KATSEYE Spark Massive Controversy, Korean Netizens Threaten Reports To Government Authorities

Some are even calling for formal complaints to be submitted.
News
Koreaboo

KATSEYE is once again at the center of controversy following their recent performance on M Countdown. The girl group’s stage has gone viral, but partly not for the reasons they may have hoped.

Instead, some Korean netizens are expressing growing concern and outrage, with some even calling for formal complaints to be submitted to government authorities.

katseye 1
| HYBE

The backlash stems largely from the group’s suggestive choreography and styling choices during the performance. Some viewers were particularly uncomfortable with the inclusion of certain provocative moves, which they argue are inappropriate, especially for the group’s youngest member, 17-year-old Yoonchae.

katseye yoonchae gnarly
| HYBE

Criticism surrounding KATSEYE has been steadily building ever since the release of their debut track, “Gnarly.” The song faced widespread backlash over its lyrics, which many described as “awful” and lacking substance.

HYBE Blasted And Ridiculed For “Awful” Lyrics In New KATSEYE Song

Who Wrote The “Atrocious” Lyrics For KATSEYE’s Controversial Song “Gnarly”? 

The music video didn’t help their case, featuring scenes and choreography that many found overly sexualized.

HYBE Criticized After KATSEYE’s “Gnarly” Accused Of Being Inappropriate For Minor Member

Some Korean netizens seem even more upset by the M CountDown stage. Many posts on X (formerly known as Twitter) about the performance have gone viral.

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.

— hwesaek92124 via X (formerly known as Twitter)

Meanwhile, on the other side, we have idols coming forward saying they were forcibly sexually harassed by their company CEO, and yet people still don’t get it. Still going on about “typical radical feminists,” like that’s the real issue. Seriously, in what world is this the work of some evil woman? They’re literally depicting sexual acts outright in the music videos.

— nekonolake via X (formerly known as Twitter)

Everyone, please file formal complaints with the Broadcasting Review Committee, the Korea Media Rating Board, and the Youth Harmful Media Reporting Center under the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. We need to let go of the mindset that “it won’t change anything.” We can make change happen. We’ve come this far together, let’s keep going!!

— IBMIBETK via X (formerly known as Twitter)

These heated responses have sparked even more reactions from other Korean fans, who don’t agree with the viral posts.

Wow~ this is so feminist! Of course, right? We have to censor women in short skirts!! When women show skin, men lose all self-control. Of course that’s how it works!

— ttoittoi22 via X (formerly known as Twitter)

Can people really not tell that the music video was just a stylized, subversive take? It was clearly meant to look bizarre and disturbing. I mean, the song is literally called ‘Gnarly.’

— dauqugw111 via X (formerly known as Twitter)

This country still can’t move past the idea that if someone dresses revealingly, they’re asking to be assaulted. It’s honestly disgusting.

— mimi202420241

What are your thoughts on the controversy? You can comment on our social media posts!

KATSEYE

KATSEYE’s Interview Sparks Heated Reactions Over Alleged Ableism

HYBE Idol Reveals The Reason A Member Made Her Cry

HYBE Idol Accidentally Posts Personal Photos To Main Instagram Account

Popular HYBE Star’s Response To Severe Accusations Triggers Heated Debate

See more KATSEYE

Next Page
Scroll to top