Stray Kids have once again claimed the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying their position as one of the most successful K-pop acts in American history. Their latest EP, 5-Star, marks their third No. 1 album in the U.S. in a relatively short span of time.
5-Star debuts at the pinnacle of the Billboard 200, having moved 249,500 equivalent units in its first week, a figure which is primarily driven by pure album purchases. Fans demonstrated their unwavering support for the group by purchasing 235,000 copies of the EP within the first seven days of its availability. Additionally, the title garnered an impressive 19.55 million streams, which translates to 14,000 streaming equivalent units.
The significant sales figures also make 5-Star being the bestselling album in the U.S. for the week. While precise numbers from Luminate, the data provider for Billboard, have not been disclosed just yet, it is likely that Stray Kids faced little competition in this realm.
Last spring, Stray Kids joined the elite group of South Korean acts to achieve a No. 1 album on the Billboard 200. In March 2022, their EP Oddinary claimed the top spot on the chart, followed by Maxident later in the year.
5-Star dethrones Taylor Swift’s Midnights as the No. 1 album on the Billboard 200. Swift’s album regained the top position in the previous week, benefiting from the release of several new special deluxe editions of the set featuring new music and reimagined versions of popular hits.
With thier latest winner, Stray Kids becomes the sixth act to achieve a No. 1 album on the Billboard 200. While the number may seem relatively low how late it is in the year, the chart has recently been dominated by a select few titles. Alongside SZA, Tomorrow X Together, Karol G, Morgan Wallen, and Taylor Swift, the South Korean group claims their first chart-topper of 2023, and if this year is anything like last, they may already be planning their next blockbuster offering.
Source: Forbes
