Stray Kids Set Record as First Korean Artist with Highest-Selling Album in the U.S. in 2025 with “KARMA”

The eight-member K-pop group Stray Kids established a new record for the highest-selling album in the U.S. in 2025 through their regular album “KARMA,” released on August 22. According to the U.S.-based music data tracking company Luminate, “KARMA” sold approximately 393,000 copies in the United States between January 3 and September 18, surpassing all other albums released that year to claim the top spot. This marks the first time a Korean artist has topped the list for the highest-selling album in the U.S. “KARMA” also debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, making Stray Kids the first act in the 70-year history of that chart to have all seven of their debut regular albums enter at number one. It further establishes them as the first K-pop group to achieve over 1 million physical and digital album sales units in the U.S. within a single year, with the group sustaining sales of over 1 million copies for two consecutive years. Stray Kids’ success is equally prominent in the European market as well. “KARMA” received gold certification in France, meaning it sold over 50,000 copies there, becoming their fifth French gold record. The gold records they earned prior to “KARMA” include ★★★★★ (5-STAR), 樂-STAR (Rock-Star), ATE, and SKZHOP HIPTAPE 合(HOP). The group’s musical diversity is further highlighted in “KARMA,” featuring a range of genres from “Ceremony” with its Brazilian punk rhythm to “In My Head” in a pop-punk style. “In My Head” draws comparisons to the music of the American pop band Good Charlotte and Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne. Maknae I.N described these songs as perfect for listening to when feeling stressed or going through tough times. One of the album’s highlights is “Bleep.” This track conveys a message of ignoring criticism and distractions and overcoming them, with its lyrics impressively blending the Korean term meaning censorship, “Bleep,” with English. Member Hyunjin praised it as having “bold and fresh lyrics along with a very satisfying message.” In particular, member Felix, who is of Australian-Korean descent, found the message about overcoming criticism even more meaningful due to his experience securing a court order from a U.S. court to prevent the exposure of his identity following defamatory posts by anonymous social media users. Beyond their musical activities, Stray Kids have made appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They appeared in cameo roles in the film “Deadpool & Wolverine” and sang the film’s OST track “Slash.” Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman responded with cameos in Stray Kids’ music video for “Chk Chk Boom.” These endeavors helped make them the world’s fifth-highest album-selling artist last year, following Taylor Swift and Drake. Unlike many K-pop groups, Stray Kids write and compose their own music. Member Han, aged 25, has credits as a songwriter on over 170 tracks, explaining that the group divides the composition process among members to maintain their creative energy. “Whenever we had even a little time to record demo tracks, we would gather together as a team to finish the songs,” he said. Stray Kids’ global tour “dominATE : celebrATE” concludes with these record-breaking achievements. The group performed 54 shows in 34 regions around the world, with their final concert scheduled for October 18–19 at the Incheon Asiad Main Stadium. It will be their first time holding a stadium concert in Korea after seven years since their debut. The performance on October 19 will be streamed live through the Beyond Live platform.