In a notable collaboration between HYBE Group and GEFFEN Records, "The Debut: Dream Academy," introduced its 20 contestants on August 20.
The global scale of the show, coupled with its departure from typical elimination formats, prompted a range of reactions from netizens.
Evolution to KATSEYE
Following rounds of competition, the group was whittled down to a final six members, officially named KATSEYE.
While diverging from the conventional K-Pop archetype, KATSEYE's rigorous training and pre-debut activities have intrigued fans, building anticipation for their official debut.
Recognition and Critique
Recently highlighted as one of VOGUE's acts to watch in the upcoming year, KATSEYE found themselves in esteemed company alongside rising stars like Omar Apollo and Tyla. However, it wasn't all accolades for the group.
Controversy Surrounding Styling Choices
A cloud of criticism loomed over KATSEYE's styling choices, contrasting starkly with the simpler aesthetics of their fellow highlighted artists.
Described by some as kitsch, the members don multiple layers of textures, adhering somewhat to a color code.
manon and dani being the only ones gettinf decent fits https://t.co/FUcCzPE6Gu
— ٍxaro ˚ ༘ ೀ⋆。˚ seeing nct dream (@kweiju) March 8, 2024
At first glance, I thought it was fake (like someone put their heads on random bodies), then I did a double-take OMFG.
— Ohara(✶)🍉 (@oharavonheinrch) March 8, 2024
Sophia: 😭😭😭😭
Lara: the outfit oh lawd
Megan: - 😭
Manon: surprisingly suits her
Daniela: suits her but the jacket???hat??
Yoonchae: 😭? https://t.co/nU61S4wRHe
Netizens' Weigh In
Below are comments from netizens regarding the perceived 'UGLY' styling of the Hybe Group's KATSEYE:
- "IS THIS REAL LIKE IM BEING GENUINE"
- "Where can I also find this?"
- "The only one semi eating is manon and Lara cause what are those outfitsssss"
- "what they do to our girls???"
- "They getting the Fifth Harmony special"
- "STOPP"
- This is soooooo ugly
- What happened ?
While some outfits, such as those worn by Manon and Daniella, found moderate approval, the overall sentiment among netizens veered towards displeasure. Many commented that the group's visuals seemed to be the saving grace amidst the questionable styling.
I AM UNWELL😭😭😭😭😭 #KATSEYE pic.twitter.com/NQh0JMWUf8
— lemmie ౨ৎ (@luckylemmie) March 7, 2024
these outfits r ugly and giving different centuries https://t.co/9lWPsXy8tr
— 🌥️₊˚.🍁 ( ˘͈ ᵕ ˘͈ ) (@manyanime_) March 8, 2024
this literally cannot be the first group photoshoot. we need a redo! and fire the stylist immediately! and the photographer lara and megan look like they were caught off gaurd omg https://t.co/nsjLsT0RJU
— rey⁷ (@monosouI) March 8, 2024
Read also: No Chinese? HYBE Garners Mixed Reactions After Revealing 'R U Next?' Trainees' Nationalities
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Written by Cassidy Jones.