KATSEYE's 'Gabriela' is the Sleeper Hit of the Year, Storming the Billboard Hot 100
HYBE and Geffen's new girl group KATSEYE is achieving a massive 'yeokjuhaeng' (sleeper hit) success as their song 'Gabriela' climbs the Billboard Hot 100 weeks after release. Here's how they did it.
In the fast-paced world of K-pop, most hits explode right after release. But global girl group KATSEYE is rewriting the script with a massive sleeper hit, proving that a great song can find its moment anytime.
Their song “Gabriela” is experiencing a huge “역주행 (yeokjuhaeng)”—a Korean term for a song that climbs back up the charts long after its initial promotion. It’s a rare and exciting phenomenon, and KATSEYE is the latest group to capture this viral magic.
The Unstoppable Climb of “Gabriela”
According to the latest Billboard charts (dated September 27), “Gabriela,” from the group’s second EP ‘BEAUTIFUL CHAOS’, has soared to #45 on the Billboard Hot 100. This is a massive jump of 12 spots from the previous week and the song’s highest peak yet.
What makes this so incredible? “Gabriela” first entered the chart at #94 way back in July. After falling off, it re-entered in August and has been on a steady, six-week climb ever since. This isn’t just a debut splash; it’s sustained, organic growth.
The success doesn’t stop there:
- Global 200: “Gabriela” hit #16 (up 6 spots).
- Global (Excl. US): It reached #14, its highest rank to date.
- Billboard 200: The album, ‘BEAUTIFUL CHAOS’, is still going strong at #30, marking 12 consecutive weeks on the main album chart.
Even more surprisingly, another track, “Gnarly”, which was released as a single nearly five months ago, just re-entered the Hot 100 at #97. This kind of longevity is almost unheard of and points to KATSEYE’s growing and dedicated listener base.
How Did This Sleeper Hit Happen?
The catalyst for this chart resurgence seems to be a perfect storm of viral moments. After a remix of “Gabriela” was released in August, the group delivered show-stopping performances at major festivals like Lollapalooza and Summer Sonic.
Clips from these performances went viral on social media, showcasing the group’s incredible stage presence and the song’s infectious energy. This online buzz translated directly into streams and sales, fueling the song’s remarkable journey up the charts.
As the HYBE x Geffen collaboration group continues to defy expectations, they are gearing up for their first solo North American tour in November and a highly anticipated performance at Coachella next year. KATSEYE’s success with “Gabriela” is a powerful reminder that in today’s music world, a true hit can come from anywhere, at any time.