"Why?" is a song by South Korean boy band Stray Kids from their second Japanese-language studio album Giant (2024). It was released as a promotional single through Epic Records Japan on April 12, 2024. The song serves as the theme for Japanese television drama Re: Revenge – Yokubo no Hate ni (2024).
Background and composition
On March 23, 2024, the second teaser of Japanese television drama Re: Revenge – Yokubo no Hate ni was revealed, alongside an announcement that Stray Kids would perform the theme of the drama, titled "Why?", making it the group's first Japanese drama series theme. The song became available for digital download and streaming platforms on April 12, after the first episode's premiere, and later was included on the group's second Japanese-language studio album Giant (2024).
"Why?" was written by Stray Kids' in-house production team 3Racha, consisting of members Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han, alongside D&H (Purple Night) and Yohei for Japanese lyrics, and Hong Ji-sang for composition and arrangement. A rock track with the image of "dystopia", the song expresses the feelings of moving forward to a goal without worrying about one's surroundings despite encountering obstacles.
Live performances
Stray Kids debuted the performance of "Why?" at the group's fanmeeting SKZ Toy World in April 2024 at Kyocera Dome, Osaka and Belluna Dome, Saitama.
Credits and personnel
Personnel Stray Kids – lead vocals, background vocals Bang Chan (3Racha) – lyrics, composition Changbin (3Racha) – lyrics, composition Han (3Racha) – lyrics, composition D&H (Purple Night) – Japanese lyrics Yohei – Japanese lyrics Hong Ji-sang – composition, arrangement, computer programming, electric guitar, keyboards, vocal direction, recording Goo Hye-jin – recording Lee Tae-sub – mixing Kwon Nam-woo – mastering
Locations Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. – publishing JYP Publishing (KOMCA) – publishing JYPE Studios – recording, mixing Jisang's Studio – recording 821 Sound Mastering – mastering
Charts + Chart performance for "Why?" Chart (2024) Peakposition Japan (Japan Hot 100) 25 Japan Combined Singles (Oricon) 26 New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ) 39 US World Digital Song Sales (Billboard) 2
Release history + Release dates and formats for "Why?" Region Date Format Label Various April 12, 2024 Epic Japan South Korea JYP
References
External links