Stray Kids are not just reaching new heights; they’re absolutely soaring, shattering career records left and right! Their latest EP, “This & That,” has officially set new benchmarks in both Korea and the US, proving their unstoppable global power and the incredible dedication of their fanbase, STAY.
Domestic Dominance: “This & That” Outperforms “Karma”
According to Hanteo Chart, Stray Kids’ 10th EP, “This & That,” released on August 7th, achieved an astounding 3.28 million copies in first-week sales. This monumental figure not only surpasses their previous LP, “Karma,” which sold 3.04 million copies a year ago, but it does so with fewer tracks – “This & That” features eight songs compared to “Karma’s” eleven. This incredible performance highlights the group’s growing influence and their solid position in the competitive K-Pop landscape.
US Chart Ascension: Aiming for Another Billboard 200 #1
The success isn’t confined to Korea. Industry projections from US music publication Hits Daily Double predict a sensational debut for “This & That” at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. With an estimated 335,000 equivalent album units in its first week, including a massive 325,000 pure album sales, this EP is set to become Stray Kids’ biggest US debut to date, surpassing “Karma’s” impressive 313,000 equivalent album units. Should these projections hold, Stray Kids will extend their truly unprecedented streak, becoming the first act ever to debut their first *nine* charting albums at No. 1 on the Billboard 200! This includes last year’s special album, “Do It,” further solidifying their place in music history.
Beyond New Releases: Exponential Growth in Catalog Sales
The group’s commercial growth isn’t solely driven by new music. JYP Entertainment’s second-quarter earnings report revealed a staggering 3.5-fold increase in shipments of Stray Kids’ catalog albums. From 120,000 copies in Q2 last year to an incredible 420,000 copies in the same period this year, this growth underscores a rapidly expanding core fanbase across North America and Europe, actively seeking out their entire discography. JYP Entertainment plans to continue leveraging Stray Kids’ intellectual property, with further strategic initiatives planned through 2027.
Global Footprint: World Tours and Festival Takeovers
Stray Kids’ global ambitions are as immense as their sales figures. The group is currently captivating audiences on their “Run It” world tour, which kicked off with five sold-out concerts in Seoul in July. Excitingly, more “Run It” tour dates across North America and Europe are slated throughout this year and into 2027. But that’s not all – September is set to be a massive month as Stray Kids are scheduled to headline the iconic Rock in Rio Brazil festival and launch their very own “StrayCity” festival across three Latin American cities: Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico. The future looks incredibly bright for Stray Kids as they continue to dominate stages and charts worldwide!
