Global pop group KATSEYE performing on stage
K-Pop & Asia

KATSEYE Fans Demand Management Overhaul As Frustrations With HYBE And Geffen Records Mount

Global pop group KATSEYE faces fan backlash over creative direction, with a massive majority calling for management changes in a recent poll.

By Rae MitchellPublished Updated 2 min read

The honeymoon phase might be officially over for KATSEYE fans and their high-profile management labels. Global listeners of the multi-national girl group are raising serious concerns regarding the group's artistic vision, promotion strategy, and overall trajectory under their joint corporate representation. Tensions have been brewing within the fanbase for weeks, with many dedicated supporters expressing open frustration over how the group is being handled behind the scenes. The joint venture between South Korean entertainment giant HYBE and major American imprint Geffen Records was designed to launch the six-member international act to global stardom. However, recent management choices have left a massive portion of the audience demanding significant changes.

Are KATSEYE Leaving HYBE And Geffen Records Discussions surrounding the group's internal management have reached a fever pitch across social media platforms and fan hubs. Supporters have taken to online spaces to voice sharp grievances about KATSEYE's creative direction, promotional rollout, and long-term career scheduling. Many listeners argue that the dual agencies are failing to properly capitalize on the members' talents or honor the group's distinct multi-cultural appeal. As frustration continued to mount among followers, community forums began surveying the fanbase to measure just how deep the dissatisfaction ran. An informal poll directly asked dedicated listeners whether the rising pop outfit should remain under their current corporate umbrella or take a completely different path moving forward.

Katseye and Hybe in the story: KATSEYE Fans Demand Management Overhaul As Frustrations With HYBE And Geffen Records Mount
Katseye and Hybe in the story: KATSEYE Fans Demand Management Overhaul As Frustrations With HYBE And Geffen Records Mount

What Did The KATSEYE Fan Poll Reveal The poll results delivered a striking verdict on public opinion. An overwhelming majority of voting fans signaled that they want to see the group split from their present team. In fact, an astonishingly low 3 percent of participants voted in favor of keeping KATSEYE under the joint management of HYBE and Geffen Records. The remaining 97 percent of voters favored a fresh start, arguing that the group would benefit from alternative guidance or an entirely overhauled creative team. While neither agency has officially addressed the fan discontent, the decisive poll underscores a growing rift between the executive decisions driving KATSEYE and the audience backing them.

The photos · 5

Global pop group KATSEYE performing on stage
Katseye and Hybe in the story: KATSEYE Fans Demand Management Overhaul As Frustrations With HYBE And Geffen Records Mount
Katseye and Hybe in the story: KATSEYE Fans Demand Management Overhaul As Frustrations With HYBE And Geffen Records Mount
Katseye and Hybe in the story: KATSEYE Fans Demand Management Overhaul As Frustrations With HYBE And Geffen Records Mount
Katseye and Hybe in the story: KATSEYE Fans Demand Management Overhaul As Frustrations With HYBE And Geffen Records Mount

The backstory

Verified moments, in order.

KATSEYE: The Line-Up, the Launch and the Tensions Caught on Camera

A televised selection process creates the six-member group. Debut singles establish their sound, while a behind-the-scenes documentary puts Manon's training record—and her bandmates' frustrations—under scrutiny.

  1. 2023-11-17

    Six contestants become KATSEYE

    Katseye — Six contestants become KATSEYE

    The finale of HYBE and Geffen Records' The Debut: Dream Academy establishes the line-up: Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia and Yoonchae. The project selects an international girl group built through a K-pop-style training system.

  2. 2024-06-28

    The competition becomes a recording career

    Katseye — The competition becomes a recording career

    KATSEYE release their first single, Debut. It marks the six members' official recording launch after months of public attention focused on their selection and training.

  3. 2024-08-16

    Touch leads into the first EP

    Katseye — Touch leads into the first EP

    The group release SIS (Soft Is Strong), their first EP, featuring Debut and Touch. Released as a single on July 26, Touch gives the group a signature song and a widely replicated dance routine.

  4. 2024-08-21Flashpoint

    The documentary exposes training-room friction

    Katseye — The documentary exposes training-room friction

    Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE premieres, documenting the training and selection process behind the group. Footage shows friction over Manon's missed rehearsals and other trainees questioning her commitment. The series makes those pre-debut tensions public; it does not establish anything about a later tour absence.

  5. 2025-04-30Flashpoint

    Gnarly changes the sound—and divides listeners

    Katseye — Gnarly changes the sound—and divides listeners

    KATSEYE release Gnarly, trading Touch's softer pop approach for abrasive production and chant-heavy lyrics. The single draws a sharply divided reaction, putting the group's musical direction at the centre of the conversation.

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People also ask

Why are KATSEYE fans upset with HYBE and Geffen Records?
Fans have raised concerns regarding KATSEYE's creative direction, promotions, and overall career strategy, feeling the joint management is not fully realizing the group's potential.
Did KATSEYE leave HYBE and Geffen Records?
No official announcement has been made regarding KATSEYE leaving their labels, but a recent fan poll showed strong fan support for management changes.