▲ Boy group Stray Kids is seen in this photo provided by JYP Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Aug. 18 (Yonhap) -- K-pop boy group Stray Kids said Tuesday that scoring their ninth consecutive No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart is "especially meaningful" as it marks the most No. 1s by a group in the 21st century.

"Like destiny, we achieved our ninth No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in our ninth year since debut," the group said through its agency, JYP Entertainment.

Stray Kids topped the Billboard 200 with their new mini album "THIS & THAT," according to a chart preview published by Billboard on Aug. 16.

The group has now extended its record for the most consecutive No. 1s on the Billboard 200 by a K-pop act. Beginning with "ODDINARY" in 2022, eight of their albums had previously topped the chart in succession, including "★★★★★," "樂-STAR," "KARMA" and "DO IT."

The achievement marks the most No. 1s on the chart by any group in the 21st century and the second-most in Billboard history after the Beatles, who scored 19. It also ties the record held by the Rolling Stones.

"THIS & THAT," the album that gave Stray Kids their ninth No. 1, contains eight tracks, including its title track of the same name. The album conveys a bold attitude and confidence in pursuing what one wants without being bound by convention.

"Above all, we were able to achieve this thanks to STAY, our fandom, who have supported Stray Kids unwaveringly," the group said, referring to its fans.

"We are deeply honored to reach the remarkable milestone of nine consecutive No. 1s on the Billboard 200 as a group that genuinely loves music and wants to give positive energy and strength to many people through music," they added.

The group also pledged to continue expanding its distinctive musical spectrum beyond conventional boundaries, in line with the meaning behind its name of forging one's own path.

"With the great love of STAY, who are always moving forward with us, we want to show music fans around the world the limitless growth of not only Stray Kids but also K-pop," the group said.

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