Stray Kids has achieved a remarkable milestone on the Billboard charts, setting a personal record with their latest single, “Chk Chk Boom.” On July 29, Billboard announced that the song debuted at No. 49 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the group’s highest-charting song to date.
This achievement is particularly significant as it showcases Stray Kids’ growing influence in the music industry. The group made their first entry into the Hot 100 earlier this year with their title track “LALALALA,” which debuted at No. 90. They followed this up with “Lose My Breath,” featuring Charlie Puth, which also entered the chart at No. 90.
In addition to its success on the Hot 100, “Chk Chk Boom” has also made waves on other Billboard charts. The song debuted at No. 4 on the Global Excl. U.S. chart and reached No. 10 on the Global 200 chart. This demonstrates the group’s international appeal and the growing popularity of K-pop around the world.
Earlier in the week, it was also announced that Stray Kids’ EP “ATE” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, further solidifying their status as a leading force in the K-pop scene. The combination of their chart-topping EP and the success of “Chk Chk Boom” highlights the group’s impressive trajectory in the music industry.
Stray Kids’ rise in the Billboard rankings is part of a larger trend in K-pop, which has seen significant growth on the charts over the past few years. Since the early days of K-pop’s international pioneers like BoA and the Wonder Girls, the genre has evolved and gained a substantial following outside of South Korea.
In 2023 alone, a record 35 different K-pop albums entered the Billboard 200, with five of them reaching the No. 1 spot. Notable releases include TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s “The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION,” which hit the top spot in February, and Stray Kids’ own “5-STAR,” which reigned for a week in June. Other groups like NewJeans and ATEEZ have also made their mark, showcasing the diverse talent within the K-pop industry.
The Billboard Hot 100 has also seen a surge in K-pop entries. Jimin of BTS made history as the first South Korean solo artist to reach No. 1 on the chart with his single “Like Crazy.” His bandmate Jung Kook followed suit with “Seven,” which debuted at the top of the Hot 100. This trend has opened doors for other K-pop artists, including Stray Kids, who are now making their presence felt on the charts.
The success of K-pop artists is not limited to chart rankings; many have also embarked on extensive world tours, connecting with their global fanbase. Groups like SEVENTEEN, ENHYPEN, and TWICE have played to sold-out arenas, further demonstrating K-pop’s impact on the live music market.
As the K-pop industry continues to grow, Billboard has taken steps to recognize this phenomenon. The launch of Billboard Korea, with its inaugural Billboard K-Pop Artist 100 list, reflects the increasing importance of K-pop in the global music landscape. This list ranks artists based on their activity on the Billboard 200, Hot 100, and Boxscore data, highlighting the achievements of K-pop acts throughout the year.
Stray Kids’ recent accomplishments are a testament to their hard work and dedication. The group has consistently pushed boundaries and explored new musical styles, which has resonated with fans worldwide. Their ability to connect with audiences through their music and performances has played a crucial role in their success.
As they continue to break records and set new milestones, Stray Kids is poised to remain a dominant force in the K-pop industry. Their journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and a reminder of the power of music to transcend borders and unite people from different cultures.
With their latest achievements, Stray Kids has solidified their place in the annals of K-pop history. As they look to the future, fans eagerly anticipate what the group will accomplish next. Congratulations to Stray Kids on their remarkable success!
Source: Billboard, Viki
