KATSEYE Shakes Up K-pop with “Gnarly” Comeback, Daniela Emerges as the New “Dance Goddess”

On April 30, global girl group KATSEYE, formed by HYBE and Geffen Records, officially made their comeback with the music video for “Gnarly.”

While the group doesn’t yet have a standout “magnet member” to attract non-fans, the MV racked up nearly 9 million views in its first week a solid figure for a rookie group still building their individual recognition.

Daniela’s Fancams Turn the Tide

But what truly flipped the public narrative was the unexpected spotlight on Daniela, previously one of the least discussed members. Her powerful fancam performances of “Gnarly,” delivered with 200% energy and commanding stage presence, sent social media into a frenzy. Netizens raved, “Daniela performs like a seasoned professional” a sentiment echoed across platforms.

Daniela, of American Venezuelan heritage, was already a trained dancer before joining HYBE’s survival show “The Debut: Dream Academy.” She had competed on major stages like “America’s Got Talent 8,” “SuperKids Europe,” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” Her belly-dance background contributes to her fluid isolation skills, stamina, and expressive power, making her performances with KATSEYE both technically strong and visually captivating.

“Gnarly” Sparks Debate Despite Chart Success

However, while Daniela is winning hearts, the song “Gnarly” itself is mired in controversy. Despite its catchy hyperpop beat with heavy bass, many criticize its disjointed and nonsensical lyrics—random phrases like “fried chicken, bubble tea, Tesla” mixed with repeated profanity and a lack of coherent verses. Some listeners felt the rap sections lacked impact, describing them as flat and forced, making the empowerment message feel hollow.

Many have compared “Gnarly” to a musical parody rather than a polished K-pop single. The choreography, though sharp, was also deemed too provocative by some, with a few extreme reactions even threatening to report the group to authorities to prevent further performances.

Despite the backlash, KATSEYE continues to perform well on digital charts especially internationally. The group is projected to debut at #67 on next week’s Billboard Hot 100, proving that global attention is firmly on them.

If they continue spotlighting standout talent like Daniela, KATSEYE may just be at the start of a breakthrough era.