Stray Kids, the unstoppable global K-pop sensation, is gearing up for another impactful release with their upcoming album, SKZHOP HIPTAPE ‘合 (HOP)’, set to drop on December 13. The announcement, accompanied by a mesmerizing teaser video, has further fueled anticipation among fans worldwide.
Pioneering a "New Genre" with SKZHOP HIPTAPE
The SKZHOP HIPTAPE concept combines "SKZ," an abbreviation of Stray Kids, with "HIP-HOP," symbolizing a groundbreaking genre crafted by the group. Stray Kids’ social media announcement on November 15 included a teaser titled “Stray Kids SKZHOP HIPTAPE ‘合 (HOP)’ Logo Splash.” The video featured vibrant red and blue hues blending into dynamic waves, embodying the transformative energy of the new album.
‘合 (HOP)’ carries a dual meaning, merging the essence of the group’s unity (“合,” meaning "harmony" in Chinese) and the "hop" in hip-hop. Stray Kids promises to deliver a fresh wave in the K-pop industry through this project.
Stray Kids(스트레이 키즈) SKZHOP HIPTAPE "合 (HOP)" Logo Splash https://t.co/IK8oV7Fuf7
— Stray Kids (@Stray_Kids) November 14, 2024
2024.12.13 FRI 2PM (KST) | 0AM (ET)
💦PRE-SAVE "合 (HOP)"https://t.co/cV9tYAyn1z#StrayKids #스트레이키즈#合 #HOP#SKZHOP_HIPTAPE#StrayKidsComeback#YouMakeStrayKidsStay pic.twitter.com/cL3RtPx4KH
Record-Breaking Success in Japan
Stray Kids’ recent Japanese album, GIANT, has been a massive hit. It currently sits at No. 1 on the Billboard Japan Album Chart, with an impressive 264,390 copies sold between November 11 and 13. Additionally, GIANT debuted at No. 1 on Oricon’s Daily Album Rankings for November 12 and 13, solidifying the group's stronghold in the Japanese market.
【先ヨミ】Stray Kids『GIANT』26.4万枚で現在アルバム1位走行中 https://t.co/uv7Sm6w5T2
— Billboard JAPAN (@Billboard_JAPAN) November 14, 2024
The success of GIANT was celebrated through high-profile collaborations with brands like Suntory, JR Tōkai (Shinkansen), and Spotify, alongside unique promotions across Tokyo and Osaka.
A Phenomenal Year for Stray Kids
Stray Kids have enjoyed an extraordinary year, solidifying their position as K-pop trailblazers. Following their fifth consecutive Billboard 200 No. 1 entry with their album ATE, the group achieved over 500,000 sales in the U.S., earning their seventh RIAA Gold Certification. ATE also became the best-selling K-pop album in the U.S. for 2024 as of September 30.
An Exciting Close to 2024
With SKZHOP HIPTAPE ‘合 (HOP)’, Stray Kids aims to close out the year on a high note. Scheduled for release at 2 PM KST (midnight EST) on December 13, the album is expected to showcase the group’s innovative approach to music and reaffirm their dominance in the global music scene.
As Stray Kids continue to break records and redefine boundaries, their journey remains a testament to their unyielding creativity and influence in the K-pop industry. Fans worldwide eagerly await the release of ‘合 (HOP)’ to experience yet another masterpiece from the group that just can’t stop winning.
Stay tuned for updates as Stray Kids makes history once again!
💦PRE-SAVE & PRE-ORDER "合 (HOP)" NOW!