Stray Kids Make Billboard History with ‘KARMA’
Stray Kids just made Billboard history—again. Their brand new full-length album ‘KARMA’ has debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200 chart, becoming the group’s seventh career-topping entry. In doing so, they clinch the record for the most Billboard 200 No.1 albums by a K-pop artist, overtaking global superstardom peers BTS.
Stray Kids scores seventh No.1 on Billboard 200
On August 31 (local time), Billboard reported that Stray Kids’ latest album ‘KARMA’ had officially entered at No.1 on the Billboard 200 dated September 6. This marks their seventh consecutive album to top the chart, starting from 2022’s ODDINARY, followed by MAXIDENT, 5-STAR, ROCK-STAR, ATE, HALL, and now KARMA.
Yes, you read that right: seven straight wins. Since the Billboard 200 began over 70 years ago, no other act has ever achieved this streak—not even in K-pop, not even globally.
Outpacing BTS and global legends
By securing their seventh chart-topper, Stray Kids now outrank BTS, who previously held a tied K-pop record with six No.1 entries. The group has also officially passed American rock legends Linkin Park and Dave Matthews Band to become the top artist with the most No.1 Billboard 200 albums since 2000.
That’s not just K-pop history—it’s music history. And Stray Kids is writing it in bold, rhythmic strokes.
‘KARMA’ sales smash personal and genre records
The achievement isn’t just in rankings—it’s in numbers, too. Billboard calculates chart placements with “album units,” a composite of physical sales, SEA (streaming equivalent albums), and TEA (track equivalent albums). ‘KARMA’ moved a whopping 313,000 units in its opening week.
- Highest first-week sales for any K-pop album in 2024
- Third highest first-week sales across all artists in 2024—only behind Morgan Wallen and The Weeknd
This marks Stray Kids’ best-ever sales week and sets a new benchmark for K-pop releases this year.
Meanwhile, K-pop animation keeps rising
But wait—there’s more. The OST for Netflix’s animated film ‘K-Pop: Demon Hunters’ continues its surprising run on the Billboard charts, staying steady at No.2 on the Billboard Soundtrack Chart for a fifth week.
With 125,000 units sold during this tracking period (a 16% increase from the week prior), the soundtrack marks its highest weekly sales yet. Billboard attributes the bump to a recently held sing-along event across North America, where fans could karaoke battle idols via big screen.
Global signals: K-pop’s cultural clout endures
The rise of Stray Kids and ‘K-Pop: Demon Hunters’ in tandem is no coincidence. It’s proof that Hallyu—the Korean Wave—isn’t just a trend; it’s a force reshaping the global music ecosystem.
While Stray Kids dominate sales and streaming metrics, ‘K-Pop: Demon Hunters’ proves how K-pop’s storytelling prowess—now animated—can still move musical units. The synergy between fandom, pop culture, and global distribution is clear: K-pop’s crossover appeal keeps maturing beyond traditional genres or media.
K-pop’s momentum isn’t slowing down
As Stray Kids ascend from boy band to Billboard-breaking legend, the music world is paying attention. It’s a landmark victory not just for the eight-member JYP Entertainment group, but for what they represent: the new gold standard of global pop.
In charting new territory with ‘KARMA,’ Stray Kids aren’t just chasing success—they’re defining it. Their performance argues that K-pop groups aren’t playing catch-up anymore. They’re leading.
FAQs
Q: How many Billboard 200 No.1 albums does Stray Kids have?
A: As of September 2024, Stray Kids have achieved seven No.1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart, the most ever by a K-pop group.
Q: What is the Billboard 200 chart?
A: The Billboard 200 ranks the most popular albums in the U.S. each week based on traditional album sales, digital downloads, and streaming numbers.
Q: What is ‘K-Pop: Demon Hunters’?
A: It’s a Netflix original animated film featuring a fantasy action storyline inspired by the K-pop world. Its soundtrack also gained popularity, staying high on music charts.
