The group Stray Kids has made history once again on the American Billboard charts. With their fourth studio album 'KARMA', they achieved the unprecedented record of entering the main album chart 'Billboard 200' at number one for seven consecutive weeks, a first in its 70-year history.
"Destiny is given," they said, but they responded by saying, "We will carve our own destiny," and after seven years of hard work, destiny answered with the lucky number 7. The year 2025 is particularly significant for Stray Kids, as they have a deep connection with the number 7. Like their clever wordplay in titles such as 'GO生' (Go Life), 'IN生' (In Life), 'NOEASY' (No Easy), and '合 (HOP)' (Combine), we explored their journey to becoming the protagonists of a new chapter in Billboard history through the number 7, the English word 'chill', and the word '칠' (chill).
◆ A World Tour 'dominATE' That Circles the Earth 7 Times
Stray Kids launched their largest world tour yet, 'Stray Kids World Tour
In the U.S., they held a stadium tour with 12 shows across 9 cities, proving their overwhelming popularity and influence as representatives of K-Pop in the heart of pop music. Compared to their previous tour, 'Stray Kids 2nd World Tour 'MANIAC'', which only reached stadiums during its encore after performing in local arenas from 2022 to 2023, the remarkable growth and status of Stray Kids in the U.S. can be clearly seen in just two years.
Between the two tours, Stray Kids added four more number ones to their 'Billboard 200' record, making history in the chart's 69-year existence, and successfully charted three times on the 'Hot 100'. They received honors at major American music award shows such as the 'MTV Video Music Awards' and 'Billboard Music Awards', and performed at large music festivals like 'Global Citizen Festival' and 'Lollapalooza Chicago', increasing their connection with local fans and the public.
Having formed a powerful fandom in the U.S., Stray Kids made history as the 'first K-Pop artist' to perform at Seattle's T-Mobile Park, Orlando's Camping World Stadium, Washington D.C.'s Nationals Park, and Chicago's Wrigley Field during the 'dominATE' tour, and became the 'first artist in the world' to hold two consecutive performances at Arlington's Globe Life Field, leaving a significant mark.
◆ Stray Kids' Unique Musical Color, 'Chill' and '칠'
After successfully completing their historic world tour, Stray Kids returned home and emphasized their 'musical color' with the release of their new studio album after two years. As a self-producing group that has worked on all their albums since debut, they wanted to showcase a wider variety of musical colors to the world.
They expressed a desire to try new genres and discuss trying genres they had cherished, aiming to add freshness to their musical palette. The new song 'CEREMONY' is a product of this process, marking Stray Kids' first foray into a powerful trap EDM track as a title song.
"When I feel that everyone is putting their all into it, my heart burns in a way I can't explain," they said, adding, "All eight members are crazy about music, the stage, and the team Stray Kids itself." The music they created with this burning passion and energy feels cool and exudes a chill confidence.
The grand celebration song 'CEREMONY' affirms that the time they worked hard has returned as good karma, leading to today's Stray Kids. It evokes the image of a splendid paradise that Stray Kids, who have reached a remarkable level today, looks down upon. The unique musical color of Stray Kids, painted chill, has once again captured the hearts of K-Pop fans worldwide.
◆ The First '7 Consecutive Weeks at Number One' in the 70-Year History of the Billboard 200
Stray Kids members Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N have already achieved great success on the U.S. music charts with their studio album 'KARMA' and title track 'CEREMONY', raising expectations for a new Billboard record. 'CEREMONY' debuted at its highest position of 49 on the Spotify Daily Top Songs U.S. chart, and from August 22 to 24, 'KARMA' debuted at number 5 on the Spotify Top Albums U.S. chart, while 'CEREMONY' debuted at number 2 on the Top Songs U.S. chart, among other records.
Ultimately, they broke their own record for first-week sales in the U.S. and topped the 'Billboard 200' chart for the seventh time as of September 6. Stray Kids is the first artist in the 70-year history of the 'Billboard 200', which began in March 1956, to have seven works enter the chart at number one consecutively. They hold the record for the most number ones on the 'Billboard 200' by a K-Pop artist and are the only K-Pop artist to have topped the chart this year. Additionally, they ranked 52 on the 'Hot 100', 1 on the 'Artist 100', and became the first K-Pop group to rank on the 'Top Streaming Albums', making their mark in a total of 16 categories on the latest Billboard charts and becoming the proud owners of a golden monument.
The new album 'KARMA' tells the story of having a strong belief that one can shape their destiny through choices and actions. Stray Kids, who have consistently chosen music without hesitation at every moment, has reaped valuable rewards as they celebrate their 7th anniversary in 2025. The eight members, who were once seedlings, have grown into a deeply rooted tree, and the achievements they have earned through their relentless efforts shine brightly today.
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
