Stray Kids vow to 'broaden our own music spectrum' after record ninth consecutive Billboard 200 No. 1

"Just as our name suggests finding and forging our own path, we will continue to broaden our music spectrum — one that breaks free from convention and belongs only to us."

Stray Kids shared their feelings after setting a remarkable record: nine consecutive No. 1 debuts on the Billboard 200, the main US album chart.

"As a group that truly loves music and strives to deliver positive energy and strength to as many people as possible through it, we are deeply honored to have achieved this historic record of nine consecutive No. 1s on the Billboard 200," the group said Tuesday through their agency, JYP Entertainment.

They went on to say, "It feels like destiny that in our ninth year since debut, we have claimed our ninth Billboard 200 No. 1," adding that the achievement — the most No. 1s on the chart by any group in the 21st century — carries profound meaning for them as a K-pop group.

The members also expressed gratitude toward their global fandom. "Above all else, this was made possible by STAY — our fandom — who have cheered us on with unwavering support. We are so grateful," they said. "Powered by STAY's great love, always by our side, we want to show music fans around the world the endless growth of not only Stray Kids but of K-pop as a whole. Again, we sincerely thank you."

Earlier, Stray Kids became the first artist in history to debut all nine of their entries on the Billboard 200 at No. 1, achieving the feat with their new mini album "THIS & THAT." Among groups, they now share the all-time record for the second-most No. 1s alongside British rock legends the Rolling Stones. Only the Beatles — with 19 chart-toppers — stand ahead of them. Among global groups that debuted after 2000, Stray Kids hold the record for the most No. 1s by a wide margin. They also reached nine No. 1 albums in the shortest time of any group since the Beatles.

The group also made a mark on the UK Official Charts, where the title track "THIS & THAT" entered the Singles Top 100 at No. 61 while the album simultaneously charted on the Albums Top 100 — their eighth career chart entry in the UK. The achievements reflect the self-driven creative ethos and uncompromising artistic vision the group has built around its in-house production unit 3RACHA, comprising members Bang Chan, Changbin and Han.

shee@heraldcorp.com