Stray Kids Earn Ninth No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 With 'THIS & THAT', Tie Rolling Stones

Stray Kids have officially claimed their ninth No. 1 album on the prestigious Billboard 200 chart with their latest release, 'THIS & THAT.' The project debuted atop the chart for the week of August 22, 2026, amassing an impressive 369,000 equivalent album units in the United States during the tracking period ending August 13. This significant debut represents the group's largest sales week to date in terms of units earned, with traditional album sales accounting for a substantial 357,000 of those units. The success of 'THIS & THAT' not only extends Stray Kids' remarkable record for the most No. 1 albums by a group in the 21st century but also sees them achieve a significant milestone by tying the legendary rock band The Rolling Stones for the second-most No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 among all groups. They now trail only the iconic The Beatles in this esteemed category.

What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is that every single one of Stray Kids' nine entries on the Billboard 200 chart has debuted at the No. 1 position. This reinforces their unique and unparalleled record as the first musical act in history to have all of their initial nine chart entries reach the coveted top spot. The album 'THIS & THAT' also ranks as the sixth-largest album debut by units earned in 2026, demonstrating its considerable impact on the contemporary music landscape. Furthermore, it holds the second-highest first-week traditional album sales for the year, surpassed only by BTS' highly successful album 'ARIRANG.' The robust first-week sales were strategically bolstered by the availability of the album across 17 different CD and vinyl configurations. These physical releases were enhanced by the inclusion of randomized collectible items, adding an element of exclusivity and fan engagement, alongside eight distinct digital download variations. This multi-faceted release strategy has consistently driven strong performance for the group in the highly competitive global music market.

Stray Kids, a globally recognized K-pop group formed by JYP Entertainment in 2017, has cultivated a substantial international following through their distinct musical style, characterized by powerful performances and self-produced music. Their consistent chart success on the Billboard 200, a key indicator of album popularity in the United States, underscores their growing influence in the global music industry. This latest achievement firmly positions them among the most dominant and consistently successful groups on the chart, solidifying their status as a major force in contemporary music.