KATSEYE Faces Criticism For Thanking Controversial HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk In VMA Acceptance Speech
The HYBE chairman is currently under investigation for insider trading and fraud.
HYBE’s global girl group KATSEYE has become one of the most beloved groups worldwide. The 7-member band is renowned for its energetic choreographies and catchy tunes. Earlier this year, the group released their viral hit song Gnarly, which charted globally and brought the girls into the spotlight. Katseye also performed and won their first VMA recently; however, the group is facing criticism for mentioning their label’s chairman, Bang Si Hyuk, in their acceptance speech. Read on to learn more.
KATSEYE Criticised For Thanking Bang Si Hyuk In VMA Acceptance Speech
MTV’s Video Music Awards were held last Sunday on 7th September. The award show had an impressive lineup from Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter and BLACKPINK Rose. KATSEYE also made their VMA debut this year and performed at the pre-show. However, that is not all, KATSEYE were also honoured with an award, they were announced as the winners of the Best Push Performance for their song ‘Touch.’
As the girl got on stage to accept their award, Lara Raj and group leader Sophia Laforteza gave the acceptance speech on the group’s behalf. In her speech, Lara expressed gratitude and shock for receiving such a prestigious award while Sophoia thanked her fans, supporters and agency. It was here that many people criticised the singer as she also extended her thanks to Bang Si Hyuk, the chairman of HYBE and called him a visionary leader.
our first time at the @vmas was unforgettable, WE WON A VMA!! thank you EYEKONS, for voting for us for PUSH performance of the year and for always having our backs. we truly would not be here if it weren’t for you. we love you!! 🖤#VMAS#KATSEYE pic.twitter.com/7h3nUqu4hQ
— KATSEYE (@katseyeworld) September 8, 2025
The reason why Bang Si Hyuk is a controversial figure in the entertainment industry is that he is currently under investigation for financial fraud and insider trading. Some people also allegedly believe that the VMA category of Best Push Performance is bought by HYBE, thereby losing all credibility. Hence, they think that KATSEYE won the award because of their company.
However, many fans came to both Sophia and KATSEYE’s defence by saying that she was only paying her respects to the company and her employer, and there is no further meaning or intention behind it.
Also Read: Why Global Girl Group KATSEYE Has The World Obsessed With Them
So what do you think about the situation?
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First Published: September 09, 2025 5:30 PM
