Stray Kids is collaborating with KBS to air the Lunar New Year special program "Soul Beam." This program will be broadcast on KBS 2TV on February 16 at 8:10 PM. "Soul Beam" is a "K-culture fusion variety show" featuring Stray Kids in cheerful episodes combined with traditional Korean culture.

Stray Kids recently achieved cumulative sales of tens of millions of albums and secured the No. 1 spot on the US Billboard 200 chart for eight consecutive times, establishing themselves as a global top artist. They have sold out stadiums in major cities worldwide, showcasing their world-class status. The news of their appearance on a domestic Lunar New Year special variety show has attracted attention from the entertainment industry both domestically and internationally.

The excitement for the program was intense even before the recording. Over 10,000 applicants competed for 400 seats invited for the live audience, resulting in a high competition rate of 25 to 1. The selected fans, representing various nationalities, all participated wearing the dress code "Seolbim (hanbok)." This created a spectacular scene promoting the beauty of traditional Korean culture worldwide.

Despite the recording lasting over 10 hours, the Stray Kids members did not forget to communicate with their fans. They frequently approached the audience during stage transitions to make eye contact and shake hands, providing unique fan service. Fans at the site expressed regret as they could not leave even after the recording ended.

"Soul Beam" introduces a setting where Stray Kids time-slip to the Joseon Dynasty by an unknown force. To return to their position as modern "world stars," they must complete outrageous missions given by the Joseon-era shamans MC Lee Soo-geun and Jonathan. This program aims not only for Stray Kids' fandom "STAY" but also as a "generation empathy" content that the whole family can enjoy together.

The program reconstructs signature games from the legendary 1990s Korean variety show "Family Entertainment Center" with a 2026 sensibility, offering nostalgia to the parent generation and fresh enjoyment to the younger generation. Seeing Stray Kids participate in traditional games wearing comfortable hanbok instead of flashy stage costumes breaks down generational and national barriers, positioning the show as the best Lunar New Year special of 2026.

Thanks to Stray Kids' global influence, "Soul Beam" has been receiving enthusiastic love calls from overseas markets even before its broadcast. Sales have been confirmed in Japan, Taiwan, and regions with a recent surge in K-content popularity such as Russia and the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States). The production team stated, "We tried to present the meeting of a globally top artist and our tradition in the most entertaining way," adding, "It will be the best Lunar New Year gift that fans worldwide can enjoy together."

This program will serve as an opportunity to promote Korean traditional culture globally based on Stray Kids' worldwide recognition. "Soul Beam" is expected to play an important role beyond a simple variety show, connecting traditional and modern Korean culture.