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| yna@yna.co.kr 2025-08-22 14:23:40
SEOUL, Aug. 22 (Yonhap) -- K-pop boy group Stray Kids released their fourth studio album “KARMA” on Friday, vowing to showcase another side of their music to the global audience.
At a press conference in Seoul earlier in the day, the group described the album as one they “sharpened their teeth to make.” The members said they were convinced of the title track “CEREMONY” from the moment they first heard it and expressed hopes of presenting “another color of Stray Kids” worldwide.
“KARMA” is the group’s first studio album in two years and two months since “★★★★★ (5-STAR)” in June 2023. The record contains stories of growth, overcoming doubts and challenges, and carving their own path.
Rapper Changbin said the album deals with karma in a positive sense, reflecting the fruits of their efforts together with their fans, known as “STAY.” “Looking back on the past eight years, we are grateful for this moment. At first, we often wondered whether our music was right, but thanks to our members and STAY who believed in us, we were able to move forward with confidence and overcome hardships,” he said.
The 11-track album includes “CEREMONY,” “CREED,” “In My Head,” “Messy” and “Plot Twist.” The title song combines trap EDM, baile funk rhythms, powerful beats and an addictive hook. Produced by the group’s in-house unit 3RACHA, it conveys a message of celebrating success after hardship. Its sports-themed music video features a surprise appearance by esports star Faker.
The group has topped the Billboard 200 albums chart six consecutive times. If “KARMA” also reaches No. 1, Stray Kids will set a new record with seven chart-topping albums, surpassing BTS for the most by a K-pop act.
The album is expected to compete on the U.S. chart with the soundtrack of Netflix’s “K-pop Demon Hunters” and country singer Morgan Wallen’s “I’m the Problem.” When asked about the possibility of breaking the Billboard record, member Hyunjin said, “Records are important, but what matters more is enjoying the process of making music. We will continue to live as Stray Kids, crazy about music, and humbly accept whatever results come our way.”
The group recently completed its 11-month world tour “dominATE,” which included 54 shows across 34 cities. The tour marked the first time a K-pop group headlined 13 major stadiums around the world, such as Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Toronto’s Rogers Centre.
Reflecting on the tour, the members described it as a meaningful experience that connected cultures through music. “Performing at stadiums for the first time was nerve-racking, but we were grateful for the fans who supported us from afar,” Hyunjin said. “If I could remember one moment before I die, it would be the eyes of our fans looking at us from the stadium.”
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