They are making significant waves in music, fashion, and social media.
KATSEYE's success, rooted in Bang Si-hyuk's strategy, presents a new direction for K-pop.
[TV Daily reporter Kim Han-gil] Global girl group KATSEYE, born from the collaboration between HYBE and Geffen Records, has emerged as the 'next-generation pop icon' just one year after their debut. They have gained significant recognition across various sectors, including music, fashion, and social media, in global markets such as the US and Europe, expanding the horizons of K-pop. Recently, Google ranked KATSEYE as the 2nd 'Trending Musician' in the USA in their 'Year in Search 2025', affirming their influence. This is an exceptional achievement for a rookie who just entered their second year, evidenced by their impactful North American tour 'Beautiful Chaos', establishing their performance style as a new fashion trend in American pop culture.
Musically, KATSEYE has also made remarkable strides, with their second EP 'Beautiful Chaos' reaching 4th place on the Billboard 200. Two of their tracks, 'Gabriela' and 'Gnarly', have consistently climbed various charts, further showcasing their rising popularity. The New York Times has recognized KATSEYE twice in their 'Best of 2025' list, with 'Gnarly' placing 2nd in the 'Best Songs of 2025'. On TikTok, they were named the 'Global Artists of the Year', generating significant buzz among fans.
KATSEYE was formed through the audition project 'Dream Academy', based on the 'K-pop methodology', embodying Bang Si-hyuk's strategy of 'multi-home, multi-genre'. Their growth signifies a major influence in shaping the next generation of global pop, permeating both the music and fashion worlds alongside digital culture.
KATSEYE serves as a sterling example of Bang Si-hyuk's 'multi-home, multi-genre' strategy, adeptly encompassing a wide range of genres rooted in K-pop techniques. Their second EP, 'Beautiful Chaos', signifies their commitment to exploring innovative musical boundaries. Additionally, the visual representation within their music videos and live performances effectively showcases their unique identity and style.
Their remarkable engagement in separate campaigns and social media demonstrates just how adept KATSEYE is at leveraging digital platforms. The global phenomenon surrounding their choreography has elevated them from mere artists to cultural icons, significantly impacting the audience's perception. Moreover, their organic interaction with fans plays a crucial role in nurturing a larger fandom over time.
Furthermore, their unique achievements in global markets herald a new era for K-pop. KATSEYE is not just a symbol of one group's success; they are breaking down traditional boundaries of K-pop and leading a new paradigm. This attitude is likely to usher in significant shifts in the music industry going forward.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: HYBE Labels
