Katseye's 'WILD' tops Billboard 200, marking group's first No. 1 album

The K-pop group Katseye has achieved a significant milestone, with their third album 'WILD' debuting at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. This marks the first time the Hybe-backed girl group has reached the pinnacle of the main U.S. album chart, a year after their second mini-album 'BEAUTIFUL CHAOS' peaked at number four.

Billboard reported that 'WILD' is the fourth album by a 2020s girl group to top the Billboard 200, following releases from Twice, NewJeans, and Blackpink. The album garnered 170,000 album units in the tracking period ending August 20, with 145,000 of those being pure album sales. The album unit calculation includes album sales, streaming equivalents (SEA), and track download equivalents (TEA).

'WILD' explores Katseye's journey of self-acceptance and embracing instinct and freedom. The album includes five tracks, with the title song 'Hootie Frutti' characterized by its percussion-driven pop sound and heavy drum beat. The production boasts contributions from notable figures such as Hybe chairman Bang Si-hyuk, pop star Ed Sheeran, Omer Fedi, and Blake Slatkin.

Previously, 'WILD' reached number two on the UK Official Albums Chart. Katseye, a collaboration between Hybe and Universal Music's Geffen Records, debuted in 2024 after emerging from the joint audition program 'The Debut: Dream Academy.' The group comprises multinational members: Yoonchae from South Korea, Sophia from the Philippines and the U.S., Daniela, Lara, and Megan from the U.S., and Manon from Switzerland and Italy. Manon is currently on hiatus due to health issues.

The group has gained popularity with hits like 'Gnarly' and 'Gabriela,' earning a Best New Artist nomination at the Grammy Awards in February.