Stray Kids Cement Japan Popularity with Hollow Album Success

Stray Kids achieved record-breaking success in Japan with Hollow, surpassing 730,000 first-week sales and topping multiple charts. The album featured all-original Japanese tracks and highlighted the group’s creative strength through full participation by 3RACHA. Hollow also gained international recognition, topping iTunes in 21 countries and drawing emotional praise from Korean fans.

Stray Kids Reach Half-Million Preorders with Hollow Before Official Launch

Stray Kids demonstrated overwhelming popularity in Japan with their third Japanese mini album Hollow, released on June 18. Even before the official release, the album surpassed 610,000 preorders on June 17 alone. This achievement made Hollow their second release in Japan to reach half a million copies before its official launch. Their first was the 2023 EP Social Path (feat. LiSA) / Super Bowl -Japanese ver.-, which set a similar precedent.

Record-Breaking Sales Establish Hollow as Milestone for Stray Kids in Japan

According to Billboard Japan, Hollow topped the Top Album Sales chart with over 730,000 copies sold between June 16 and 22. It also debuted at No. 1 on the Oricon Weekly Album Ranking and the Combined Album Ranking announced on June 24. The album broke the group’s own first-week sales record and set a new high among 4th-generation K-pop groups in Japan. Only three artists surpassed 500,000 in first-week sales this year, and Stray Kids became the only international act to do so.

Global iTunes Rankings Confirm Hollow Resonates Beyond Japan

Stray Kids also saw strong success on digital platforms both in Japan and abroad. Hollow topped Apple Music and iTunes in Japan across all albums, pop albums, and K-pop categories. It also reached No. 1 on the Oricon Weekly Digital Album Ranking and several other major domestic digital charts. In addition, the album climbed to No. 1 on iTunes charts in 21 countries, including Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia, proving their global resonance once again.

Stray Kids Expand Musical Identity Through Original Tracks in Hollow

Hollow is Stray Kids’ first Japanese mini album in nearly three years since Circus, released in June 2022. For the first time since their Japanese debut, every track on the album consists of original Japanese songs. The group’s in-house producing unit 3RACHA—Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han—participated in writing and producing all the tracks. Their involvement reaffirmed Stray Kids’ musical identity as a self-producing group with creative control and artistic intent.

Emotional Impact and Music Video Success

The title track “Hollow” combines the English word for “empty” with the Korean word meaning “alone” or “isolated.” The song expresses a sudden emotional void through intense synth leads, expressive piano touches, and layers of electric guitar. Its music video reached No. 1 on YouTube’s worldwide trending chart on June 11, the day of its pre-release. As of June 25, the video was approaching 10 million views, reflecting widespread interest across global audiences.

Fans Celebrate Milestone in Japan and Korea

As news of their impressive performance in Japan spread, Korean online communities like instiz filled with messages congratulating Stray Kids. Many fans called “Hollow” highly addictive and praised its emotional tone and compelling melody. Some said the B-side tracks were so moving they felt like crying while listening. Although their Korean popularity once lagged behind their global success, Stray Kids are now gaining momentum and building a stronger local fanbase.

Stray Kids Hit Milestone as MANIAC Gains 300 Million Views

Stray Kids drew global attention when MANIAC reached 300 million views and led a massive stadium tour. Their growing popularity in South Korea also signals a shift in domestic recognition.

Here’s a link to instiz.

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