HYBE and Geffen Records' global girl group KATSEYE has made its mark on the U.S. Billboard main album chart just one year after its debut. Additionally, it has continued its upward trend on the main song chart, proving its presence once again as a 'next-generation pop icon.'
According to the latest U.S. Billboard chart released on Aug. 8 (local time), KATSEYE's second EP 'BEAUTIFUL CHAOS' has secured 4th place on the 'Billboard 200'. This is KATSEYE's highest rank on the 'Billboard 200' to date and marks the entry of two consecutive albums. Their first EP 'SIS (Soft Is Strong)' entered the chart at 119th (as of Aug. 31, 2024). Compared to this, they have jumped an impressive 115 spots.
KATSEYE is also achieving remarkable results on the Billboard 'Hot 100'. The track 'Gabriela' from 'BEAUTIFUL CHAOS' has secured 87th place on this week's 'Hot 100', climbing 7 spots from the previous week, marking its entry on the chart for two consecutive weeks. Another track 'Gnarly' is ranked 96th. This song entered the 'Hot 100' at 92nd place (as of May 17) before taking a breather and then making a comeback by re-entering at 90th (as of June 21), staying on the charts for a total of five weeks.
KATSEYE continues to demonstrate its strength on the Billboard global song chart. 'Gabriela' recorded 29th place on the 'Global 200', while 'Gnarly' achieved 53rd position. In the 'Global (excluding U.S.)' chart, 'Gabriela' and 'Gnarly' placed 23rd and 46th, respectively.
'BEAUTIFUL CHAOS', released on June 27, is an album where KATSEYE navigates the 'beautiful chaos' they encountered while pushing the boundaries as artists, expressed through their unique perspective and emotions. The trajectory of time and growth shared among the six members is encapsulated in five tracks, including 'Gnarly', 'Gabriela', 'Gameboy', 'Mean Girls', and 'M.I.A'. The album has garnered warm responses from music fans around the world with its fusion of various genres, sensory visuals, and storytelling. Particularly, KATSEYE's powerful performances and the group's unique diverse charm have solidified its identity in the global pop market.
Jinjeong Hyun, senior creative producer at HYBE X Geffen Records, noted, "In the process of conceptualizing and realizing the KATSEYE project, we made efforts to closely understand the commonalities and differences in the market, culture, and industry systems. This process has played a key role in bringing our high-level vision to reality." He added, "KATSEYE is still steadily growing. Based on accumulated data and experience, we will create many more opportunities in the future."
KATSEYE's successful trajectory is garnering attention as it proves that the 'K-pop production system' led by HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk is effective in the U.S. music industry as well. HYBE has integrated the entire process from trainee selection to training, music production, and branding. The distinctive K-pop strategy, differentiated from the traditional methods of producing U.S. pop stars, has shown that it can succeed in the global market.
Meanwhile, KATSEYE is set to perform at major music festivals around the world, including 'Lollapalooza Chicago' on Aug. 3 (local time) and 'Summer Sonic 2025' in Japan on Aug. 17.
[Photo] HYBE Labels
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