Tag: STRAY KIDS

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Here Are the K-Pop Acts Who Won at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards

NewJeans is named Top Global K-pop Artist. Credit: Twitter/Billboard

The 2023 Billboard Music Awards announced its winners on Sunday, November 19. For this year’s edition, the prestigious music award-giving body witnessed the inclusion of four new K-pop categories: Top Global K-Pop Artist, Top K-Pop Album, Top Global K-Pop Song, and Top K-Pop Touring Artist. 

Notably, the Billboard Music Awards determines victors based on performance metrics from the year-end Billboard charts, with the tracking period for this year extending from November 4, 2022, to October 12, 2023.

Apart from the announcement of winners, K-pop fans were also treated to performances of groups NewJeans and Stray Kids. During the award night, NewJeans showcased their hit songs “Super Shy” and “OMG.” Meanwhile, Stray Kids debuted their latest title track “LALALA.” 

 

Billboard Music Awards 2023 Winners

One of the winners is rookie group NewJeans, who secured the title of Top Global K-pop artist. In their acceptance speech, Hanni expressed her gratitude to fans.

 “To have been nominated in this category alongside such incredible artists that we all look up to is an honor in itself,” Hanni said. Meanwhile, Minji added: “This award will be a reminder to us for all the love and support we’ve received from our fans, BUNNIES. We’ll try our hardest every day to make it up to our fans.” 

On top of that, Hyein also gave a shout out to her fellow NewJeans members. “We’re always looking out for one another – inspiring, helping, believing. But above all, forming this unbreakable friendship.” 

Another winner is Stray Kids, who claimed the Top K-pop Album award for 5-STAR. During their speech, leader Bang Chan was quick to acknowledge their fans, STAYS. “Without the love and support from everyone, we would probably not have made it this far,” he said. Meanwhile, Changbin, speaking in Korean, promised that they would continue to work on better music for their fans. 

 

Additionally, BTS’ Jungkook received the award for Top Global K-pop Song with “Seven (feat. Latto.)” In his acceptance video, the BTS member said that the win is “truly an honor.” “Without you, I couldn’t have gotten this amazing award,” he said to ARMYs. 

Furthermore, BLACKPINK secured the award for Top K-pop Touring Artist of the Year. 

Featured image: NewJeans is named Top Global K-pop Artist. Credit: Twitter/Billboard

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Stray Kids Charts 4th No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 With ‘Rock-Star’

The group poses for concept photo of 'Rock Star.' Credit: Facebook/STRAY KIDS

Stray Kids continues to dominate the K-pop scene, securing their fourth consecutive No. 1 entry on the prestigious Billboard 200 chart with their latest mini album ROCK-STAR.

On Monday, November 20, Billboard announced that ROCK-STAR joined the ranks of its predecessors, ODDINARY, MAXIDENT, and 5-STAR. All of which had previously claimed the top spot on the chart. 

For those unfamiliar, the Billboard 200 rankings are based on equivalent album units, which consider traditional album sales, track equivalent albums, and streaming equivalent albums. According to Billboard, ROCK-STAR secured its top position with a total of 224,000 equivalent album units earned in the United States, including 213,000 traditional album sales, predominantly from CD sales, and 11,000 streaming equivalent album units.

Additionally, Luminate further detailed that the album’s success was driven by 98% CD sales and 2% digital downloads, totaling 213,000 traditional album sales. The streaming component, contributing 11,000 streaming equivalent album units, equates to an impressive 15.68 million on-demand audio streams during the week ending on November 16.

Stray Kids makes history anew

 With this, Stray Kids have now become the first artist, and notably the first K-pop act, to achieve such a remarkable streak since Alicia Keys in the early 2000s.

“All four of Stray Kids’ chart entries have debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making them the first act to see their first four chart entries debut at No. 1 since Alicia Keys in 2001 to 2007,” Billboard noted. 

Moreover, this remarkable achievement comes less than two years after their debut at the US charts. Furthermore, it establishes them as the first Korean act to consecutively debut their first four albums at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 – a feat not seen in 16 years.

On top of that, the speed at which Stray Kids achieved this milestone is equally impressive, taking them less than 20 months to accumulate four No. 1 albums. Notably, this rapid success places them in the company of Taylor Swift, as the fastest artist to achieve four No. 1s since August 2020.

Following the achievement, Stray Kids expressed their gratitude towards their fans through a video message. “Thank you to STAY and everyone who has been listening to our music,” they said. 

On November 9, the group released their newest mini-album Rock Star, with the title track “LALALA.”

Featured image: The group poses for concept photo of ‘Rock Star.’ Credit: Facebook/STRAY KIDS

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Stray Kids Earn 2nd US Gold RIAA Certification For ‘5-STAR’

Stray Kids has achieved a remarkable feat in the United States, as their latest album has been officially certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). This prestigious certification is granted when an album reaches over 500,000 units sold in the U.S. Amazingly, this is the second time that the idol group has earned gold RIAA certification in the span of three years!

Stray Kids Confirms Gold RIAA Certification for ‘5-STAR’

The album in question is “★★★★★ (5-STAR)” and it holds a special place in Stray Kids’ discography. Notably, this marks the group’s first album to receive the gold RIAA certification, signifying a significant milestone in their international success. Not surprisingly, they excitedly posted about the certification on social media.

The latest accomplishment is particularly noteworthy because it adds to Stray Kids’ previous RIAA certification for their 2020 hit song “God’s Menu” which achieved gold status earlier in the same month.

By achieving this latest certification, Stray Kids joins an exclusive club of K-pop artists who have received recognition from the RIAA. They are only the second K-pop act, following the immense global success of BTS, to earn gold RIAA certifications for both an album and a single. This achievement underscores Stray Kids’ growing influence in the U.S. music market.

Furthermore, Stray Kids’ gold RIAA certification for “★★★★★ (5-STAR)” places them among the elite K-pop acts that have achieved this distinction. Prior to Stray Kids, only BTS and TXT had albums certified as gold in the United States. This accomplishment solidifies Stray Kids’ position as a major player in the international music scene.

The remarkable achievement is a testament to Stray Kids’ talent and the dedicated support of their global fanbase. The group has made substantial strides in the U.S. music industry, and their success continues to reach new heights. Congratulations to Stray Kids for this well-deserved recognition and their exciting accomplishment in the United States!

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Stray Kids Receives Exclusive Award From Korea’s Prime Minister

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”.

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STRAY KIDS’ Lee Know and Han Release New Duet ‘Want So BAD’

STRAY KIDS’ Lee Know and Han have teamed up to deliver a fresh and exciting track to their fans. The new duet showcases the members’ unique talents. In addition to that, the song affirms the awesome friendship between the duo!

Lee Know and Han of STRAY KIDS Drops New Duet ‘Want So BAD’

Released on October 15 at midnight KST, Lee Know and Han’s new song titled “Want so BAD” is now available for listeners to enjoy. One of the most noteworthy aspects of this release is that Han played a significant role in creating the song. He collaborated with producer chAN to compose the track, and he also wrote all of the song’s lyrics. This showcases his multifaceted talents as a musician and lyricist.

“Want so BAD” is part of STRAY KIDS’ ongoing SKZ-RECORD series, a platform where the group shares original songs and covers that may not be included in their official albums or singles. These releases provide fans with a more intimate look into the members’ creative processes and allow them to experiment with various styles and genres beyond their typical discography.

Stray Kids’ Lee Know and Han have undoubtedly brought their unique energy and talents to “Want so BAD,” creating an exciting addition to the SKZ-RECORD series that fans are sure to appreciate. The track offers a fresh perspective on their musical artistry and strengthens their connection with their audience.

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’.

In the video, members Felix and Bang Chan narrated the story of a young boy dreaming before going on stage. After the striking plot, Felix’s voice offered a soothing presence while Bang Chan showed a manic delivery of lines.

STRAY KIDS’ next album ‘ROCK-STAR’ is currently scheduled for release on November 10, 2023.

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LISTEN: Stray Kids Collaborates With American Rapper Lil Durk

The group performs during their '5-Star' Dome 2023 concert tour in Seoul. Credit: Facebook/Stray Kids

The world of K-pop undoubtedly asserts its global dominance and collaborations between K-pop acts and Western artists is one proof of that. Well, things are about to get crazier as Lil Durk and Stray Kids drop the most unexpected collaboration of the year!

On Friday, September 13, American Rapper Lil Durk released the official audio for his track “All My Life,” featuring the eight-member boy group.

Known for their unrivaled style and unique sound, Stray Kids has brought in a new taste in the song’s global remix. The original version of the track, which featured J.Cole, was previously released in May 2022. Aside from the boy group, the song has another remix version featuring Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy.

As for Stray Kids’ remix of “All My Life,” it is now available for streaming via Spotify, Apple Music, and Youtube Music.

STAYs’ reaction on Stray Kids’ collaboration

Prior to the official release of the track, the “MANIAC” singers kept mum about the collaboration. 

Although there were several speculations, the news was only confirmed a few days before its release. And the surprise instantly sent STAYs, the group’s fanbase, to a surge of excitement.

On social media, STAYs shared their thoughts after listening to the song. “This is the remix I never knew I needed! What an absolute bop,” one fan wrote. Meanwhile another stated: “All My Life is literally the most perfect collab for Stray Kids.”

https://twitter.com/aIienskz/status/1712781646158577922

Other STAYs also gave flattering remarks to the group, claiming that the members’ distinct voices perfectly suited the song. 

Moreover, fans couldn’t help but commend Stray Kids for how active they’ve been in 2023.

Prior to this remix, the group has collaborated with American rapper Tiger JK and Japanese singer LiSA. Additionally, member Hyunjin also collaborated with Australian singer Troye Sivan. 

And fans are even more excited as the group is soon to release new music. The JYP Entertainment artists are set to drop their next EP Rock-Star on November 10.

Featured image: The group performs during their ‘5-Star’ Dome 2023 concert tour in Seoul. Credit: Facebook/Stray Kids

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Here Are All The Winners at the The Fact Music Awards 2023

The winners are here! The prestigious The Fact Music Awards 2023 unfolded on October 10 at Incheon’s Namdong Gymnasium and the event maintained its continuity by featuring the beloved hosting duo of Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun and Jun Hyun Moo. This is the duo’s second successful role as hosts in the previous year.

The Big Winners At The 2023 The Fact Music Awards

As expected, the TMAs brought together a dazzling array of K-pop idols representing various groups and entertainment companies, making it a truly star-studded affair.

SEVENTEEN emerged as one of the most significant winners at this year’s awards ceremony, securing the coveted Daesang (Grand Prize) and earning their place among the ten Artist of the Year (Bonsang) awardees.

https://youtu.be/aFXp-2fOZOc

BTS and Lim Young Woong both enjoyed considerable success, each clinching a remarkable five awards during the event. BTS proudly took home accolades for Best Music (Summer), Fan N Star Most Voted, the Fan N Star Choice Award, with individual members Jimin and V securing the Idol Plus Popularity Award and Best Music (Fall), respectively.

Lim Young Woong stood tall with recognition, winning an Artist of the Year (Bonsang) award, in addition to Best Music (Winter), Fan N Star Most Voted, the Fan N Star Choice Award, and the Fan N Star Best Ads Award. The night was filled with well-deserved accolades and exciting moments for these exceptional artists. Check out the full list of winners at The Fact Music Awards 2023.

The Fact Music Awards 2023 Full List

Daesang (Grand Prize): SEVENTEEN

Artist of the Year (Bonsang): aespa, ATEEZ, ITZY, IVE, Lim Young Woong, NewJeans, NMIXX, SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, TREASURE

Worldwide Icon: aespa

https://youtu.be/lTfweng8Rjg

Best Performer: IVE

Four Star Award: Stray Kids

Listeners’ Choice: NewJeans

Next Leader: RIIZE, ZEROBASEONE

https://youtu.be/YuA3fJ6NbUE

Best Music (Spring): Lee Chan Won
Best Music (Summer): BTS
Best Music (Fall): BTS’s V
Best Music (Winter): Lim Young Woong

https://youtu.be/dEQspHFhUPA

Idol Plus Popularity Award: BTS’s Jimin

Band Performer of the Year: Jannabi

Solo Performer of the Year: Kwon Eun Bi

https://youtu.be/OCr5lqMhPaE

Fan N Star Most Voted: BTS, Lim Young Woong

Fan N Star Choice Award (Group): BTS
Fan N Star Choice Award (Solo): Lim Young Woong

Hottest: BOYNEXTDOOR, xikers

Fan N Star Best Ads Award: Lim Young Woong

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Look: Stray Kids Named as the ‘Next Generation Leaders’ by Time Magazine

Stray Kids during their promotional activities for 'S-CLASS.' Credit: Facebook/Stray Kids

From topping charts to winning awards, Stray Kids continue to take over the world with their thunderous music. With their undeniable success, the “S-Class” singers are now honored as one of the “Next Generation Leaders” by TIME magazine.

On Thursday, October 5, the American news magazine unveiled that the K-pop boy group is one of the acts included in the annual list of  “Next Generation Leaders.” Following this announcement, Stray Kids now become the third third K-pop act to achieve this feat. Other acts featured in the list were BTS in 2018 and NewJeans in May of 2023.

In the TIME article, Stray Kids has been recognized for their unique color. The article stated that despite the initial criticism towards the band’s grunger headbanging anthems, Stray Kids has still managed to stand out in the industry. “Instead of shifting to pander to expectations for Korean boy groups, Stray Kids embraced their distinct sound”, TIME explained.

Member Changbin then talked about the group’s ambitions for the future. “The goal is to continuously pioneer new subjects and to have our music be recognized as a ‘Stray Kids’ genre,” he said.

With the group straying away from expectations, they have now proved themselves as a recipe for global success. 

Composed of Changbin, Bang Chan, Felix, Seungmin, Han, Hyunjin, Lee Know, and I.N., Stray Kids made their debut in 2018. They produced numerous hit tracks such as “Maniac, “God’s Menu” and “Case 143” to name a few. 

 

Throughout their career, the group’s trend-setting influence has allowed them to clinch the No.1 spot on the Billboards 200 for three of their albums. These albums are MAXIDENT, ODDINARY, and the recently released 5-STAR.

STAYs proud of SKZ’ Time recognition

With yet another accomplishment written under their name, their fans, STAYs, can’t help but feel proud to be fans of SKZ.

“You’ll always see their souls in their work. They are a whole genre!,” one fan wrote. Meanwhile,  another stated: “They make their own music loved by all around the world.”

 

Moreover, fans couldn’t help but be impressed as it’s the latest addition to the growing list of the group for 2023 alone.  To note, Stray Kids became the first K-pop group to headline the LollaPalooza Festival in Paris. As well as bagging the “Best K-Pop” award at the 2023 MTV VMAs.  Currently, the group from JYP Entertainment is also nominated at the 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards.

And fans are even more excited as the group is soon to release new music. Stray Kids is set to drop their next EP Rock-Star on November 10. 

Featured image: Stray Kids during their promotional activities for ‘S-CLASS.’ Credit: Facebook/Stray Kids

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Watch: Stray Kids Announces ‘Rock-Star’ Comeback With a Cinematic Prologue Video

Stray Kids for their 'TOPLINE' music video. Credit: Facebook/Stray Kids

Are you ready, STAYs? K-pop boy group Stray Kids will soon be blessing fans with new music!

On Friday, October 6, the “S-Class” hitmakers released a cinematic prologue video to announce their comeback with the upcoming mini-album 樂-STAR (pronounced as ROCK-STAR).

In the one-and-a-half minute clip, members Felix and Bang Chan narrated the story of a young boy dreaming before going on stage. Following the striking plot, Felix’s voice offered a soothing presence while Bang Chan showed a manic delivery of lines.

In addition, all the eight members: Han, Felix, Bang Chan, Hyunjin, Changmin, I.N. Seungmin and Lee Know made their appearance as different characters in the young boy’s dreams. 

With the young boy’s stage time approaching, Bang Chan whispered: “The anxiety is something we create ourselves.” Then, Felix tried to calm the boy by saying: “We believe that you’ll do great if you can get beyond these emotions and enjoy these moments.”

The prologue concluded with the child finally stepping on the stage to perform. Which was followed by the narrators shouting in unison: “Let’s show them how we rock!”

With its November 10 release, 樂-STAR will come five months after Stray Kids released their full-length album 5-STAR in June. 

According to the group’s agency, JYP Entertainment, the upcoming album will have a “close relationship” to the previous record. However, additional details, such as number of songs and title track, have yet to be announced. 

STAYs’ anticipation for Stray Kids’ 樂-STAR

With the official announcement, the group’s fandom, STAYs, have trended the hashtags “StrayKidsComeback” and “ROCK_STAR” to showcase their excitement.

“It looks so amazing and cool I cannot wait for it. Stray Kids you never cease to surprise us,” one fan wrote. Meanwhile, another fan gave a flattering remark of how detailed the prologue video is. 

 

STAYs are even more thrilled to see the new album break new records. 

To note, the eight-member boy group has previously dominated the Billboard charts, having three of their works: ODDINARY, MAXIDENT and 5-STAR all clinched the No. 1 spot in the Billboards 200. 

Aside from the album records, Stray Kids continue to solidify their position in the music industry through their consecutive achievements. 

In 2023 alone, Stray Kids became the first K-pop group to headline the LollaPalooza Festival in Paris. As well as bagging the “Best K-Pop” award at the 2023 MTV VMAs. 

Currently, the group from JYP Entertainment is also nominated at the 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards.

Featured image: Stray Kids for their ‘TOPLINE’ music video. Credit: Facebook/Stray Kids

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Look: Here Are the K-pop Acts Nominated for the 2023 MTV EMAs

BTS' Jungkook during filming of his digital single 'Seven.' Credit: Facebook/BTS

K-pop has once again proved its global influence in the music industry. After numerous recognitions at the recently held 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), K-pop acts are now set to bag a new set of awards at the 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs).

On Tuesday, October 3, Billboard Brazil unveiled the list of nominations for the upcoming EMAs. 

According to MTV, the EMAs will be an event to celebrate the work of global artists with awards and legendary performances from international music icons. Notably, several K-pop acts made it to the record.

Who are nominated for 2023 MTV EMAs?

Topping the list are BTS’ Jungkook and TOMORROW X TOGETHER. Both HYBE artists garnered a total of three nominations each.

Jungkook, the youngest member of the sensational group BTS, has been nominated for the Best K-pop and Biggest fans categories. He will also compete for the Song of the Year category for his digital single “Seven” featuring Latto. Furthermore, this is Jungkook’s first EMA nomination as a solo artist. 

Just last month, Jungkook took home the MTV VMAs Song of the Summer award for the said track.

Meanwhile, boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER also earned nominations for the following categories: Best K-pop, Best Push Artist, and Best Group. At the MTV VMAs, the “Sugar Rush Ride” singers bagged the Push Performance of the Year award.

Meanwhile, “Super” hitmakers SEVENTEEN and monster rookies NewJeans took two nods each, both for the Best K-pop and Best Group categories.

In addition, “Next Level” singers aespa also earned a nod for Best Group, while BLACKPINK is nominated for Biggest Fans category. Moreover, groups FIFTY FIFTY and Stray Kids will also compete for the Best K-Pop category.

Meanwhile, boy group TREASURE has been nominated in the Best Asia Act category as South Korea’s sole representative.

The 2023 MTV EMAs will take place in Paris, France on November 5. Fans can vote for their favorite acts on the MTV EMAs official website until October 31, 11:59 pm. Who are you rooting for among these nominees? 

Featured image: BTS’ Jungkook during filming of his digital single ‘Seven.’ Credit: Facebook/BTS

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