Stray Kids Breaks Ground on Billboard Hot 100
Stray Kids have clinched the 90th spot on the Billboard Hot 100, marking them as the first 4th-generation K-pop boy group to enter this chart.
According to a preview article of the latest chart announced by Billboard on the 20th (local time), Stray Kids’ title track “LALALALA” from their mini-album ROCK-STAR, released on November 10, recorded 90th on the Billboard main chart Hot 100 on the 25th.
Following the album ROCK-STAR becoming Stray Kids’ fourth consecutive No.1 on the Billboard 200, they have continued to show momentum on both major Billboard charts. Particularly, Stray Kids has added even more significance by becoming the second K-pop boy group after BTS to enter the Hot 100, a major indicator of mass appeal in the pop market.
Stray Kids’ simultaneous entry into the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 is a first, following BTS’s group and solo achievements, proving they have firmly established themselves in the global pop market. Stray Kids’ entry into the Billboard Hot 100 chart follows the achievements of domestic male artists such as Psy and BTS and JYP Entertainment artists like Wonder Girls and Twice.
Billboard Hot 100 Criteria and Stray Kids’ Performance
The Billboard Hot 100 ranks songs based on physical single and digital music sales, streaming numbers, radio airplay, and YouTube views and is recognized as an indicator of mass appeal in the global music market. Stray Kids’ new song “LALALALA” recorded 6.1 million U.S. streams and 3,000 downloads during the tally period from November 10 to 16.
Billboard highlighted in its article, “Stray Kids became Hot 100 chart artists with their new song ‘LALALALA.’ The album that includes the new song recorded four consecutive No.1s on the Billboard 200.” It also noted, “Stray Kids have already made their name on the Billboard charts several times. Since their pre-debut digital single ‘Hellevator’ recorded 6th on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales in November 2017, they have ranked a total of 52 hit songs on the chart,” drawing attention to Stray Kids’ dominance on the global main charts.
Stray Kids’ European Achievements with “LALALALA”
Stray Kids, who thrilled an audience of around 60,000 as the first K-pop artist headliner at Lollapalooza Paris last July, are proving their popularity by recording their highest-ever achievements in Europe with “LALALALA.” They entered the UK Official Singles Chart Top 100 at 44th on November 17 and the French Singles Chart at 74th on the 18th, setting a new personal best.
Record Sales and Consecutive No.1s on Billboard 200
According to Billboard, Stray Kids’ new album ROCK-STAR sold 224,000 copies in the U.S. in its first week, topping the Billboard main chart Billboard 200 on November 25. They debuted at No.1 on the chart and set a record of four consecutive No.1s.
Their march of records on the Billboard main chart started last spring. In March 2022, they seized the No.1 spot on the Billboard 200 as the third K-pop boy group with their mini-album ODDINARY. They continued to top the Billboard 200 with their mini MAXIDENT in October, their regular ★★★★★ (5-STAR) in June 2023, and their latest mini ROCK-STAR, showcasing their impressive streak.
Stray Kids’ record-breaking streak is on par with global artists. They are the only ones in the 2020s to debut at No.1 and reach No.1 with four consecutive works on the Billboard 200, following Alicia Keys in the 2000s and One Direction in the 2010s. Moreover, achieving No.1 four times in about 20 months is the second fastest record in Billboard history, following Taylor Swift’s 16 months.
Self-Produced Music and the Impact of the Song
They are particularly loved in the global music market for their self-produced music. The title track, “LALALALA,” was also completed by the group’s in-house production team, 3RACHA, who have been involved in album song production since the group’s inception in March 2018. They encapsulated the central message, “Our ‘rock’ continues in any situation,” in a powerful sound.
Meanwhile, Stray Kids, who had the honor of winning the Best K-pop category at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards in September, also made their first appearance at one of the three major American music awards, the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, on the 19th. They performed and won the honor of Top K-pop Album with their third regular album ★★★★★ (5-STAR). This award also follows the records of Psy and BTS among domestic male artists.
By. Jeong Ji Won
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