The group KATSEYE performing on the Coachella stage. Coachella video screen

The group KATSEYE took the stage at the United States' largest festival, but what dominated the conversation was neither the setlist nor a surprise guest.

On the 11th (KST), KATSEYE gave an approximately 45-minute performance on the Sahara Stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (hereafter "Coachella"). It was the group's first Coachella stage, jointly planned by HYBE and Geffen Records.

The controversy erupted over a performance segment during the show. In the middle of the set, member Lara (Lara Raj) performed choreography in which she licked Megan (Megan Skiendiel)'s face. Originally this choreography had been exchanged between Lara and Manon (Manon Bannerman), but with Manon absent from the performance, Megan is said to have taken on the role. As the footage spread online, criticisms like "disgusting" and "stop trying so hard" poured in.

A post stating that "Megan's expression is the bigger problem" received 8,400 likes. As other members' twerking performances, revealing outfits, and body-contact moves continued, some users reacted that they were "worried there might be unintended exposure during the show."

The group KATSEYE performing on the Coachella stage. Coachella video screen

A vocal controversy also emerged. In the Spanish bridge of "Gabriela," the lead vocalist Daniela (Daniela Avanzini) was criticized for going off pitch and for an unstable delivery. Among netizens, reactions concentrated around comments like "The same mistake again, even on a song performed 100 times."

On the other hand, defenses were also voiced, arguing that "singing fully live in Spanish immediately after intense choreography is physically extremely difficult." Part of why this controversy is drawing attention is HYBE's precedent.

At Coachella in 2024, HYBE-affiliated group LE SSERAFIM received heavy criticism for going off pitch amid intense choreography, prompting comments such as "Does HYBE not make them practice vocals?"

There was praise as well. The joint stage for "Golden" with the Netflix animation "K-Pop Demon Hunters" OST team HUNTR/X was cited as "one of the weekend highlights of Coachella," and some on-site audience members reported an overwhelming response.

Offstage developments also drew attention. Manon, who has been in conflict with the group and is currently on hiatus, posted an Instagram story on the day of the performance to mark reaching 6 million followers. On the 2nd, Manon removed the KATSEYE tag from her Instagram bio, raising the possibility that she will leave the group.