Stray Kids is once again making history — and this time, they're doing it solo. The group has been nominated for Best K-Pop at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) for the fourth year in a row, solidifying their reputation as one of the most influential K-pop acts on the global stage. Notably, they’re the only K-pop boy group nominated this year.
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| Photo Credit - MTV |
On August 5 (local time), MTV officially announced the nominees via their website and social platforms, revealing that Stray Kids earned their 2025 nod with “Chk Chk Boom,” the fierce and genre-defying title track from their ATE mini-album, released in July 2024.
This marks yet another milestone in the group’s award legacy:
2022: First nomination for MANIAC from ODDINARY2023: First win with Special from their third full-length album ★★★★★ (5-STAR)
2024: Nominated again with Rock (樂) from 樂-STAR
2025: Fourth consecutive nod with Chk Chk Boom
Founded in 1984, the MTV VMAs are one of the four most prestigious music awards ceremonies in the U.S., alongside the Grammys, Billboard Music Awards, and American Music Awards. Stray Kids’ sustained presence at the VMAs is a rare feat, especially among K-pop boy groups, and a powerful signal of their enduring international appeal.
Beyond the VMAs: A Year of Global Triumph
Stray Kids has had a banner year, sweeping awards across continents:
Music Video of the Year & Best 3 Albums at the 39th Japan Gold Disc AwardsFavorite Music Group at the 2025 Kids' Choice Awards
K-Pop Album of the Year at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards (for the second straight year)
They’ve also been on their most ambitious tour to date — the Stray Kids World Tour 'dominATE', performing in some of the largest stadiums around the globe and setting new records along the way.
What’s Next: ‘KARMA’ Is Coming
Stray Kids is set to return with their 4th full-length album, KARMA, on August 22, marking their first studio album in two years. The project will include 11 tracks, including the title song CEREMONY, all infused with the sonic fingerprints of 3RACHA — Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han — who have once again led the album’s production.
KARMA follows the success of SKZHOP HIPTAPE’s 合 (HOP), which dominated the Billboard 200 for six consecutive weeks — a rare feat for any K-pop act, let alone a self-producing boy group.
Stray Kids(스트레이 키즈) "KARMA" ONLINE COVER
— Stray Kids (@Stray_Kids) August 5, 2025
2025.08.22 FRI 1PM (KST) | 0AM (ET)
🏆PRE-SAVE & PRE-ORDER "KARMA" NOW!https://t.co/8bsECR1Iym#StrayKids #스트레이키즈#KARMA#CEREMONY #StrayKidsComeback#YouMakeStrayKidsStay pic.twitter.com/WsObY8MEhC
As Stray Kids prepares to drop another major album and heads into award season with a historic VMA nomination, one thing is clear: they’re not just part of the K-pop — they’re leading it.
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