Stray Kids: Shattering Records and Redefining K-pop’s Future
Stray Kids are on fire, smashing records and proving their dominance in the global music scene. As of December 31, 2024, the group has shipped an astounding 31.18 million albums across Korea and Japan, according to JYP Entertainment. From their 2018 pre-debut release 'Mixtape' to their latest smash hit, 'SKZHOP HIPTAPE 合 (HOP),' the group continues to raise the bar in the industry.
Their third studio album, '★★★★★ (5-STAR),' released in June 2023, didn’t just make waves—it made history. With 5.13 million pre-orders and 4.61 million first-week sales, it became the highest-selling K-pop album at the time. Within two months, the album surpassed 5 million sales, earning Stray Kids the title of JYP Entertainment’s first-ever penta-million seller. To top it off, '5-STAR' was the best-selling K-pop album in the U.S. in 2023, cementing their global superstar status.
The group’s 17 Korean albums have collectively sold over 27.72 million copies, while their eight Japanese releases, including fan-favorites 'SKZ2020' and 'GIANT,' added 3.45 million to their tally.
Global Chart Dominance
Stray Kids aren’t just making waves—they’re creating tsunamis. In the 2024 Year-End Music Report by Luminate, their albums 'SKZ HOP' and 'ATE' both ranked in the U.S. Top CD Album Sales Top 10, making them the only artist to chart two albums in this category for three consecutive years.
Their latest release, 'SKZHOP HIPTAPE 合 (HOP),' continued their streak of success. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking their sixth consecutive album to top the chart—a historic first in Billboard’s 69-year history. The album also ranked No. 2 on Hanteo Chart’s U.S. section for the first week of January 2025, trailing behind Rosé’s 'rosie,' which dominated for 11 consecutive weeks.
The group’s record-breaking achievements have drawn acclaim from major outlets like Forbes, Rolling Stone, and NME. These publications have praised Stray Kids as “trailblazers in Billboard history” and “the K-pop group breaking every chart record imaginable,” highlighting their ability to bridge K-pop and global mainstream music.
Stray Kids aren’t just breaking barriers—they’re rewriting the rules. Their innovative sound, electrifying performances, and unparalleled global reach have set a new standard for K-pop. From dominating global charts to shaping the future of the music industry, Stray Kids are proving they’re not just a phenomenon—they’re a revolution.