Stray Kids is showing the world their incredible popularity once again by making history on the U.S. Billboard Year-End Chart!

On December 13 (local time), Billboard released its Year-End Chart for 2024, and Stray Kids ranked 73rd on the Top Artists chart. This is the highest position ever achieved by a K-pop group, proving their global influence.

On the Billboard 200 Year-End Chart, Stray Kids placed two albums: 樂-STAR (Rockstar) at 123rd and ATE (Eight) at 139th. Their achievements didn’t stop there! On the Top Album Sales section, 樂-STAR ranked an impressive 4th, while ATE secured 9th place—making Stray Kids the highest-ranking K-pop act in this category.

The group also dominated other categories, earning 1st and 2nd place on the World Albums chart, 1st place on the World Album Artists chart, 2nd place on the Top Album Sales Artists chart, and 4th place on both the Top Artist Duo/Group and Billboard 200 Artist Duo/Group charts.

Stray Kids’ global power was further highlighted during the 2024 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs), where they took home the Top Global K-pop Artist award. This marks their second consecutive win at the BBMAs after claiming the Top K-pop Album award last year.

Adding to their achievements, Stray Kids released their latest album, SKZHOP HIPTAPE ‘合 (HOP)’, on December 13 (KST). The title track "Walkin On Water" has already taken over the YouTube Music Video Trending Worldwide chart, showing their massive fan support.

The group also wrapped up their record-breaking Stray Kids World Tour 'dominate (domINATE)', which included 48 performances across 32 cities. Their tour featured sold-out stadium concerts in 25 regions, proving that Stray Kids are a force to be reckoned with.

With so many milestones under their belt, Stray Kids is solidifying their place as a global phenomenon. Stay tuned for even more from this unstoppable group!

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Director Kim Hyung Joo of The Match has finally shared his thoughts on Yoo Ah In’s involvement in a drug scandal, calling it a major disappointment, especially considering the actor’s role as the lead in the film.

On March 19th, the director attended a press screening and briefing for The Match at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Alongside Kim, actors Lee Byung Hun, Ko Chang Seok, Hyun Bong Sik, Moon Jung Hee, and Jo Woo Jin were present to discuss the film.

The Match revolves around the legendary Go player Cho Hun Hyun (played by Lee Byung Hun), who, after a loss to his disciple, decides to challenge the top players again, driven by his competitive spirit. The movie is directed by Kim Hyung Joo.

Lee Byung Hun plays the iconic Go champion Cho Hun Hyun, while Yoo Ah In portrays his disciple, Lee Chang Ho.

During the event, Kim recalled the casting process, saying, "When we were casting, Lee Byung Hun was cast first. Just having him felt like we had the world, and then, getting Yoo Ah In as a bonus made me even happier."

Although filming wrapped up in 2021, Yoo Ah In's drug scandal led to the indefinite postponement of the film’s release. Now, nearly four years later, The Match is finally set to hit theaters on March 26th.

Reflecting on Yoo Ah In's scandal, Director Kim openly shared his frustration, calling it "irresponsible and disappointing" for the actor to make such a mistake as the lead.

He added, “Before being an actor, he made a mistake as a member of society and was punished, so I don’t think there’s much more to say.” Kim smiled bitterly as he spoke.

Describing the challenges he faced due to the scandal, Kim compared the experience to being trapped in "a hellish tunnel."

He said, "There was nothing I could do inside, so it was overwhelming. But now that we have the light of release, it feels like I can breathe. I’m deeply moved."

The director also shared that because Yoo Ah In was the lead actor, the film had to be released as it was, without editing. This has led some people to feel uneasy about watching the film, given the actor’s scandal.

When asked about this, Director Kim said, "Choosing and judging is up to the audience, so I can't force anything. But I hope they watch the movie as it is. I unintentionally got hurt before the release, so I hope people watch the movie warmly, as if applying ointment to a wound."

The Match will officially be released on March 26th.

Source: [1]