Stray Kids’ I.N Clears Up “Rumors” About His Stage Name

Kstar Next Door officially released their first compilation video, revealing additional footage from Jonathan Thona‘s interviews with groups like Stray Kids, (G)I-DLE, IVE, TWICE, ZEROBASEONE, aespa, LE SSERAFIM, and more.

| 디글 :Diggle/YouTube

Kstar Next Door has hosted members from Stray Kids on two occasions. Stray Kids’ Lee Know, Felix, and Changbin joined the show in October, and Changbin joined a second time with Seungmin and I.N in June.

Both episodes were filled with hilarious moments, including behind-the-scenes stories about their experiences as JYP Entertainment artists and about the company’s founder J.Y. Park.

(From left:) Jonathan Thona, Stray Kids’ Changbin, Seungmin, and I.N | 디글 :Diggle/YouTube

During the June episode, Jonathan Thona complimented I.N’s birth name, Yang Jeongin. Jonathan wondered why the Stray Kids maknae used a stage name when he already had a “nice name,” and I.N opened up about how his stage name came to be.

Your browser does not support video.

The members explained their stage names in a 2018 live broadcast for Stray Kids Hyunjin‘s birthday. I.N originally stated that the letters were taken from his birth name, Jeongin, but because he felt using “IN” would be “too plain,” he added a period between the letters.

He added that the name had an additional meaning, which could also mean he was welcoming “in” STAYs.

Your browser does not support video.Stray Kids’ 2018 live broadcast | StrayKids Vlive/YouTube

In his interview during Kstar Next Door, I.N revealed more about his stage name and shared that he used one at the suggestion of JYP Entertainment.

He revealed that he was asked to write down three potential stage names and shared that he wrote “IN” down “without thinking.”

Your browser does not support video.

The producers loved the name, and thus “I.N” was finalized as his stage name.

Jonathan jokingly shared a rumor he heard that I.N was trying to match fellow “I-name” idols such as soloist IU and Red Velvet‘s Irene.

Your browser does not support video.

While I.N laughed off the “rumors,” Changbin jokingly added that he had “Bin” in his own name to match actors Won Bin and Hyun Bin.

Your browser does not support video.

Check out more from the lively Kstar Next Door episode in the article below!

Stray Kids’ Seungmin Explains Why He “Dissed” J.Y. Park On Bubble