K-pop sensation Stray Kids have set a new record, surpassing 1 million album sales in the United States in 2023, as reported by their agency, JYP Entertainment on November 1. This makes Stray Kids the first K-pop group to reach this milestone in combined physical and digital album sales within a single year in the U.S.

The sales surge was led by their latest mini-album, “ATE,” which was released in September. By the end of that month, “ATE” became the best-selling K-pop album of the year in the United States. Impressively, across all music genres, it ranked as the fourth highest-selling album, following releases by global icons Taylor Swift, Travis Scott, and Billie Eilish. This achievement highlights Stray Kids' strong presence and growing fan base in the U.S. market.

Adding to their accolades, “ATE” recently earned a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), marking sales of over 500,000 units. The RIAA awards Gold (500,000 units), Platinum (1 million units), Multi-Platinum (2 million units), and Diamond (10 million units) certifications based on cumulative sales. This recognition underscores Stray Kids' success and influence in the competitive U.S. music industry.

Stray Kids also reached the top of the Billboard 200 chart with “ATE,” marking their fifth consecutive album to achieve this feat since their 2022 release “ODDINARY.” This remarkable achievement showcases the group’s consistent popularity on a global scale and their ability to captivate diverse audiences.

Currently, Stray Kids are on their “dominATE” world tour, which kicked off in August. They will perform in Taiwan’s Kaohsiung on November 3 before heading to Japan’s Tokyo Dome on November 14, 16, and 17. The tour will continue in Manila, Philippines on November 23 and conclude the month with performances in Macau on November 29 and 30.

Stray Kids' sustained momentum in album sales, chart performance, and international touring demonstrates their expanding influence as one of K-pop's leading acts. Their achievements not only reflect their dedication and artistry but also underscore the growing demand for K-pop music worldwide. With “ATE” resonating strongly with fans and their world tour drawing sold-out crowds, Stray Kids are solidifying their place on the global music stage.

Sayart / Sharon Jung, guhuijeong784@gmail.com