Fans of Stray Kids are celebrating a monumental milestone as the group secured their ninth consecutive No. 1 album on the US Billboard 200 chart with their latest mini album, ‘THIS & THAT’. This incredible achievement not only solidifies their global dominance but also places them in truly elite company within music history.
“THIS & THAT” Dominates the Billboard 200
Released on August 7, 2026, ‘THIS & THAT’ debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart dated August 22, marking Stray Kids’ ninth overall No. 1 on this prestigious chart. This record-breaking success puts them alongside global superstar Taylor Swift for the most No. 1 albums by any artist in the 2020s. The mini album sold an impressive 357,000 traditional albums in its first week in the US, with total album-equivalent units reaching 369,000 when including streaming and track sales. This reflects a significant 25% increase over their previous release, setting a new personal best for first-week US sales. Produced entirely by the group’s in-house production team 3RACHA, the album features eight tracks including the title song “This & That.” It masterfully combines Stray Kids’ distinctive musical style with a fresh, relaxed, and contemporary sound that immediately resonated with fans worldwide.
Stray Kids’ Unstoppable Chart-Topping Streak
Stray Kids’ unparalleled streak of chart-topping releases began in 2022 with their mini album ‘ODDINARY’, which famously debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Since then, every album they have released has continued this incredible, unbroken run. This includes fan-favorites like ‘MAXIDENT’, ‘5-STAR’, ‘樂-STAR’, ‘ATE’, ‘合 (HOP)’, ‘KARMA’, and ‘DO IT’. Their consistent delivery of chart-topping albums since their 2022 debut atop the Billboard 200 with ‘ODDINARY’ has undeniably solidified their status as one of the most influential K-pop groups globally.
Setting New Historical Records Alongside Music Legends
Among groups, Stray Kids now rank just behind the iconic The Beatles, who hold an astonishing 19 No. 1 albums, and proudly share the second spot with rock legends The Rolling Stones with nine. What’s even more astounding is that they also hold the record as the fastest group since The Beatles to reach nine No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, a testament to their rapid ascent and sustained global impact. With this historic ninth No. 1, Stray Kids not only tie Taylor Swift for the most No. 1 albums in the 2020s but also rank second among all groups in Billboard 200 history, trailing only The Beatles.
Domestic Triumphs and Global Influence
The success of ‘THIS & THAT’ wasn’t limited to international charts. Domestically, the album also made significant waves, achieving first-week sales of 3,289,269 copies on South Korea’s Hanteo Chart. This monumental figure surpassed their previous record by approximately one million copies, further underscoring the group’s massive and growing influence both at home and abroad. Stray Kids’ continued success keeps fans eagerly anticipating what records they will break next in the global music scene. Their rapid rise, relentless momentum, and unwavering connection with their fanbase make them a defining force in the industry – truly a group to watch as they continue to redefine what’s possible in K-pop and beyond.
