I recently watched the Google Year in Search 2025, and one of the most impactful moments from the Google video, on a personal level, featured Katseye, a global music group under the company HYBE Labels and Geffen Records.
For an introduction, Katseye is a 6-member group that formed under the documentary Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, which aired on Netflix. It was a survival-style show where 20 trainees around the world were selected to participate. The final lineup consists of members from the Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United States. Katseye is not strictly a K-pop group, but a “global girl group” formed with the distinct K-pop trainee style, which combines K-pop training with Western pop appeal. Since they are from different countries, all of their songs are primarily English. While they use K-pop systems and style, they aim to be distinct, embracing diverse cultures and promoting globally, unlike traditional K-pop acts.
This specific moment in the video stood out because it carried real meaning, especially since their documentary details how the members were chosen to become the music group they are today. The moment consisted of a three-second clip from their music video in which they were dancing to their most popular song, “Gnarly.” Additionally, on the search website, they appeared as the second-most-searched song lyric for their song “Gabriela.” Having listened to all these songs, the moment was especially significant because music groups on Korean labels do not usually receive the same level of attention as artists on American labels.
This moment stood out more than other scenes in the video because it felt personal. Katseye’s path to fame had been well documented before seeing them in the video, particularly through their documentary, which showcased how hard they worked and the mental pressure they endured alongside other trainees. Their journey was visible from the moment they were scouted through the vast internet to becoming a debut group featured in a Google video. Seeing them reach that level created a sense of pride, as their efforts were acknowledged on a worldwide scale.
The moment also reveals how society has transformed over the past year. As a global group, Katseye includes members from diverse races and cultures worldwide. The group represents countries that are not typically highlighted in the United States, such as the Philippines and India. Their success demonstrates that individuals from diverse countries and backgrounds can achieve success in the music industry, while also showing how interconnected the world has become through music and culture.
Lastly, this moment suggests that in 2025, people listen to music not only for visuals but also for inspiration and connection. The fact that Katseye’s lyrics ranked so highly challenges the stereotype that audiences only engage with groups like Katseye for their appearance. Instead, people are searching for lyrics to understand the messages being conveyed and the themes portrayed through their music. These lyrics focus on growth, connection, and perseverance, suggesting that listeners are resonating with the hope the group spreads. For this reason, Katseye’s appearance in the video represented the reward of dedication and the idea that hard work can ultimately lead to success.
