Katseye’s latest single, “Gnarly,” has taken the internet—and the charts—by storm. From its explosive, hyperpop sound to its surreal visuals and viral lyrics, “Gnarly” marks a bold turn for the global girl group formed through the HYBE x Geffen Records Dream Academy project. But whether you love it or hate it, one thing is clear: Katseye is not playing it safe.
The track, co-written by avant-garde artist Alice Longyu Gao and pop hitmaker Madison Love, plays with the duality of the word “gnarly”—a term that can mean both cool and extreme, or unpleasant and shocking. That ambiguity perfectly mirrors the song’s aesthetic: chaotic yet calculated, playful yet provocative.
Musically, “Gnarly” leans into the hyperpop genre with glitchy beats, unexpected tempo changes, and pitch-shifted vocals. It’s a departure from the group’s more conventional debut tracks, positioning Katseye as fearless trailblazers in the ever-evolving global pop scene.
The music video for “Gnarly” is a sensory overload—think psychedelic graphics, glitch effects, and exaggerated facial expressions that instantly became meme fodder. While some critics initially dismissed it as nonsensical, others praised the group’s boldness and willingness to break away from the polished K-pop mold.
It’s no coincidence that the visuals sparked a viral TikTok trend. With fans and creators alike replicating the choreography and quoting the outlandish lyrics, “Gnarly” tapped into a key Gen Z truth: weird is good, and cringe can be cool.
Not everyone welcomed the experimental track with open arms. Some long-time fans expressed concern over the seemingly chaotic direction, and Korean media imposed restrictions due to the song’s explicit content—though a clean version helped it gain airplay on music shows.
Still, the strategy paid off. “Gnarly” became Katseye’s first single to enter the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, proving that controversy and creativity can go hand in hand. The song’s reception echoes earlier viral successes from artists like Doja Cat and Billie Eilish—artists who turned shock value into cultural capital.
In an era where polished perfection often reigns supreme, Katseye’s “Gnarly” stands out by embracing imperfection and chaos. It’s a daring move that redefines what it means to be a pop girl group in 2025—less about fitting into a mold, and more about breaking it.
As the group continues to develop its identity, “Gnarly” may be remembered as a turning point: the moment Katseye stopped chasing trends and started setting them.
