In yet another monumental achievement for K-pop, Stray Kids have once again solidified their status as global superstars.
Their latest album, KARMA, has not only topped charts but also broken a major personal record for the group- making it their first album to remain in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 for three consecutive weeks.
Released under JYP Entertainment, KARMA made an explosive debut, instantly grabbing attention for its bold production, intricate themes, and the group’s signature blend of intensity and artistry.
Two weeks ago, the album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, the most competitive music chart in the United States.
This marked Stray Kids’ fourth No. 1 on the chart, cementing their position as the K-pop group with the most No. 1 albums on Billboard 200 this century.
A Record-Breaking Third Week
On September 14, 2025 (local time), Billboard officially announced that KARMA had ranked No. 8 for the week ending September 11, giving it a total of three consecutive weeks in the Billboard 200 Top 10.
This is a career first for Stray Kids, who have previously topped the chart but never maintained a Top 10 position for this long.
The sustained success of KARMA reflects not just the strength of their fanbase — affectionately known as STAY- but also a broader recognition from global music listeners.
As international charts become more accessible to artists from different countries, Stray Kids continues to lead the wave of Korean acts gaining long-term visibility and influence in Western markets.
Billboard & Luminate Confirm Strong Sales
According to Luminate (formerly Nielsen Music), KARMA racked up 32,000 equivalent album units in the United States in the third tracking week.
These units combine traditional album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA), and streaming equivalent albums (SEA), which offer a comprehensive view of the album’s performance across all platforms.
The numbers may seem modest compared to the first-week figures, but staying in the Top 10 of Billboard’s flagship album chart is no easy feat — especially for a non-English album.
The fact that KARMA has managed to hold its ground against Western mainstream releases demonstrates both the album’s global resonance and the group’s loyal following.
KARMA: A Defining Album
KARMA represents a new creative height for Stray Kids. Known for their self-producing capabilities — especially through their in-house unit 3RACHA (composed of Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han) — the group has carved out a distinctive musical identity that blends EDM, hip-hop, rock, and experimental elements.
Thematically, KARMA explores the idea of consequence, self-identity, and introspection.
With tracks that range from fiery anthems to emotionally rich ballads, the album paints a complex picture of what it means to confront the results of one’s actions and choices.
Its introspective depth is one reason fans and critics alike have responded so positively to it.
From hard-hitting lead tracks to emotionally raw B-sides, the album stands as one of the most cohesive and ambitious projects in Stray Kids’ discography.
Each song contributes to a larger narrative arc, showcasing their versatility as musicians and storytellers.
Global Influence and Growing Reach
Stray Kids’ Billboard success is just one piece of a much larger puzzle.
Over the past few years, the group has become a top-tier name in global K-pop, selling out arenas and stadiums across Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond.
Their innovative music, high-energy performances, and commitment to authenticity have endeared them to millions.
The achievement with KARMA also underscores a major shift in the global music landscape. Korean artists, particularly those from the fourth generation of K-pop, are no longer seen as niche or novelty acts.
They are mainstream global players, charting alongside (and often ahead of) the biggest Western names in the industry.
As other JYP Entertainment groups like ITZY and NMIXX make their international mark, Stray Kids remains at the forefront, setting benchmarks not only for themselves but for the next wave of K-pop idols aiming to break into global charts.
A Historic Milestone, A Promising Future
This latest achievement — a third consecutive week in the Billboard 200’s Top 10 — marks an important turning point in Stray Kids’ already impressive career.
It’s not just a personal best; it’s a statement to the world that their music is here to stay.
Their next moves will undoubtedly be watched closely by fans, media, and the industry alike.Whether it’s another album, an international tour, or collaborative projects with global artists, Stray Kids are showing no signs of slowing down.
And as they continue to rise, they’re not just making history — they’re redefining what it means to be global artists in a post-genre, boundary-breaking era of music.
Congratulations to Stray Kids on this incredible milestone!
