Stray Kids achieve Billboard No. 1 status, with their earnings reaching 102 million won in gold, thanks to Park Jin-young's efforts.
Stray Kids, the popular K-pop act under JYP Entertainment, have achieved another milestone in their career. On Monday, a photo of the band members holding framed gold records was shared on Instagram, marking their fourth full-length album, "Karma," as their seventh consecutive No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 albums chart.
The gold plaques, each weighing 75 grams of pure gold, were presented by Park Jin-young, the founder and chief producer of JYP Entertainment. The combined weight of the plaques totals 600 grams, with an estimated value of over 100 million won ($74,000) based on Wednesday's trading price at the Korea Exchange.
Park Jin-young's role as a cultural diplomat extends beyond his work with Stray Kids. On September 9, he was appointed as co-chair of the Commission on Pop-Culture Exchange by the presidential office. The Commission aims to expand international partnerships in music, television, film, and gaming, capitalizing on the increased global interest in Korean culture.
Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young is the other co-chair of the Commission on Pop-Culture Exchange. The establishment of this initiative comes at a timely moment, as the world continues to show a growing appreciation for Korean culture.
Stray Kids, known for self-producing much of their music, are one of the leading K-pop acts in the global market. Their album "Karma" debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 albums chart earlier this month, making them the first act in the 70-year history of the chart to debut seven consecutive albums at the top.
Park Jin-young's new role in cultural diplomacy is not his first foray into promoting Korean culture internationally. In September 2021, he took on a new role as a cultural diplomat to further the reach of Korean culture worldwide.
The Commission on Pop-Culture Exchange is set to strengthen international partnerships and foster a deeper understanding of Korean culture. As Stray Kids continue to make history in the K-pop industry, their success serves as a testament to the power of music and cultural exchange.
