HYBE’s latest teaser for KATSEYE’s new song Gnarly has sparked controversy, with netizens accusing the company of copying aespa’s concepts. Fans have mixed reactions, with some defending KATSEYE and others pointing to similarities with aespa and even Charli XCX.
Teaser Release and Initial Reactions
On April 24, 2025, HYBE released a teaser for KATSEYE’s upcoming song Gnarly. The teaser, shared by the popular K-pop account @kchartsmaster on X, featured the six-member international girl group in a vibrant, paparazzi-filled setting with crowds and a red carpet. The visuals quickly drew attention, but not all reactions were positive.
Netizens soon began comparing the teaser to aespa’s previous concepts, particularly their bold, futuristic, and media-centric themes. Some pointed to specific elements, like the crowd and red carpet scenes, which they felt echoed aespa’s music videos and teasers, such as Spicy or Drama. Others noted similarities to Charli XCX’s aesthetic, citing her use of chaotic, celebrity-driven imagery.
“The paparazzi concept, the crowds, the red carpet—it’s straight out of aespa’s playbook. HYBE isn’t even trying to hide it.”
“This feels like Charli XCX’s vibe too. The whole ‘celebrity chaos’ thing is her style.”
Netizens Point to HYBE’s History with aespa
The accusations didn’t arise in a vacuum. HYBE has faced similar criticism in the past, with netizens alleging the company has repeatedly drawn inspiration from aespa. A viral post on the Korean forum Pann in September 2024 listed multiple plagiarism controversies involving HYBE artists, including KATSEYE’s fandom name EYEKONs, which was criticized for resembling iKON’s fandom name iKONIC. Additionally, HYBE’s virtual girl group SYNDI8 was accused of copying aespa’s concept, with member Kanari being compared to aespa’s Karina in appearance and style.
In October 2024, a leaked internal HYBE report further fueled tensions. The document criticized aespa’s 2022 Coachella performance, claiming it lacked synchronization and stage presence. Fans of aespa accused HYBE of orchestrating a smear campaign, with some believing the company has a pattern of targeting aespa while mimicking their concepts.
“HYBE’s been obsessed with aespa for years. They criticize them in private reports but copy their concepts for their own groups. It’s clockwork.”
“Every time aespa does something iconic, HYBE’s next group has a ‘similar’ concept. Coincidence? I think not.”
KATSEYE Fans Defend the Group
Despite the accusations, KATSEYE’s fans, known as EYEKONs, swiftly came to the group’s defense. They argued that the teaser’s concept is not unique to aespa and that paparazzi and red carpet themes are common in pop culture. Many pointed out that aespa themselves have faced plagiarism allegations since their debut, including claims of copying K/DA and other artists, suggesting that such accusations are often overblown in K-pop.
Fans also emphasized KATSEYE’s distinct identity as an international girl group under HYBE and Geffen Records, formed through the 2024 survival show The Debut: Dream Academy. They argued that the group’s diverse influences, including the Pussycat Dolls and Spice Girls, set them apart from aespa’s futuristic, AI-driven concept.
“Aespa fans always cry plagiarism, but crowds and red carpets aren’t their invention. KATSEYE’s doing their own thing.”
“This is just K-pop fans starting drama. Aespa’s been accused of copying too—let’s not act like they own every concept.”
Broader Context of Plagiarism in K-pop
The controversy highlights the recurring issue of plagiarism allegations in the K-pop industry. HYBE has faced similar accusations before, including claims that LE SSERAFIM copied artists like Rosalia and Tyla, and that ILLIT’s fandom name LILLIES was too similar to BLACKPINK’s Lisa’s fanbase. Likewise, aespa has been accused of plagiarizing, with their Savage teasers drawing comparisons to Hajime Sorayama’s artwork and their Drama teaser resembling LE SSERAFIM’s ANTIFRAGILE.
Industry observers note that K-pop often draws from global pop culture, leading to overlapping aesthetics. A 2024 post on theqoo argued that while similarities exist, accusing companies of outright plagiarism requires clear evidence, as many concepts are inspired by universal trends.
HYBE’s Response and KATSEYE’s Current Status
As of April 24, 2025, HYBE has not issued an official statement addressing the plagiarism accusations. The company has faced significant scrutiny in recent months, including backlash over leaked internal documents and other controversies involving their artists. In October 2024, HYBE’s CEO Lee Jae-sang apologized for disparaging comments about K-pop idols in a leaked report, pledging to strengthen internal controls.
Meanwhile, KATSEYE continues to promote Gnarly, with fans eagerly awaiting the full release. The group, consisting of Manon, Sophia, Lara, Yoonchae, Megan, and Daniela, has been active since their debut in 2024, releasing songs like Touch and Flame for Netflix’s Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld. A recent video teasing new hairstyles and a cloud-like setting suggests a potential comeback in 2025, though the original clip was deleted, leading to speculation about its purpose.
Fan Sentiment and Ongoing Debate
The debate over the teaser continues to divide fans on X. Aespa’s supporters, known as MYs, insist that HYBE’s actions reflect a pattern of copying, while KATSEYE’s fans argue that the accusations are unfair and lack substance. Some netizens have called for both sides to focus on the music rather than fueling fanwars.
“HYBE needs to stop leeching off aespa’s viral moments. It’s shameless.”
“KATSEYE’s teaser is fire, and aespa doesn’t own paparazzi concepts. Can we just enjoy the music?”
The controversy has brought renewed attention to KATSEYE, with some fans noting that the group’s documentary Pop Star Academy already faced criticism for allegedly portraying member Manon negatively. Despite the challenges, KATSEYE’s growing fanbase remains supportive, hoping the group can rise above the drama.
More Related News:
HYBE Girl Groups Unite: LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE Share First-Ever Group Photo
Recent Updates
The most recent updates indicate that KATSEYE’s Gnarly is generating buzz, with the teaser alone sparking widespread discussion. While HYBE has yet to respond to the plagiarism claims, the controversy has not slowed KATSEYE’s momentum. Fans are closely watching for the song’s release, expected to showcase the group’s bold, global-inspired sound. For aespa, the group continues to dominate with their latest album Whiplash, released in October 2024, solidifying their position as a leading K-pop act.
CREDITS: HYBE
