KATSEYE 'Debut' Draws Mixed Reactions From K-Netz: 'It Feels Cheap...'

KATEYE just made their debut with the single “Debut,” but it is garnering mixed reactions from Korean netizens.

On June 28, HYBE Label’s US girl group KATSEYE officially made their debut with the single “Debut.” Previously, the girl group was formed through the reality talent show “The Debut: Dream Academy.” The group is composed of Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia, and Yoonchae.

[video_shortcode_youtube src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/bYg6aMDQ_TA?si=L9pT6PWhRk2iqdXQ”]

The single serves as the first previous of the girl group’s upcoming mini-album, “SIS (Soft Is Strong),” which is scheduled to be released on August 16, 2024.

Soon after their debut, Korean netizens took to online community forums and social media platforms to share their feelings. Many were less than impressed with the girl group’s debut, bringing out two main factors as to why: the song and the music video.

KATSEYE ‘Debut’ Draws Mixed Reactions From K-Netz: ‘It Feels Cheap…’ (Photo : KATSEYE on X)

While many liked the song and claimed they thought it was good, the main consensus was that it was too short. Just a little over two minutes long, many believe the song would have been better if it had been longer. It is likely there was not enough build-up between the verses, chorus, and bridge to hook listeners.

On top of that, people claimed that the music video’s quality was below expectations. They claimed it felt cheap, and joked that it was as if their budget was just $1,000 USD. They also questioned the choreography of the song, with some Korean netizens finding it weird.

KATSEYE ‘Debut’ Draws Mixed Reactions From K-Netz: ‘It Feels Cheap…’ (Photo : KATSEYE on X)

Another complaint was that the members lacked the appeal to attract an Asian fan base. It was mentioned that SM Entertainment did a good job picking faces that Asians would like for their upcoming UK-based boy group, but the same cannot be said for KATSEYE. However, member Manon received praise for her visuals.

Some comments read,

• “Why is the music video quality and choreography like that?”
• “Why was the song so short? Besides that, it was fine.”
• “The song is way too short.”
• “The music video feels cheap.”
• “The song is good, but the music video…”
• “The song is nice. All the members look charming.”
• “Manon is so pretty!”
• “It feels like their budget for the music video was just $1,000.”
• “The song was good.”
• “Wow. Looking at this, I can see SM did a good job selecting faces that Asians would like for their UK boy group…”