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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Actress Lim Ji Yeon is finally opening up about the unexpected backlash she received after showing support for actor Jung Woo Sung during his controversial return to the public eye.

In an interview on January 23rd, following the end of her drama The Tale of Lady Ok, Lim Ji Yeon spoke candidly about the situation that caused a stir at the 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards in November last year.

At the event, Jung Woo Sung made his public return after facing controversy surrounding an “illegitimate child” with model Moon Ga Bi. While Jung Woo Sung took the stage to apologize, Lim Ji Yeon was seen clapping and cheering for him.

Reflecting on that moment, Lim Ji Yeon shared, "It was a brief moment, so it’s hard to say whether it was right or wrong." She added, "I didn’t expect the public’s reaction. On the other hand, I was cautious since The Tale of Lady Ok was airing at the time."

For those who missed it, Jung Woo Sung and Moon Ga Bi, who had been in a relationship since 2022, revealed last year that they were expecting a child.

The actor took full responsibility for the situation and issued an apology during the awards ceremony, saying, "I’m sorry for causing concern and disappointment to everyone who has shown me love and support. I will bear all the criticism, and I promise to take full responsibility as a father to my son".

However, while Jung Woo Sung addressed the controversy, it was Lim Ji Yeon’s show of support that sparked controversy.

She cheered enthusiastically for Jung Woo Sung, while actress Hye Ri, who was seated next to her, kept a neutral, expressionless face. This led to a wave of criticism from some netizens who questioned Lim Ji Yeon’s reaction.

It’s worth noting that Lim Ji Yeon’s agency, Artist Company, was co-founded by Jung Woo Sung and actor Lee Jung Jae, both of whom currently serve as directors.

Could this connection have influenced Lim Ji Yeon’s public display of support? She’s still processing the response, and fans are curious to know how she’ll handle the fallout moving forward.

Source: [1]