KATSEYE is facing backlash over their new official lightstick.
The lightstick dropped on July 16 through HYBE’s Weverse Shop. It features a sleek, compact design with a star, the group’s name, and a cat’s eye marble-inspired bulb.
Member Yoonchae explained the small size was intentional for safety reasons.
Yoonchae said katseye is protecting us with the small and light lightstick so our wrists won’t hurt
— jc
Despite the explanation, fans are divided. Many call the design “basic” and think it doesn’t fit KATSEYE’s branding.
Reddit users and netizens criticized the overall look and pitched design changes to make it more striking.
Comparisons to other groups’ lightsticks flooded social media. Several pointed out it looks similar to Stray Kids’ lightstick and falls short compared to Unique designs from groups like ILLIIT and LE SSERAFIM.
this really looks similar to skz lightsick + something like this would be much better, that white lightstick is too basic for katseye
— ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤㅤ ㅤ (@tarummie)Why did they give these katseye girls a basic one tho.. Both illit’s and lesserafim’s ones look unique
— Kim’s boo (@chachinglikeM)
Still, fans have been quick to buy it. The lightstick reportedly sold out in less than a minute after release.
no way katseye’s lightstick got sold out in less than a minute
— natti
The controversy continues as fans weigh the lightstick’s design against safety and style.