In a surprising turn of events, K-pop sensation Stray Kids has outpaced global pop icon Taylor Swift in album sales, according to Forbes. The group’s latest release, “Hop,” sold an impressive 187,000 copies in the U.S., surpassing Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department,” which sold 50,500 copies in the second-to-last week of December 2024.
Chart Dominance: Stray Kids Take the Lead
Stray Kids’ “Hop” secured the number one spot on the Billboard charts in the final week of December, pushing Swift’s album to second place. Of the 187,000 units sold, a staggering 176,000 were traditional album sales, while streaming accounted for the rest.
This achievement marks yet another milestone for Stray Kids, who continue to expand K-pop’s global reach. Their ability to dominate album sales against one of the most decorated artists of the decade highlights the genre’s growing influence worldwide.
Taylor Swift’s Unstoppable Legacy
Despite slipping to second place on the charts, Taylor Swift remains a cultural juggernaut. Her Eras Tour grossed an astounding $2.2 billion, setting records and revitalizing local economies, including the hospitality sector in Canada, where she concluded the tour in December 2024.
Swift also dominated Spotify Wrapped 2024, securing the number one artist spot and sweeping 10 Billboard Music Awards last month. Fans eagerly await her next move, with speculation surrounding the release of “Reputation (Taylor’s Version)” later this year.
Stray Kids vs. Taylor Swift: A Clash of Titans
The rise of Stray Kids and their chart-topping success reflects the growing popularity of K-pop as a global cultural phenomenon. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift continues to captivate audiences worldwide, proving that her influence spans far beyond album sales.
While Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” may not have claimed the top spot this time, her legacy and ongoing popularity ensure she remains a dominant force in the music industry.
What’s Next?
As Stray Kids celebrates their Billboard victory, Taylor Swift fans are on high alert for any announcements about her next project. Whether she’s planning new music or another groundbreaking tour, the world is watching.
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