when things get tough, and they are the ones who lift us up when we fall. Without them, there would be no Stray Kids, and there would be no Hope. Our fans are the heart and soul of everything we do, and we will forever be grateful for their love and support.