HYBE-Genep Record's joint girl group KATSEYE showcased chameleonlike charms on a leading U.S. late-night talk show.
KATSEYE appeared on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on the 5th (Korea time). Fallon introduced them as "the group named TikTok's 'artist of the year' and nominated in two Grammy categories."
Loud applause filled the audience, and the six members appeared elegantly in different styles of long dresses, capturing attention. Leader Sophia opened by saying, "We are a global girl group based on K-pop training methodology. It is a great honor to be able to appear on the 'Jimmy Fallon show.'"
Taking the microphone, Fallon admired photos of KATSEYE's Grammy Awards stage from the ceremony on the 2nd, saying, "They look like superheroes." At that event, the group, who performed as a nominee for 'best new artist,' received applause for a performance of "Gnarly" that featured an intense dance break.
KATSEYE members recalled, "We were so nervous because so many top artists like Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus and Bad Bunny were watching." The youngest member, Yoonchae, said, "I've been a Blackpink fan since I was 9. When I met Rosé at the venue, I was so nervous I could hardly speak and greeted her in English, and she asked, 'Can you speak Korean?' She was really kind."
The Super Bowl, North America's biggest sports event, was also a topic of conversation. KATSEYE is scheduled to appear in a campaign commercial for global insurance brand State Farm that will air during the NFL championship game broadcast on the 9th.
Fallon noted that "the Grammys are a big stage, but the Super Bowl may be an even bigger one," highlighting the significance of KATSEYE's commercial. In fact, last year's Super Bowl was watched by about 127.7 million viewers across U.S. TV and streaming platforms. The members beamed at Fallon's remark and wittily replied, "We even appeared on the 'Jimmy Fallon show,'" creating a warm atmosphere.
The studio's energy peaked when KATSEYE performed the choreography from the commercial. Despite wearing kill heels and dresses, the six members executed perfect synchronized choreography to a live band session. Fans who filled the studio audience to cheer for KATSEYE stood up and applauded in unison, a sight that drew attention on screen.
The members teased that "we have a lot prepared for this year," prompting cheers from fans. As clues to new music, KATSEYE presented various keywords such as "colorful," "energetic," "hot," "fun," and "fierce," and made a gesture of drinking tea, sparking curiosity.
Global fans' reactions were hot immediately after the broadcast. Shorts and clip videos edited from KATSEYE's appearance are flooding YouTube and various social media. Fans posted many comments such as "How could you not love these girls" and "I love their honest, cheerful charm." Numerous comments also said, "I can't wait for the new song."
KATSEYE was formed through the audition project The Debut: Dream Academy and is cited as a representative success case of chairman Bang Sihyuk's HYBE strategy of 'multi-home, multi-genre.' They were nominated in four categories at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in March and are scheduled to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April.
[Photo] 'The Jimmy Fallon show' official SNS
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