KATSEYE’s “Gnarly” MV Sparks Mixed Reactions: Stellar Visuals, Questionable Lyrics

The rising girl group dazzles with choreography and visuals, but fans are torn over the lyrical content.

K-pop’s newest powerhouse, KATSEYE, just dropped their latest single “Gnarly”—a hyperpop-infused sonic adventure that’s already generating major buzz online. The accompanying music video, released on April 30, 2025, is packed with high-energy choreography, sleek visuals, and the group’s trademark charisma. But while the group’s star power remains unquestioned, fans and critics are more divided than ever over one thing: the lyrics.

Performance Powerhouse

From the moment the music video hit YouTube, fans were enthralled by KATSEYE’s commanding stage presence. The choreography has already inspired a wave of TikTok dance challenges, and the group’s styling and set design received universal praise. It’s clear that visually and performance-wise, “Gnarly” is a slam dunk.

Lyrics Leave Some Scratching Their Heads

Despite the hype, the lyrics have sparked a firestorm of criticism. Lines like “Making beats for a boring dumb btch”* and “Hottie, hottie, like a bag of Takis” raised eyebrows among even the group’s staunchest supporters. Many listeners described the lyrics as awkward, forced, or simply out of place with KATSEYE’s previous image.

Fan Reactions: A Mixed Bag

KATSEYE’s fanbase, while loyal, has been vocal about their confusion. Social media platforms lit up with mixed reviews—some praised the group’s boldness in experimenting with a new sound, while others questioned whether the lyrical choices enhanced or hindered the song’s impact.

Clean vs. Explicit: A Tale of Two Tracks

Interestingly, the group released both clean and explicit versions of “Gnarly.” The clean version, which omits profanities and certain brand references, has reportedly fared better on Korean broadcast shows and with international audiences. This split strategy suggests an awareness of the diverse cultural reception the track would receive.

KATSEYE Responds with Humor

In response to the polarizing feedback, the group posted a lighthearted TikTok declaring that “Gnarly” is a grower, not a shower—suggesting that fans might warm up to the track with repeated listens. The comment, while cheeky, hints at the group’s willingness to evolve and take risks, even at the cost of controversy.

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Final Verdict

Love it or hate it, “Gnarly” is a statement track—and it’s one that has certainly succeeded in keeping KATSEYE at the center of the conversation. Whether this bold move cements their reputation or becomes a footnote in their discography remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: KATSEYE isn’t afraid to shake things up.