K-pop Group Cat’s Eye Breaks into Billboard Hot 100 with ‘Gnarly’

In just under a year since their debut, rising K-pop girl group Cat’s Eye has achieved a significant milestone by entering the Billboard Hot 100 with their latest single, Gnarly. The track debuted at No. 92 on the chart dated May 17, marking the group’s first-ever appearance on the prestigious list.

The success of Gnarly wasn’t limited to the Hot 100. On the Billboard Global Excl. US chart, the song landed at No. 39, while the Billboard Global 200 placed it at No. 47. The group’s rising global profile has also propelled them to No. 11 on the Billboard Emerging Artists chart, an impressive feat this soon after their debut.

Signs of Cat’s Eye’s international breakthrough were already apparent when Gnarly debuted at No. 52 on the UK Singles Top 100, published by the Official Charts UK. The song also charted at No. 60 on the Spotify Weekly Top Songs Global, cementing its status as a true global hit.

“This moment feels surreal,” the group said in an official statement following the Billboard announcement. “Our dreams are becoming reality, and it’s proof that passion and hard work do pay off. We hope that our journey can inspire every girl, boy, and dreamer to chase what they believe in.”

Cat’s Eye’s ascent reflects the rising power of “New K-pop”—a fresh wave of globalization within the genre that blends traditional K-pop training systems with Western market sensibilities. Formed through the Dream Academy, a global audition project jointly produced by Hybe and Geffen Records, the members of Cat’s Eye underwent rigorous training in performance, vocals, and teamwork. The result is a group that maintains the essence of K-pop while being versatile enough to adapt effectively to North American audiences.

With just 320 days under their belt, Cat’s Eye has already achieved what many artists take years to accomplish. Their rise signals a bold, global future for K-pop, where cultural adaptability meets uncompromising excellence.