KATSEYE is proving themselves to be more than just a rookie K-pop group they are rapidly emerging as a true global cultural icon. In just one year since debut, the group has secured a major international music award, climbed charts worldwide, and become the face of a viral fashion campaign.
MTV VMA Triumph
On September 7 (local time), KATSEYE won the “PUSH Performance of the Year” award at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) in New York’s UBS Arena. The award came thanks to their debut track Touch, making them one of the few rookie groups to achieve such a feat.
The group also took the stage during the pre-show, delivering powerful performances of their hits Gabriela and Gnarly, earning global praise for their live talent. In their acceptance speech, they thanked their fans, Icons, and expressed gratitude to HYBE, Geffen Records, and chairman Bang Si Hyuk for his leadership.
Billboard and Global Chart Success
KATSEYE’s chart performance matches their award momentum. According to the Billboard chart dated September 6:
- Gabriela reached No. 63 on the Hot 100, a new career high.
- Gnarly re-entered at No. 98, marking a double-charting achievement.
- Their EP Beautiful Chaos ranked No. 45 on the Billboard 200, extending its chart run to nine weeks.
The group is also gaining traction in the UK. Gabriela has climbed steadily on the Official Singles Chart, currently at No. 46, close to its peak of No. 42. On Spotify’s Weekly Top Songs Global, Gabriela, Gnarly, and even their debut track Touch are charting simultaneously.
GAP Campaign: A Viral Breakthrough
Beyond music, KATSEYE is shaking up fashion. They became the faces of GAP’s “Better in Denim” campaign, which emphasizes cultural diversity. The ad, featuring KATSEYE members Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae dancing with 30 performers to Kelis’s classic Milkshake, has gone viral.
- 58 million views on GAP’s Instagram
- 19 million views on YouTube
- 8 billion total impressions and 400 million views across social platforms, according to Business Insider
Fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar praised the campaign, noting that “there’s no better representative for GAP’s message than a global girl group like KATSEYE.” GAP’s CMO Fabiola Torres told Adweek, “KATSEYE are not just pop stars—they’re creators and style leaders with powerful influence.”
With their MTV VMA victory, ongoing chart success, and a record-breaking fashion campaign, KATSEYE is quickly transcending K-pop boundaries. What started as a rookie debut has now evolved into a full-fledged global phenomenon —and the group shows no signs of slowing down.
Sources: Daum
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