Stray Kids Shatter Records with ‘THIS & THAT’ South Korean Sales
Stray Kids have once again proven their remarkable influence in the music industry by surpassing 3.2 million copies sold in the first week for their mini album ‘THIS & THAT’. As of August 14, the album has achieved approximately 3.28 million sales in South Korea, marking a new high point for the group.
This achievement not only exceeds the first-week sales of their previous full-length album ‘KARMA’, which recorded about 3.03 million copies, but also represents an 8% increase despite having fewer songs—eight tracks compared to eleven on ‘KARMA’. This impressive growth signals the group’s expanding fanbase and strong market presence, showcasing their undeniable power in the competitive K-pop landscape.
Global Domination: Billboard 200 Projections and US Milestones
In addition to their domestic success, Stray Kids are expected to continue their momentum in the United States. The American music industry outlet HITS Daily Double projects that ‘THIS & THAT’ will debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart with around 335,000 album units in its first week. Pure album sales, including physical and digital formats, are estimated at approximately 325,000 copies.
If these projections come to fruition, Stray Kids will set a new personal best for first-week sales in the US, surpassing the 313,000 units achieved by ‘KARMA’. This would extend their streak of debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 to nine consecutive albums, a truly record-breaking accomplishment that further cements their status as global chart-toppers.
The Power of STAY: Back Catalog Sales Soar
The surge in sales is not solely due to the new release. JYP Entertainment’s Q2 earnings report revealed that Stray Kids’ back catalog shipments have increased significantly, rising from 120,000 units in the second quarter of the previous year to 420,000 units in the same quarter this year. This 3.5-fold increase powerfully reflects the expansion of their core fanbase and sustained interest in their earlier albums, particularly in North America and Europe, demonstrating their enduring appeal.
World Tour & Festival Takeovers: Expanding Global Footprint
Currently, Stray Kids are actively touring with their world tour ‘RUN IT,’ and they plan to expand their performances across North America and Europe next year. They are also scheduled to headline Brazil’s Rock in Rio festival in September and hold their own festival, ‘STRAYCITY,’ in three Latin American cities. These global activities underscore their massive international reach and dedication to connecting with STAYs worldwide.
With their impressive sales figures and global activities, Stray Kids continue to solidify their position as one of the leading K-pop groups worldwide. Fans and industry watchers alike eagerly anticipate how their upcoming releases and tours will further lift their success, as Stray Kids undeniably continues their meteoric rise.
