Stray Kids' Historic Ninth No. 1

Stray Kids has once again claimed the top spot on the Billboard 200, debuting at No. 1 with their new EP 'This & That'. This marks the group's ninth No. 1 album on the chart, a feat that places them among the most successful acts in the Billboard 200's history.

According to Billboard's chart preview, as reported by Yonhap News and Forbes, Stray Kids now ties the Rolling Stones for the second-most No. 1 albums among groups, trailing only the Beatles, who have 19. The group's achievement extends its own record as the only K-pop act to top the chart eight times prior to this release.

Forbes highlighted that 'This & That' also debuts at No. 1 on the Top Album Sales, Vinyl Albums, and World Albums charts. This is Stray Kids' first No. 1 on the Vinyl Albums chart, a milestone the outlet noted.

The EP and Its Production

'This & That', the group's 10th EP, consists of eight tracks, led by the hip-hop-based, groovy title track of the same name. According to Yonhap News, the band has described the title track as emphasizing a 'chill' and 'cool' mood.

All eight tracks were produced by the in-house team 3Racha, comprising members Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han, as reported by Yonhap. The group's consistent reliance on its production team has been highlighted in the coverage.

Forbes also noted that Stray Kids' nine No. 1 albums are: '5-Star', 'Ate', 'Do It', 'Hop', 'Karma', 'Maxident', 'Rock-Star', 'Oddinary', and 'This & That'. The outlet observed that every project the group has charted on the Billboard 200 has reached No. 1, a perfect record since their first appearance in 2022.

A Streak of Dominance

Since their first No. 1 in 2022 with 'Oddinary', Stray Kids has released two No. 1 albums each year through 2025, and in 2026 they have so far released one. This consistent output has solidified their position as one of the most successful groups in the chart's history.

Forbes also highlighted that Stray Kids now holds ten No. 1 albums on the Top Album Sales chart, with all but one reaching the summit. On the World Albums chart, the group has 23 appearances, 20 top-10s, and nine leaders, according to that outlet's analysis.

A Competing No worry

In a separate report dated a week later, Yonhap News reported that a different K-pop group, Katseye, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with its third EP 'Wild'. According to that report, the album earned 170,000 equivalent album units, outpacing Phoebe Bridgers' 'Lost Weekend' and Stray Kids' 'This & That'.

Katetseye, formed through Hyber's U.S. partnership with Geffen Records, achieved its first No. 1 since debuting in 2024, Yonhap reported. The two Yonhap stories, published on different dates, reflect the evolving weekly chart results.

Looking Forward

With nine No. 1 albums, Stray Kids continues to close the gap on the all-time leaders. Forbes noted that only 11 acts have earned double-digit No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, and a tenth No. 1 for Stray Kids would allow it to tie with Madonna and Elvis Presley at 10. The outlet listed Drake and Taylor Swift as the only acts behind the Beatles among all performers, with 15 each.

The group's ability to consistently release chart-topping music, combined with its in-house production and dedicated fan base, has cemented its place in Billboard history. As As of this release, Stray Kids' run of success shows no signs of slowing down.