Stray Kids "KARMA" Hits Billboard No. 1: Seventh Consecutive Chart-Topper Sets New Record
Stray Kids has made Billboard history again. Their latest album "KARMA" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart dated September 6, earning 313,000 equivalent album units in its first week - the highest numbers of their career.
This achievement makes them the first artist in the Billboard 200's 70-year history to debut at No. 1 with their first seven chart entries. The streak began with "ODDINARY" in 2022 and continued through "MAXIDENT," "5-STAR," "ROCK-STAR," "ATE," and "HOP."
Record-Breaking Sales Performance
"KARMA" generated 296,000 traditional album sales in its first week, marking career highs for both total units and pure sales. The album also ranks as the third-biggest debut of 2025 by units and posted the year's second-largest sales week.
The numbers represent significant growth from their previous releases. While the Korean article mentioned "5-STAR" sold 249,500 copies in its debut week, this comparison appears to reference different metrics, as Billboard data shows their consistent upward trajectory across all releases.
Surpassing Major Acts
With seven No. 1 albums, Stray Kids now holds the record for most Billboard 200 chart-toppers by any group this century, surpassing BTS, Linkin Park, and Dave Matthews Band who were previously tied at six No. 1s each.
The achievement extends beyond domestic success. As "KARMA" is mostly in Korean, it becomes the 29th mostly non-English-language album to hit No. 1, and the second of 2025. Of the 29 non-English No. 1 albums in chart history, 19 have been mostly Korean-language releases.
International Chart Success
"KARMA" dominated globally, reaching No. 1 in France and Germany while securing top positions across multiple countries. The album hit No. 22 on the UK Official Albums Chart, No. 3 in the Netherlands, and No. 4 in Australia.
Awards and Recognition
The success comes alongside major industry recognition. Stray Kids received their first Best Group nomination at the 2025 MTV VMAs, competing against BLACKPINK, aespa, SEVENTEEN, and KATSEYE. This marks a significant step up from their four consecutive Best K-Pop nominations.
Their title track "CEREMONY" swept Korean music shows, winning on M Countdown, Music Bank, Show! Music Core, and Inkigayo during late August.
The "KARMA" Concept
Released on August 22, 2025, "KARMA" is Stray Kids' fourth Korean studio album, featuring 11 tracks centered on a futuristic sports theme. The concept revolves around "Karma Sports" set in 2081, with members portrayed as champions competing in a global tournament.
The group's in-house production team 3Racha (Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han) participated in writing all tracks alongside collaborators DallasK, Jun2, Millionboy, and Versachoi. The album explores themes of achievement, perseverance, and celebrating success earned through hard work.
Looking Ahead
This historic milestone solidifies Stray Kids' position as global superstars and sets the stage for continued success. With the 2025 MTV VMAs approaching in September and their growing international influence, the eight-member group shows no signs of slowing down.
Their achievement represents more than chart success - it demonstrates K-pop's continued global expansion and the power of authentic artistry to transcend language barriers. As the first act to accomplish this feat in Billboard history, Stray Kids has officially entered music's record books.
