KATSEYE member Yoonchae has found herself at the center of controversy after a Halloween-themed performance video ignited backlash over her outfit and choreography, which many online deemed overly provocative for her age.

The video, released on the group’s official channel as part of the promotions for their song “Gabriela”, featured Yoonchae in a tight-fitting red outfit. As the performance progressed, she changed into a revealing two-strap top and ultra-short shorts. The group collectively struck seductive poses and executed dance moves considered too risqué, especially given the age of some members.

The most vocal criticism has come from South Korean netizens who are expressing serious concerns, particularly since Yoonchae is still under the age of 18. Critics accused the group’s agency, HYBE, of oversexualizing its idols and pushing boundaries to gauge public tolerance.

KATSEYE Yoonchae controversy

Comments online included:

  • “I’m glad someone is finally speaking up about this,”
  • “I can’t support a group that allows this kind of thing,”
  • “She’s a minor why is this even acceptable?”

This isn’t the first time KATSEYE has come under fire. In April 2025, their song “Gnarly” faced backlash after it was revealed to include a sound sample from an adult film scene, further raising concerns about the group’s content curation.

KATSEYE is a six-member girl group composed of Sophia, Manon, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae, formed through the audition show The Debut: Dream Academy, a collaborative project between Korea’s HYBE and America’s Geffen Records. The group officially debuted on June 28, 2024, with the ambition of becoming the first globally-driven K-pop act featuring members from diverse nationalities and continents.

Since their debut, the group has drawn attention for its international musical direction, performing primarily in English and blending K-pop with Western pop influences. Their EPs SIS (Soft Is Strong) and Beautiful Chaos gained traction globally, while tracks like “Gnarly” and “Gabriela” went viral on TikTok, helping cement their presence in the international pop landscape.

Sources: Znews