For the modern music industry in general—and K-pop in particular—achievements related to digital music releases, especially sales and streaming numbers, have become a key metric for measuring an artist’s success. More importantly, these figures are no longer confined to domestic markets; data from international streaming platforms is now valued even more highly. It serves as a kind of “pαѕѕport,” validating a group’s global reach and influence.

This shift in focus has also led to increased attention on certifications from long-established European music organizations. A prime example is SNEP—a prestigious body founded in 1922 in fяαи¢є—which awards certifications based on album and single sales as well as equivalent units calculated from streaming and downloads. Earning a certification from SNEP is not merely about numbers; it represents a milestone that reflects an artist’s ability to penetrate the international market.

Another important point is that, for artists, the title of being “first” carries immense value. Becoming the “first” artist or group to achieve a particular milestone means that position can never be taken away, effectively elevating them to a standard-setting status. For this reason, both management companies and artists are usually very cautious when confirming “first” achievements, while fans and netizens are especially sensitive to such details. However, it appears that Stray Kids’ agency recently made a serious mistake.

Specifically, on the 17th, Stray Kids’ official account posted an update announcing a new achievement with the English caption: “Stray Kids Becomes First Boy Group to Achieve SNEP Gold Single Certification with ‘Chk Chk Boom’,” along with a link to a Naver article elaborating on the accomplishment. The post quickly gained traction, but surprisingly, most reactions were negative.

Many netizens—especially ARMY—pointed out inconsistencies between the X (Twitter) post and the information in the attached article. While the official account claimed that Stray Kids was the “First Boy Group to Achieve” this milestone, the article clearly demonstrated: “This marks Stray Kids' first Gold Single certification, the first for a 4th-generation boy group, and the second for any K-pop boy group, proving their immense global popularity".

In fact, the truth differs entirely from the statement made on Stray Kids’ X official account. BTS were actually the first K-pop boy group to achieve this milestone, having earned three Gold certifications for Fake Love, Boy With Luv, and Mic Drop. This also aligns with the article’s description that Stray Kids are the second K-pop boy group to receive a SNEP Gold certification with “Chk Chk Boom.” Beyond Gold certifications, BTS have also received a Platinum certification for Butter and two Diamond certifications for Dynamite and My Universe.

This means that Stray Kids’ official account shared inaccurate information—potentially even misleading—and effectively undermined BTS’s established achievements!

That said, most ARMY have emphasized that they do not deny Stray Kids’ achievements or abilities. In reality, Stray Kids are currently one of the most prominent K-pop groups both domestically and internationally. Many ARMY even hold favorable views toward the group, as the members have repeatedly expressed admiration and respect for BTS. Jimin once mentioned Felix during a YouTube variety appearance, and leader Bang Chan recently attended a BTS concert in Goyang. However, the management’s mistake in this case is too evident and difficult to overlook.

Under the official X post by Stray Kids, a wave of critical comments quickly followed:

- It’s neither respectful to artists who have already achieved these accomplishments, nor acceptable to erase their achievements. I kindly ask that you delete or correct it

- Do you need to lie and steal achievements? We already know you're a f*cking failure, but at least try to hide your jealousy and envy a little. You'll NEVER be BTS.

- This is straight up unprofessional. They are NOT the first boy group. BTS achieved it first. They’re just the first 4th-gen group to do it.

- I sincerely respect all of you, but I would appreciate it if you could edit the post. The article mentions ‘4th generation,’ but that detail is мιѕѕιиg from your X post, which could cause confusion. Thank you

- As a Stay x Army this is pretty embarrαѕѕing for an official account to post false info

- What do you even say to fans when official accs are spreading misinfo and faking achievements

- you forgot "4th gen" don't come at me with that read the article excuse. I read it and that's how I know you're lying. the headline says one thing, but the article says the exact opposite

- The official account is lying about achievements when BTS has 10X more gold and platinum SNEP certificate then this group... The level of mediaplay and brainwashing is INSANE

- This is the kind of shameless lying and mediaplay kpop stans accuse BTS of. "First boygroup to achieve gold for single from SNEP" is BTS and has not 1, not 2, but 7 different singles certified gold before this group

- The sabotage by JYP against Stray Kids has begun lol, it’s been very clear in recent weeks, d*mn—how can they be so incompetent?

- The worst part is that the article itself clearly stated they are the second group overall to achieve this, yet their official account still posted that misleading caption as if they were the first lol—this is so embarrαѕѕing, my god