HYBE’s new global girl group, KATSEYE, has been gaining major traction online—but not without raising some eyebrows. While their debut has been celebrated for its sleek production, strong performances, and engaging content, questions are now surfacing about whether their online popularity is entirely organic.
The controversy centers around unusually high engagement on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter). Posts featuring the group—ranging from dance clips to short interviews—have been accumulating massive numbers of likes and reposts at a pace that some netizens find suspicious. What triggered concern for many was the apparent pattern in the accounts interacting with these posts. Screenshots widely shared online show engagement from newly created profiles with minimal activity and default avatars—characteristics often associated with bots.
Some users claim the quote tweets and replies on certain viral posts appear oddly generic or repetitive, fueling speculation about potential artificial amplification. Critics argue that the group’s high numbers don’t always match the level of active discussion typically seen on major fan platforms and forums during genuine viral moments.
In response, KATSEYE’s fans have strongly pushed back against the allegations. Supporters argue that the group’s content is simply well-tailored for the current digital landscape—visually appealing, trend-savvy, and easy to share. They point to the group’s steady rise in music streaming and favorable chart performance as proof of authentic interest. For many, the backlash feels familiar, echoing skepticism that has historically followed other rising K-pop acts during their early bursts of success.
So far, HYBE has not made any public statement addressing the rumors. The company has previously faced similar accusations with its other acts, though no conclusive evidence of manipulation has emerged in the past. As speculation continues, fans and critics alike are watching closely to see how KATSEYE’s momentum evolves—and whether the current conversation affects their upward trajectory.
