The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) honored K-pop boy band Stray Kids and the fictional bands in the hit animated movie “KPop Demon Hunters” for their achievements in 2025.
RIAA announced its Year End’s Best 2025 to honor artists who have earned certifications this year.
The association honored Stray Kids for earning Gold status in 2025 for their two albums “Karma” and “Hop.”
“Five #RIAATopCertified albums earned Gold status in 2025 and we just couldn’t get enough!” RIAA posted on Instagram.
RIAA said five albums earned Gold status in 2025. These are Stray Kids’ “Karma” and “Hop,” Myles Smith’s “A Minute, A Moment…,” Tucker Wetmore’s “What Not To,” and Gigi Perez’s "At The Beach, In Every Life."
Huntrix and Saja Boys, the two fictional K-pop groups in “KPop Demon Hunters,” were honored as members of RIAA Class of 2025.
“Meet the #RIAAClassOf 2025! Nine breakthrough artists earned their FIRST Gold or Platinum certifications this year. These are the records and voices that made 2025 a year to remember,” RIAA wrote.
Michele Ballantyne, RIAA president and COO, said, “Each year we spotlight artists earning their first Gold & Platinum certification, a testament to the drive and dedication it takes to truly break through. The Class of 2025 is reaching fans in exciting new ways, and this is only the beginning! Congratulations to these rising talents and the label teams supporting them – RIAA is proud to be part of the journey.”
The nine are Huntrix, Saja Boys, 803Fresh, Gelo, Jack Black, Malcolm Todd, Olivia Dean, Role Model and Sombr.
"Golden" by Huntr/x also earned multi-platinum status, while the "KPop Demon Hunters" soundtrack album earned platinum status in 2025.