Stray Kids Reclaim Top Spot on Billboard World Albums Chart, Outpacing HYBE Competitors

Stray Kids reclaimed their position at the top of the Billboard World Albums chart this past week, outpacing several high-profile competitors from HYBE Labels. The JYP Entertainment boy group’s latest mini-album demonstrated its continued success, solidifying its presence on a chart typically dominated by other K-pop powerhouses such as BTS’ Jimin, LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, and SEVENTEEN.

Marking a noteworthy return to the top of the World Albums chart for the week ending October 19, Stray Kids’ mini-album ATE celebrated its seventh non-consecutive week at No. 1. The group’s ninth Korean EP, featuring the title track “Chk Chk Boom,” also garnered attention with cameos from Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in its music video. In addition to its chart-topping performance, the album secured its 12th week on the Billboard 200, sitting at No. 102.

BTS member Jimin's solo album, MUSE, which also completed its 12 weeks on the Billboard 200, dropped to second place on the World Albums chart, maintaining a strong 12-week streak on the list. ENHYPEN followed at No. 3 with Romance: Untold, which jumped several spots in its 13th consecutive week on the chart. LE SSERAFIM’s Crazy held steady at No. 4, marking its sixth consecutive week in the rankings.

NewJeans’ album Get Up, originally released last year, surged to No. 6 in its impressive 62nd week. BTS’ anthology album Proof continued its remarkable chart presence, ranking at No. 8 after a record-breaking 122 weeks on the Billboard World Albums chart. Other notable placements included BOYNEXTDOOR’s 19.99, landing at No. 10 after four weeks, and SEVENTEEN’s new album, which secured No. 14 after 24 weeks on the chart.

Of particular note, only three non-HYBE K-pop groups made it onto the World Albums chart this past week. In addition to Stray Kids dominating the list, FNC Entertainment’s P1Harmony placed at No. 5 with their album Sad Song in its third week, while SM Entertainment’s aespa concluded the rankings at No. 15 with Armageddon, celebrating its 20th week on the Billboard chart.