HYBE America’s rookie girl group KATSEYE is facing renewed backlash over their track ‘Gnarly’, following allegations that the song includes sexually provocative sound effects, despite the presence of underage members in the group.

The controversy was reignited after a TikTok influencer uploaded a now-viral video breaking down the audio layers of ‘Gnarly’. The creator, intrigued by online speculation, contacted the track’s producer for clarification. What followed left viewers unsettled. In response, the producer revealed that the sound in question was added because the song needed “something extra,” then encouraged viewers to “take a guess” at its origin while playing an unedited clip. The isolated audio appeared to mimic sexually suggestive sound effects, raising serious concern over its inappropriate implications, especially given the presence of underage members in the group.

One of the co-writers, Pink Slip, further fuelled the controversy with his reaction on social media. After a comment read, “I can’t believe you added this in,” he responded, “Without it, this wouldn’t be a hit.” The remark drew harsh criticism, with many calling it exploitative and tone-deaf, particularly given the target demographic of the group.

The influencer who initiated the investigation also seemed visibly disturbed after hearing the full audio, further highlighting the inappropriate nature of the sound’s inclusion. Social media users quickly condemned the production team for what they described as a severe lapse in judgment, especially since KATSEYE performs at family-friendly events such as the Kids’ Choice Awards.

The presence of 17-year-old Jeong Yoon-chae, better known as Yoonchae, in the group has amplified the outrage. Fans and critics alike have pointed to the ethical implications of inserting sexualised audio into a track performed by a group featuring minors. Many have demanded accountability from Bang Si-hyuk, listed as a co-composer on ‘Gnarly’, and HYBE’s executive chairman.

One industry insider told KBIZoom, “Given the production process, it’s difficult to believe the final version wasn’t approved intentionally. As a listed producer, Bang Si-hyuk would have been aware of the content.”

Previous accusations of plagiarism

This isn’t the first time ‘Gnarly’ has attracted criticism. Shortly after the teaser for the song dropped, HYBE faced plagiarism allegations from K-pop fans who claimed the visuals were similar to Aespa’s 2023 music video ‘Drama’. The comparisons were originally raised by a BLACKPINK fan, but quickly evolved into a broader debate within the K-pop community.

The teaser featured dynamic crowd scenes, a red carpet setting, and intense black-and-red lighting, all of which some users said bore striking resemblance to aespa’s promotional visuals. Side-by-side screenshots went viral across platforms, further stoking the claims. Others also pointed out similarities to Charli XCX’s visual style, citing shared themes of chaotic glamour, futuristic fashion, and high-energy production.