Stray Kids Makes History on Billboard Charts with Latest Album

K-pop sensation Stray Kids is making waves on the American Billboard charts, achieving a remarkable milestone with their latest album, SKZHOP HIPTAPE '合 (HOP)', released on December 13. According to a report from Billboard on December 22, the album sold approximately 187,000 copies in its first week, securing the number one spot on the 'Billboard 200' chart on December 28, marking their sixth time at the top.

Stray Kids is the first artist to debut six consecutive albums at number one on the 'Billboard 200' since the chart's inception in March 1956, making them the group with the most number one albums in the 2000s. They now stand alongside global superstars like BTS (방탄소년단), Linkin Park, and Dave Matthews Band in this impressive achievement.

The group's record-breaking journey began with their mini-album 'ODDINARY' in 2022, which made them the third K-pop act to reach number one, following BTS and SuperM. They continued their success with subsequent releases, including the mini-album 'MAXIDENT', their third studio album '★★★★★ (5-STAR)', and the mini-album '樂-STAR', culminating in their fifth number one with the mini-album 'ATE' in 2024.

Now, just two years after their debut on the 'Billboard 200', Stray Kids has solidified their place in music history with '合 (HOP)', achieving six consecutive number one entries, a feat unmatched by any global artist.

Notably, all these records come from an album produced by the group's own production team, 3RACHA, showcasing their self-producing capabilities. Stray Kids has earned recognition as a 'self-producing idol' within the K-pop community, and their use of Korean lyrics adds to their cultural pride. The album '合' is particularly significant as it encapsulates their unique sound, which they refer to as a 'new genre'.

Stray Kids' popularity extends beyond the charts, as evidenced by their ongoing world tour, 'Stray Kids World Tour <DOMINO>', which includes 48 shows across 32 regions. They are set to embark on a massive stadium tour in Latin America, North America, and Europe starting in March 2025, performing at iconic venues like SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Citi Field in New York City.

On December 21, they held a solo concert in Jakarta, Indonesia, as part of their world tour, thrilling Southeast Asian fans with a setlist that included hits like 'MOUNTAINS', 'Back Door', and '神메뉴' (God's Menu). The members expressed their gratitude to the fans, promising to return soon. The future looks bright for Stray Kids as they continue to break records and captivate audiences worldwide.