Stray Kids Solidify Their Status as Top K-Pop Artists with First Place in Global Voting and Second Place in Album Sales

Stray Kids have further strengthened their position as flagship K-Pop artists by securing first place in global voting and second place on the international album sales chart. This success is driven by the strong unity of their fanbase STAY, alongside their leadership in social contributions.

The Green Umbrella, a specialized organization for child welfare, announced on the 2nd that Stray Kids won first place in the “K-Pop Idol Who Can Be the Best Friend to Children” vote held in collaboration with the global K-Pop content platform Mnet Plus. A total of 3,220 people worldwide participated in the voting, with Stray Kids receiving 404 votes (17%).

Their victory in this vote immediately led to a act of social giving. Mnet Plus donated 10 million won on behalf of Stray Kids, and the Green Umbrella decided to allocate this entire amount to the “Bridge Schools” project in Bangladesh. The organization and Mnet Plus plan to create a commemorative plaque in the name of Stray Kids’ official fanbase, STAY, to be installed at the local Bridge Schools.

Bridge Schools are educational and care programs designed for children from marginalized communities who must balance work and studies. Starting with three schools in 2018, the program has expanded to nine schools today, providing educational opportunities to a total of 1,200 children so far. Hwang Young-ki, president of the Green Umbrella, said, “The combined power of fans can evolve from simple ‘support’ for celebrities into a positive influence that changes the reality of children.”

Stray Kids also hold a strong position in the international album sales market. On the 2025 Global Album Sales Chart released by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), their album “Karma” ranked second. With Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” taking first place, Stray Kids achieved the highest ranking among K-Pop artists. Following them were SEVENTEEN’s “Happy Burstday” (3rd), ENHYPEN’s “Desire: Unleash” (4th), Tomorrow X Together’s “The Name Chapter: Together” (6th), ZEROBASEONE’s “Never Say Never” (7th), IVE’s “Ive Empathy” (9th), and G-DRAGON’s “Ubermensch” (10th), with seven of the top 10 spots occupied by K-Pop groups.

Stray Kids also demonstrated their strong presence on IFPI’s global album chart, which includes streaming data. Their album “Karma” ranked sixth, while the OST for the Netflix animation “KPop Demon Hunters” reached third place, highlighting the synergy between K-Pop and K-content.

By maintaining high positions on charts thanks to the strong support of their global fanbase, Stray Kids continue to take the lead in social contribution activities. Their fans’ voting has translated into tangible educational opportunities for children in Bangladesh, showcasing their commitment to fulfilling their social responsibilities as K-Pop artists.