HYBE slammed for 'sexualising' minors after KATSEYE¡¯s 'provocative' Gnarly performance: 'When will this stop stripping women?'
HYBE is under fire after KATSEYE¡¯s M Countdown performance sparked backlash over suggestive choreography and outfits, especially involving 17-year-old Yoonchae. Critics have accused the label and founder Bang Si-hyuk of sexualizing minors and called for greater industry accountability.
HYBE, the powerhouse label behind K-pop acts like BTS and TXT, is facing mounting criticism over its newest girl group, KATSEYE, after the group¡¯s recent performance of Gnarly, their latest single, on M Countdown sparked controversy across South Korea.
The performance, which has since gone viral online, was intended to showcase KATSEYE¡¯s stage presence and growing popularity. Instead, it has ignited outrage, with many slamming the group¡¯s styling and choreography as overly suggestive, particularly given that one of the members, Yoonchae, is only 17 years old.
HYBE slammed for KATSEYE's provocative outfits and choreography
KATSEYE, the global girl group comprising Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia and Yoonchae, is grabbing headlines right from their debut, although not for the reasons they would have wanted. Clips of KATSEYE's alleged provocative performance have gone viral online, with Korean viewers expressing discomfort with the styling choices and specific dance moves that they felt crossed the line. The incident has led to calls for formal complaints to be filed against HYBE, with some saying that entertainment companies need stricter oversight when debuting young idols.
KATSEYE under fire for their Gnarly performance
The backlash began after a clip of KATSEYE¡¯s Gnarly performance on M Countdown went viral. Since the show airs on South Korea¡¯s Mnet channel, the group¡¯s bold styling and choreography quickly sparked strong reactions among Korean viewers. Many, used to the softer image often seen in 5th generation girl groups, were caught off guard by KATSEYE¡¯s concept, which leans heavily into Western aesthetics.
One viral post on X sharply criticized both the group and their label, HYBE, for putting the young idols in outfits described as ¡°butt and boob covers,¡± while performing choreography that involved "twerking" and "spreading their legs." The post, which has racked up over 7 million views, read:
¡°This is unbearable. It¡¯s 2025, and we still have to watch trashy music shows where female idols wear butt-and-boob covers, turn around and run their hands down their legs, twerk, sit with their legs spread, and do dances that overly emphasize their chest?
When will this stop? When will they stop stripping women just to put them on stage? Female singers can perform without having to do all that. I sincerely hope the industry of female sexualization run by Mr. Bang finally collapses.¡±
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¡ª ???? (@hwesaek92124) May 2, 2025
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The viral tweet received mixed reactions online. While many users agreed with the original post and echoed concerns about the group's styling and choreography, others argued that KATSEYE shouldn¡¯t be held to traditional K-pop standards since they¡¯re a global group and not strictly a K-pop act.
More about KATSEYE's song Gnarly
The group formed on Netflix's Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE recently released their new single, Gnarly. This song follows their previous hits Touch and Debut, and their 2024 EP SIS. According to the group, Gnarly showcases their bold and fun side, and they're excited to share this part of themselves with their growing fanbase, the EYEKONS. The track, however, received backlash for what many saw as shallow, unpolished lyrics.
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As an Entertainment Content Writer with 3+ Years of experience, I have been keeping a keen eye on who wore what. A self confessed Koreaboo, I am your fangirl next door. Ps: I take pride in saying that I grew up watching "It's Controversial" as a kid.
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