On August 22, 2025, the group made their long-awaited return with their fourth full-length studio album “KARMA”, led by the powerful title track “CEREMONY.”
Within just one day of its release, the album sold over 2.08 million copies, according to the Hanteo Chart — earning Stray Kids their second-ever “double million-seller” status on day one.
This impressive feat marks another career milestone for the eight-member group under JYP Entertainment, reinforcing their status as one of the most dominant and influential acts in K-pop today.
Breaking Down the Numbers: A New Record for Stray Kids
According to Hanteo Chart, KARMA sold 2,080,072 copies in its first 24 hours, making it:
- Stray Kids’ second album to surpass 2 million first-day sales (following 2023’s ★★★★★ [5-STAR]).
- Their fifth album to reach over 2 million sales within the first week, alongside MAXIDENT, ★★★★★ (5-STAR), ROCK-STAR, and ATE.
This rapid sales performance not only cements their growing commercial power but also underscores the strong and loyal global fanbase that continues to support every comeback with unmatched enthusiasm.
A Closer Look at “KARMA” and Its Themes
KARMA represents a darker, more introspective turn in Stray Kids’ musical storytelling. The album dives into themes of consequence, self-reckoning, and the cost of choices, drawing parallels between personal growth and the universal cycle of cause and effect.
The title track, “CEREMONY,” is a high-octane anthem featuring Stray Kids’ signature fusion of intense rap, rock-infused beats, and thought-provoking lyrics.
With its explosive choreography and haunting visuals, the music video adds further depth to the group’s world-building — a trait that’s helped define their artistry from debut to now.
Beyond the title track, KARMA includes a blend of unit songs and group tracks, showcasing each member’s versatility.
As always, Stray Kids’ self-producing unit, 3RACHA (Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han), led the album’s composition and lyric writing, maintaining the group’s identity as artist-idols deeply involved in their music.
Fan Reactions: Global STAYs Celebrate the Milestone
Following the release and record-breaking news, STAYs (Stray Kids’ official fandom) took to social media to celebrate with trending hashtags like #StrayKidsKARMA, #CEREMONY, and #2MillionDayOne dominating Twitter and TikTok across multiple countries.
One fan tweeted:
“Stray Kids went from underdogs to dominating the charts. This isn’t just music, it’s a movement. #KARMA #StrayKids2Million”
Another wrote:
“The artistry, the choreography, the message — KARMA is a masterpiece. STAYs showed up and showed out. Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it.”
The group’s message of resilience, rebellion, and staying true to oneself continues to resonate deeply with fans worldwide — particularly younger listeners navigating their own identities in a complex world.
Stray Kids’ Ongoing Global Reign
Stray Kids have had a monumental run over the past few years. With chart-topping albums in South Korea, Japan, and the U.S., they’ve carved a global niche built on authenticity, powerful performance, and emotional connection.
Their previous album ★★★★★ [5-STAR] debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and they’ve since headlined world tours with stops across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, often selling out stadiums and arenas within minutes.
Stray Kids also remain a mainstay on global charts like Billboard World Albums, Circle Chart, and Oricon, consistently racking up millions of streams and record-breaking physical sales.
What’s Next for Stray Kids?
With KARMA already dominating sales charts, fans can expect a slew of promotions, including:nnLive performances on major Korean music shows like M Countdown, Music Bank, and Inkigayo.
Potential international appearances and festival stages, especially given their rising popularity in the Western market.
Possible repackage or deluxe versions of KARMA in the months ahead.
Continued content releases via SKZ-PLAYER, SKZ-RECORD, and behind-the-scenes YouTube drops, which offer fans intimate looks into the group’s creative process.
