The group Stray Kids reported bittersweet news amid their MAMA grand prize and a new U.S. Billboard chart record. Lee Know suffered an ankle injury during a performance and will take a break.
Stray Kids won the Album of the Year at the 2025 MAMA Awards held at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium on Nov. 29. It was their second award, following the fan-voted Fans' Choice Mail Top 10.
Stray Kids expressed deep condolences for the victims and those affected by the Hong Kong fire disaster, saying, "We hope for a speedy recovery and return, and we hope our music and activities can offer you some strength and comfort."
They also said, "We still can't believe we received such a major award at the MAMA Awards. We are so happy to be able to share the music and performances we love with many people around the world and share joy and strength. Receiving this award makes us determined to work even harder going forward."
Stray Kids, winners of the grand prize at the 2025 MAMA Awards, also celebrated another milestone. According to a preview article Billboard released on Nov. 30 (local time), their album SKZ IT TAPE 'DO IT', released on Nov. 21, sold about 295,000 copies in its first week in the U.S., reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 main albums chart dated Dec. 6.
This marked the group's eighth No. 1 entry on the Billboard 200, making Stray Kids the first artist in the world to have their first eight works all debut at No. 1 on that chart. They were also the group with the most No. 1s since the 2000s.
On the Billboard 200, which boasts a tradition stretching back to March 1956, Stray Kids set two new records in 2025 alone, rewriting the history of the global pop market.
However, amid the joy of the grand prize and the new records, there was also sad news. Member Lee Know was photographed in a wheelchair while returning to Korea after the 2025 MAMA Awards. Regarding this, JYP Entertainment said, "Lee Know sustained an ankle injury during the MAMA Awards performance and received available treatment locally. Upon returning to Korea, he immediately visited a hospital for necessary examinations and treatment. He was diagnosed with an ankle sprain, and per medical advice will receive appropriate treatment and take sufficient rest."
[Photo] OSEN DB, provided by JYP Entertainment.
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