Stray Kids Solve The Mystery of a Fatal Attraction in ‘Case 143’

Following the roaring success of their March 2021 EP Oddinary, fourth-generation powerhouse Stray Kids are back – this time singing about an inexplicable love connection in “Case 143.” Leading their latest EP Maxident, the track arrives four months after the release of the eight-member group’s Japanese-language EP, Circus.

Co-written by the group’s production unit 3RACHA (Bang Chan, Changbin and Han) alongside 3SCAPE’s Yosia and Daviid, and Producing Lab’s Raphael, “Case 143” sees the group decipher an instantaneous and “fatal attraction” in classic Stray Kids fashion: “Why do I keep getting attracted/ Only you’re on my mind (Oh)/ I cannot explain this emotion/ One-four-three, I love you.” “Case 143” is Stray Kids’ first lead single that sees the group ruminate over romance and its complexities. While this may be their first attempt at experimenting with a new theme, the group make sure to capture their soaring energy levels in a trap-heavy dance soundscape; a combination that has cemented Stray Kids’ name as one of the most admirable fourth-generation acts to define what K-pop stands for in their own unique style. Notably, Chagbin’s fiery rap flow and Felix’s unforgettable vocal performance in the chorus are some of the few elements that might see listeners coming back for more.  

Utilizing heavy CGI elements, the music video sees the Stray Kids members take on the roles of police officers, assigned with the task of capturing furry little troublemakers. Upon capturing them, the group soon realizes they can’t stop thinking about the troublemakers. It’s almost as if they’re bewitched by an enchanting love spell. Of course, this wouldn’t be a Stray Kids music video without chaotic sequences, which are sprinkled throughout the video. 

Stray Kids’ eight-track EP Maxident follows the success of Oddinary – the group’s first release to land the number 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. Ahead of Maxident’s release, it was announced that the EP crunched in more than 2.24 million in physical stock pre-orders.