From Runway to No. 1: KATSEYE Tops K-POPIT BOARD Globally

Group KATSEYE has claimed the top spot on the K-POPIT BOARD global index as its overseas activities continue to attract attention beyond its existing fanbase. The U.S.-based girl group, formed by HYBE x Geffen Records, scored 59.9 on the global Power Index, PWR(GL), ranking No. 1 as of Oct. 20. It also ranked No. 10 on the domestic index in Korea.

The group's Global Momentum Score, MOM(GL), which tracks gains in visibility across multiple platforms, came in at 64.4. Its Viral Conversion Rate (VCR) score, which measures how online attention translates into music streams and views, reached 100. More notably, D-layer activity, measure of how far attention spreads beyond an artist's existing fandom, surged by 321.6%.

Those figures comes amid a busy stretch of international activities. On Oct. 18, KATSEYE performed at the "2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show" in Los Angeles, being in the same lineup with pop stars including Tate McRae and Megan Thee Stallion. The appearance gave the group exposure to fashion audiences beyond its core music fanbase.

The staging also helped set the performance apart. KATSEYE entered from the audience while singing "PINKY UP" before moving onto the runway. During "Animal," the members adjusted their formations to accommodate the models walking past them. The unconventional setup created visually distinctive moments that could reach audiences beyond traditional music channels.

Global YouTube metrics rose 1.7%, while U.S. Spotify metrics increased by 0.2%. Although the short-term changes were relatively small, the VCR score of 100 and the sharp rise in D-layer activity suggest that the group's online visibility is expanding beyond its core fanbase.

The latest attention comes on top of the group's established chart success. KATSEYE's third EP, "WILD," released in August, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, the leading U.S. albums chart. The group is now touring North America with its "THE WILDWORLD TOUR." The North American leg began in Miami on Oct. 13 and continues with arena performances in major cities.

The group's international visibility is also reflected in its domestic ranking. KATSEYE scored 58.0 on the domestic Power Index, PWR(KR), placing it at No. 10 in Korea. Its domestic momentum score reached 69.8, surpassing its global momentum score of 64.4. Despite being based in the U.S., the group is also attracting measurable attention from audiences in South Korea.

One metric, however, remained comparatively low. KATSEYE's Fandom Health Index (FHI), which measures fan activity and sustained engagement, stood at 34.6. The gap between that score and the VCR score of 100 suggests that the group's recent online momentum is more evident in broader audience reach than in sustained fandom engagement. Whether that wider exposure translates into stronger fandom activity remains to be seen.

KATSEYE has continued its international schedule while members Sophia and Manon remain on hiatus. On Oct. 8, HYBE x Geffen Records announced that Sophia would resume group activities in the first week of January 2027. She will not participate in the remaining North American tour dates or this year's promotional activities.

Despite the absence of two members, KATSEYE has still reached No. 1 on the global K-POPIT BOARD. The latest rankings highlight how the group's visibility across music and fashion is expanding its international reach while also generating interest in the Korean market.