Closing out THIS & THAT, Stray Kids deliver a deeply nostalgic emotional finale with “Back Then” (Korean title: 그날, Geunal), the seventh track from their 10th Korean-language mini-album. Released on August 7, 2026, the guitar-driven band ballad strips away electronic textures to focus on heartfelt vocals, live instrumentation, and a reflective atmosphere.
The track serves as the emotional conclusion of the project, embracing a warm acoustic sound built around gentle guitar arrangements and a gradual live-band progression. Unlike the album’s more experimental and energetic moments, “Back Then” allows the members’ voices and storytelling to carry the full weight of the song.
Creative direction for the track comes from member Han, who takes full control of the lyrics while working alongside longtime JYP Entertainment producer VERSACHOI for composition and arrangement. Their collaboration creates a sincere ballad that highlights Han’s ability to transform personal emotions into relatable musical experiences.
Lyrically, “Back Then” explores memories of a meaningful moment from the past, capturing the bittersweet feeling of looking back on a special day that can never be recreated. Instead of focusing on sadness or regret, the song celebrates the beauty of those memories and the emotions that remain even as time moves forward.
The arrangement gradually expands from a soft acoustic opening into a powerful band-style finale, giving the track a cinematic closing effect. As the final song on THIS & THAT, “Back Then” provides a fitting farewell to the album’s journey, leaving listeners with a sense of nostalgia, warmth, and emotional reflection.
