Stray Kids Conquer the Globe, Securing #2 on IFPI’s 2025 Global Artist Chart

In a historic moment for K-Pop, Stray Kids have officially been named the world’s second best-selling artist of 2025. The powerhouse group landed the #2 spot on the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) Global Artist Chart, a monumental achievement that places them second only to pop titan Taylor Swift. This ranking not only marks a new peak for the group but also solidifies their position as the leading force in the global expansion of Korean music, standing as the only K-pop act to break into the chart’s top five.

A Meteoric Rise to the Top

Stray Kids’ ascent has been nothing short of spectacular. The group leaped from their #5 position in the prior year to #2, marking their third consecutive year in the top five and their fourth appearance in the top ten overall. This consistent growth demonstrates their expanding global influence and dedicated fanbase. Victoria Oakley, CEO of IFPI, commented on the remarkable artists in the chart, recognizing the long-term commitment and global strategies that underpin such success. Stray Kids’ achievement is a testament to the hard work of the group and the unwavering support of their global fandom, STAY.

The Engine Behind the Success: A Look at 2025

2025 was a landmark year for Stray Kids, fueled by a relentless stream of successful releases. Their fourth full-length album, KARMA, released in August, was a commercial juggernaut. According to Korea’s Circle Chart, it was the best-selling K-pop album of the year, with over 3.39 million copies sold in Korea alone. The success story continued in the United States, where Luminate’s 2025 Year-End Music Report revealed that KARMA sold 585,000 units, securing the #2 spot on the U.S. Top 10 Albums chart. They followed this up with DO IT in November, which landed at #4, making Stray Kids the only K-pop artist to place in the top 10 of that prestigious chart.

Billboard Dominance and Unprecedented Records

The group’s chart dominance extended to Billboard, where they rewrote history. Stray Kids became the first act in the 70-year history of the Billboard 200 to debut eight consecutive albums at the coveted #1 spot. Their command over the World Albums chart was absolute, topping the 2025 year-end list for the second consecutive year with SKZHOP HIPTAPE: 合 (HOP) and KARMA at #1 and #2, respectively. This consistent performance across multiple charts highlights their incredible and sustained appeal in the world’s largest music market.

Beyond the Charts: A Global Tour and Fandom Power

Stray Kids’ connection with their fans was palpable throughout their largest-ever world tour, dominATE. The tour saw them perform an incredible 56 shows across 35 regions, bringing their electrifying performances to a massive global audience. This extensive touring, combined with the strategic release of high-quality music, has created a powerful synergy that fuels their record-breaking sales and ever-growing fandom. The power of STAY is evident in every milestone, from hundreds of millions of views on music videos like “Thunderous” and “S-Class” to their Japanese release “Circus” surpassing 100 million streams on Spotify.

What’s Next for the Global Superstars?

With 3RACHA, the group’s in-house production trio, recently returning from a songwriting camp in the US, expectations are high for new music in 2026. The group is already slated for major festival headline slots, including The Governors Ball in the U.S. and Rock in Rio in Brazil. As they continue to break barriers and set new standards, one thing is clear: Stray Kids are not just part of the K-pop wave; they are leading it. The world is watching, and Stray Kids are ready to deliver.