Stray Kids hits Billboard 200 25th album milestone

Stray Kids have firmly cemented their status as global music juggernauts, demonstrating how effectively K-pop has crossed borders and dominated the American charts. Their latest release, This & That, not only landed at the top of the Billboard 200 but marks a significant milestone in the genre’s history.

This achievement places the EP as the 25th album or EP by a K-pop act to reach No. 1 on Billboard’s flagship albums chart in just over eight years—a remarkable trajectory that began with BTS’ Love Yourself: Tear in June 2018. Stray Kids now boasts nine No-1 titles on the Billboard 200, solidifying their place at the forefront of global music consumption.

The K-pop phenomenon continues to reshape the landscape of American music charts. Alongside Stray Kids, other acts have also achieved major victories, including BTS, who hold seven No-1 titles; ATEEZ, with three; and multi-artist projects like the soundtrack KPop Demon Hunters, which also reached the top spot on the Billboard 200. Other artists further contributing to this trend include SuperM, BLACKPINK, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, NewJeans, and TWICE.

The dominance of K-pop in the US market is undeniable. While these groups have excelled on the album charts, they remain a unique force in the broader music scene. For instance, while all these acts have dominated the Billboard 200, Stray Kids has yet to crack the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their highest-charting single on that chart, “Chk Chk Boom,” peaked at No. 49 in August 2024.

This success is part of a larger pattern of K-pop impact. Since 2018, K-pop acts have achieved No-1 status on the Billboard 200 in nearly every year, with the peak number of No-1 albums reaching five in 2023. This sustained run highlights the genre’s explosive growth and deep connection with international audiences.

The rise of K-pop extends beyond large groups. While many acts are known for their extensive member counts—such as TWICE with nine members, or BTS and SuperM with seven—the influence is also seen in solo artists, duos, and trios who are successfully entering the global conversation. For example, BLACKPINK was the first female K-pop act to achieve a No-1 album on the Billboard 200 with Born Pink in 2022.

Whether through massive group releases or individual artistic statements, K-pop has proven its staying power and cultural relevance across continents. It continues to redefine what global music success looks like, ensuring its continued status as a powerful force in the international music industry.