[Billboard News] Stray Kids set historic eighth straight No. 1, second all time behind Beatles

K-pop kings summon Beatles, Rolling Stones

At the center of the global music market, Stray Kids have reached another landmark. Their new mini album, THIS & THAT, has taken over the U.S. Billboard's main albums chart, giving the group an unprecedented eighth consecutive Billboard 200 No. 1. That is the most No. 1 albums by any group active in the 21st century. Among all groups in history, the achievement ranks second only to the Beatles' legendary 19 No. 1 albums.

According to Billboard's latest chart, released on the 18th local time, Stray Kids' new album went straight to the top of the Billboard 200 upon release. Their run of eight consecutive No. 1 albums, which began with their 2022 release ODDINARY, is considered a rare feat that puts them alongside the Rolling Stones, one of popular music's most influential bands.

The album's massive success carried over to the singles chart. The title track, also called THIS & THAT, debuted at No. 38 on the main singles chart, the Hot 100, surpassing the group's previous best. Its bold musical experimentation and boundary-pushing message appear to have sparked an explosive response from fans worldwide.

K-pop artists maintain firm grip across global charts

K-pop artists continued to hold their ground across the major charts. On the Hot 100, JENNIE of BLACKPINK ranked No. 8 with Dracula, her collaboration with pop star Tame Impala, demonstrating the staying power to remain in the upper tier for 46 consecutive weeks. KATSEYE, HYBE's global girl group, also posted a clear upward trajectory as its release Gnarly climbed five spots from the previous week to settle at No. 30.

K-pop's impact on the Billboard 200 is just as formidable. BTS' Arirang rose to No. 21, reaffirming the group's enduring presence. The soundtrack to the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters ranked No. 33, while CORTIS' Green Green landed at No. 110. KATSEYE placed multiple releases on the chart, with Beautiful Chaos and SIS debuting at Nos. 121 and 196, respectively.