“HYBE Payola!” KATSEYE’s Appearance At The VMAs Embroiled In Controversy

It included the performance and award.

KATSEYE‘s recent appearance and achievements at the 2025 VMAs have sparked controversy.

to our amazing EYEKONS —thank you from the bottom of our hearts!! your constant love and support
The members of KATSEYE | @katseyeworld/Instagram

The members attended the 2025 VMAs on September 7 (local time), during which KATSEYE won the award for “Best Push.”

Yet, the win had criticism after netizens accused HYBE of doing “payola” as the winners of the award since 2022 have gone to groups from the company.

Sophia also sparked backlash after she thanked HYBE founder Bang Si Hyuk for the award, with many hitting back at his problematic behavior, and also linking to HYBE’s “buying” the award.

Their performance of “Gnarly” also sparked some controversy.

In the comments, some netizens were obsessed, but others criticized the song, and some even thought the interactions on the tweet were bought by HYBE.

Netizens believe that HYBE groups are unecessarily being hated on due to the company.

KATSEYE

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