Stray Kids and Jimin have made history on the Billboard 200 chart this week, with their respective albums “Ate” and “Muse” debuting at the top two positions. This remarkable achievement marks the first time that K-pop acts have occupied both the number one and number two spots simultaneously on this prestigious chart.
Stray Kids have further solidified their place in music history with “Ate,” becoming the first group ever to debut at number one with their first five charting albums. The only other artist to achieve a similar five-album streak is DMX. “Ate” has garnered an impressive 232,000 equivalent album units, according to Luminate, making it the biggest week for a K-pop album in 2024 and the sixth largest debut for any album released this year. The album’s success was bolstered by its 11 CD variants, contributing to the second-largest sales week of any album this year, trailing only behind Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department.”
Jimin, a member of the globally renowned group BTS, has made his mark as well, debuting at number two with his album “Muse.” This is Jimin’s second solo album to reach this position, following last year’s “Face.” “Muse” has achieved 96,000 equivalent album units and features lead singles “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band,” which includes a collaboration with Loco, and “Who.” The album was released alongside “Ate” on July 19, further highlighting the significance of this date in K-pop history.
The Billboard 200 chart this week also saw the entry of “Twisters: The Album,” which debuted at number seven with 57,000 equivalent album units. This soundtrack album has made history as the first soundtrack to break into the top 10 this year, thanks to the film’s strong box office performance and a star-studded tracklist featuring popular country artists like Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, and Jelly Roll. “Twisters: The Album” has recorded the biggest week for any soundtrack in 2024 and is the first country soundtrack to reach the top 10 in a decade.
In the broader context of the Billboard 200, Eminem’s “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)” has dropped to the third position after a notable debut last week, while Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” follows closely behind. Other entries in the top 10 include Chappell Roan’s “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” at number eight, Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” and Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season.”
The success of Stray Kids and Jimin is a testament to the growing influence of K-pop on the global music scene. Stray Kids, formed by JYP Entertainment in 2017, consists of members Bang Chan, Hyunjin, Han, Lee Know, Felix, Changbin, Seungmin, and I.N. The group has been steadily rising in popularity, with their “Mixtape” EP debuting at number two on the World Albums chart in January 2018. Their debut studio album “Go Live” followed in June 2020, peaking at number four on the same chart. The release of “Oddinary” in March 2022 marked a significant milestone, as it made Stray Kids only the third K-pop act to top the Billboard 200, joining the ranks of BTS and SuperM.
Jimin’s journey as a solo artist has also been noteworthy. His first solo album, “Face,” released last year, showcased his artistic evolution. With “Muse,” Jimin has crafted a more complex and unified seven-song suite that delves into themes of experimentation and self-discovery. The album opens with “Rebirth (Intro)” and culminates in the climactic track “Who.” Jimin’s return to music comes after his mandatory military service, and he has expressed a desire to connect with his audience on a deeper level through his art.
The collaboration between Stray Kids and Jimin is a significant moment for K-pop, as it highlights the genre’s ability to break barriers and achieve unprecedented success on global platforms. The two acts have been preparing for this moment for months, with Stray Kids teasing their plans for a third world tour, a fourth fan meeting, and multiple album releases throughout the year. Their dedication to their craft and their fans has undoubtedly paid off, as evidenced by their historic chart positions.
As K-pop continues to gain traction worldwide, the achievements of Stray Kids and Jimin serve as a reminder of the genre’s impact on the music industry. Their success not only reflects their individual talents but also the collective strength of K-pop as a cultural phenomenon. The future looks bright for these artists, and fans eagerly anticipate what they will accomplish next.
Source: Variety
