STRAY KIDS can now add another remarkable achievement to their already extensive list of accolades. The idol group has just been honored with an exclusive award that only a select few K-Pop groups have received in the history of the industry.

STRAY KIDS Awarded With Prime Minister’s Commendation

STRAY KIDS has been named one of the eight recipients of the prestigious Prime Minister’s Commendation for the 2023 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards. This distinction is a significant recognition bestowed upon individuals and groups who have made substantial contributions to the promotion and dissemination of Korean culture. The awards program, held annually by the South Korean government, features four potential accolades: Order of Cultural Merit, Presidential Commendation, Prime Minister’s Commendation, and Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Commendation.

This is amazing news considering that there have only been six other K-pop groups in history to receive this award. It was previously given to legendary K-Pop groups such as Girls’ Generation, 2NE1, JYJ, SHINee, EXO, and most recently, SEVENTEEN. STRAY KIDS are also the first fourth-generation idol group to receive the exclusive award. The special club of recipients signifies the remarkable impact STRAY KIDS has had on the global stage and their substantial contribution to Korean culture.

STRAY KIDS’ extraordinary popularity has propelled them to perform at prestigious events like Lollapalooza Paris 2023 and the 2023 VMAs, in addition to several other accolades.

Their most recent album ‘5-STAR’ has solidified their position as one of the industry’s front-runners. The group made history by surpassing five million preorders for the album and achieved over 2.3 million in first-day sales. Only BTS and SEVENTEEN have previously accomplished this feat, underlining STRAY KIDS’ exceptional impact and fan base in the world of K-Pop.

In the meantime, STRAY KIDs is set for a comeback in November. The idol group recently released a cinematic prologue video to announce their comeback with the upcoming mini-album ‘ROCK-STAR’. On October 19, they shared the teaser for the first track “MEGAVERSE”.