[OSENWORLD] Stray Kids brought down the curtain at the launch ceremony for Korea’s Cultural Exchange Committee on Oct. 1, delivering a finale performance that blended tradition and modern K-pop spectacle.
Introduced by President Lee Jae-myung as “our nation’s pride, the first artists in Billboard 200 history to debut seven consecutive albums at No. 1,” the group set the tone with a grand intro that fused Korean traditional elements. They reimagined signature hits Thunderous and God’s Menu with a gugak arrangement, showcasing flawless live vocals and commanding stage presence that electrified both the live audience and global fans tuning in via livestream.
“Congratulations on the launch of the Cultural Exchange Committee. It’s an honor for Stray Kids to take part in such a meaningful occasion,” the members said. They then teamed up with the K-Tigers Taekwondo demonstration team and traditional lion dancers for a joint performance of CEREMONY, the lead single from their latest Billboard 200-topping album KARMA, creating a spectacular finale that embodied Korea’s cultural spirit.
The group’s chart power continues to hold strong. KARMA, released in August, ranked No. 18 on the Billboard 200 dated Oct. 4, becoming Stray Kids’ first album to stay in the Top 20 for five consecutive weeks. The album also logged a fifth week atop the World Albums chart — the longest run at No. 1 for any K-pop release in 2025. Meanwhile, CEREMONY made history as only the second K-pop track to remain on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart for more than five weeks.
Next up, Stray Kids will hold two sold-out encore concerts of their dominATE : celebrATE world tour at Incheon Asiad Main Stadium on Oct. 18–19, marking their first-ever domestic stadium shows. Both dates sold out instantly, with additional seats disappearing just as quickly.
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
Courtesy of JYP Entertainment
