BBC interview reveals threats to members and families; the group rises on Billboard charts and earns Grammy nomination

HYBE’s global girl group Cats아이 revealed that they have been subjected to death threats online since their debut last year. In a BBC interview, the members said the threats extended to their families, and that it weighs heavily on them. BBC described Cats아이 as a global group created by HYBE and Geffen Records under Universal Music to cultivate K-pop in the United States.

Despite a negative online response, the group marked a remarkable year after their debut. Their second EP, Beautiful Chaos, appeared on major Billboard charts in the United States, and the Gap campaign featuring the group has racked up about 400 million views since its August release. They were recognized at the MTV Awards with Best Performance and were nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammys.

Six members—Manon (Swiss), Sophia (Filipino), Daniela and Lala (American), Megan (American), and Yoonchae (Korean)—have drawn attention for their diverse nationalities and backgrounds. Sophia, the group’s leader, said: “We chose to step into the public eye, and we know that fame is part of our lives. But that doesn’t change the fact that we are human.”