In an astonishing display of their global popularity, South Korean boy band Stray Kids has taken the music industry by storm with their latest album, “5-Star.” Released on June 2, 2023, the album has catapulted the group to new heights, making them the best-selling K-Pop act of the year in the United States within just one month of its release. Combining elements of hip-hop, pop, and electronica, “5-Star” showcases the group’s unique sound and addresses themes of uniqueness, confidence, and aspirations.
Album Overview:
“5-Star” marks Stray Kids’ third Korean-language studio album (fourth overall) and follows their highly successful seventh EP, “Maxident” (2022). The album comprises twelve tracks, including the lead single “S-Class,” which has been met with tremendous acclaim. Notably, the album also features collaborations with renowned songwriters and producers such as Versachoi, Chae Kang-hae, Restart, Zack Djurich, Millionboy, Trippy, Nickko Young, Kyle Reynolds, Chris LaRocca, and Jun2, along with the group’s own member, Felix. Additionally, “5-Star” includes a guest appearance from Tiger JK on the track “Topline,” adding further excitement to the album.
Critical and Commercial Success:
Since its release, “5-Star” has garnered praise from music critics worldwide for its innovative sound and meaningful lyrics. The album’s success is not limited to critical acclaim alone, as it has achieved exceptional commercial performance. “5-Star” topped the charts in several countries, including South Korea, Austria, Belgium, France, Greece, Hungary, Poland, and the United States. Furthermore, it reached the top ten in various other nations such as Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, and Switzerland.
Unprecedented Pre-Order and First-Day Sales:
Leading up to the album’s release, “5-Star” shattered pre-order records, surpassing the previous record held by Seventeen’s “FML” (2023) with an astounding 4.93 million pre-orders reported by JYP Entertainment. As anticipation grew, the numbers continued to soar, reaching 5.13 million just two days later. This remarkable feat solidified Stray Kids’ position as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
On the album’s first day of release, the Hanteo Chart reported an unprecedented 2,392,666 copies sold, leaving a lasting impression on the K-Pop scene. The momentum carried throughout the first week, with “5-Star” selling a staggering 4,617,499 copies, surpassing the previous first-week sales record set by Seventeen’s “FML.” The album’s remarkable debut at number one on the Circle Album Chart further cemented Stray Kids’ dominance, holding the top spot for two consecutive weeks.
Best-Selling K-Pop Act in the US:
Stray Kids‘ meteoric rise to become the best-selling K-Pop act in the United States in 2023 cannot be overstated. Within just one month of its release, “5-Star” became a cultural phenomenon, resonating with fans across the nation. The album’s fusion of various musical styles, coupled with the group’s dynamic performances and relatable lyrics, has propelled them to the forefront of the US music market.