It’s comeback season for KATSEYE. On Wednesday, April 30, the girl group made their long-awaited return with “Gnarly.” The single, which marks their first piece of new music in eight months, is a bold track that’s sure to be a contender for song of the summer.
“Gnarly” sees Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae showcasing a brand new side of themselves. While their previous singles “Debut” and “Touch” dealt with themes of friendship, love, and self-empowerment, “Gnarly” is about the girls’ experience as members of Gen Z. Throughout the song, KATSEYE makes cultural references toward snacks like boba tea and Takis, as well as popular slang terms like “lit” and “gang gang.” They also boast about their newfound fame living in Hollywood and making music.
According to a press release, KATSEYE’s “Gnarly” lyrics are meant to exude “excitement, vulnerability and overstimulation” as the girls embrace “the blurred line between the real and the digital worlds.”
“We want people to feel the vibes, to really connect with our music,” the group said about their latest release. “‘Gnarly’ feels true to us — it’s bold, it’s fun, and it shows a different side of what we’re about. It feels good to share more of that as we grow alongside the EYEKONS.”
EYEKONS is the name of KATSEYE’S dedicated fandom, which the group has been steadily building over the past two years. Fans first fell in love with the girls by watching them on Dance Academy. The reality show, which launched in August 2023, involved various female contestants from around the world competing for a spot in HYBE and Geffen Records’ first global girl group. In the end, Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae were chosen to debut in KATSEYE.
Following their time on the show, the sextet dropped their first single, aptly titled “Debut,” in June 2024, before releasing their second single, “Touch,” just a few weeks later. Both tracks were featured on their first EP, SIS (Soft Is Strong), which arrived last August. To promote the mini-album, KATSEYE collaborated with Netflix to release their documentary, Pop Star Academy: Katseye, on the streaming platform. The series gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at the group’s formation before and during Dream Academy.