Stray Kids are proving their global popularity once again with the release of their second Japanese studio album, GIANT.

Released on November 13, GIANT is the group’s first Japanese full-length album in nearly two years, following THE SOUND in February 2023.

As soon as the album dropped, it topped multiple charts in Japan, including Apple Music, iTunes (overall, pop, and K-pop), LINE Music’s Real-Time Album Top 100, and AWA’s Real-Time Rising Album Top 100.

It also ranked No. 1 on iTunes Top Songs charts in nine regions and iTunes Top Albums charts in 19 regions, including Japan and the U.S. Impressively, GIANT became the first Japanese album by a K-pop artist this year to hit No. 1 on the U.S. iTunes Top Albums chart.

On top of that, the album dominated Oricon’s Daily Album Rankings for four consecutive days, from November 12 to November 15.

To celebrate the album’s release, Stray Kids teamed up with popular Japanese brands like Suntory, Tokyo Dome City, and Spotify for exciting promotional events.

As part of their Stray Kids World Tour "DOMINATE", the group also held three solo concerts at Tokyo Dome on November 14, 16, and 17, creating unforgettable moments for fans.

Since their Japanese debut in 2020, Stray Kids have consistently topped major music charts like Oricon and Billboard Japan. Last year, they became the first fourth-generation K-pop boy group to perform at all four major domes in Japan during their 5-STAR Dome Tour 2023, proving their massive popularity.

Stray Kids are keeping the momentum going with their upcoming album, SKZHOP HIPTAPE "合 (HOP)", set to release on December 13. This new album combines their signature sound with a fresh "hip-hop" concept, offering fans something truly unique to look forward to.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates from Stray Kids as they continue to make waves worldwide!

Source: [1]

Actor Lee Min Ho recently shared an unforgettable and embarrassing moment from his early career, revealing how he became a “falling star” at his first Baeksang Arts Awards.

On the December 25th episode of You Quiz on the Block (Episode 274), Lee Min Ho made a guest appearance and reflected on his rise to fame.

The actor, known for his iconic role as Goo Jun Pyo in Boys Over Flowers, won the Best New Actor award at the Baeksang Arts Awards, but it wasn’t just his victory that grabbed attention.

Lee Min Ho recalled, "I was attending the Baeksang for the first time, and I was so excited. Since I wasn’t going as Goo Jun Pyo, but as Lee Min Ho, I styled my hair in a perm and was ready to go." However, things took an unexpected turn when he tripped and fell on the red carpet.

He sighed, recalling, "That day, I fell. I fell and created so many memes. Even now, I look back and think, 'How did I walk that quickly on the red carpet?'"

Laughing at his own clumsiness, he admitted, "I was moving at the speed of light, no composure, no focus. Honestly, more than the joy of winning the award, that day was chaotic and so embarrassing for me."

Though his win was a highlight, Lee Min Ho humorously shared that the incident of tripping overshadowed the excitement of his achievement.

It’s safe to say that while the fall became a funny meme, it also became a lesson in humility for the actor, and a moment that fans still remember to this day.

Source: [1]