DIVINE

"DIVINE" (Korean title: Shinseonnoreum) serves as a powerful manifesto of artistic freedom and self-mastery. The Korean title literally translates to "playing like a Taoist hermit/immortal," a metaphor for living a carefree, idyllic life detached from worldly worries. Stray Kids reinterpret this concept to describe their status as artists who have reached a level of skill and confidence where their work feels like play.

Reclaiming Tradition and Identity: Much like their 2021 hit "Thunderous," this track aggressively blends modern hip-hop with Korean tradition. By adopting the persona of Shinseon (immortals), they position themselves above the noise and criticism of the industry (the "real world" they fall out from). They are not just idols but cultural architects creating a "new culture" where the old and new coexist.

The Power of "Divine Play": The lyrics explore the idea that true mastery looks effortless. Phrases like "cleansing the world" and "rebooting the world" suggest a transformative power in their music. The recurring motif "We make it right" reinforces their confidence in their vision. The song argues that by rejecting conventional rules ("tired of the laws of this world") and embracing their own "crooked rhythm," they can achieve a state of flow and joy that is effectively "divine."

The song opens with a bold declaration that the group needs nothing but love, dreams, and themselves, setting the stage for a narrative of ascension and limitlessness. The lyrics immediately introduce imagery of taking off and touching the sun, suggesting a rise above the mundane world. The members describe themselves as cleansing the world, not through force, but through their music and presence, signaling that their work is far from finished. This process is framed not as a burden but as their unique way of having fun, blurring the lines between work and divine play.

As the verses progress, the lyrics delve into the concept of Shinseonnoreum—the leisurely life of Taoist immortals. They ask rhetorically what they should do, only to answer that they will simply do what they want, emphasizing absolute creative freedom. They describe launching songs like fireworks and portray themselves as giants on stage, yet with the playfulness of mischievous spirits. The imagery becomes rich with cultural references: tigers, extraordinary beings appearing with a fresh aura, and the creation of a new culture through their art.

A central theme is the rejection of worldly laws and constraints. The lyrics mention getting drunk on art and rushing to a "crooked rhythm," suggesting an unconventional path to success. They speak of polishing their skills to find inner peace, comparing their artistic discipline to spiritual cultivation. The chorus reinforces this with the repeated traditional chant "Deong gideok kung deoreoreo," a rhythmic motif that grounds their modern sound in ancient roots. Ultimately, the song tells a story of transcending reality, rebooting the world with their vibes, and inviting listeners to follow them into this masterful, carefree existence.

"DIVINE" was released on November 21, 2025, as one of the double title tracks for the mixtape album SKZ-IT TAPE: DO IT. The song was written and produced by the group's internal production team, 3RACHA (Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han), alongside frequent collaborator Versachoi.

According to Bang Chan during a "Chan's Room" broadcast, the track was conceived as a "New Pop" experiment, aiming to fuse the raw energy of 90s boom bap with the specific groove of Korean traditional music (Gugak). The members worked on it concurrently with other tracks like "Ghost," seeking a sound that listeners could loop forever without fatigue.

The music video, directed by Sam Son, was filmed with a concept paying homage to the classic Korean tale Jeon Woo-chi. It depicts the members as modern-day Taoist wizards (Jeon Uchi style) causing mischievous fun in a palace setting, utilizing effects inspired by traditional ink wash paintings and Irworobongdo (royal folding screens). The track debuted at #1 on iTunes charts in over 30 regions, cementing its status as a global hit.

The song is built on a fascinating rhythmic conflict and resolution. The primary beat is a strict 4/4 boom bap groove (kick-snare-kick-snare). However, the lyrical flow and the melodic hooks frequently slip into a triplet feel (12/8 time), mimicking the traditional Gutgeori rhythm referenced in the hook ("Deong gi-deok kung de-reo-reo").

Rhyme Scheme: The rap verses utilize complex, multi-syllabic rhyme schemes (e.g., matching "Moon-gu" / "Chul-du" / "Du-du-du"). 3RACHA often employs end rhymes that land heavily on the snare hits, reinforcing the head-nodding quality of the track. The bridge breaks this pattern with a more melodic, free-flowing rhythm before snapping back into the chant-heavy chorus.

Musical Fusion: The track is a textbook example of Stray Kids' "Mala Taste" genre evolution. It features a gritty, lo-fi boom bap drum beat characteristic of 90s East Coast hip-hop, overlaid with the swinging, triplet-heavy feel of the Korean Gutgeori rhythm. Traditional instruments (likely synthesized or sampled Gayageum and Kkwaenggwari) puncture the mix, creating a unique sonic texture.

Vocal Delivery: The vocal styles vary drastically, from Changbin's aggressive, percussive rapping that mimics the striking of a drum, to Seungmin's melodic, soaring pre-chorus that provides the "ascension" feeling. Felix's deep voice is utilized for impact on key phrases like "Divine," grounding the track.

Literary Devices: The lyrics employ wordplay on "Shinseon" (immortal) and "Fresh" (Shinseon can also mean fresh in a different context), as well as internal rhymes that lock into the boom bap groove. The use of onomatopoeia ("Du-du-du", "Deong gideok") turns the lyrics into percussive instruments themselves.

Upon its release in late 2025, "DIVINE" was praised for continuing the "tradition-meets-modernity" legacy established by hits like "Thunderous" and "LALALALA." It played a significant role in further popularizing Gugak (Korean traditional music) elements within the global pop sphere. The song's specific dance challenge, involving a modern take on the traditional fan dance, went viral on TikTok. Commercially, it contributed to the DO IT mixtape achieving "million-seller" status within 24 hours of release, showcasing Stray Kids' sustained dominance in the K-pop industry.

The lyrics and visuals of "DIVINE" are dense with cultural symbolism:

• Shinseon (Taoist Immortal): Represents the ideal of absolute freedom and transcendence. By identifying as Shinseon, Stray Kids claim a status untouchable by haters or industry trends.
• The Tiger (Beom): A recurring symbol in Korean folklore (and Stray Kids' lore), representing power and fearlessness. The lyrics mention "extraordinary divines appearing like a tiger," linking their stage presence to this majestic beast.
• Ascension/Clouds: Imagery of "soaring to the sky" and "touching the sun" serves as a metaphor for their success and rising above petty conflicts.
• "Deong Gideok" Chant: This is an oral notation (Gu-eum) for the Gutgeori jangdan, a traditional 12/8 rhythmic pattern associated with shamanistic rituals and folk dances. Using this as a hook symbolizes the heartbeat of their Korean identity driving their modern music.
• Cleansing the World: A metaphor for the cathartic and healing effect of their music on listeners (STAYs) and the industry itself.

"We make it right": A recurring vocal hook that serves as a mantra of confidence and correction, asserting their authority to define their own path.

"Deong gideok kung deoreoreo": This traditional oral drum chant is the song's central motif. Repeated in the chorus, it acts as a hypnotic spell that invites the listener to join the "dance" of the immortals. Its repetition cements the song's cultural identity.

"Divine" / "Shinseonnoreum": The title concept is woven throughout, constantly reminding the listener of the thematic core: effortless supremacy and enjoyment.