KATSEYE faces backlash for lightstick design accused of plagiarizing Stray Kids.
On July 11 (KST), KATSEYE announced their official lightstick design on social media, set to drop July 16 (7PM PT) / July 17 (11AM KST) via Weverse Shop.
Fans quickly called out the design as “basic” and criticized the group for copying.
“another basic ass white dome light stick please get more creative hybe” – Twitter user Aya
The real uproar came from Stray Kids fans who pointed out striking similarities between KATSEYE’s new lightstick and Stray Kids’ iconic design.
Side-by-side comparisons circulated online showing how closely the two lightsticks resembled each other, sparking accusations of blatant plagiarism.
“THIS IS LITERALLY BLATANT COPYING. aren’t u ashamed? come up with something of ur own, after all. there are so many ways to play a star in a lightstick, but u chose an option that is a complete carbon copy of something that already exists?!” – Twitter user stayhoooi
Supporters of KATSEYE defended the design, insisting the lightstick is based on the group’s OG logo, which has been their symbol since debut.
“why ppl in the quotes are mad?? lightstick design is literally same with katseye logo!!? and its their logo since day1 please ” – Twitter user yuqicut
Despite defenses, the controversy is heating up, with fans demanding originality from global groups. Lightsticks being core to fandom identity adds fuel to the fire.
The debate on KATSEYE’s alleged copy controversy is gaining traction as fans monitor the situation closely. No official response from the groups or agencies has been reported yet.
