Stray Kids, No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 for the 9th Consecutive Time… “We’ll Show You Endless Growth”

[Seoul = Newspim] Reporter Lee Ji-eun = JYP Ent. group Stray Kids has set a new record by reaching No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard's main album chart, the 'Billboard 200,' for nine consecutive times.

According to a preview article released by Billboard on the 16th (local time), Stray Kids' tenth mini-album, 'THIS & THAT,' released on the 7th, topped the main album chart, the 'Billboard 200.' As a result, they became the group with the most No. 1 placements on this chart in the 21st century.

The 'Billboard 200' ranks albums based on album units calculated by adding album sales, including physical albums and digital albums; streaming equivalent albums (SEA), which convert streaming counts into album sales; and track equivalent albums (TEA), which convert digital song download counts into album sales.

Stray Kids recorded a total of 369,000 units, including 357,000 album sales, 11,000 SEA units, and 1,000 TEA units. This represented a 25% increase from their previous album, marking their highest-ever U.S. sales in the first week of release and their ninth career No. 1 on the 'Billboard 200.'

With their ninth career No. 1 on the 'Billboard 200,' Stray Kids tied Taylor Swift for the most No. 1 albums among all artists of the 2020s. Among groups throughout history, they now stand alongside the Rolling Stones, following the Beatles. They also became the artist to place nine albums at No. 1 in the shortest period since the Beatles.

Stray Kids said through their agency, "We are deeply honored to achieve the remarkable record of nine consecutive No. 1s on the 'Billboard 200' as a team that genuinely loves music and seeks to give many people positive energy and strength through music."

They emphasized, "Just as the team name 'Stray Kids' means finding one's own path, we will continue expanding our unique musical spectrum beyond established frameworks."

They said, "Like destiny, we achieved our ninth No. 1 on the 'Billboard 200' in our ninth year since debut. Having earned the achievement of the most No. 1 records by a group in the 21st century, we are reminded once again of its profound significance as a K-pop group," adding, "Above all, we were able to achieve this thanks to all of you, STAY, the name of our fandom, who have supported Stray Kids unwaveringly."

Stray Kids added, "Powered by STAY's great love, which is always by our side as we move forward together, we want to show music fans around the world the limitless growth of not only Stray Kids but also K-pop. Once again, we sincerely thank you."