Stray Kids have solidified their place in global music history, achieving a groundbreaking feat on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States, the world's largest music market.

According to Billboard’s announcement on December 22nd (local time), Stray Kids’ latest album, SKZHOP HIPTAPE ‘合 (HOP)’, released on December 13th, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart dated December 28th. 

The album recorded approximately 187,000 units sold in its first week, marking the group’s sixth No. 1 album on the chart. Stray Kids have now become the first artist in the 69-year history of the Billboard 200 chart to debut six consecutive albums at No. 1 since the chart’s inception in March 1956. 

With this achievement, the group joins the ranks of BTS, Linkin Park, and Dave Matthews Band as one of the groups with the most No. 1 entries in the 2000s.

The group first topped the Billboard 200 in 2022 with their mini-album ‘ODDINARY,’ making them the third K-pop artist and second solo group to achieve this milestone after BTS and SuperM.

Subsequent albums, including ‘MAXIDENT’ (2022), ‘★★★★★ (5-STAR)’ (2023), ‘樂-STAR’ (2023), and ‘ATE’ (2024), also claimed the top spot. With their latest release, ‘合 (HOP),’ Stray Kids have become the first group ever to achieve this streak, following only legendary American rapper DMX among global artists.

Released just two years after their debut on the Billboard 200, Stray Kids’ sixth consecutive No. 1 album marks a monumental moment not only for K-pop but for global music history. 

The album, entirely self-produced by the group with their in-house producing team 3RACHA, underscores the significance of their creative control and artistry.

Stray Kids are currently in the midst of their largest-ever world tour, ‘Stray Kids World Tour <DOMINATE>,’ spanning 32 countries with 48 shows. 

Starting in March 2025, they will embark on a massive stadium tour across 20 regions in Latin America, North America, and Europe, including iconic venues like Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium and New York’s Citi Field.

Stray Kids continue to rewrite the history of the global music industry, cementing their status as one of the most influential K-pop groups on the international stage.