In a groundbreaking achievement for K-pop and the global music industry at large, Stray Kids has once again made headlines—this time by shattering records on the Billboard 200 chart with their latest album “KARMA.”
Not only did the group achieve their seventh consecutive No. 1 debut on the prestigious U.S. albums chart, but they also made history by becoming the first group this century to hold such a record.
Billboard 200: A New Global Record Set by Stray Kids
On August 31, 2025, Billboard officially confirmed that Stray Kids’ new album “KARMA” debuted at No. 1 on its Top 200 Albums chart, marking the group’s seventh consecutive chart-topping album.
This milestone cements their position in music history:nnStray Kids is now the first artist ever to have their first seven entries on the Billboard 200 debut at No. 1.
This feat spans the entire 69-year history of the Billboard 200 chart—making it a truly unprecedented achievement.
Most No. 1 Albums of Any Group This Century
The release of KARMA didn’t just continue Stray Kids’ personal streak—it pushed them past legendary acts like BTS, Linkin Park, and the Dave Matthews Band, making them the group with the most No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 since 2000.
This isn’t just a chart success—it’s a cultural statement. Stray Kids, who debuted in 2018 under JYP Entertainment, have risen from self-producing rookies to international icons, showing that consistency, artistry, and global appeal can redefine the limits of K-pop’s reach.
Biggest Sales Week in the U.S. Yet for Stray Kids
According to Luminate (formerly Nielsen Music), “KARMA” recorded:
- 313,000 equivalent album units during the week ending August 28, 2025
- 296,000 in traditional album sales
- 16,000 streaming equivalent album (SEA) units, which equals over 23.12 million on-demand audio streams
- 1,000 track equivalent album (TEA) units
These numbers represent the biggest first-week U.S. sales of Stray Kids’ career to date, reflecting their massive and still-growing international fanbase.
“KARMA” also claimed the title of best-selling album of the week across all genres in the U.S.
Stray Kids’ Billboard 200 No. 1 Albums (So Far)
With “KARMA,” Stray Kids continues their flawless streak on the Billboard 200. Here’s a quick look at their historic run:
- ODDINARY
- MAXIDENT
- ★★★★★ (5-STAR)
- ROCK-STAR
- ATE
- 合 (HOP)
- KARMA
Each of these albums debuted directly at No. 1, with no breaks in their streak—making their Billboard success not just consistent, but unparalleled.
Why “KARMA” Struck a Chord
While sales and chart numbers speak volumes, the success of KARMA also stems from its artistic direction and fan resonance.
Known for blending intense energy, thoughtful lyricism, and experimental production, Stray Kids has made KARMA a thematic continuation of their identity—bold, self-reflective, and musically fearless.
The group, which produces much of its own material (particularly through its sub-unit 3RACHA, composed of Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han), offers fans more than music—they provide a message of empowerment, especially for youth navigating a complex world.
A New Era for K-Pop on the Global Stage
This achievement also reflects the evolution of K-pop as a global genre. With U.S.-based success historically dominated by Western artists, Stray Kids’ consistent chart dominance represents a power shift in the global music landscape.
As other K-pop acts continue to find success overseas, Stray Kids’ unique DIY approach, genre-blending sound, and intense fandom loyalty have proven to be a winning formula in both East and West.
Fan Reaction and Industry Response
STAYs (Stray Kids’ official fandom) flooded social media with messages of pride and celebration as news of the Billboard success broke. Hashtags like #KARMA1stOnBillboard200 and #7For7WithStrayKids quickly trended worldwide.
Industry experts and fellow artists have also acknowledged the significance of this achievement, calling it a “turning point for K-pop’s sustained global influence.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Stray Kids?
With the success of KARMA, Stray Kids is poised for an even bigger end to 2025. They are expected to:
- Launch a global encore tour for KARMA
- Appear at major U.S. award shows and music festivals
- Possibly aim for a Grammy nomination, as industry buzz continues to build
- They also continue to work on new music, solidifying their presence in both Korea and the West.
