"Pinky up (PINKY UP)"
HYBE-Gefen Records' global girl group KATSEYE raised their pinky fingers (Pinky), and music fans gathered from around the world came together in ecstasy. It was at the United States' largest music festival, which draws about 300,000 participants each year. The gesture by KATSEYE, symbolizing confidence to "live every moment intensely and without hesitation," earned praise from everyone. The surprise collaboration stage with HUNTR/X was also well received.
KATSEYE performed on the Sahara stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (Coachella) in Indio, California, on the 11th (Korea time). Starting with the newly released song "PINKY UP" announced the previous day, they delivered about 45 minutes of performance featuring a total of 11 songs and dance breaks. KATSEYE members said, "We can't believe we finally came to Coachella. A whirlwind of emotions is running through us. You are making our dream come true," expressing their overwhelming emotion.
KATSEYE's overwhelming energy covered the venue. Every stage was a highlight. Songs from various genres such as "Debut," "Gameboy," "Internet Girl," "Gabriela," and "Gnarly" were filled by the audience's singalongs. The audience sang the lyrics along and moved to the beat. It wasn't all about spectacle. The members delivered a moving message and performed "My Way," saying, "We support those of you who, in your own way, have the courage not to just do what others tell you to do."
The standout was the surprise collaboration stage. The meeting of two teams that started in K-pop and are expanding their global influence in their respective fields came to fruition. Members of the fictional girl group HUNTR/X from "K-pop Demon Hunters"—Ray Ami, Audrey Nuna, and Lee Jae—appeared and performed a joint stage of "GOLDEN" with KATSEYE. On this stage, arranged at a slightly slower tempo than the original to highlight the melody, KATSEYE members locked eyes with HUNTR/X and layered harmonies, leaving a deep impression.
Immediately after KATSEYE's Coachella performance, praises for their stages poured in on social media. Fans supported them with comments such as "It was a feast of shocking and mesmerizing performance," "This is the best performer on Coachella 2026," "Undeniably mesmerizing energy stands out," and "KATSEYE never disappoints us."
[Photo] Provided by HYBE Labels
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