Stray Kids have done it again—and this time, they are making history on a level that few groups in pop music have ever reached.
The K-pop powerhouse has scored its ninth No. 1 album on the Billboard 200, continuing an extraordinary run that now puts the group behind only the legendary Beatles among all groups in Billboard history.
Their latest mini album, “THIS & THAT,” released on August 7, has topped the Billboard 200 chart dated August 22, 2026. More importantly, the achievement extends Stray Kids’ incredible record of sending every one of their Billboard 200 charting albums straight to No. 1.
Only the Beatles Are Ahead
The Beatles remain the all-time record holders among groups with 19 Billboard 200 No. 1 albums.
But Stray Kids now stand alone as the 21st-century group with the most No. 1 albums on the chart, reaching nine.
Even more impressive? Stray Kids have reached nine No. 1 albums in the shortest period of time since the Beatles.
That puts the Korean group in a very special position in pop history.
Since their Billboard 200 debut with “ODDINARY” in April 2022, Stray Kids have turned every album entry into a No. 1 debut.
From “ODDINARY” to “MAXIDENT,” “5-STAR,” “ATE,” “合 (HOP),” “KARMA,” “DO IT,” and now “THIS & THAT,” the group has continued its unprecedented streak.
9 Albums. 9 No. 1 Debuts.
Stray Kids’ Billboard story is particularly remarkable because this isn’t simply a collection of successful albums.
The group has built its discography largely through its own creative identity.
The members have been involved in their music from the beginning, with the group’s in-house production team **3RACHA—Bang Chan, Changbin and HAN—**playing a central role in shaping their sound.
From their pre-debut track “Hellevator” to their latest release, Stray Kids have consistently participated in writing and producing their music.
That creative independence has become one of the defining characteristics of the group.
Their songs combine unconventional themes, distinctive lyrics, aggressive production and addictive hooks—creating what fans often recognize as the unmistakable “Stray Kids” sound.
And now, that sound has become a global chart phenomenon.
The Stray Kids Formula Goes Global
Stray Kids have already established themselves as one of the leading groups of K-pop’s fourth generation.
Their explosive performances and highly recognizable music have helped them build a massive worldwide fanbase known as STAY.
The group’s 2025 world tour, Stray Kids World Tour <dominATE>, further expanded their global presence, while their appearances at major international festivals demonstrated that their appeal extends far beyond traditional K-pop audiences.
They have taken headline stages at major festivals including Lollapalooza Paris, I-Days, BST Hyde Park, Lollapalooza Chicago and The Governors Ball Music Festival.
In other words, Stray Kids aren’t simply participating in the global music scene.
They are increasingly becoming one of its major headline acts.
“THIS & THAT” Shows Another Side of Stray Kids
Interestingly, Stray Kids didn’t rely on their most aggressive musical formula for their latest comeback.
The title track “This & That” explores a more relaxed and playful vibe, offering fans a different side of the group.
And fans responded.
The song debuted at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Stray Kids’ highest position yet on the chart.
The album itself also recorded approximately 369,000 units in its first week in the United States, giving the group a new personal best.
With major global stars such as Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, Morgan Wallen and Drake occupying positions around the top of the chart, Stray Kids still managed to take the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200.
“We’re Still Hungry”
So what keeps Stray Kids moving forward after achieving records that most artists can only dream about?
Their answer is surprisingly simple: music, performance and their fans.
Ahead of the release of “THIS & THAT,” the members emphasized that they still have more to accomplish.
They also expressed a strong desire to meet STAYs around the world who have never had the chance to see them perform in person.
That hunger may be one of the biggest reasons behind their extraordinary momentum.
For Stray Kids, nine No. 1 albums don’t appear to be the finish line.
It looks more like the next starting point.
What Comes Next for Stray Kids?
The group is set to continue its global activities in September, including an appearance at Brazil’s massive Rock in Rio festival.
They will also headline the newly launched STRAYCITY festival series, with events scheduled in Bogotá, Buenos Aires and Mexico City.
As Stray Kids continue to move between K-pop, global pop and massive international festival stages, their place in music history is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
The Beatles may still sit at the top with 19 Billboard 200 No. 1 albums.
But in the 21st century, Stray Kids are building a legacy of their own.
And with nine consecutive No. 1 Billboard 200 debuts, their message is clear:
Stray Kids aren’t just making K-pop history. They’re making pop history.
KOREA FBI Editor’s Comment
What makes Stray Kids’ achievement so exciting isn’t simply the number nine.
It’s how they got there.
A group that has consistently participated in creating its own music has now turned that unique identity into one of the strongest album-chart records in modern pop.
The Beatles have their history.
Stray Kids are creating theirs.
And honestly, “THIS & THAT” may be another chapter—not the final one.
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