Stray Kids, unprecedented record of eight consecutive No. 1s on the Billboard 200…"A gift from STAY, we feel more responsibility"
Stray Kids (Stray Kids), a leading K-pop group, made history again by achieving the unprecedented feat of debuting at No. 1 with eight consecutive albums on the Billboard 200, Billboard's main albums chart.
Stray Kids said in an interview on the Jan. 21 broadcast of SBS 8 News that they felt moved by achieving the record and shared candid stories about their music.
Leader Bang Chan said, "It still feels like a dream," and "I feel I must work even harder from now on. I'm grateful to the members, and above all I think this is a gift from STAY (the fandom). I will approach music with that much more responsibility," expressing his overwhelming feelings. He defined the meaning of this record as "our passion." Bang Chan said, "While touring overseas, we prepared albums at the same time. No matter how busy we were, we made time and prepared diligently with the mindset that 'we are responsible for our music,'" he added.
Reno said that when they achieved seven consecutive No. 1s on the Billboard 200 previously, producer Park Jin-Young gave them a special congratulatory gift, saying, "At that time he personally gave us delicious food and a plaque," and added with a laugh, "There isn't one yet for the eighth. I'm looking forward to it."
Looking back on 2025, Seungmin said, "I never imagined seven consecutive No. 1s, then eight in a row, and at year-end we even won a grand prize. It was truly an overwhelming year," and I.N added, "On the 'Dominate' tour we performed 56 times in 35 cities and met so many STAYs. Seeing it in numbers makes it hit home even more."
Hyunjin explained why Stray Kids receives love from global fans, saying, "We create albums centered on our self-producing team '3RACHA.' Because of that, our musicality and sincerity come through better, and I think overseas fans appreciate that."
Asked to describe the team's music in one word, Han chose "ideal." He said, "At first, unfamiliar sounds and lyrics may feel strange, but if you listen closely to the lyrics, they contain an ideal dream that many people can relate to," and added, "So we are strange. beyond expectations," drawing attention. Regarding the message he wants to convey through songs, Changbin said, "I want to say, 'Don't worry about what others think; confidently do what you want to do.' It's something we tell ourselves, and I hope many people live that way."
On disagreements among members, Hyunjin said, "We're now in our ninth year. We're more than friends; we're completely family," and laughed, "What can you do if you don't like something? We're family," expressing affection by saying, "I love you, members." Felix said that to relieve stress they "take trips together on vacation. We go as far as Gangwon Province to eat good food and heal." Seungmin described the fandom STAY as "like a compass," emphasizing, "If STAY wants something, I don't think there's anything we can't do. We approach it sincerely."
Regarding the future musical direction, Changbin said, "It's good to hear 'Skiz music is good,' but it's best when people say 'This is a bit different, it's new.' We'll continue activities while keeping that keyword." When asked about goals for 2026, Bang Chan said, "The most important thing is health," and added, "You can look forward to it. As much as we are loved, we will give back, and we will definitely show how quickly and how hard we will run," conveying his determination.
Meanwhile, Stray Kids made 2025 their year by sweeping worldwide tours and year-end awards including grand prizes, along with the historic achievement of eight consecutive No. 1s on the Billboard 200.
[Photo] 'SNS
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