KATSEYE new target of BLACKPINK, aespa and NewJeans fans? Fandoms unite against HYBE girl group's new song 'Gnarly'
Daniela Avanzini, Lara Rajagopalan, Megan Skiendiel, Yoonchae Jeong, Sophia Laforteza, and Manon Bannerman of HYBE girl group KATSEYE have become the latest targets of backlash within the K-pop fandom.
KATSEYE, the global girl group under HYBE America, has dropped their upcoming single, Gnarly. While the song, performed by the six-member group ¡ª Daniela Avanzini, Lara Rajagopalan, Megan Skiendiel, Yoonchae Jeong, Sophia Laforteza, and Manon Bannerman ¡ª has received mixed reactions, the buzz surrounding it was already palpable.
Why, you may ask? Well, shortly after the teasers were released, three major fandoms ¡ª BLACKPINK, aespa, and NewJeans ¡ª began accusing KATSEYE of plagiarism, pointing fingers at every scene in the teaser.
KATSEYE is the new target?
Netizens quickly noticed that two outfits worn by KATSEYE members closely resembled costumes worn by BLACKPINK's Jisoo and Jennie in their music videos. Some fans even claimed that KATSEYE had copied music tracks from aespa. This started a huge fanwar on X (formerly known as Twitter), with them even shifting blame on the BTS fandom ARMY.
Let's not lie now https://t.co/2PZjyOu0eC pic.twitter.com/1BrdtQOW7U
¡ª ECHO ??? ???? ? (@RUHTANNIE) April 29, 2025
You could¡¯ve at least waited a couple of days for everyone to forget about it before starting this narrative https://t.co/XvfqFXQV33 pic.twitter.com/wFETD1Mhst
¡ª layla ? (@97nations) April 29, 2025
While KATSEYE's fanbase, though smaller than those of the three established groups, defended their idols, many believe the backlash began after photos of the HYBE girl groups were released.
min heejin amd her minions really ruined kpop because back in my days when idols get similar outfits the only tweets we see are them ¡®this only means one thing in korea¡¯ tweets.
¡ª ?????? (@jenslure) April 28, 2025
now wearing outfits of the same color = plagiarism https://t.co/Rm0JnFyCKO
HYBE girl groups' reunion
On April 19, the EASY CRAZY HOT world tour stop in Seoul saw a heartwarming reunion at Inspire Arena in Incheon. While LE SSERAFIM captivated the audience with their high-energy performance, fellow HYBE groups ILLIT and KATSEYE were seen cheering on their labelmates.
However, a the absence of NewJeans had become the talk of the town. Currently embroiled in a legal dispute with their agency, ADOR, NewJeans did not attend the event.
Their absence is likely a result of the ongoing tensions with their agency, which has led to their separation from the rest of the HYBE family. This rift may have fueled some of the backlash directed at KATSEYE.
Support for KATSEYE
However, the girls are receiving support from their other labelmates. Even Seventeen's Vernon, who does not post much on his Instagram, posted the song Gnarly on his Insta story.
Seventeen's Vernon Insta story
About Gnarly
Gnarly marks a major shift in KATSEYE's musical style, departing from their earlier bubblegum pop sound. The track is an experimental pop anthem that highlights the group's bold confidence as they step into a new musical identity.
Along with the single, KATSEYE has also released a visually striking music video, featuring neon visuals that enhance the track's intense energy.
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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