In a rare move following significant fan pushback, JYP Entertainment has officially adjusted the pricing and composition of the latest Stray Kids official fan club (STAY) membership kit.
The controversy began earlier in late January 2026, when the agency announced recruitment for the 6th generation of STAY.
Fans were quick to notice that the new membership structure—which sold the membership fee and the physical kit separately—was priced significantly higher than in previous years.
This led to a wave of criticism across social media platforms, with many fans expressing disappointment over what they perceived as excessive costs for long-time supporters.
Member Involvement and Fan Advocacy
The backlash gained even more visibility when Stray Kids member Hyunjin addressed the situation during an Instagram live broadcast on January 24.
Hyunjin shared with fans that he had personally looked into the pricing after hearing their concerns.
He admitted to being unhappy with the situation and revealed that he had spoken to the company directly to advocate for the fans.
However, he also noted that as an artist, many corporate financial decisions remain out of the group’s direct control.
His transparency and willingness to speak up for STAY were widely praised by the fandom, likely putting further pressure on the agency to rectify the situation.
Official Adjustments and Price Reductions
On January 25, 2026, JYP Entertainment issued a formal apology via the fan platform FANS, acknowledging the “inconvenience and disappointment” caused by the price changes and the lack of prior notice.
To take “full responsibility,” the agency announced several major adjustments to the 6th-generation STAY membership:
- Price Cut: The original price for the membership kit was lowered from 22,000 KRW to 10,000 KRW (approximately $7.50 USD), a reduction of more than 50%.
- Composition Changes: To facilitate this price drop, the “Album Plush Keyring” was removed from the physical kit. Instead, the exclusive song “별, 빛 (STAY)” will be released as a digital single in Q1 2026, and other solo tracks originally intended for the keyring will be included in the upcoming “SKZ-REPLAY” digital album later this year.
- Revised Schedule: To implement these changes, the recruitment period was shifted back by one day, now starting on January 27, 2026, and ending on February 5, 2026. The 5th-generation activity period was also extended by one day to ensure no gap in membership benefits.
Impact on the Fandom and Industry
This incident highlights the growing power of fan voices in the K-pop industry and the importance of transparent communication between agencies and consumers.
By responding within 48 hours of the backlash, JYP Entertainment attempted to mitigate the damage to the relationship between the brand and its global fanbase.
While the removal of certain physical items was necessary to achieve the lower price point, the decision to offer the content digitally was seen as a fair compromise.
The situation also underscores the influential role of Stray Kids members themselves in acting as intermediaries between their label and their fans.
As one of the most successful boy groups in the world, Stray Kids continues to dominate charts and break sales records, and this resolution ensures that the focus remains on their music and upcoming projects rather than administrative disputes.
Moving forward, the agency has pledged to be more mindful of fan kit pricing and notice periods, hoping to regain the trust of the STAY community as they embark on the 6th generation of their fan club journey.
The expansive universe of NCT is set to grow once again with a highly anticipated new sub-unit.
On January 26, 2026, SM Entertainment officially announced that Jeno and Jaemin, two of the most prominent members of NCT DREAM, will be making their debut as a duo under the name NCT JNJM.
This announcement was accompanied by a striking teaser poster that immediately ignited excitement across global fanbases.
Known for their deep-rooted friendship and incredible onstage chemistry, the duo’s debut marks a significant milestone in their decade-long journey together as artists under SM Entertainment.
Debut Details: “BOTH SIDES”
NCT JNJM is scheduled to make their official entrance into the music scene on February 23, 2026. Their debut will be marked by the release of their first mini-album titled “BOTH SIDES.”
According to the agency, the album will feature a total of six tracks, including a title song of the same name.
The core concept of the debut revolves around the keyword “duality.”
NCT’s Jeno and Jaemin (Credit: YouTube)
The title “BOTH SIDES” is intended to represent the distinct, individual charms that Jeno and Jaemin possess, while also highlighting the unique “synergy” that occurs when they perform together.
The album promises to showcase a perfect balance between their contrasting styles, proving that their differences are actually their greatest strengths.
Fans can expect a broad musical spectrum that explores both their powerful, high-energy performance capabilities and their more melodic, versatile vocal and rap skills.
A Decade of Teamwork and Recent Success
The anticipation for NCT JNJM is bolstered by the fact that Jeno and Jaemin have worked side-by-side for 10 years, starting from their days as SM Rookies through their global success in NCT DREAM.
This long-term professional and personal bond provides a foundation of teamwork that is rare in the industry.
SM Entertainment noted that this unit will allow them to showcase a level of harmony and energy that has been refined over a decade of shared experiences.
The announcement comes on the heels of the duo’s successful foray into acting. Recently, Jeno and Jaemin starred together in a short-form drama titled “WIND UP.”
The project was a massive success, surpassing 5 million views within just five days of its release, proving that the “Jeno-Jaemin” pairing holds significant commercial power and public interest beyond just the music world.
Global Impact and Fan Expectations
As part of the NCT brand, NCT JNJM is expected to make a significant impact on global music charts.
Both members have consistently been top performers in terms of brand reputation and album sales, contributing to NCT DREAM’s recent “million-seller” certifications and year-end chart dominance.
With their debut fast approaching, fans—known as NCTzens—are eagerly awaiting more teasers, tracklists, and concept photos.
This unit debut is seen not just as a new musical venture, but as a celebration of a partnership that has become one of the most beloved “best friend” dynamics in K-pop.
As the February 23 debut date approaches, the industry is watching closely to see how NCT JNJM will redefine the duo format within the NCT ecosystem.
