Stray Kids continues to break barriers and set records as their latest album, “★★★★★ (5-Star),” solidifies its place on the Billboard 200. Stray Kids is a multi-talented South Korean boy group formed by JYP Entertainment. Known for their distinctive sound, powerful performances, and meaningful lyrics, Stray Kids has rapidly risen to global prominence since their debut. With a dedicated fanbase known as STAY, Stray Kids continues to make waves in the music industry through their innovative approach to K-pop. This remarkable accomplishment marks the group’s first-ever album to spend an astonishing 10 consecutive weeks on the prestigious chart, underlining their unwavering global influence and undeniable musical prowess. Released on June 2, 2023, “★★★★★ (5-Star)” is Stray Kids’ third full-length album, captivating fans with its dynamic tracks and charismatic energy. The album’s title track, “S-Class,” resonated with audiences worldwide, catapulting the album’s success to unprecedented heights. A true testament to Stray Kids’ immense popularity, “★★★★★ (5-Star)” garnered a staggering 4.93 million stock preorders, shattering the previous record set in K-pop history. The album’s impact was immediate, with Hanteo Chart reporting an extraordinary first-day sales figure of 2,392,666 copies, surpassing their own first-week sales record in just a single day. By the end of June 7, the album achieved a remarkable milestone, selling a total of 4,617,499 copies in its first week.
The Billboard 200 has witnessed Stray Kids’ meteoric rise, with “★★★★★ (5-Star)” consistently charting in the upper echelons since its debut at No. 1 in June. As of the week ending on August 19, the album proudly maintains its position at No. 77, marking an astounding 10 consecutive weeks within the top 80. This achievement not only showcases Stray Kids’ endurance but also solidifies their status as one of the elite K-pop acts globally. In this remarkable feat, Stray Kids joins the ranks of only two other K-pop powerhouses, BTS and TXT, who have previously achieved a 10-week presence in the top 80 of the Billboard 200. This achievement further cements Stray Kids’ role as pioneers, pushing the boundaries of the genre. Beyond the Billboard 200, “★★★★★ (5-Star)” continues to leave an indelible mark on various Billboard charts. The album maintains a strong presence at No. 4 on Billboard’s World Albums chart, No. 10 on the Top Current Album Sales chart, and No. 11 on the Top Album Sales chart. Moreover, the album’s resurgence on the Tastemaker Albums chart at No. 19 underscores its timeless appeal. In a testament to their lasting impact, Stray Kids clinched the No. 42 spot on this week’s Artist 100 chart, marking their 30th non-consecutive week on this prestigious chart. Stray Kids’ monumental accomplishment with “★★★★★ (5-Star)” on the Billboard 200 serves as a resounding victory for the group and their dedicated fans. This achievement reaffirms their standing as global icons, pushing boundaries and redefining the possibilities for K-pop on the international stage.
