Stray Kids are gearing up for their most ambitious project yet with their fourth full-length Korean album, KARMA. This is going to be their first full-length album in two years after the record-smashing, 5-STAR, released in mid-2023.
On top of that, the release follows the group’s sold-out stadium tour, dominATE, and continues their run of self-produced music. After touring the world for nearly a year, Stray Kids wrapped their “largest-ever” tour with a final stop in Rome, Italy, on July 30.
Next, the group will begin promotions of the upcoming release, KARMA, and likely hold encore concerts in Seoul.
‘KARMA’ Release Date and Announcement
KARMA was announced on July 25, 2025, with a teaser revealing a futuristic sports world. The album will hit major music platforms on August 22, 2025, at 1 PM KST. Two versions of the title track “CEREMONY” will be released: a standard version and a “Festival Version,” along with an English version.
Album Concept and Visual Theme
Set in the year 2081, the concept revolves around “Karma Sports,” where all eight members are introduced as champions from past years. The cinematic teaser video portrayed the year 2081 and an elite event called “Karma Sports.”
Each of the eight members is presented as a former champion from 2074–2080, sporting animal-print outfits and receiving “Karma Coin” to compete again. The visuals include bold neon lighting, confetti explosions, Karma Coins, and a mix of athletic and futuristic styling.
‘Karma’ Tracklist
The official tracklist, revealed on July 29, includes 11 songs:
- 삐처리 (Bleep)
- CEREMONY (Title Track)
- CREED
- MESS
- In My Head
- HALF TIME
- Phoenix
- Ghost
- 0801
- CEREMONY (Festival Version)
- CEREMONY (English Version)
- Album Versions
KARMA will be released in 16 physical versions, including:
- Limited Edition (KARMA Ver.)
- CEREMONY, Hooray, and Compact Versions
- 8 Accordion Editions (member-focused)
- SKZoo (Nemo) Version
- 3 Vinyl Variants
Each version includes a 112-page photobook, outbox, CD, photo postcards, random photocard, sticker set, and a mini poster. Early buyers will also receive a Player Ticket Set.
Expected Chart Performance
Stray Kids have achieved six straight No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, including ODDINARY, MAXIDENT, 5-STAR, ROCK-STAR, ATE, and HOP, making them the first K-pop boy group to do so.
In South Korea, 5-STAR surpassed 5 million copies sold, and ROCK-STAR achieved nearly 4 million in its debut week alone. Their 2024 release, ATE, debuted with 232,000 equivalent units in the U.S. on the Billboard 200.
In addition, Stray Kids made their Billboard Hot 100 debut with LALALALA at No. 90, and their collaboration with Charlie Puth, Lose My Breath, also debuted at No. 90. They climbed higher in 2024 with Chk Chk Boom, which peaked at No. 49, their first Top 50 entry. “Ceremony” may top previous releases as their biggest hit yet.
With rising pre-order demand and exposure from their 34-city tour, KARMA is expected to outperform all past releases in both Korean album sales and U.S. chart rankings.
