Stray Kids have achieved an extraordinary milestone, officially becoming the first artist in Billboard 200 history to debut their first six charting albums at No. 1. Their latest release, HOP, stormed to the top of the chart dated December 28, 2024, marking yet another record-breaking moment for the powerhouse K-pop group.
The group’s unparalleled streak began in 2022 with ODDINARY and MAXIDENT and continued with ROCK-STAR and 5-STAR in 2023. Earlier this year, ATE also claimed the top spot. Now, with HOP, Stray Kids have solidified their status as a global phenomenon, rewriting the record books along the way.
Tied with Titans
With six No. 1 albums, Stray Kids join BTS, Linkin Park, and Dave Matthews Band as the groups with the most chart-topping albums on the Billboard 200 this century. This milestone underscores Stray Kids’ ever-growing influence in the music industry and their unique ability to captivate a diverse, international audience.
Record-Breaking Numbers
According to data compiled by Luminate, HOP debuted with 187,000 equivalent album units, an impressive figure fueled primarily by traditional album sales. Of these, 176,000 were pure album sales, thanks in part to the album’s collectible CD editions. Stray Kids offered fans seven unique CD variants, each packed with items like photocards, posters, and stickers. Exclusive editions available at retailers like Target, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble drove demand even higher.
Streaming played a smaller yet notable role, with HOP racking up 14.83 million on-demand streams during its first week.
Pioneering Non-English Albums
HOP also continues the trend of non-English-language albums dominating the Billboard 200. It is the 27th mostly non-English-language album to reach No. 1 and the fourth to do so in 2024. With 18 of those albums being mostly Korean, Stray Kids stand as a testament to K-pop’s explosive global reach.
A Legacy in the Making
Stray Kids have set themselves apart not only as chart-toppers but also as trailblazers in the music industry. Their ability to connect with fans through innovative music, electrifying performances, and fan-centric album releases has solidified their position as one of the most successful groups of their generation.
As Stray Kids celebrate this historic achievement, it’s clear that their journey is far from over. With each new release, the group continues to push boundaries and elevate K-pop to unprecedented heights.