The K-pop wave continues, and the latest milestone has Jimin from BTS and Stray Kids at the forefront. Both artists have recently made history by securing the top two spots on the Billboard 200. This achievement not only highlights their immense popularity but also marks a significant moment for K-pop on the international stage. Let’s dive into the details of this remarkable accomplishment.
Stray Kids Claim Their Fifth No. 1 on Billboard 200
Stray Kids have once again proven their global dominance with their latest EP, “Ate,” debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. This marks their fifth consecutive album to top the chart, making them the first K-pop group to achieve such a feat. The EP earned a staggering 232,000 equivalent album units in the US during its first week, showcasing their strong fan base and the group’s consistent ability to deliver hits.
Stray Kids(스트레이 키즈) "Chk Chk Boom" M/V https://t.co/spxXic5Rx7#StrayKids #스트레이키즈#ATE#ChkChkBoom#StrayKidsComeback#YouMakeStrayKidsStay pic.twitter.com/VHNm9Ug289
— Stray Kids (@Stray_Kids) July 19, 2024
Stray Kids’ journey to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. Their previous albums, including “Oddinary,” “Maxident,” “5-Star,” and “Rock-Star,” have all reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 within the first week of release. This achievement ties them with the legendary US rapper DMX, who also had five consecutive albums debut at No. 1.
Jimin’s Solo Success with “Muse”
Following closely behind Stray Kids, Jimin of BTS secured the No. 2 spot on the Billboard 200 with his second solo album, “Muse.” This is Jimin’s second solo project to achieve a top position on the chart, with his first solo album “Face” also reaching No. 2 last year. “Muse” earned 96,000 equivalent album units in its debut week, highlighting Jimin’s strong individual presence in the music industry.
지민 (Jimin) ‘Who’ MV Shoot Sketch
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) July 28, 2024
(https://t.co/C0CFm5VSZi)#지민 #Jimin #Jimin_MUSE #Jimin_Who
The lead track from “Face,” titled “Who,” is also making waves and is expected to debut at No. 13 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. This further solidifies Jimin’s status as a solo artist capable of achieving significant success independently of BTS.
Final Words
The simultaneous success of Stray Kids and Jimin on the Billboard 200 is a testament to the growing influence of K-pop on the global music scene. It reflects the genre’s ability to resonate with a diverse audience and break through language barriers. This historic moment also underscores the dedication of K-pop fans, who continue to support their favorite artists with unwavering enthusiasm.
