KATSEYE Unveils New Lightstick: Fans Share Mixed Reactions, Calling It ‘Basic’ and ‘Boring’

KATSEYE Launches Controversial First Lightstick

On July 11, 2025, KATSEYE, the emerging girl group, introduced its inaugural lightstick, igniting a heated conversation among fans and detractors. While some fans embraced the design, others critiqued it as “basic”and “uninspired.”

Official Announcement and Design Features

Announced via their official social media platforms, the lightstick’s promotional message read, “EYEKONS, get ready to make a scene with the KATSEYE Official Light Stick.”The lightstick showcases a stylish, compact design, incorporating a clear sphere that encapsulates the group’s hexagonal star logo, along with KATSEYE’s name elegantly displayed on the handle.

Drawing inspiration from a cat’s eye gemstone, the design resonates with the group’s branding concept. Member Yoonchae expressed that the lightstick was engineered to be lightweight and small, prioritizing safety to mitigate risks of wrist injury during live performances.

Fan Reactions and Criticism

Reactions from the fanbase have been notably polarized. Many took to social media to voice their disappointment in what they deemed a lackluster design. A comment on X queried, “Another basic a** white dome light stick, please get more creative, HYBE!”Another fan expressed their disillusionment on Reddit, stating they anticipated a “colorful, girly pop lightstick”that aligned with the group’s branding.

another basic ass white dome light stick please get more creative hybe https://t.co/OCabqSrwm5 pic.twitter.com/II3GyjXojJ

— Aya 🍋 (@ayaofchaos) July 11, 2025

Comment by u/daredareda- from discussion in kpop_uncensored

Plagiarism Accusations and Defense

The controversy escalated when fans of Stray Kids accused HYBE of mimicking their lightstick design. Critics highlighted striking resemblances between KATSEYE’s star-shaped lightstick and Stray Kids’ compass-inspired version, fueling intense discussions across various platforms.

In defense of KATSEYE, supporters pointed out that the star pattern has been an integral aspect of their logo since their debut, symbolizing the united dreams of the group’s six members. Advocates emphasized that the design reflects the essence of a cat’s eye gemstone and should not be viewed as derivative.

Sales Response and Future Implications

Despite mixed feedback, pre-orders for the lightstick commenced on July 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM PDT via Weverse Shop, retailing at $38.56. The product quickly garnered attention, selling out almost instantly upon release. The complete merchandise package includes the lightstick, a strap, a dust bag, an instructional manual, and six collectible photo cards.

Given KATSEYE’s positioning as a “global”act, the decision to adopt a conventional K-pop lightstick came as a surprise. Fans began proposing alternative designs that could better encapsulate the group’s unique identity, advocating for cat-themed elements or vibrant aesthetics that align with their dynamic musical style.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

The lightstick debate highlights ongoing discussions surrounding HYBE’s creative direction for KATSEYE, with fans expressing a desire for more distinctive merchandise that accurately reflects the group’s global appeal. Nonetheless, the swift sellout serves as evidence of unwavering fan loyalty, suggesting that despite design critiques, KATSEYE has solidified a dedicated following.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYlasl9d294

KATSEYE (캣츠아이) OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK TEASER (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYlasl9d294)

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