Exploring the Meaning of Stray Kids' "Hollow" Lyrics (English Translation)

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Unpacking the message behind this haunting Stray Kids track
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If you’re a Stray Kids fan, no doubt you’ve listened to the K-pop boy band’s newest EP and its title track, “Hollow.” But, since it’s a Japanese-language song, you might not know what the lyrics really mean, yet—and we can clue you in! The title “Hollow” is about feeling empty inside, and the song explores themes of loneliness and experiencing a lack of fulfillment despite achieving success. The song is introspective and vulnerable, tugging many fans’ heartstrings. In this article, we’ll teach you all about the full meaning of “Hollow” and its music video, so keep reading to learn more!

What is the meaning of “Hollow” by Stray Kids?

“Hollow” is a song about feeling empty inside and struggling with loneliness, despite achieving one’s goals and finding career success. It’s about the singer’s (presumably Stray Kids’) desire to find meaningful connection and emotional fulfillment, and break free of all limitations (internal and external).

Section 1 of 6:

“Hollow” by Stray Kids Lyrics Meaning

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  1. 1
    In “Hollow,” Stray Kids sing about feeling empty and alone. The title, “Hollow,” is actually a description of how they feel internally—trapped and isolated. The song is about feeling disconnected from oneself, grappling with the emotional void inside, while wanting to find something more in life. In the chorus, Stray Kids sings, “I embrace everything and run, but why do I feel hollow?” [1]
    • The chorus also includes the lyrics, “Loneliness haunts me no matter where I am…,” continuing the theme of constant isolation and disconnection.
  2. 2
    Despite their career success, the group longs for emotional fulfillment. The first verse contains the lyrics, “I’ve checked off so many things on my bucket list / Somehow, I still can’t be satisfied.” This reflects Stray Kids’ feelings about their astronomical success as a K-pop group; despite all the fame and how much they’ve accomplished to date, they don’t feel emotionally satisfied. [2]
    • In the second verse, this theme of feeling burdened by success continues. “With my style, I’ve built my career in a stack / Hall of Fame, it’s still far away / Shinin’ star, behind it, is all in black.”
    • The lyrics also reflect how demanding life as K-pop stars can be; the group is feeling disconnected because they’ve had to sacrifice so much for their art.
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  3. 3
    The group wants to reconnect with themselves and find their place. This desire for connection is both internal and external; they want to feel more like themselves, and they also want to form a meaningful bond with someone else. In the pre-chorus, they sing, “Someone, fill my heart and quench my thirst .” In this instance, “thirst” probably refers to the feeling of emptiness and desire to connect with someone.
    • In the chorus, the group also sings, “Is it because the more alone I am, the more I need love?”
    • This further explores the song’s theme of loneliness, while also capturing the group’s hope that love and connection can help them overcome the emptiness within.
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Section 2 of 6:

What is Stray Kids’ “Hollow” about?

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  1. “Hollow” is about loneliness and vulnerability. It explores the idea that achieving your dreams doesn’t necessarily make you feel complete on the inside, and that you need more than success to find fulfillment. It also reflects the very human need for connection and understanding, with lyrics that express a deep yearning. All in all, “Hollow” is about Stray Kids trying to break free from their loneliness and, one day, find real love.
    • Compositionally, “Hollow” features strong synth, electric guitar, and piano, employing a more melodic form of EDM (electronic dance music) to convey the song’s deeply personal and emotional message.
Section 3 of 6:

Production, Release & Reception of “Hollow”

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  1. 1
    “Hollow” was released as the title track of an EP (extended play). The Japanese-language EP was announced in April 2025 and later released on June 18. “Hollow” is both the name of the EP and the first song on the tracklist. The song’s lyrics are credited to Bang Chan (leader of Stray Kids), Changbin, Han (both also members of Stray Kids), and KM-Markit. [3]
    • Stray Kids actually self-produces most of its music through its production team, 3Racha, a sub-unit of the group consisting of Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han.
    • Stray Kids debuted their performance of “Hollow” in May 2025. At Shizuoka Stadium, as part of their Dominate World Tour, the group performed “Hollow” (the song) for the first time ahead of its release in June.
  2. 2
    The “Hollow” EP broke the group’s single-week best-selling album record. As an EP, “Hollow” debuted at number one on the Oricon Albums Chart, which is Japan’s music industry popularity chart (as the EP’s lyrics are in Japanese). It also shot to number one on the Digital Albums Chart, and peaked at number one on the Combined Albums Chart—making the release of “Hollow” a successful one! [4]
    • “Hollow” was even certified triple platinum on July 10, 2025, by the Recording Industry Association of Japan for 750,000 shipments.
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Section 4 of 6:

“Hollow” EP & Tracklist

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  1. The “Hollow” EP was released in several different editions. There are actually twelve physical editions of “Hollow,” including 8 fanclub editions (each one featuring a different member of Stray Kids on the cover). “Hollow” features five original Japanese tracks, as well as an instrumental version of “Hollow” as an FC limited bonus track. The full tracklist is:
    • “Hollow” - The title track, with themes of loneliness and seeking connection.
    • “Parade” - A triumphant track urging listeners to take life by the horns and “go for it.”
    • “Never Alone” - A song inspired by the anime One Piece about the feeling of embarking on a journey together, and the strength that comes with unity.
    • “Just a Little” - An emotional song about heartbreak and the end of a relationship.
    • “Fate” - A romantic track about a love so powerful it feels like destiny.
Section 5 of 6:

“Hollow” Music Video

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  1. The music video was made in collaboration with director NOVV KIM. The video depicts a transformative journey for the members of Stray Kids; they begin the video as puppets like Pinocchio attached to strings, and become human as the song continues. There are also visuals of Stray Kids breaking through barriers and attempting to escape very stark, empty settings, conveying the idea of being hollow and looking to break free of that feeling.
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Section 6 of 6:

Other Sad Songs by Stray Kids

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  1. Stray Kids have released many sad, vulnerable, and introspective songs. Finally, let’s take a look at some other notable Stray Kids songs that have struck a major chord with fans in the past, embracing the same vulnerability and feeling of sadness found in “Hollow.” If you’re wondering what Stray Kids’ saddest song is, that’s really up to your opinion—but here are a few contenders:
    • Lonely St. - A song with themes of isolation, feeling lost, and hopelessness. It grapples with the urge to give in to despair while knowing you must keep going.
    • Silent Cry - A song that tells listeners it’s okay to acknowledge pain and suffering, and cry openly about it (rather than silently and alone). Basically, it’s about letting your emotions out instead of bottling them up.
    • M.I.A. - This song explores a fading relationship and the feeling of loss.
    • Secret Secret - Like “Silent Cry,” this song explores the struggle of hiding your emotions and secrets, and how lonely that can feel.
    • Deep End - “Deep End” (performed by Felix, a member of Stray Kids) is all about heartbreak, loneliness, and the loss of a relationship.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/kmfy6ZFvBJI?t=21
      2. ↑ https://lyricstranslate.com/en/stray-kids-hollow-english-0
      3. ↑ https://www.straykidsjapan.com/info/archive/?572938
      4. ↑ https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ja/w/2025-06-30/

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