J.Y. Park, the founder and chief producer of JYP Entertainment Corp., celebrated Stray Kids’ historic Billboard achievement with a glittering gift: 160 don (21 ounces) of pure gold.
The group revealed the lavish present on their official social media on Monday, posting a photo of the framed gold with the caption: “Thank you, PD-nim.”
Stray Kids recently topped the Billboard 200 with their new album KARMA, making them the first act in history to send seven consecutive albums to No. 1 on the chart since 2022’s Oddinary.
Park’s framed gold plaques were engraved to commemorate the record-breaking feat.
Each plaque was crafted from 75 grams of gold — equal to 20 don — with all eight members receiving one.
Combined, they totaled 160 don, worth over 100 million won ($73,000), based on the prices quoted by the Korea Gold Exchange as of Sept. 17.
The team’s producing trio 3RACHA — Bang Chan, Changbin and Han — once again helmed all 11 tracks on the new album.
“This album carries the most thought and effort we’ve put in so far,” Changbin said at a recent press conference.
“We wanted it to be our way of repaying STAY. Even when busy, we can’t resist creating and trying new things. That’s how Stray Kids’ music and color come to life.”
STAY is the name of Stray Kids’ official fandom.
“In the beginning, we weren’t sure if this was the right path. We saw a lot of criticism. But thanks to the members and STAY who believed in us, we gained confidence. Stubbornness became our strength — and it worked out in the end,” he added at the press conference.
Meanwhile, J.Y. Park himself is also celebrating a personal milestone, having recently been appointed co-chair of the presidential-level Committee on Cultural Exchange.
yhkim@hankyung.com
