Stray Kids continue their unprecedented domination of the Billboard 200 charts with their latest album “KARMA” achieving a milestone that even their previous chart-topping releases couldn’t reach. For the week ending September 13, 2025, KARMA maintained its position at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, making it the group’s first album to spend two consecutive weeks in the top 4 of the prestigious chart.
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Stray Kids KARMA’s Historic Billboard 200 Journey
The album’s chart performance represents a significant evolution in Stray Kids’ already impressive Billboard success story. KARMA debuted at No. 1 last week, making Stray Kids the group with the most No. 1 albums on the chart this century and the first artist in Billboard 200 history to have their first seven entries debut at No. 1.
| Week | Chart Position | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | #1 | 7th consecutive No. 1 debut |
| Week 2 | #4 | First album to maintain top 4 for 2 weeks |
| Total Impact | Top 4 for 2 weeks | Historic staying power |
Breaking Down the Records
Stray Kids’ seven consecutive No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 surpasses even BTS’s achievement, making them the group with the most No. 1 albums this century. However, KARMA’s ability to maintain top 4 positioning for two consecutive weeks demonstrates something their previous releases lacked: exceptional longevity.
Previous Stray Kids Albums vs. KARMA:
- Previous Pattern: Strong debuts followed by steeper chart drops
- KARMA’s Innovation: Sustained top-tier performance beyond week one
- Market Impact: Proving K-pop’s growing mainstream staying power
What Makes KARMA Different
Billboard describes Stray Kids’ fourth studio album KARMA as “full of delightful surprises,” suggesting the musical content itself contributes to its sustained chart success. The album’s diverse track listing and high production values have resonated with both existing STAY fans and new mainstream audiences.
Key Success Factors:
- Musical Evolution: Sophisticated production meeting mainstream appeal
- Strategic Release: Perfect timing in the competitive fall music market
- Fan Engagement: STAY fandom’s consistent streaming and purchasing power
- Cross-Cultural Appeal: Breaking language barriers in American market
Global Impact and Industry Recognition
KARMA topped Billboard’s fan-voted music poll as “Favorite New Music This Week,” indicating strong audience engagement beyond just sales figures. The album debuted at #1 not only on the Billboard 200 but also across global charts, cementing Stray Kids’ position as international superstars.
The sustained chart performance comes amid increased competition in the K-pop space, with multiple groups vying for American market dominance. KARMA’s two-week top 4 achievement demonstrates that Stray Kids have found the formula for not just chart-topping debuts but lasting commercial appeal.
The Broader K-Pop Landscape
This milestone achievement places Stray Kids in elite company within the global music industry. NPR noted that “a K-pop blockbuster lands atop this week’s Billboard albums chart,” highlighting how the genre continues expanding its American mainstream presence.
For more K-pop chart analysis and Stray Kids updates, explore our K-pop music section and Billboard chart coverage.
What This Means for Future Releases
KARMA’s sustained success provides a blueprint for future Stray Kids releases and potentially other K-pop acts seeking American market penetration. The album proves that with the right combination of musical quality, strategic marketing, and dedicated fanbase engagement, K-pop acts can achieve both immediate impact and lasting commercial viability.
The group’s next challenge will be maintaining this momentum while continuing to evolve artistically, setting even higher standards for their already impressive discography.
Stay updated with the latest K-pop achievements and music chart analysis at Technosports. Get comprehensive coverage of Stray Kids, Billboard charts, and global music industry trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes Stray Kids’ KARMA album historic on the Billboard 200 chart?
A: KARMA is Stray Kids’ first album to spend two consecutive weeks in the top 4 of the Billboard 200, maintaining its position at No. 4 for the week ending September 13, 2025, after debuting at No. 1. This achievement demonstrates unprecedented staying power for the group, as their previous albums typically experienced steeper chart drops after their initial debuts.
Q: How many No. 1 albums do Stray Kids have on the Billboard 200 and what record did they break?
A: Stray Kids now have seven consecutive No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, making them the group with the most No. 1 albums this century, surpassing even BTS. They’re also the first artist in Billboard 200 history to have their first seven chart entries all debut at No. 1, with KARMA being their latest chart-topper before settling at No. 4 in its second week.
