Stray Kids, the eight-member K-pop sensation, has achieved a monumental milestone: as of December 31, 2024, the group had exceeded 31.18 million album shipments across South Korea and Japan. JYP Entertainment announced this achievement on January 20, highlighting the group's unparalleled growth and influence in the global music industry.
Since their debut in 2018 with the album Mixtape, Stray Kids has released 17 Korean albums, including their most recent SKZ Tape HOP (합), accounting for 27.72 million of their total shipments. In Japan, the group debuted with the best album SKZ2020 in 2020 and has since released eight albums, with cumulative shipments reaching 3.45 million. Their remarkable output includes full-length albums, extended plays, and compilations, each showcasing their distinctive sound and creative vision.
Stray Kids reached the 10-million-album milestone in 2022, and within just two years and three months, they added another 20 million units to their record. This rapid growth is a testament to the group's ever-expanding fan base and strong market presence. JYP Entertainment attributes their success to the increasing power of their albums, noting that since surpassing 10 million shipments, the group has released only seven more albums, each achieving record-breaking sales.
Their third full-length album, ★★★★★ (5-STAR), exemplifies this trend. Released in 2024, the album recorded an unprecedented 5.13 million pre-orders and sold 4.61 million copies within its first week of release. Within just two months, its total sales surpassed 5 million on the Circle Chart, making Stray Kids the first JYP Entertainment artist to achieve "pentamillion-seller" status. Additionally, 5-STAR became the highest-selling K-pop album in the U.S., solidifying the group's international acclaim.
Stray Kids' dominance extends beyond album sales. Their most recent six releases all debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, cementing their status as global chart-toppers. This feat underscores their ability to consistently capture the attention of audiences worldwide with innovative music and compelling performances.
The group’s global popularity continues to grow as they embark on the next leg of their world tour, dominATE, which resumed in Hong Kong on January 18 and 19. The tour will take them to 20 cities across Latin America, North America, and Europe, including large-scale stadium performances, offering fans unforgettable experiences.
Domestically, Stray Kids will host their fifth fan meeting, SKZ 5'CLOCK, from February 14 to 16 at the Inspire Arena in Incheon. The event promises to celebrate their achievements and a unique opportunity to connect with fans on a personal level.
With their consistent innovation and record-breaking success, Stray Kids is poised to leave an indelible mark on the global music scene in 2025 and beyond.
Sayart / ReaA JUNG, queen7203@gmail.com
